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News Release - State Board of Education approves external management entity for Pueblo’s Risley International Academy of Innovation

April 10, 2019

State Board of Education approves external management entity for Pueblo’s Risley International Academy of Innovation

DENVER –  The State Board of Education on Wednesday approved Pueblo City Schools’ selection of MGT together with University of Virginia Darden/Curry Partnership for Leaders in Education as the external manager for Risley International Academy of Innovation.  

In November, the state board directed the Pueblo City Schools Board of Education to hire a management organization for Risley International Academy of Innovation and Heroes Middle School. The schools were before the state board as part of the state’s accountability process after having spent multiple years on the state’s watch list due to their low academic performance. The Pueblo City Schools board voted Tuesday to close Heroes K-8 school at the end of this school year, so the decision by the state board today will affect only Risley International Academy of Innovation.

With its approval of Pueblo’s selected management entity, the state board acknowledged that MGT and UVA have a sufficient track record to meet the requirements of its November 2018 order for Risley. The order requires the external manager to use research-based strategies and have a proven track record of success working with schools under similar circumstances.

During the presentation to the state board, the school district and MGT indicated they plan to engage in a contract this week and have plans to begin working together on strategies including conducting focus groups and observing the current status at Risley, planning professional development and leadership training, and developing communications plans.  

Computer science professional development grants approved

The board approved $270,302 in computer science professional development grants for 13 school districts and one BOCES to provide training for elementary teachers. The grants allow school districts and the BOCES to select a professional development provider of their choice to deliver the training to elementary teachers.

In other action, the board: