board of education minutes tuesday, january 20, 2015 1 ... · board of education minutes tuesday,...

BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 1. Call to Order and Roll Call

• Attachment #1: Meeting Summary • Attachment #2: Menu

Governance Process 1.2.4 APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Presiding Board Member to call meeting to order and roll own The meeting of the Board of Education of Douglas County School District RE1 was called to order by President Larsen at 5:35 p.m. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Geddes, Larsen, Reynolds, Richardson (telephonically), Silverthorn ABSENT: Directors Benevento and Robbins ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Superintendent Fagen, Assistant Superintendent Cook, Assistant Superintendent Knight, Chief Financial Officer Betz, Chief Human Resources Officer Cesare, Chief System Performance Officer Reynolds, Legal Counsel Ross, Internal Communications Officer Barber, Interim Community Relations Officer and Public Information Officer Hans, N. Eichelberger, Secretary. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Governance Process 1.8 Board Members’ Code of Conduct APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only

For Your Information Only – Reading File

3. Unofficial Board of Education Minutes • Attachment #1: Unofficial Board of Education Minutes, December

11, 2014 APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: The unofficial (draft) minutes shall be provided to the Board members for their review, deliberation and consideration in advance of the next regular Board meeting and shall be posted for public view with the online version of the Board agenda for that meeting. Unless the Board takes action with respect to such unofficial minutes at the next regular Board meeting, such unofficial minutes shall automatically be deemed official and fully approved immediately upon the final adjournment of such next regular Board meeting. 4. Board of Education: Department Budget Worksheet(s)

• Attachment #1: BoE Department December 2014 Worksheet

Board of Education Minutes January 20, 2015 of 13

APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only 5. 15-minute Recess Called to Serve Dinner and Move to Conference Room for an Executive Session (a closed session) APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only

Executive Session (a Closed Session)

6. Convene in Executive Session (a Closed Session) APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Education convenes in Executive Session to discuss Real Estate Matters e.g. the purchase, acquisition, lease, transfer or sale of real, personal or other property pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(a); to discuss Legal Matters and to hold conference with the Board's attorney to receive legal advice on specific legal questions, pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b); to be advised on specialized details of security arrangements and investigations pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(d); to determine positions relative to Negotiations pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(e) or Personnel Matters pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(f); to consider documents protected by non-disclosure provisions of Colorado Open Records Act pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(g); and/or to be advised on Individual Student Matters pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(h). AMENDED - Motion Member Reynolds moved, Member Geddes seconded that the Board of Education convenes in Executive Session to discuss Legal Matters to hold conference with the Board's attorney to receive legal advice on specific legal questions, pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b), specifically: legal questions regarding capital financing; legal questions regarding staff conduct policy; compliance with Open Meeting Law. Geddes, aye; Larsen, aye; Reynolds, aye; Silverthorn, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 4 Nay: 0. The motion carried 4-0.

The Board of Education convened in Executive Session (a closed session) at 6:03 p.m. The Executive Session was recorded pursuant to the requirements of State law. PRESENT: Geddes, Larsen, Reynolds, Silverthorn, Fagen, Betz, Cook, Knight, Cesare, Tsai, Ross

• Legal (6:03 p.m. – 6:59 p.m.): legal questions regarding capital financing; legal questions regarding staff conduct policy; compliance with Open Meeting Law.

The Executive Session concluded at 6:59 p.m. 7. 15-minute Recess Called to Break and Return to the Board Room for the Regular Session APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only


8. Re-Convene Regular Session APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT President Larsen re-convened the regular session at 7:12 p.m. President Larsen acknowledged two elected officials from the audience, Senator Chris Holbert from District 30 and Pam Mazanec from the Colorado State Board of Education for the 4th Congressional District.

