Steamboat Springs — Steamboat Springs school board members are aiming to improve communication between the board and district and the community as a whole.

The discussion on communication strategies and practices is ongoing for the board, and members continue to discuss whether hiring a communication liaison might be the district's next step.

The board held a one-hour workshop on communication Monday prior to the evening's regular board meeting.

Board member Roger Good said he was not in favor of hiring a communication liaison but would like to see improvements to the school district's website.

The website was redesigned last year.

"If we're going to throw a dollar at something, I'd rather throw a dollar at a thoughtful communication tool on the front end," Good said. "The further you get from the classroom, the less interested I am in the position."

Hiring a communication liaison is a priority under the district’s strategic plan, and Superintendent Brad Meeks said it’s something district administrators will bring up during the upcoming year’s budget process.

Board members discussed possible avenues for how to better inform the community about positive news happening in the district and correct misinformation circulating.

"For me, I see that communication needs to rally around the purpose," said board member Sam Rush.

Rush questioned whether the district could create a simple, quarterly informational video to inform people about happenings in the district.

Board member Michelle Dover asked whether a lot of the ideas being brought up could be accomplished by a communication liaison.

The board agreed to continue the discussion on district communication efforts during the next board meeting.

Board hears sports concerns

Three parents spoke during a public comment period Monday airing concerns about the district's high school football program.

Parent Joseph Taggart said that fewer students are participating in the high school football program than there were eight years ago.

Parent Terry Tracy said historically the high school football team had many winning seasons, but that hasn't been the case for the last several years.

The parents voiced concerns specifically about high school football coach Lonn Clementson.

Taggart asked board members to look into the situation and intervene.

The board briefly discussed the parent concerns but took no action.

Meeks said he would discuss the issues raised with Steamboat Springs High School Athletic Director Luke DeWolfe and report back to the board its next meeting.

Rush stepping down as VP

Board member Sam Rush said at the end of Monday's meeting that she wanted to step down from being vice president of the school board due to the associated responsibilities.

The board will discuss her request at the next meeting and potentially appoint a new board vice president.

To reach Teresa Ristow, call 970-871-4206, email tristow@SteamboatToday.com or follow her on Twitter @TeresaRistow