Rein Continues D70 Pumpkin Distribution

During the October 24, Pueblo County School District 70 Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Ronda Rein gave an update on schools she had visited recently and activities there. She explained that one of the most fun activities she had taken part in was the annual pumpkin distribution.

Superintendent Rein and the pumpkin crew kicked off the day bright and early, delivering a truckload of kid-sized pumpkins, courtesy of Hirakata Farms, to District 70 preschool and special program students.

Rein and her husband, Michael, own Hirakata Farms and produce thousands of pumpkins each year. This is the third year in a row that the family has donated pumpkins to area school kids.

The board was notified by Adam Baumgartner of two donations to the Rye High General Athletic Fund. Powerhouse Exteriors donated $1,200 and Arrow Electric Service donated $1,000.

Ted Ortiviz, Bond Manager for District 70, reported the cement foundation for the Rye High School Ag Building addition has been poured. He expected construction of the metal building to begin soon and feels it will go up quickly.

Board member John Christenson asked about the status of bleachers at Craver Middle School. Ortiviz replied that the bleachers had not been part of the original bond project but that they were hoping funds would be available to provide bleachers at Craver.

Superintendent Rein reported on a meeting with Colorado Forum, and many of Pueblo’s mental health leaders, that the Attorney General had also attended. She shared, “We came up with some solutions for mental health in our schools. It was an extremely positive meeting.”

Brian Axworthy, District 70 Director of Nutritional Services gave a presentation of several revisions to policy regarding the change to meals now being free to all students at D70. Any items above a normal meal are still charged for but normal meals and snacks are now free to students.

Axworthy also shared information about the Healthy Meals for All program and the Smart Snack regulations.

Several board members attended the ribbon cutting at Pueblo West High School and commented on the progress there. BOE president Anne Ochs commented, “It was nice to see so many who had worked on the project there and see all the hard work being appreciated.”

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the Educational Services Center, 24951 East Highway 50, Pueblo, Colorado, beginning at 6:00 PM