Racing Ahead: New Track, Grandstands, and Leadership at JA Secondary

Jefferson Academy Secondary School is starting the 2025-2026 school year with big developments to benefit both students and the broader community. While a brand-new athletic track and grandstands continue to take shape, a dynamic new principal is already in place, cheering on students and staff.

In April, JA officially broke ground on an $865,000 upgrade to its athletic facilities, a project made possible through both careful reserve planning and a supportive partnership with the City of Broomfield. The project includes an all-weather track, grandstand seating for 450 spectators, two new shot put pits, and a high jump area — enhancements that will give student-athletes top-notch spaces to train, compete, and grow.

Alongside the outdoor improvements, JA welcomed Dr. Ann Schultz to lead the way.

A seasoned educator with more than 25 years of experience, Dr. Schultz has served as a principal at multiple levels and as a superintendent. Most recently, she served as Executive Director at Cherry Creek Academy and Director of Academics at Colorado Early Colleges.

“I am honored to have been chosen to lead this excellent community, including the staff, students, and high level of parental involvement,” Dr. Schultz shared. “I’ve always truly believed that the most important action happens in the everyday interactions between students, teachers, and families. Supporting them is what I’m really excited about.”

Community-focused funding

For the second time, Jefferson Academy Charter Schools utilized an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the City & County of Broomfield, enabling the charter school to access Service Expansion Fee (SEF) funds. In essence, Broomfield provides the school with funds in exchange for the shared use of the new facilities. 

“This project represents a major milestone in improving our athletic facilities and school spirit,” said Tim Matlick, Executive Director. “We are incredibly grateful to the City of Broomfield for their partnership and support through our shared use agreement.”

The approach is not unfamiliar to JA, who leveraged the approach in 2019 when expanding the secondary campus’s facilities to include a new auxiliary gym and fine arts wing. 

Long-term gains

With the new drainage already installed on the turf and track surfacing currently underway, construction gets closer to completion every day. Grandstands will rise in the coming weeks, with all upgrades expected to be completed by mid-October. “While construction is posing some temporary challenges,” admits Matlick, “the long-term benefits will far outweigh them.” 

A new track, enhanced facilities, and a principal committed to supporting students, staff, and families have Jefferson Academy Secondary poised for an energized year ahead — one that promises continued growth, engagement, and pride for the Jaguars and the community they serve.