City Council members express loss of trust in school board and education administration

In a heated special meeting on March 10, 2025, Woodland Park City Council members expressed deep frustration over ongoing tensions with the local school board, culminating in a call for immediate action regarding a controversial sales tax ordinance. The meeting, marked by emotional testimonies, highlighted a growing rift between the council and the Board of Education (BOE), with council members accusing the BOE of a lack of transparency and fiscal responsibility.

Council members voiced their disappointment over what they described as a betrayal following a recent olive branch extended to the school board. The council had hoped for collaboration, but tensions escalated when a whistleblower revealed a BOE resolution that would limit the council's ability to modify or repeal a 1.9% sales tax, raising concerns about the future of taxpayer rights and local governance.

Council member sentiments reflected a collective loss of trust in the school board, with several members stating they felt "held hostage" by the board's actions. They emphasized that the council should not be responsible for managing school funding, a sentiment echoed by multiple speakers who criticized the board's financial management and decision-making processes.

The council's proposed Ordinance Number 1493 aims to address these concerns by asserting the council's legislative authority over the sales tax, which has been a contentious issue for nearly a decade. Members expressed that they could no longer support a tax that they felt was being used as leverage against them.

As the meeting concluded, council members reiterated their commitment to the community and the need for transparency and accountability from the school board. They acknowledged the emotional toll the situation has taken on their relationships and the community at large, urging for a resolution that prioritizes the needs of students and taxpayers alike.

The council's next steps will be crucial in determining the future of school funding and governance in Woodland Park, as they seek to restore trust and collaboration within the community.