WEEK OF JUNE 26, 2025
VOLUME 36| ISSUE 25
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Jeni Gotto’s Reflections from a father, through his sermons long game in Reunion author publishes her father’s Westminster sermons as an homage Public Schools BY BELEN WARD BELEN@COTLN.ORG
Gotto bets on competency based learning to drive lasting change in district
When Reunion-based author Andrea Lende wanted to honor her father, the Rev. Dr. Richard J. Einerson, his words were what came to mind – specifically, ten sermons he wrote recently. “My dad was a pastor for many years. He’s 89 and turns 90 in July. Recently, he sent me about 10 sermons he wrote during his later years, after retirement,” Lende said. Lende helped dedicate his recently published book, “Still Speaking: Sermons from a Pastor Who Walked with the People,” featuring those sermons from late in his career, including his experiences in the South during racial unrest. Beatitudes Publishing has just published the book, along with two others by Einerson: “Can You Trust the Bible,” which discusses the Bible’s origins and composition, and a book of prayers he wrote, called “Prayers for the People.” Lende said they were all released in time for his 70th wedding anniversary. “He was asked to step in as interim pastor for several different churches, and so he found some sermons that we could publish in a book and leave as a legacy to his kids, his grandkids,” Lende said. “We’re thrilled with the cover of this book; it’s a picture that we have in our home, and it’s probably my favorite picture of my Dad.” Lende said the picture of him on the cover of the book was taken at Sayles Memorial Church in the Providence, Rhode Island suburb of Lincoln, where some of her best years were spent on the East Coast, she said. “He took a picture of that portrait, and it now hangs in his office. Our cover designer did an amazing job of creating our cover. I was brought to tears when I saw this.”
BY SUZIE GLASSMAN SUZIE@COTLN.ORG
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At a time when many Colorado school districts are struggling to keep leaders in place, Westminster Public Schools is betting on stability. Superintendent Jeni Gotto, who has helped shape the district since 2008, recently earned a contract extension through 2029. The agreement reflects the school board’s confidence in her long-term vision, which centers on a personalized, skill-based approach known as competencybased learning and a renewed focus on measurable results. Competency-based learning enables students to progress at their own pace by demonstrating mastery of specific skills and knowledge, rather than advancing based on age or time spent in class. Gotto believes this approach helps students learn in a way that actually meets their needs, providing them with both the time and support they need to succeed. For example, a student who has mastered fifth-grade math can move ahead to sixth-grade math, even if they’re still working on fifth-grade literacy skills. They wouldn’t advance in literacy until they demonstrate mastery in that area, regardless of age or grade level. “I believe this is the best way to educate kids,” Gotto said. “My kiddo’s been here since preschool.” Her goal is to embed competency-based learning so deeply in the district’s fabric that it survives leadership changes and withstands outside pressure. That’s no small task in a system grappling with low test scores, rising class sizes and criticism of its administrative size and spending. SEE GOTTO, P2
The cover of Rev. Dr. Richard J. Einerson’s new book, released this month in honor of his 77th wedding anniversary. COURTESY IMAGE
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Lende said her father attended Warner Pacific College and graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He subsequently pursued his Master of Divinity degree SEE REFLECTIONS, P5
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