Mar 5, 2026 — Elizabeth Quevedo: Harrison School District 2 & A Decade-High Graduation Rate

Bulletin for March 5, 2026

Featured Speaker: Elizabeth Quevedo

Harrison School District 2 — Against the Odds: The Highest Graduation Rate in Over a Decade and the Largest Improvement in the Pikes Peak Region

OPENING

The meeting began with a prayer from Benny. Elizabeth Quevedo led the Pledge of Allegiance.

"The medal I wear was earned by the men of the First Platoon of Kilo Company, 4th Marine Regiment. Against tremendous odds, they upheld the honor of the Marine Corps. I am proud to have been their leader. Semper Fidelis."

— John J. McGinty III, United States Marine Corps Medal of Honor

Members recognized for military service: Elizabeth (USAF Navigator Bombardier), JP (U.S. Navy), Kevin Lewis (Marine Corps).

REMEMBRANCE: WALTER BURGESS

Frank Ulrich shared memories of Walter Burgess, a founding and charter member of the club. Walter was an architect who specialized in designing schools and was instrumental in recruiting many new members. A favorite anecdote: Walter would wait for students to create natural paths before building sidewalks — letting people show him where they wanted to go.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: HB 261001

Paula testified against HB 261001 in Denver. The bill proposes moving zoning and local land use decisions from local jurisdictions to the state level. It passed the Senate committee and is expected to pass both chambers. A key provision would allow underutilized properties (five acres or less) owned by non-profits or schools to be designated for affordable housing through administrative review — bypassing public hearings. Members can write to Governor Polis to voice opposition.

OTHER CLUB BUSINESS

• Silver prices: Bank of America forecasts silver could reach $200/oz. Discussion covered the gap between paper trading and physical metal purchasing by institutions and governments, which is pressuring supply. Historical ratio noted: 10 oz silver to 1 oz gold.

• Equine therapy off-site: Interest in organizing a visit to a facility in Florissant.

• Grant request: Becky Kiser of Trampled Rose (Ethiopia children's program) submitted a grant request for board consideration.

• Day at the Capitol: Paula offered to organize an outing for members.

KEYNOTE: ELIZABETH QUEVEDO — HARRISON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2

Elizabeth is a West Point graduate, Tennessee native, and Army veteran who was married in Baghdad. She previously led Pikes Peak United Way and Citizen Soldier Connection. She joined D2 nine months ago, drawn by the district's partnership-forward approach. She has three teenage daughters.

About Harrison School District 2

Founded in 1874, D2 is the second oldest district in El Paso County. It serves just over 12,000 students across 23 schools — all Title I, with roughly 70% qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Students speak 52 languages, with Spanish, Swahili, Mandarin, Vietnamese, and Nepali being most common.

Achievements

• Graduation rate: 89.8% — the highest in more than a decade and the largest improvement in the Pikes Peak region. Above the state average of 85.6%.

• Graduation rates improved across all subgroups: Black, Hispanic, students with disabilities, multilingual learners, and students eligible for free lunch.

• The Board of Directors received the Colorado Urban Board of Education (CUBE) Award.

• Superintendent Dr. Birnhanzel has won multiple awards.

• D2 was the first district in Colorado to elect student board representatives. Student input led directly to a cell phone ban — which increased classroom engagement.

Programs and Initiatives

• D2 Promise Scholarship: Graduates receive three years of free college at Pikes Peak State College for any degree or certificate program. 73% of participants are first-generation college students.

• Teacher Cadet Program: A "grow your own" initiative — D2 pays for a student's college education in Colorado if they commit to teaching in D2 for five years.

• Third Graduation Pathway: Created for students entering a career field directly after high school.

• Diverse offerings: Sports, tutoring, mentorship, STEM camps, arts (including ukulele lessons), and a robust Air Force JROTC program.

• No fees for families: Field trips, sports fees, and AP tests are all covered through the general fund and community support.

Challenges

Funding: The district has absorbed $137 million in cuts since 2010 — limiting services like transportation for field trips. Unlike wealthier districts, D2 cannot host large fundraising galas.

Student and Family Needs: Chronic absenteeism runs around 50% in middle and high schools. Many families are categorized as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) and face food and housing insecurity. D2 partners with the Family Success Center, which includes a free grocery store for families.

Teacher Housing: The district is developing "Wendy's Village" — a tiny home community for entry-level teachers to provide affordable housing and retention support.

How to Support D2

D2's 501(c)(3) foundation accepts tax-deductible donations that fund programs beyond the core budget. Administrative retention is very high, reflecting strong mutual respect among district leadership. For those interested in supporting the district, contact Elizabeth Quevedo through Harrison School District 2.

THINGS TO DO

• Off-site meeting at the equine therapy facility in Florissant — to be scheduled for a future Thursday.

• Paula will follow up on organizing a "Day at the Capitol" for club members.

• Board will review the grant request from Becky Kiser (Trampled Rose).

• Members may write to Governor Polis to oppose HB 261001.

• Tour of the Family Success Center to be arranged in a couple of months, once the new director is in place.

CONCLUSION

Club members were genuinely impressed by what Harrison School District 2 has achieved under extraordinary constraints. Nelson Mandela said that education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world. Elizabeth showed us exactly how that plays out — one student, one family, one community at a time.

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