Student and Staff Recognitions

9. Student and Staff Recognitions APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information item only Dr. Fagen announced that the Colorado Department of Education held their annual award ceremony and presented the District with both the National and State honors for our schools as follows: The Governor’s Distinguished Improvement awards are given to schools that demonstrate excellent student growth. On the school performance framework that is used by the State to evaluate schools, these schools “exceed” expectations on the indicator related to longitudinal academic growth over three years. In 2014, 95 schools across the State and nine (9) in Douglas County earned this award, including: Copper Mesa Elementary – Peggy Griebenow Coyote Creek Elementary – Gigi Whalen Flagstone Elementary – Kelli Smith Lone Tree Elementary – Mindy Persichina Soaring Hawk Elementary – Chris Neville The John Irwin awards are given to schools that demonstrate excellent academic achievement. On the school performance framework that is used by the State to evaluate schools, these schools “exceed” expectations on the indicator for academic achievement over three years. In 2014, 166 schools across the State and 20 in Douglas County School District earned this award, including: Academy Charter – Yvette Brown American Academy – Erin Kane Buffalo Ridge Elementary – Nancy Wortmann DCS Montessori – Jeromy Johnson Heritage Elementary – Alisa Pauley Mountain Ridge Middle School – Shannon Clarke Mountain Vista High School – Michael Weaver North Star Academy – Kendra Hossfeld Pine Grove Elementary – Molly Gnaegy Platte River Academy – Mike Munier Rock Canyon High School – Andy Abner Rocky Heights Middle School – Mike Loitz STEM Middle & High School – Penny Eucker Stone Mountain Elementary – Drew Brueckner Timber Trail Elementary – Michele Radke Wildcat Mountain Elementary – Molly Milley A few District schools had the privilege of earning both of these outstanding awards this year, including: Parker Core Knowledge – Teri Aplin Northridge Elementary – Leigh Pytlinski Redstone Elementary – Laura Wilson


Saddle Ranch Elementary – Jennifer Malouf Dr. Fagen invited members of the Redstone Elementary staff to join principal, Laura Wilson, for an additional award. Redstone Elementary is an extremely innovative school, leading the way with their one-to-one iPad initiative. By integrating these devices into every lesson, they are exploring how to utilize technology to personalize learning and collaboration in the classroom and beyond. Dr. Fagen introduced Dr. Scott Elias, Development Executive with Apple Education, to recognize Redstone for their groundbreaking work. Dr. Elias and his colleague, Michelle Smith of the Apple Colorado Team, presented Laura Wilson and Jill Casas with the Apple Distinguished School Award which is given worldwide to recognize schools that excel in the areas of visionary leadership, innovative teaching and learning, ongoing professional learning, allowing evidence of success, and flexible learning environments. Dr. Elias mentioned that there were 300 schools worldwide and three in Colorado. Senator Holbert, presenting the District award on behalf of the Board of Education, congratulated the staff at Redstone Elementary on their outstanding accomplishment. President Larsen introduced the Student Voice representative for the meeting, Mathi Harikrishnan, a senior from Rock Canyon High School. He welcomed Mathi and let her know the Board valued her input. 10. Superintendent Reports APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only 11. 21st Century Learning Pre K-8 Magnet School Design Competition and Concept Design

• Attachment #1: Presentation Background Information A Request for Qualifications (RFQ) was issued to architects on February 12, 2014 for a design competition for a new 21st Century Learning Pre K-8 Magnet School. Twenty-one architects submitted qualifications. Staff reviewed and scored qualifications and short-listed three architects to compete in the second phase of the design competition. A Request for Concept Design (RFCD) was issued to the three short-listed architects on April 11, 2014. The RFCD specified criteria for the Concept Design including the location and survey of the site, District facility standards for a Pre K-8 and common themes of 21st Century Learning. Staff reviewed and scored submitted materials and invited the three architects to participate in an interview with a juried panel. Interviews were held on June 23, 2014. Panel members included District leadership and support staff and a senior staff member from the Town of Parker. Submitted materials and presentations were evaluated and scored by the panel. The Concept Design presented by Anderson Mason Dale/Alan Ford Architects was selected for this new magnet school. Rationale for Request Historically, the District has built prototypical elementary schools, middle schools and high schools to quickly meet enrollment capacity needs. The District is now pursuing the opportunity to build a magnet


