Board Briefs—OCTOBER 16 , 2007 In This Issue... Public Comments Board Member Reports Highlights from Superintendent's Report Colorado School Districts Self Insurance Pool Believe in a Better Colorado   EHS Textbook Approval - Earth Science Expand to 2nd Site BEAM (Behavioral, Environmental, Academic, Management) Program Bishop Calendar Consensus

Special Recognitions
Ms. Miller read the employees names and number of years they have qualified for perfect attendance. Perfect attendance indicates the employee has not used any sick leave days during the year. Forty-two people qualified including Cheryl Webber and Bob Siemens who have had perfect attendance for 20 consecutive years. The name of one classified and one certificated person from the list was drawn for an extra day off. Congratulations, to everyone who had perfect attendance and to Mary Hensley and Bob Siemens for winning the drawing for the day off.

Public Comments
There were no public comments.

Board Member Reports
EEF Fall Fling-Ms. Thompson encouraged people to attend the Fall Fling Saturday, November 3rd at the City Center. Live music by Brian Leonard along with a silent auction and good food will add to the festivities of the evening. The theme is "Towers of Learning" suggested by the late Olga Wolosyn. There will also be a tribute to Olga during the evening.
CASB Meeting-Ms. Miller reported that she attended the CASB Legislative meeting along with Ms. Hunt, Mr. Gorsky, and Dr. McCabe where they received information on legislative issues and involving the community in board decisions in developing a blueprint for their education system and defining what skills will be required beyond high school. Attending the CASB Candidate Information Session the same evening were Vicki Howard and Les Cowger, candidates for the Englewood Schools Board of Education.
Parks and Rec.-Ms. Miller discussed issues raised at a recent Parks and Recreation meeting. A strong concern is for problems arising at Cushing Park. Recently people have been coming to the park and harassing young people. A notice will be posted indicating the park is in danger of being closed due to inappropriate use. The police suggested the problems are caused by people outside of the community, coming in on the light rail system. Activities may be gang related and are being monitored by the police. Another issue is the bike path along the Riverpoint development project. Sheridan wants to close a section of the path. This is opposed by Englewood Parks and Recreation; a letter will be sent stating the original agreement for the bike path does not allow for sections of the path to be closed.

Highlights from Superintendent's Report
Dr. McCabe reported that he and about 20 people attended the Board Candidates Forum at Bishop on Monday, October 15. There was a wide variety of questions from the audience. Work on negotiations with the teachers continues with a tentative agreement that will be presented to the teachers on Thursday. The teachers will be voting and if the agreement is ratified the Board will have to meet to vote on the agreement.

Colorado School Districts Self Insurance Pool
Ms.Peg LaPlante introduced Ms. Cheryle Mangels, Executive Director of the Colorado School Districts Self Insurance Pool (CSDSIP), who presented two checks to the school district. One check for $33,173 represents surplus funds created since 1983 through sound district management and low insurance claims. A dividend check from the insurance pool in the amount of $23,358 was also presented. A new service from the CSDSIP is providing a risk management person who will work with districts to help identify and correct unsafe situations.

Believe in a Better Colorado  
Ms. Lorie Aksamit, Teacher at Maddox Elementary, presented information on Believe in a Better Colorado's efforts to improve the State's funding of education. The Believe in a Better Colorado program is co-sponsored by Colorado Education Association (CEA), Colorado Association of School Executives (CASE), and Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB). The first step toward improving funding is educating people about the need for increased funding. Providing statistics on current state funding of education that indicate Colorado is not funding its schools at a competitive level which makes providing excellent education to our children difficult. Emphasizing that 21st century jobs will require people with knowledge, critical thinking skills and positive people skills this means a change in the current education focus is necessary. Also stressing schools in Colorado is the increase in special education populations and English language learners. Colorado is a wealthy state but is not investing in education to an appropriate and necessary level.

EHS Textbook Approval-Earth Science    
The Board approved for a 1st Reading the Earth Science textbook recommended by Mr. Gilmore, EHS Science Department Team Leader, and his committee. The book emphasizes inquiry, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills that students need for solid science instruction. Covering the four major branches, geology, oceanography, meteorology and astronomy it provides maps and study skill strategies, exercises and on-line support applications. The book cost $55.20 which is reasonable in today's market. The book meets the benchmarks required by the State and will serve students for the next six to eight years.

Expand to 2nd Site BEAM Program
The Board approved adding a second BEAM (Behavioral, Environmental, Academic, Management) program at Charles Hay Elementary. Currently only Clayton Elementary has a BEAM classroom. To enable the district to continue to meet the academic and behavioral challenges of all students in the classroom while meeting the needs of identified BEAM students in the least restrictive environment which requires a low student/teacher ratio, it is necessary to provide another classroom site for BEAM students. A Board priority is to increase learning of all students which supports the additional BEAM classroom.

Bishop Calendar Change
The Board approved The addition of a student release day at Bishop Elementary to allow time for additional staff development. On November 9th Bishop students will not attend school. Teachers will participate in school improvement planning in the morning and on district wide literacy curriculum in the afternoon.

Consensus Items
The Board approved the following consensus items:
a. Personnel Recommendations and addendum
b. Attendance Policies JFBA-Intra-District/Open Enrollment which replaces current Policy 5720 School Attendance Areas; JH-Student Absences and Excuses, JHB-Truancy which will replace the current 5120 Compulsory Attendance, Absences and Truancy; JLC-Student Health Services and Records, 2nd Reading.

Note: All updated policies are available on the Web Site.
   

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