Board Briefs—May 1, 2007 In This Issue... Public Comments Board Members Reports Highlights from Superintendent's Report ILT Update Gifted and Talented Update   Transportation Update 2007-08 Calendar Adjustments Recoding of Board Policies Proposed Central Office Reduction Consensus

Public Comments
Two parent/community members addressed the Board regarding the proposed elimination of the Learning Services Department. One parent/community member spoke about teachers choosing to leave Englewood High School.

Board Member Reports
Englewood Education Foundation—Ms. Thompson reported that Ms. Alex Habenicht has resigned as President.
CASB Workshop—Ms. Hunt attended a recent workshop and learned about legal and practical guidance for Board meetings as well as points on the process of superintendent evaluation. Ms. Hunt also shared information on bills in the State Legislature that will impact education.
Englewood High School—Mr. Gorsky and Ms. Miller recently met with student government leaders who shared that communication at the school has improved and the students are feeling positive about the atmosphere at EHS. They also reported that students felt prom was a huge success and thought the administrators did a great job on "Pirate Day" that included many fun activities.

Highlights from Superintendent's Report
Dr. McCabe congratulated the EHS and Sinclair music students who participated in the Colorado High School Activities Association Music Festival. Twenty-four students received superior and 54 received excellent ratings. Another District celebration is the 1st place finish by the Englewood Leadership Academy team at the State Destination Imagination contest. These 8 ELA students will be traveling to Knoxville Tennessee for the Global competition.
The contract for the sale of the Duncan property is currently being finalized.

ILT Update  
The district Information Literacy and Technology Team provided an overview of the district's activities that are being used to meet the goals and objectives of the 2006-09 ILT Plan. They provided a Power Point presentation that emphasized the advancements in technology and how important it is to be able to use effectively current technology. The rapid advancement of technology requires that our students must develop their technology skills to be able to compete in the world. A survey of employers shows how required job skills have changed and the team related how our students are learning the skills necessary to be successful and keep America competitive in the world.

Gifted and Talented Update  
The Gifted and Talented Coordinators presented an overview of the 2006-07 Gifted Education Program. This program was originally offered at the elementary level and was expanded to the middle schools thanks to the mill levy that voters passed. The Englewood program is affiliated with the State and this helps provide ideas, events and resources to our students. The GT program is a rigorous academic program that also provides opportunities for gifted students to socialize and work together. There is information on our web site about how students are identified to participate in the Gifted and Talented program. A fund raising event will take place Thursday, May 10 at CiCi's Pizza, in the Bear Valley Shopping Center.

Transportation Update   
Mr. Chris Meier and Mr. Ken Anderson provided information on the addition of bus stops to transport students to Englewood Middle School starting next school year. It is estimated that changing the boundaries for busing to one mile or further will add 83 students to be transported. There will be several bus stops added and adjustments will be made according to ridership. The stops will be advertised and students will choose the stop most convenient for them.

2007-08 Calendar Adjustments   
The Board approved recommended changes to the 2007-08 school calendars. Ms. Marlys Stickney presented the changes that were suggested to accommodate academic, attendance and program requirements at the schools. All changes support the 1,056 hours of required instructional hours for the year with extra time built in for emergency school closures.

Recoding of Board Policies  Handout 1  Handout 2
The Board approved the recoding of Board Policies from the current numerical system to the letter system that is currently endorsed by the National and Colorado Associations of School Boards.

Proposed Central Office Reductions
Dr. McCabe introduced discussion concerning the proposed elimination of the Learning Services Department. Board members discussed their concerns about this cut and decided that because of the seriousness of the issue they will include this topic in their scheduled May 8th workshop that follows the CADI District Review presentation. The Board requested Dr. McCabe to provide several scenarios for their consideration at the workshop.

Consensus Items
The Board approved the following consensus items:
a. Personnel Recommendations & Addendum  Handout 1  Handout 2
b. Board Meeting Schedule for 2007-08 School Year  Handout

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