Author Archives: Bob Ward/Aspen Journalism

U.S. News named Aspen sixth in the state and 214th in the country. Of the nine Colorado schools that made Newsweek’s list, Aspen High was seventh among them and 398th in the nation.

The Roaring Fork School District has an estimated $170 million in construction-related needs at its 12 school sites, and may pursue a November bond election to meet some of those needs.

At Aspen and Basalt high schools, choosing a post-secondary path is more about finding the right fit for the student and the student’s family than the credentials or prestige of the college or university.

Since longtime Principal Charlie Anastas stepped down in 2010, the high school has seen three principals — Art Abelmann, Dave Schmid and Martin — and students are expected to welcome yet another executive come fall.

For many downvalley families, the Community School offered both an intimate, arts-focused school experience and a ticket to Aspen High School upon graduating eighth grade.

“I love, love, love the students at Aspen High School, but my life’s work and passion has been around issues of closing achievement gaps and working with students who come from poverty,” Martin said.

Leaving Basalt High isn’t easy for Dave Schmid because he believes it’s a unique and special place with an unusual mixture of students.

Research continues to show that early childhood education can drastically improve kids’ chances of success in life, so educators at the local and state levels are trying to improve access to preschool for more youngsters.

BASALT — Do you remember the greenhouses in the “Harry Potter” films, where Professor Sprout grew her mandrake plants? A smallish replica of that Hogwarts structure is taking shape in the Basalt High School woodshop. OK, “replica” might be an overstatement. But let’s just say that a greenhouse inspired by the vaguely Gothic structures in […]

In fiscal year 2014-15, total marijuana tax revenue in Colorado has already topped $61 million, but only a portion will be directed to the schools — most to construction and some to health and wellness staffing.