The Falcon School District 49 Board of Education met in January for its regular meeting.The board unanimously approved district and unified school improvement plans, which also map out strategies to address those areas. The plans help guide the time, resources and support necessary to advance student achievement and growth. The plans will be submitted to the Colorado Department of Education for approval.The board unanimously approved the appointment of the following people to the District Accountability Advisory Committee: Tammy Robel as a primary member and Deborah McIntyre as an alternate. The DAACís purpose is to create an accountability and parental and community involvement program to define and measure academic and safety quality within the district.Keziah Williamson, a senior at Sand Creek High School, presented a brief theatre performance to the board. She was runner-up in the high school theater competition in Denver, sponsored by the Colorado State Thespian Society.Glenna Rohr, a long-time volunteer with the district, was recognized posthumously for her dedication and commitment, especially to Falcon High School. She served as part of the booster club for more than 20 years. Rohr died Dec. 12 in a car accident.The BOEís legal counsel reviewed new legislation and discussed legal obligations, ethics, conflicts of interest and board protocol, as established under board policies. The review is part of routine training to help improve BOE membersí understanding of their roles and interactions with employees of the district.Kjersti McKee, D 49 procurement and purchasing manager, provided information about two upcoming contracts: one for the current voiceover Internet protocol and one for cellular telecommunications services. Both contracts went through extensive committee reviews before presentation to the board for direction.McKee said the VoIP contract was reviewed to ensure the district is getting the best value with the new, recently installed broadband width. The increased bandwidth allows for more VoIP options, she said. The cellular telecommunications piece came under review because of a high volume of complaints about service and coverage, McKee said. Both contracts were approved at a Jan. 22 special meeting.Brett Ridgway, chief business officer, presented information about a new policy on board membersí participation in meetings via electronic means. Ridgway said the Colorado Association of School Boards recommended the policy. The board requested that district staff revise the proposal with different wording to accommodate what is best for the district. The item will be on the agenda for discussion at the Feb. 13 meeting.Ridgway also discussed the amended budget process, which includes an updated student count and cost numbers, management of the rest of the current school year and preparation for the subsequent fiscal year. The budget proposal was approved at the Jan. 22 special meeting.Following the public portion of the meeting, the BOE members entered into executive session to discuss a personnel matter. No action was taken at that time.The next regular meeting of the BOE is Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the board room of the District 49 Education Services Center.