school to support choice and the needs of 21st Century Learning and world-class education. In addition, the Pre K-8 facility standards created for this design competition can be used across the District in the future to further provide choice, using either a prototypical Pre K-8 design for multiple sites or unique site-specific designs. Summary of Cost (if applicable) There are no immediate funding implications associated with this agenda item. Design and construction funds for this new Pre K-8 are currently not available. A $25,000 honorarium was awarded to each of the three short-listed architects. The honorariums were funded using cash-in-lieu funds received from residential developers in accordance with state statute for growth related planning. APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only Dr. Fagen introduced Rich Cosgrove, Director of Planning and Construction, Facilities Management, for an update. Board discussion followed. 12. Update to the Board of Education regarding the DCSD High School Nutrition Services Program operating outside of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) As you know, for FY 2014-2015, Nutrition Services has been operating DCSD high school lunch programs outside of the NSLP. As we are half way through this school year, we wish to provide you with the programmatic and financial results associated with our high school lunch programs. In addition, we have also completed an analysis of our middle schools. For FY 2015-2016, we are recommending to maintain our participation in the NSLP at this grade level. We continue to get a significant Free and Reduced Lunch participation and our financial results are positive. We are also sharing data regarding the reporting of Free and Reduced Lunch students at the high school level. Due to the complexity of the economic data survey versus the Free and Reduced Lunch application, we have seen a drop in our At Risk student counts. We have a solution for this issue for next year that we would also like to share. APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only Dr. Fagen invited Chief Financial Officer Bonnie Betz, who also supports Nutrition Services, to introduce the update to the Nutrition Services Program in our high, middle and elementary schools. CFO Betz introduced Brent Craig, Director of Nutrition Services, for the presentation. Board discussion followed. 13. Revised FY 2014-2015 Financial Plan and Budget Presentation

• Attachment #1: FY 2014-2015 Financial Plan and Budget Presentation

• Attachment #2: FY 2014-2015 Financial Plan and Budget Summary Revised FY 2014-2015 Financial Plan and Budget Presentation APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only Dr. Fagen once again introduced Chief Financial Officer Bonnie Betz for the 2014-2015 Financial Plan and Budget Presentation. CFO Betz announced that the District’s budget book won its second award, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Distinguished Budget Presentation Award and congratulated Scott Smith, Budget Director, and


his team on their excellent work. Scott Smith presented a brief update. Board discussion followed. 14. Board Report: President and Vice President Items APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only President Larsen read a response to questions regarding the expenses of the Innovation Summit, February 18 – 20, 2015. “The answers have not changed since we addressed this when the question was raised last year. However, I have inquired of our district leaders regarding the Innovation Summit and here are the facts: 1. There was no cancellation charge by the Marriott as the event was rescheduled to the dates next month. 2. All costs for the rental of the venue, materials for the attendees, and registration fees are and will be funded through grants and at no cost to the district. 3. Attendees are responsible for their own lodging and travel costs to attend. The "in-kind" costs that are incurred in terms of employees' time come in two types. For example, but not limited to these two items, curriculum and assessment development is part of their job. Whether developed for the summit or other planning and execution, that work would still take place. Other efforts to plan the summit, reach out to invite participation, and make arrangements with the facility may have some incidental cost, but we do not parse everyone's time. For one, those involved in the planning are salaried professionals, not necessarily on a clock; they get their job done. Furthermore, it would be very inefficient to try to delineate costs by project, or ask employees to allocate their time that way. Moreover, there is great benefit to partnering with educators from other districts. Being able to collaborate with folks from around the country brings great ideas into our cognizance and it affords us the chance to share our knowledge with them. We get a lot of inquiries from outside educators to come visit that can become disruptive when peppered sporadically throughout the calendar. Holding this event in a concentrated few days allows this collaboration to be more efficient and productive.” 15. Board Committee and Liaison Reports

• Attachments #1: Partnership of Douglas County Governments APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Information only Board/Superintendent Linkage 1.0; Executive Limitation 1.8: District Accountability Committee (Reynolds, Silverthorn) Fiscal Oversight Committee (Reynolds) Long Range Planning Committee (Larsen) Douglas County Education Foundation (Benevento) Douglas County Safety Committee (Geddes, Robbins) Rocky Mountain School of Expeditionary Learning (Larsen) Partnership of Douglas County Governments (Rotating Board representation) Douglas County Youth Initiative (Richardson) Student Advisory Group (Silverthorn) Government Relations (Benevento, Richardson)


Other Board Updates APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT 16. Adoption of the Consent Agenda: Staff recommendations, detailed in Agenda Items #17 - #21, organized for Board of Education block approval. APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Education adopts the Consent Agenda as presented:

• Re-approval of 2006 COP Refunding Parameters Resolution, Series 2015

• Appointment of Board of Education Treasurer • Appointment of Board of Education Secretary and Assistant

