The Falcon School District 49 Board of Education met in November. Prior to the meeting, the BOE held a ìFantastic 49î event in which the Falcon Education Foundation awarded 27 mini-grants totaling $24,573 to educators throughout the district.Action itemsDuring the regular meeting, the BOE unanimously approved the following:
- The addition of Technology Literacy as part of the Information Technology Academy and a Cyber Security course at Falcon High School; and a change in course descriptions of two previously approved math courses, with the intent to make these courses eligible for college credit if students receive an ìAî or ìBî
- Revisions to personnel policies through the adoption of a new policy on vacations and holidays; the repeal of existing policies on professional and support staff vacations and holidaysGraduation for 2015 will be held May 23, with Falcon High School at 9 a.m., Vista Ridge High School at 1 p.m. and Sand Creek High School at 5 p.m.
- Revision of board policies and procedures to align with Colorado Association of School Board recommendations to meet statutory requirements
- Authorization to open new accounts at First Bank for high school business programs and professional development deposit transactions
Discussion itemsPeter Hilts, D 49 chief education officer, provided a post-election update regarding the passing of the mill levy item and the failure of the bond measure on the November ballot. He asked the board to informally task the administration to provide an analysis voter turnout areas, the bond language and the strengths and weaknesses of the campaign.Mike Pickering, Power Zone leader, provided an update on growth improvement measures within his zone, and presented state performance data.Stetson Elementary School principal Jeff Moulton, Ridgeview Elementary School assistant principal Marjorie McKeal and Odyssey Elementary School principal Pam Weyer each presented information on literacy programs taking place at their schools.Skyview Middle Schoolís Kathy Tinucci presented information on a curriculum map the teachers developed. ìItís us initiating a teacher-led movement so we all understand what is required by every state standard,î she said.Vista Ridge High School principal Bruce Grose discussed new items at his school, including the new dean of concurrent enrollment, Julie Rife, and the new assistant principal, Jason DaLee.Chief business officer Brett Ridgway presented the amended budget and student count information. The actual student number enrolled in the district from the October count is 12,466, which is up from last yearís 12, 052. ìThe district could see a $1.7 million increase in revenue from this new growth,î he said.Hilts also presented information on the function of the school counselors within the district, stating that they are overloaded with tasks. ìWeíre going to be helping equip teachers to take on some of the advisory roles that counselors have now so they can focus on the mental health support and crisis management roles,î he said.Following the public portion of the meeting, the BOE entered into an executive session to conduct the CBOís evaluation and performance review. No action was taken at that time.The next regular meeting of the BOE is Dec. 11 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room of the D 49 Education Services Center.
