Board Briefs—April 3, 2007 In This Issue... Public Comments Highlights from Superintendent's Report Food Service Update 2007-08 Proposed Budget Reductions   Capital Reserve Budget Consensus Items Board Member's Choice

Public Comments
Four students and four parent/community members addressed the Board. Many of them spoke at the previous meeting regarding issues at Englewood High School and do not feel their concerns are being addressed or taken seriously.

Board Member Reports
Englewood Education Foundation—Ms. Thompson reported that Ms. Alex Habenicht will continue on as President for one more year. Ms. Linda Cohen will continue on as Treasurer.
Library Board—Mrs. Scaggiari attended a recent Library Board meeting. They are currently discussing placement of materials.

Highlights from Superintendent's Report
Dr. McCabe responded to the Public Comments and explained
- how teachers must be highly qualified to meet No Child Left Behind (NCLB) requirements
- his concerns regarding the high dropout rate and meeting AYP and how EHS and the District must meet the needs of all students
- the budget process and how cuts will impact the district
- processes going on to help address communications issues at EHS

Food Service Update  
Mr. John Kugler, representing Chartwells, and Ms. Georgia Greer provided the Board a Food Services update. Ms. Greer gave each of the Board members and administrative team a bag containing samples of some of the healthier options they are now offering in schools. Ms. Greer explained they are introducing healthier options, for example whole wheat bread and reduced fat foods, at each of the schools to help meet the District Wellness Policy and government regulations. The healthier alternatives seem to be going over well. Ms. Greer also said they now have full food services at CFAHS, offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. As Flood closes, they will look at using equipment at Flood to replace older equipment throughout the District.

2007-08 Meal Prices  Handout
Ms. LaPlante presented a proposal for increasing meal prices to help keep up with rising costs of personnel, food, and transportation. The proposal is to increase breakfast by five cents and lunch by ten cents, which still keeps costs competitive with surrounding Districts. The proposal will come back to the Board for action at the April 17 meeting.

2007-08 Proposed Budget Reductions   Handout
Ms. LaPlante reviewed the Budget process, enrollment projections, and proposed budget reductions with the Board. The proposed reductions affect all levels—elementary, middle, and high school—as well as central administration. Because of declining enrollment, projected pupil-teacher ratios will still be at an acceptable level. Dr. McCabe reminded everyone of the following budget dates:
- May 15—Present Preliminary Budget to Board and Make Available to Public
- June 5—Public Hearing of Preliminary Budget
- June 19—Adoption of Budget

Capital Reserve Budget   Handout
Ms. LaPlante explained that the Capital Reserve Budget is funded based on student enrollment. There is a minimum amount—$292 per pupil—that must be allocated to capital reserve and risk-related costs (for example, insurance). The Capital Reserve Budget covers copier leases, technology leases, and Operations expenses. For 2007-08, there is money allocated for the turf escrow fund and a replacement school bus, leaving approximately $100,000 for building improvements and equipment replacement. Ms. LaPlante also referred to a five-year plan that will continue to change and be included in the preliminary budget.

Consensus Items
The Board approved the following consensus items:
a. Personnel Recommendations & Addendum
b. Updated Policy 1200-Mission—2nd Reading  Handout
c. Extended Field Trip-ELA—Washington DC

Board Member's Choice
As part of Board Members Choice, Board members responded to the Public Comments.
- Regarding communication at the high school, there have been processes put in place to help open the line of communications.
- Each Board member cares very much about every kid in this district, which is why they are on the Board.
- They are concerned about any budget cuts that need to be made, but must balance the budget.
- If something is not working, it is important to follow the chain of command to try to resolve an issue. Issues should first be addressed at a building level. If not resolved there, the Superintendent is the next contact. If, at this point, there are still issues, it is then time to involve the Board.
- There are some good things going on in the District, but it is not acceptable to be "average". The District must continually try to improve. Money continues to be an important factor as Colorado does not fund education the way it should.

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