Top 5- November 18, 2025
1. Strategic Plan Check-In
At the November meeting, the Board received presentations from each of the Principals and key updates from our Executive Director regarding the progress of our strategic plan. We are currently in the second year of the three-year plan which focuses on four key areas: Talented Team, Connected Community, Successful Students, and Financial Fortitude. Here is just one (out of many) updates from each campus that illustrate how they are meeting these pillars:
Summit Academy Westminster - Increased parental events, including two learning events, one social event, and a career day for parents, staff, and students (Connected Community).
Summit Academy South - Teachers and administrators identified reading as a current challenge and have implemented monthly professional development to address it (Successful Students)
JA Elementary - A new arrangement with UNC is bringing two student teachers to the Elementary campus (Talented Team)
JA Coal Creek Canyon - Teachers are on track to implement all Core Knowledge units by the end of the year (Successful Students)
JA Secondary - Staff is meeting with 100% of Juniors and Seniors to discuss post-graduation plans (Successful Students)
2. Amended Budgets Approved for the 2025-2026 Fiscal Year
The Board approved the amended budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, finalizing the financial plan based on actual enrollment and updated forecasts. It includes additional funds for track equipment at JA Secondary, facilities improvements at JA Elementary, and security upgrades at Summit Westminster. Thanks to the diligence of our finance and leadership teams, JACS is in an incredibly strong financial position. This financial strength allows us to make strategic, future-focused investments that directly benefit both our students and facilities.
3. Security Enhancements at Summit Westminster
Following a detailed presentation by Principal Stephanie Scarato, the Board unanimously approved a proposal for security-related upgrades at the Summit Westminster campus. Upgrades include a new PA System for timely alerts and announcements; updated access control (key fobs and pads) to better manage entries and exits; and the Installation of safety film on 163 exterior window panes. We appreciate the leaders across all of our campuses who continuously make safety a top priority.
4. Affirming Safety Agency Relationships
During recently scheduled and required lockdown drills at all campuses, JACS has had conversations with and received support from Westminster and Broomfield Police Departments, Jefferson County Sheriff's office and Jeffco Public Schools Safety (R-1). This past week, we continued that collaboration, receiving reassurance by each of these agencies that all of the JA and Summit schools are as important and valued as any traditional school in Jefferson County. These positive assurances give us great confidence as we strive to provide safe and secure environments for growth and learning.
5. Compassionate Community
As we enter this season of gratitude and giving, the Board of Directors is proud to recognize the compassionate spirit of our JACS community. JACS is leading two meaningful initiatives to support families in need — both within our own community and beyond.
6th Annual Holiday Care Packages (through Dec. 8): Help brighten the season for families across all JACS campuses by sponsoring a family or individual, or by contributing to the Community Cares Fund. Every gift — large or small — makes a difference.
Food Drive (through Dec. 19): In partnership with Mountainview Church, we are helping to keep their food pantry well-stocked. Please drop off shelf-stable items at the JA Elementary, JA Secondary, or Summit Westminster front offices. The Food Pantry is open to all JA and Summit families on the first Saturday of each month from 10am - 12pm.
Thank you for embodying the generosity and care that define JACS. Together, we can bring hope and support to those who need it most.