Board Briefs—November 2, 2005 In This Issue... Highlights from the Superintendent's Report Approval of Bids for CFAHS Science Lab   Proposal for EHS School of the Arts Retiring Board Members

Highlights from the Superintendent's Report
- Dr. McCabe welcomed the three new Board members: Mr. Scott Gorsky, Ms. Heather Hunt, and Ms. Shelley Thompson. He noted that election results are not official until certified by the county. The new Board members will be sworn in at the November 16 Board meeting.
- Dr. McCabe announced the unofficial enrollment count of 3,420 FTE, without the preschool count. The count will not be official until November 10. This is 133 lower than last year, but only 5 off from the projected FTE in the 2005-2006 budget.
- The District telephone system is still causing problems. District personnel continue to work with Qwest on the problems. The District is soliciting bids for a new system.

Approval of Bids for CFAHS Science Lab
The Board approved contracting with Mountain States Construction Company to build the science lab at Colorado's Finest Alternative High School at a cost of $541,698. Groundbreaking should occur within the next 30 days. Construction should be complete by July, 2006.

Proposal for EHS School of the Arts
The Board did not approve moving forward with the Englewood School of the Arts (ESOTA) for 2005-2006, based on a recommendation by Dr. McCabe. Dr. McCabe explained that, because the District is in declining enrollment, funding the ESOTA would end up taking resources from our existing students. Because of the averaging formula that is used for funding schools in districts with declining enrollment, the District would not receive funding for the anticipated 155 new students. At the same time, approximately $324,000 in ongoing expenses would be required every year for the program. To accommodate for the lack of funding for the new students and the new, ongoing expenses, the District would need to make cuts in other areas. Board members expressed their disappointment that they cannot go forward with such a fabulous program because of funding issues. Dr. McCabe noted that should the funding scenario change or money become available through other resources, for example, grants, they can take another look at the program. Dr. McCabe and the Board thanked Mr. Bob Barrows for the excellent work he has done on ESOTA and recommended that he continue the planning process with periodic reports back to the Board.

Retiring Board Members
Dr. McCabe, Ms. Miller, and Mrs. Scaggiari thanked Mrs. Dounay and Mr. Holmes for all the time, effort, and hard work they have put in as Board members. Mrs. Dounay and Mr. Holmes said they enjoyed the time they spent on the Board and feel they are leaving the District in the hands of a good Board and a good Superintendent. Mr. Turnbull, who is also retiring from the Board, was not present at the meeting due to a business conflict.

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