Board Briefs—March 2, 2010 In This Issue School of the Month Public Comments Board Reports Superintendent Report       Legislative Update Meal Price Increases Superintendent Search Timeline Consensus

Public Comments
There were no public comments.

School of the Month
Students from the Cherrelyn Student Council talked about being positive role models for other students. They also listed activities and study programs at their school. Every Child a Reader (ECAR) and Every Child a Writer (ECAW) incorporate methods that build skills. A video depicted a teacher using ECAR methods to improve reading comprehension. Kids displayed creative activities done to support what they have read. Students also serve as tutors and work with other students on reading and comprehension. A student talked about Compass Learning and Odyssey Writing computer programs that provide immediate feedback to students and allow them to work independently. Ms. Sheri Andersen, fifth-grade teacher, explained Cluster Grouping that groups students by ability instead of grade level. This allows for greater differentiated instruction without having too many groups in one class.

Board Reports
Ms. Howard attended a Wellness Committee meeting where a comparison of the sugar content of several drinks was presented. They learned that the sugar content of chocolate milk is not very high and is much lower than many drinks offered to kids. The schools serve fat free chocolate milk. Clayton Elementary presented their health plan which included Yoga exercise at the beginning of their staff meetings. Teachers, families and students participated in the Diabetes Walk totaling 175 miles walked. Clayton students use "Fitness Gram" which assesses physical activities and measures fitness levels. Teachers report that kids are more focused on class work after physical activity.

Ms. Miller attended the Parks and Recreation meeting and reported that registration for junior golf is beginning. The Community Garden project is reserving plots, and will have a variety of classes throughout the gardening season. For their community projects some Eagle Scouts are building benches and arbors for the community garden. The parks have new signs with dog off-leash hours posted.

Mr. Gorsky talked about Ms. Elaine Gantz-Berman, State Board of Education, touring the district recently and being very impressed with the quality of education being provided to Englewood kids. Ms. Ganta-Berman listened to concerns and is more aware of the severe financial situation the district is facing. Mr. Gorsky also attended the CASB Winter Legislative conference and was pleased with the access to state legislators and the information provided. Mr. Gorsky asked the board and others to contact their legislators and urge them to more fully support k-12 education.

Superintendent Report
Mr. McDaniel talked about the Comprehensive Appraisal for District Improvement (CADI) process that is continuing in the district. A CADI team from the department of education evaluated the district in 2007 and has returned to re-evaluate and make recommendations for improvement in Englewood Schools. All district administrators will be briefed this week. They will discuss progress the district has made since the previous visit and the challenges that remain including recommendations for continued improvement. Englewood is the recipient of a three-year district improvement grant that will fund initiatives and professional development in response to the CADI recommendations.
Mr. McDaniel reported that the Counselor Corps representatives met with representatives from both high schools to improve transfer between the two schools. After careful study and consideration a new policy will be drafted that will be advantageous to both schools.
Mr. McDaniel also commented on the Lobata versus the State of Colorado lawsuit. This suit claims that districts are not funded at appropriate levels that lead to a free and appropriate education for all students. Professional education groups across the state are encouraging districts to lend their support by contributing $1 per pupil. A successful trial outcome would be a boon to public education in Colorado.

Legislative Update
Ms. Peg LaPlante provided an update on current bills in the State Legislature that pertain the education.

Meal Price Increase
The Board approved increasing meal prices for the upcoming school year. Breakfast, lunch, and second meals will all have a five-cents increase for full-pay students, reduced priced meals will remain the same. Costs will be Elementary breakfast $1.30, lunch $2.30 and secondary breakfast $1.45 and lunch $2.50. Adults and individuals purchasing a second meal will pay $1.85 for breakfast and $2.95 for lunch.

Superintendent Search Timeline
The Board confirmed dates and times for the upcoming events involved in the superintendent search process. Applications will be screened on March 20 and the selected candidates will be notified March 23. Candidates will be invited to tour the school district on April 9 with interviews taking place on April 10. The community will be invited to meet the candidates on April 10.

Consensus
The Board approved the following consensus items:
a. Personnel Recommendations and Addendum
b. Policy IKF Graduation Requirements EHS (1st Reading)
c. Policy IKFC Diplomas (1st Reading)
d. Policy BEDB Board Agendas (1st Reading)
e. Policy KDE Crisis Management (National Incident Management) and KDEA, KDEA-R Crisis Communication (2nd Reading)
f. ELA Field Trip to Washington D.C.

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