Secretary • Board of Education Resolution Regarding Notice of Meetings of the

Board of Education • Personnel Changes

ORIGINAL – Motion Member Reynolds moved, Member Geddes seconded ‘that the Board of Education adopts the Consent Agenda as presented:

• Re-approval of 2006 COP Refunding Parameters Resolution, Series 2015

• Appointment of Board of Education Treasurer • Appointment of Board of Education Secretary and Assistant

Secretary • Board of Education Resolution Regarding Notice of Meetings of the

Board of Education • Personnel Changes’

Geddes, aye; Larsen, aye; Reynolds, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 0. The motion carried 5-0. 17. Parameters Resolution for Refunding 2006 Certificates of Participation, Series 2015

• Attachment #1: Final Resolution • Attachment #2: Black lined Resolution

We are requesting that you approve a revised Parameters Resolution for the 2006 Certificates of Participation (COP) Refunding to be transacted in February 2015. This revised Parameters Resolution requires a 2% minimum NPV savings as opposed to the original 3% NPV savings requirement. Over the past two months, RBC has updated their financial analysis for this refunding to reflect the most current tax-exempt rates. These rates continue to fluctuate and the results of RBC’s analyses have estimated savings of 3% up to 3.35% - values that are very close to the 3% minimum NPV savings. Even if we do not achieve the 3% NPV savings, we will still realize savings to our District General Fund at the 2% NPV savings. This threshold has been used for many years to ensure that the District maximizes the savings on any potential refunding. As you know, COP and GO Bond interest rates are still at historic lows but they continue to fluctuate daily. Given recent economic information, we are anticipating that interest rates will not stay at these historic lows


for very much longer; therefore, the administration wishes to provide the Board with as much flexibility as possible to take advantage of this low interest rate environment. We believe it to be unlikely that we will realize another future opportunity for any savings associated with refunding these certificates. Again, remember that Certificate of Participation Lease Payments are paid through a transfer from the District’s General Fund so will result in operating dollar savings – unlike GO (General Obligation) bond refunding in which savings realized through refunding directly decrease taxpayer liabilities. We would like to take advantage of any opportunity to save any amount of operating budget dollars in the future. Given this information, we are requesting that you approve a parameters resolution that mandates a minimum 2% NPV savings providing greater flexibility for the financing team to complete this transaction in a manner that is most favorable to DCSD. APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommend to approve. 18. Appointment of Board of Education Treasurer APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Education appoints Chief Financial Officer Bonnie Betz as Board of Education Treasurer. 19. Appointment of Board of Education Secretary and Assistant Secretary APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Education appoint Nona Eichelberger as Board of Education Secretary and Paula Teel as Board of Education Assistant Secretary. 20. Board of Education Resolution Regarding Notice of Meetings of the Board of Education

• Attachment #1: Resolution A resolution is presented for approval designating the public place where the Board will post notice to the public of the date, time, place and agenda items of board meetings as required by State statute. APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Education approves the Resolution regarding Notice of Meetings of the Board of Education under Consent Agenda as presented. 21. Personnel Changes

• Attachment #1: Certified CON Bd List January 20, 2015 • Attachment #2: Certified PUB Bd List January 20, 2015 • Attachment #3: Classified CON Bd List January 20, 2015 • Attachment #4: Classified PUB Bd List January 20, 2015

APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Education approves the Personnel Changes as presented. President Larsen asked if there was any objection to moving Agenda Item #23 Resolution of the Board of Education of Douglas County School District Authorizing Submission for a Waiver from PARCC Assessments to follow Agenda Item #24. Hearing none, the item was moved for Board discussion at a later time in the agenda.


Action Items

(no presentation; request for Board action) 22. Revised FY 2014-2015 Financial Plan and Budget and Revised FY 2014-2015 Budget Resolutions

• Attachment #1: FY 14-15 Revised Use of Beginning Fund Balance • Attachment #2: FY 14-15 Revised Budget Resolution • Attachment #3: FY 14-15 Revised Appropriation Resolution • Attachment #4: FY 14-15 Revised Financial Plan and Budget Summary

Revised budgets include: a) Audited beginning fund balance b) October 2014 pupil count revisions c) Budget of carry over d) Revised interfund transfers APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Approve revised FY 2014-2015 Financial Plan and Budget and FY 2014-2015 Budget Resolutions. AMENDED – Motion Member Larsen moved, Member Geddes seconded that the Board of Education approves the revised FY 2014-2015 Financial Plan and Budget and FY 2014-2015 Budget Resolutions with a modification on the FY 14-15 Revised Use of Beginning Fund Balance resolution to the purpose statement under the Fund Capital Projects to read “Intentional draw-down of accumulated FB for capital expenditures.” Geddes, aye; Larsen, aye; Reynolds, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 0. The motion carried 5-0.

