WEEK OF JUNE 29, 2023
VOLUME 128 | ISSUE 20
$2
Winners Guide Inside This Issue! • 2023 BEST OF THE BEST • Online at: bit.ly/2023BestOfTheBest
Parents share lasagna love Nonprofit links neighbors with people in need BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
• Cherry Creek School District (2023-2024) $58,710 (tentative)
Local Elbert County parents are banning together to bring some lasagna lovin’ to those in need. Lasagna Love is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that aims to spread love and kindness with free lasagna. According to their website, Lasagna Love is a global nonprofit and grassroots movement that aims to positively impact communities by connecting neighbors with neighbors through homemade meal delivery. “I began my journey of helping my community as a Lasagna Love chef a year ago and have been blessed to feed many families all over Elizabeth and Elbert County. Not only is this a wonderful opportunity to interact with our community, but it is also a great experience for my family,” said Lasagna Love volunteer Roxanne Aviles. “My 10- and 15-year-old kiddos absolutely love cooking and have been able to share the experience of helping our neighbors through this partnership. They not only get to be involved in the cooking process, but they are
SEE TEACHERS, P2
SEE LASAGNA, P4
Elizabeth High School will need to fill several positions ahead of the 2023-2024 school year.
PHOTO BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON
Keeping teachers is struggle Elizabeth School District works to fill roles and increase salaries BY CHANCY J. GATLIN-ANDERSON SPECIAL TO COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
The Elizabeth School District (ESD) is among the lowest-paying school districts in the Denver metro area. Recently, the district worked to increase their entering teacher salary by nearly $2,500
from $37,502 to $40,000. Despite these efforts, ESD still struggles to keep up with many neighboring school districts. “When I started here 10 years ago it was $29,400,” said Kin Shuman, ESD human resources director. “I’m confident that with the support of our board and the community we will continue to make great strides in support of our students.” ESC is not alone in its struggle. According to a Fox31 article from April 26, 2022, first-year Colorado public school teachers are among
the nation’s lowest paid in the field. They cite the average starting 2021 salary at $35,724, nearly $8.5k lower than the national average. According to TEACH Colorado, the average teacher salary in Colorado is around $60,130. Starting teacher salaries (with bachelor’s degree) for Elizabeth School District and nearby districts (in order from highest to lowest pay):
CALENDAR: 11 | VOICES: 12 | LIFE: 14
ELBERTCOUNTYNEWS.NET • A PUBLICATION OF COLORADO COMMUNITY MEDIA
Landmark 20th
July 28, 29 & 30
Evergreen Jazz Festival Big Talent! Small Venues! Great Setting!
Dancers Welcome!
Free Parking!
EvergreenJazz.org 303-697-5467