Board Briefs—May 15, 2007 In This Issue... Public Comments Special Recognition Board Members Reports Highlights from Superintendent's Report TSA Presentation   EHS Technology Fee Policy Update Textbook Adoption Preliminary Budget for Fiscal; Year 2007-2008 Consensus

Public Comments
A community member who is an educator and social studies and science textbook author addressed the Board about her willingness to volunteer in the schools and her desire to have her books adopted for use in Englewood Schools. Stating that she writes "anti-textbooks" that have been endorsed by several highly placed individuals in the United States along with leading universities and large school districts across the nation, she thinks her books greatly enhance students' learning.

Special Recognition
Ilene Brandon, Supervisor of OMT, who recently retired, was presented a plaque in honor of her outstanding job performance and accomplishments during her 20 years of service to Englewood Schools. Ms. Brandon's new endeavor is serving as a youth counselor in Denver. With wishes of luck Ms. Miller stated "We have an idea of what these young people will undoubtedly experience, and that will be the positive changes that this remarkable lady will be able to help them to achieve, something that will undoubtedly be done with her trademark sparkle in her eye and smile upon her face, exactly what we will miss the most."

Board Member Reports
Parks and Recreation —Ms. Miller reported that she attended a recent Parks and Recreation meeting at which they began planning Englewood Days with fun events including the hot-rod cars that were such a hit last year. Plans are to have this event coordinate with EHS Homecoming.

Highlights from Superintendent's Report
Dr. McCabe stated that the District received a final response from Commissioner Moloney, to the request for an additional appeal of the Student Audit. Further appeal has been denied and we must immediately pay $593,469.06 as interest begins to accrue.

TSA Presentation  
Four members of the Technology Student Association Team, sponsored by Tony Raymond, from Flood Middle School and Englewood High School presented the Chapter of the Year Plaque for Englewood High School to the Board and listed their team's many successes this year including defeating their friendly rival and the team that has taken first place the past four years. The Tee shirt that will be worn by the entire Colorado Team at Nationals was designed by the Englewood Team. Their award winning video on shop safety was shown. Humor was used to express safety issues and point out proper procedures. Eight TSA students are going to Nationals in Nashville Tennessee. Congratulations to the entire TSA Team and their sponsors for an excellent year.

EHS High School Technology Fee Handout
Ms. Beth Hankle and Ms. Peg LaPlante presented information about the request for an increase in EHS student fees from $25 to $50. Currently, technology receives $5 from student fees and they are requesting the additional $25 to purchase technology supplies and hardware such as Clickers and Whiteboards systems, along with document handlers. These advanced technology items, although costly, are necessary to provide 21st century skills to our students and prepare them with skills necessary for work and college. These items encourage learning, student participation and thinking skills. The teachers plan to establish model classrooms containing the most current technology equipment so all students will have access to technology. The Board will consider this as an action item at its June 5th meeting.

Policy Update   Handout 1  Handout 2
The Board approved for 1st reading Policy JLCB and JLCB-R Immunization. Ms. Joan Diedrich provided information on the Immunization Policy and its regulation which states the vaccines that are required. Students who are not up to date on immunizations will have 14 days to obtain the next required vaccines and present a plan for completion of the required vaccines. Compliance in the District is almost 100 percent with only a few students still completing their vaccination requirements.

Textbook Adoption  Handout 1    
The Board approved the recommended Spanish textbooks, Realidades by Prentice Hall which was recommended by Ms. Vedra and the District Textbook Adoption Committee. This textbook and its supporting materials is communication centered and takes students to a higher level. The Realidades books maintain a logical sequence of vocabulary and grammar skills while providing abundant opportunities for student practice. Students seem to like the material these books provide that allows them to converse in real world settings.

Preliminary Budget for Fiscal Year 2007-2008
Ms. Peg LaPlante reviewed the 2007-2008 Preliminary Budget with the Board. Copies of the budget documents are available at the administration building. A Public Hearing on the proposed budget will be held at the next regularly scheduled Board meeting on June 5, 2007. Final budget adoption will be at the June 19, 2007 Board meeting.

Consensus Items
The Board approved the following consensus items:
a. Personnel Recommendations & Addendum  Handout 1  Handout 2

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