Many moons ago, in a long-lost time known only as “November,” I highlighted some positive efforts for change in the Jefferson Articulation Area, one of Jefferson County School District’s most challenging regions. The wheels have been somewhat quietly grinding since then, and I’m happy to report that a plan for the area will come up for a board vote on March 5.

In February, a number of principals from schools in the Jefferson Articulation Area—all of whom have been intimately involved with the development of a plan for their schools—presented a plan of action to the board. The plan is the culmination of a massive process that pulled together district officials, school leaders, community members, and parents. I took a fun field trip to one of the community meetings, and I have to say it was very cool to see.

So, what exactly does the Jefferson Plan do? I could try to explain it to you, but it may make more sense to just show you the slides from the principals’ presentation to the board. I will, however, point out that the plan specifically states that “All students can learn at a high level … We have a moral imperative to significantly change the outcomes for our Jefferson Area students.” It’s very, very cool to see school leaders come together under that guiding principle.

Without further ado, here’s an overview of the rest of the plan:

That sounds pretty good to me. And it’s all made even better by the fact that the district has actively involved community members and school leaders in the process. Education collaboration is a beautiful thing.

Forward progress in the Jefferson Area has got a whole bunch of folks very excited, and that includes me. We’ll have to wait until March 5 to have a definitive answer on the plan, but for now it certainly looks as if Jeffco is primed to take a big step in the right direction.