Joe Salazar: “The Contract between MGT and the Adams 14 is Terminated”

LEGAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ADAMS 14 SCHOOL DISTRICT’ S INTERVIEW

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Joe Salazar, legal representative of the Adams 14 School District, assures that the contract granting the operation of the school district to the MGT company has been terminated. “The Colorado Board of Education has no authority to stop the termination of the contract between MGT and Adams 14,” said Salazar.

The attorney added, “We are working on a way to get MGT out of the district, and to allow the district to have its managerial authority temporarily restored.” Salazar indicated that the operating company should cease operations on April 11, 2020, “Unless we agree on an earlier departure date,” he said.

Not a Credible Threat

Salazar downplayed the State Board’s proposal to consult the community about the fate of Adams 14. “We don’t find the State Board’s threat to dissolve and reorganize the district as credible. They are wasting their time. The State Board should be more constructive and find ways to support Adams 14 during this transition,” he concluded. 

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What is the status of the relationship between Adams 14 and MGT? 

Joe Salazar: The State Board has no authority to stop the termination of contract. In fact, it recognizes that the contract is terminated. They voted down the motion to amend because they want a State Review Panel recommendation first. We are working on a way to get MGT out of the district, and to allow the district to have its managerial authority temporarily restored.    

When will MTG’s work finish? 

JS: They are supposed to be done by April 11, 2022, unless we agree on an earlier date.    

Does this mean that Adams 14 will find a new consulting company?  

JS: Adams 14 will look at all approaches to move the district forward. There would have to be an understanding with a management company that it would be a partnership, and the company would not have authority to override the constitutional or statutory responsibilities or power of the Adams 14 Board.    

From now to April, what do you expect the State Board will do in relation to Adams 14?

JS: The critical mistake the State Board made was thinking that it could strip the Adams 14 Board of its constitutional and statutory authority. The State Board has never had that power. Good question. We don’t know what the State Board will do, but what we do know is that the State Board needs to tread carefully. It has made too many mistakes and given itself authority that it doesn’t have. Adams 14 desires to have a good relationship with the State Board, but the Board is making it very difficult.  

When would it be possible to see an Adams 14 strategic plan for improving academic performance of the district?                   

JS: For 2.5 years, MGT was supposed to have developed a strategic plan. For nearly half a year, the Adams 14 Board had been asking for this plan. We have received nothing from MGT. So, Superintendent Loria and staff are working with stakeholders to get a strategic plan.

The hearing for Central Elementary was postponed until March. Should this case continue being considered or should it be paused depending on what happens with the district?           

JS: We asked that it be paused for a longer period precisely so that things can settle down and become clearer. The State Board granted a one-month extension.            

Will Adams 14 face the state board attempt to reach the community?  

JS: The State Board has authority to meet with the community to discover whether there is an inclination to reorganize the district. The Adams 14 Board does not and will not support that approach. We are also hearing that other Adams County school districts WILL NOT support that approach.

Are the dissolution and reorganization a real threat to Adams 14 at this moment?    

JS: We don’t find the State Board’s threat to dissolve and reorganize the district as credible. They are wasting their time. The State Board should be more constructive and find ways to support Adams 14 during this transition.