El Paso County Colorado District 49

December BOE meeting wrap up

The Falcon School District 49 Board of Education met Dec. 13. All board members were present; however, Chris Wright, vice president, left early because of family issues. He was not available to vote on action items or participate in discussions.The board unanimously approved the Innovation Plan for Woodmen Hills Elementary School, which allows for greater autonomy for the staff and the ability to cater more effectively to the needs of their students. The plan will go before the state board for approval.The following items also received unanimous approval from the board:

  • Revisions to board policy regarding the catastrophic leave bank to ensure all employees are treated fairly
  • Revisions to board policy regarding student use of the Internet and electronic communications to align with state law revisions
  • Revisions to the districtís 2013-2014 school calendar year
  • New courses at Falcon High School to include a career and technical education course
Melissa Andrews with the districtís planning and construction department presented information on the purchase of a new 10-classroom pod for Evans International Elementary School.Andrews said the pod would cost $597,118; however, it was unclear whether there would be a water tap available, which is necessary for fire suppression. If a tap is not available, the pod would need to be equipped with a sprinkler system since it is larger than 6,000 square feet.The board tabled this item until January to give district staff a chance to obtain the necessary information about the pod.Monty Lammers, Falcon Zone Innovation leader, presented information on a new enrichment and intervention program that addresses concerns about the standards-based grading system Falcon High School implemented at the beginning of the year. Lammers said the program has been successful so far.Brett Ridgway, chief business officer, discussed the amended budget for the 2012-2013 school year. Amendments included funding for the pod at Evans Elementary; about $172,000 in added revenue from an increase in students in the district; and extra expenses to meet the needs of the additional students. ìOur ending fund balance is much healthier than other districts,î Ridgway said.Board Treasurer Marie LaVere-Wright said, ìAllowing the zones to roll over unused funds so they can make smarter decisions about their purchases keeps us from having the ëuse-it-or-lose-ití mentality.îRidgway also discussed the relationship between the district and booster clubs. Henry Allen, board director, was concerned that booster clubs could be using district property to raise funds and that the funds might not be appropriately spent. ìI recommend that the board put something in place to make sure it (funds) is being used legally,î Allen said.ìThere are boundaries that prevent them (booster clubs) from operating under the district umbrella,î Ridgway said, adding that athletic directors make sure that club activities are properly handled.Dave Watson, safety and emergency coordinator, presented on safety events occurring district-wide such as Rachelís Challenge, Challenge Days, suicide awareness and anti-bullying programs. Watson also presented information from an anonymous climate survey that polled students from the middle and high schools about their opinions on safety issues in the district.Watson said to make the survey more comprehensive, he intends to increase the sampling population to include parents and staff members.The board addressed their annual retreat, which is Jan. 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the board room at the education service center. A consultant from the Flippen Group will facilitate, with a goal to create better communication among board members.The board also addressed the chief education officerís job description, which has not yet been finalized. Chuck Irons, board secretary, and Allen said they wanted to get the description finalized now so they could post the job as soon as possible. LaVere-Wright said, ìThis shouldíve been posted in November. I think ëquick and dirtyí has hurt us in the past.ìI have major issues with a lot of this (job description). I have come to all of the board meetings with notes for August, September, October and November; and not one time has the whole board been present to discuss this. We need to say, ëOn this day, be there or be square,í and if you arenít there, you have to be OK with what the other board members decide.îThe board agreed the person hired must have a masterís degree ñ a doctorate preferred. They also agreed that posting the job description at the current time would not be possible. They will discuss the job description at the Jan. 8 retreat.The board heard discussion initiated by Irons to amend board policies regarding the following: specific authorities of the board president and vice president; guidelines for membersí presence at each agenda planning meeting; and board member or membersí designation as the primary point of contact for the CEO, COO and CBO.The board agreed to continue the discussion at the regular January board meeting, which is Jan. 10 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room at the education service center.

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