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Board Briefs Archive
Board Minutes |
This page contains the latest Board Briefs. Board Briefs provide a brief overview of a meeting and are posted after a Board meeting.
Board Minutes contain detailed information from each Board meeting and are posted after they have been approved by the Board, which happens at the next regularly-scheduled meeting.
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Public Comments
There were no public comments.
Special Reports and Recognitions
Mr. Jim Chaput, Industrial Arts Teacher at Englewood High School (EHS), introduced several businessmen whose companies have made substantial on-going donations to the diesel mechanic program at EHS. Mr. Dan Melchior, represented LL Johnson, who sell golf course mowing equipment, contributes technical support and equipment needed to service their equipment. Bobcat of the Rockies, represented by Joe Dinneen, has donated equipment and cash. Marty Cibro represented Wagner Equipment, who donates equipment for training on heavy diesel equipment. Qualified graduates from the EHS program have an opportunity to enter the Caterpillar training program. Mac Equipment and Hustler Turf Equipment, represented by Scott Weaver, is playing a significant part in training students on the latest mowing technology. The honorees all expressed their pleasure at being able to help students get this specialized training and stated that there is a great need in their industry for trained mechanics.
Board Member Reports
Mr. Gorsky stated that he was very pleased with the superintendent selection process and he was happy with the results. He expressed his appreciation to everyone who participated in the process.
Ms. Howard said that there is a Nutrition Committee meeting on Monday at 2:45 p.m., but she is unable to attend because it conflicts with her work schedule. Ms. LaPlante apologized but explained she was trying to accommodate the food service workers. Ms. LaPlante will try to schedule time for the next meeting that will allow Ms. Howard to attend.
Ms. Miller announced that the Englewood Education Foundation granted Dr. McCabe's request and will pay for the Constitution materials from the Liberty Day organization. This will provide 5th grade students a booklet containing the United States Constitution and the Declaration of Independence along with flashcards with questions about these documents.
November 15 is the date set by the Englewood Education Foundation, for the "Fall Fling". Ms. Miller also noted that the Major Savers fundraiser will begin soon and encouraged everyone to buy a card. An Englewood Alumni Directory will be produced this year. Ms. Miller, working with the company producing the book, will provide the initial pages providing highlights of Englewood. Ms. Miller commented that the superintendent search process was similar to the process used three years ago. She is confident that the results will be good for the district and the community.
Ms. Hunt said that she and Mr. Gorsky attended 18 hours of International Baccalaureate (IB) training in Vancouver. This was a very worthwhile opportunity as the district pursues implementing the IB program in our schools which will require the Board to make informed decisions. Ms. Hunt supports the IB philosophy, the focus on internationalism, inquiry learning development, and making students responsible for their own learning. Ms. Hunt also mentioned attending Ms. Michelle Grimes' production of "A Cloudy Situation" at Clayton Elementary that addressed bullying and how situations can escalate. Students from across the district participated in the play. March 7 she plans to attend the "Wizard of Oz" at EHS. Ms. Hunt thought the superintendent interviews provided a lot of positive feedback. She enjoyed the open house at the City Center where everyone had the opportunity to meet the candidates.
Highlights from Superintendent's Report
Dr. McCabe told the Board that, in response to the inquiry about how to recognize volunteers, it was decided that the building would hold ceremonies for their volunteers. A Board Member will attend ceremonies at the schools and then recognize the volunteers who are selected for special recognition at a regular Board meeting. The Future Business Leaders of America group at EHS won 19 awards at the District Competition and 7 members qualified to attend the State competition. The EHS Band recently qualified for the State Competition.
Extended Field Trip-Spanish IV and AP Spanish
The Board approved the request presented by Ms. Tracy Lonn, Spanish Teacher at EHS, to allow Spanish IV and AP Spanish students to participate in a three week field trip to Spain during the summer of 2008.
Response to Intervention Presentation
Ms. Gail Neubert introduced Ms. Montine Romero, who is a trainer for Response to Intervention (RtI), a new program being mandated by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) that is designed to address the learning and behavioral needs of all students at the point they are at and help them move forward. RtI is a framework for educational reform. CDE plans to train district people who will then train other teachers in methods developed for individual student interventions.
Pennies for Peace
Ms. Mary Vedra provided a video explaining how the Pennies for Peace project came about. Mr. Greg Mortenson went to the Himalayas to climb the mountain K2. He was not successful in reaching the summit but became sick and stumbled into a small village in Pakistan. The people were very poor but provided food and comfort that allowed him to recover. He saw that the children did not have a school or even pencils and decided that he would come home to America and find a way to help the people in small villages in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Beginning with a school in Wisconsin, where his mother was the Principal, Pennies for Peace began. This project is based on the fact that everyone in America can afford to donate a penny. The pennies raised at the first school provided $600 that was the largest donation at that time. Englewood students and staff are being asked to participate in this international project. Students will learn that they can make a difference in the world.
2008-2010 Calendar
The Board approved for a 1st Reading, the calendar presented by Ms. Mary Vedra that the district calendar committee developed for 2008-2010. This calendar provides a one-hour late start for school on Mondays. This will provide time for teachers to analyze student data, plan instructional strategies, and develop common assessments. Sharing of curriculum across the district will occur. A cost benefit will be a reduced number of substitute hours. This calendar provides for standardization across the district. The impact of the new calendar on families was discussed with the district promising to make accommodations to assist families if necessary. Board Members will be attending school PTSO meetings to help explain the calendar and answer questions parents may have.
Legislative Update
Ms. Peg LaPlante provided information on several bills currently in the State Legislature that could have an impact on education.
Revised Policy GBGD-Workers' Compensation
The Board approved for a 1st Reading Policy GBGD, presented by Dr. Jim McCabe, which contains updates to reflect the name change for approved medical facilities for workers' compensation.
Converted Policy JJJ-Extracurricular Activity Eligibility
The Board approved for a 1st Reading Policy JJJ Extracurricular Activity Eligibility, presented by Dr. Jim McCabe, which contains information from Policies 5620 and 6611 with minor wording changes.
Consensus Items
The Board approved the following consensus items:
a. Personnel Recommendations & Addendum
b. Policy ADF-School Wellness and ADF-R 1st Reading
c. Policy JJ-Student Activities 1st Reading
New Superintendent
The Board approved offering the position of Superintendent of Englewood Schools to Mr. Sean Mc Daniel who is currently the Superintendent of Schools in Coweta, Oklahoma. Mr. Mc Daniel, along with three other candidates, interviewed for the position on Saturday, March 1, 2008. The four candidates were in Englewood Schools on Friday and had the opportunity to talk to staff and observe at our schools.
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