Board Briefs—March 3 , 2009 In This Issue... Public Comments Special Reports and Recognitions Board Reports Highlights from Superintendent's Report       District Calendar Legislative Update Quarterly Financials Consensus

Public Comments
Six Englewood High School (EHS) students and two parents addressed the Board regarding a teacher at EHS who inspired her students to do their homework, made class interesting, and in general was a very good and supportive teacher. Ms. Hunt thanked the group for sharing and being so passionate about their teacher and learning.

Special Reports and Recognitions
Mr. McDaniel introduced Ms. Kelli Mowrey, EHS Senior and recipient of the Boettcher Scholarship. Ms. Hunt stated that the Boettcher Scholarship is awarded each year to 40 Colorado high school seniors and provides for all expenses at any Colorado University. The Boettcher is a very competitive award with over 1,000 applicants each year. Students who win the Boettcher must be in the top five percent of their class and score 33 or higher on the ACT or above 1200 on the SAT tests; leadership qualities, service activities, and an interview weigh heavily in selecting the winners. Ms. Heather Hunt offered Ms. Mowrey the Board's congratulations. Ms. Mowrey told about her plans to use the scholarship at Denver University taking a dual major and earning both her Bachelors and Masters degrees in five years. She stated that Denver University has promised to pay for her fifth year. Ms. Hunt presented Ms. Mowrey with a proclamation that stated March 9th through March 13th as Kelli Mowrey week in Englewood Schools. The proclamation applauded Kelli for her commitment, dedication, perseverance, and vision and claimed that Kelli has inspired others to strive for greatness by showing what is possible to achieve.

Board Reports
Mr. Gorsky attended the City/Schools committee meeting where discussion took place regarding the Flood and Duncan properties and the Metropolitan Mayors Youth Awards. There was also conversation on how to promote, throughout the City, positive happenings in the Schools.
Ms. Howard mentioned that the Englewood Schools Go Green Committee has made good progress in recycling and energy savings efforts are also underway. David Henderson, Facilities Manager, has started a blog site that can be accessed from the home page of the District's web site. EHS students are also beginning a blog on environmental topics. Replacing lights in the EHS gym with energy saving lights will save energy and qualifies for a rebate program through Xcel Energy. Bishop and Colorado's Finest Alternative High School have "Energy Star" ratings and other schools in the district are working toward achieving this rating.
Ms. Miller attended the Education Foundation (EEF) meeting and reported that the 2009 Fall Fling will be November 7 and will celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the EEF. The EEF provides scholarships to students as well as grants to teachers for special projects. The EEF is considering providing plaques to businesses that support the EEF. Ms. Miller also provided a copy of the Englewood Alumni Directory for people to see. The directory has historical information about Englewood Schools along with alumni information. Ms. Miller also talked about the Englewood Middle School (EMS) Spaghetti Supper and Silent Auction that attracted a lot of people. EMS will use the money raised at this event to help pay for the student trip to Washington D.C.
Ms. Thompson mentioned that she might be moving out of the district contingent on the sale of her house. If she does move she will resign her seat and the Board will appoint a person to fill out her term.

Highlights from the Superintendent's Report
* Mr. McDaniel went over a list of steps involved in staffing the schools under the new re-districting. Site administrators were named in early February, a draft of staffing is complete and final staffing will be complete by May 15.
* Five teams have been working on the district reorganization. Ms. Neubert has successfully completed the arrangements to more the Adapt program to Bishop Elementary along with completion of the Bishop Calendar that will maintain the alternative schedule that has been successful and well accepted in the Bishop Community. This week, Ms. Vedra will present plans for the Englewood Leadership Academy relocation. Ms. LaPlante is coordinating and assuring the perfect fit for the Early Education Program in the Maddox building. Transportation issues created by the redistricting are being worked out. And establishment of the freshman academy, under Ms. Michell Ansley's direction, is progressing with strong hope that it will be able to open in August 2009.
*The district had several very strong candidates for Director of Student Services to replace Ms. Neubert who is retiring. The district has selected Ms. Callan Clark to replace Ms. Neubert and they are beginning to work together to achieve a smooth transition. Mr. McDaniel stated that Ms. Clark is well qualified and was extremely impressive during her interviews. Mr. McDaniel stated that he was excited with what Callan will offer the district.
*Mr. McDaniel has met two times with his Parent Advisory Council, the meetings have an always-positive outlook and the parents express their love of Englewood and wiliness to help. Mr. McDaniel would like to grow this group and parents are welcome to join by contacting his office.
* Applicants for EHS Principal have been reviewed and five semi-finalists have been selected. One team will build the desired profile for the principal and another team will interview the candidates focusing on the developed profile. Mr. McDaniel promises to find the best person to lead EHS. The person selected will be presented to the Board for approval at the April 7th Board meeting.

District Calendar
The Board approved the calendar change that moved the previously scheduled April 22 staff development day to August 14th to provide for more time for staff development before the start of school. Elementary schools will have two student assessment days before the beginning of school with the first day of class being August 17, 2009. Bishop's first day will be August 18. Secondary schools first day of class is August 13.

Legislative Update
Ms. LaPlante presented information on the recent bills being considered in the Colorado Legislature. Several issues, that impact education, are being considered by the legislature including funding, limiting districts from offering incentives to attract students, school bus safety, and transparency of school districts budgets.

Quarterly Financials
Ms. LaPlante reviewed the quarter ending December 2008 and said the district is in good financial standing. Ms. LaPlante stated that Englewood Schools has been very conservative in its spending and that will keep the district from having to make the kind of drastic cuts that other districts are being faced with. Ms. LaPlante said the spending focus, during these difficult economic times, has to be on what we need to have and not what we might like to have.

Consensus
The Board approved the following consensus items:
a. Personnel Recommendations and addendum

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