Board Briefs—January 20 , 2009 In This Issue... Public Comments Special Reports and Recognitions Highlights from Superintendent's Report       Audit Report Wellness Grant Consensus

Public Comments
Ms. Judy Cain stated that she attended two of the three public forums on reorganization of the school district. Ms Cain said she appreciated the time, planning and effort that Mr. McDaniel, his staff, and the Board put into this plan. She was amazed by the effort that was made to allowed time for people to express their concerns and ask questions. Ms. Cain thanked Mr. McDaniel, Ms. LaPlante, and the Board for the gracious way they responded to the community.

Special Reports and Recognitions
Mr. McDaniel stated that the last ten days were trying and tiring at times but good because necessary work was done. Mr. McDaniel recognized the two groups most affected by the reorganization of the district, Maddox and Englewood Leadership Academy. Mr. McDaniel complimented these two groups for the way they responded to the information and participated in the process and cooperated. Mr. McDaniel said he understands the stress and concern of the parents and thinks they are taking the changes well. He appreciates their thoughtful and respectful attitude as the district works through the required changes.

Highlights from the Superintendent's Report
Goal 4 from the Superintendent's established goals references attendance and states as a district goal to increase the percentage of all students in attendance from 85.47 % to 90% by May 15. As reported in PowerSchool the first quarter attendance was 85.47% and second quarter attendance was 91.23% with a combined attendance of 89.89%. Mr. McDaniel stated this supports research that indicates when something is focused on and given a lot of attention there is an immediate spike. Principals have been talking a lot about attendance which has led to improved attendance. Mr. McDaniel is anxious to see if the trend will continue.

Goal 5 referred to development of 89% of the Essential Learning Targets for the schools. Of the 29 targets only one is fully developed but Mr. McDaniel showed a chart that indicated completed work in the development of the targets. Significant work on each essential learning target has been done but is not yet complete. Mr. McDaniel is pleased with the work being accomplished during meetings on late start Mondays.

The Board approved the Reorganization Plan for the District on January 15, 2009. Preliminary plans have been developed to begin the Team Building phase of the reorganization. Teams will address the programs and initiatives that will move the district forward. Continual updates will be provided. There will be seven teams, with a point person for each team, addressing a particular aspect of district reorganization.

Mr. McDaniel discussed the staffing protocol. He stated that elementary site administrators will be named in early February. After returning teachers have been confirmed, staffing needs at each site will be determined. Then district administrators will meet with site administrators to formulate grade level teams and other staffing requirements. The goal is to complete and finalize staffing by May 15.

Audit Report
The district's auditor was not able to attend the Board meeting and rescheduled for February 3. Ms. LaPlante mentioned that in last year's audit a few recommendation for improved processes were mentioned and those have been put into effect. Ms. LaPlante provided financial information regarding the projected one billion dollar shortfall the State is anticipating. Currently k-12 education's share is a net reduction of $45.8 million. The current cuts are anticipated to be construction and summer programs and will not effect Englewood. Ms. LaPlante warns that future cuts might include funding for full-day kindergarten and that will impact all districts. Funding for schools next year is expected to be the minimum required by the State Constitution. Funding from the County is also expected to be lower. Ms. LaPlante and the Superintendent are working on plans to cut spending in the district.

Wellness Grant
Englewood is one of five districts in the state to receive a $50,000 3-year Wellness Grant that provides funds for programs to increase students' physical health and well being. Student health is a vital and determing factor in student achievement. Englewood has a good health education programs and policies, including a good physical education program, the health services clinic at EHS, a good breakfast/lunch program along with healthy choices in vending machines. This grant will allow for improvement of programs and services for our students. Committees are being formed and action plans developed to implement positive wellness programs and practices in Englewood.

Consensus
The Board approved the following consensus items:
a. Personnel Recommendations and addendum
b. Public Posting of Notices—In accordance with Section 24-6-402(2)c, Colorado Revised Statutes, it is recommended that the Roscoe L. Davidson Administration Building, 4101 S. Bannock St., is designated as the official posting place for all required legal notices when a quorum of the Board of Education attends a meeting.

Back to Top