Study/Action Items (presentation; request for Board action)

24. The eDCSD: Colorado Cyber School and HOPE Online Learning Academy elementary and HOPE Online Academy middle school are submitting their Unified Improvement Plans (UIP) for Board of Education consideration and approval.

• Attachment #1: eDCSD: Colorado Cyber School UIP • Attachment #2: eDCSD: Colorado Cyber School PowerPoiont • Attachment #3: HOPE Online Learning Academy Elementary UIP • Attachment #4: HOPE Online Learning Academy Middle UIP • Attachment #5: HOPE Online Learning Academy PowerPoint

Both of these schools are in year five of turnaround status. APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Education accepts the UIPs as presented for eDCSD Colorado Cyber School and the HOPE elementary and HOPE middle school as presented Dr. Fagen acknowledged Dr. Steven Cook, Assistant Superintendent Secondary, for introductions. Dr. Cook introduced Kristy Hart, Sohne Van Selus, and Becky Barnes for a presentation on eDCSD’s UIP and their action plan for moving forward. Board discussion followed. AMENDED – Motion


Member Reynolds moved, Member Silverthorn seconded that the Board of Education accepts the eDCSD Colorado Cyber School UIP as presented. Geddes, aye; Larsen, aye; Reynolds, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 0. The motion carried 5-0. Legal Counsel Rob Ross introduced Heather O’Mara, CEO of Hope Online Learning Academy Co-Op, for an update on Hope’s UIP. Ms. O’Mara acknowledged Center Director and Hope SAC Leader Joe Trujillo. Board discussion followed. AMENDED – Motion Member Reynolds moved, Member Silverthorn seconded that the Board of Education accepts the HOPE Online Learning Academy Elementary and Middle school UIPs as presented. Geddes, aye; Larsen, aye; Reynolds, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 0. The motion carried 5-0. 23. Resolution of the Board of Education of Douglas County School District Authorizing Submission for a Waiver from PARCC Assessments

• Attachment #1: Document APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Education adopts the resolution authorizing submission for a waiver from PARCC assessments President Larsen read the resolution as proposed. WHEREAS, Colorado is a local control state, where local school boards are constitutionally granted broad discretion in setting curriculum and standards for their students, and taking appropriate measures based on students’ level of achievement toward those standards; and WHEREAS, Douglas County School District has used that broad local control to pursue world-class education innovations and the most rigorous academic standards – innovations and standards that will prepare its students for the demands of the 21st Century workplace and global economy; and WHEREAS, the Douglas County School Board desires to honor the concerns heard from its students, teachers, parents, and community regarding the negative effects of reducing instruction time in order to conduct additional state assessments, and regarding the unnecessary costs of administering such additional state assessments; and WHEREAS, the Douglas County School Board and District leadership has actively advocated for and advanced legislation (HB14-1202) which would provide school districts in Colorado an option to be fully accountable for creating quality, local assessments that measure what matters most for its students, report those results to the community, and recognize a parent’s right to exempt their students from the statewide standardized tests without risk of a penalty to the student, teacher, school or district; and WHEREAS, the Colorado State Board of Education passed a Resolution at its meeting on January 8, 2015 allowing local school


boards to seek waivers from some assessments, related to the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness in College and Career (PARCC); NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Douglas County School District Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent or her designee to apply for waivers from the mandates of state PARCC assessments to the extent such waivers are made available by the State Board of Education, if such waivers are deemed to be in the best interests of the students of Douglas County School District. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board directs the Superintendent to work with district staff and school principals to develop two plans of action, one to be carried out if the waiver request is granted and a contingency plan to be carried out if the waiver request is not granted. Board discussion followed. AMENDED – Motion Member Larsen moved, Member Reynolds seconded that the Board of Education adopts the resolution. Geddes, aye; Larsen, aye; Reynolds, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 0. The motion carried 5-0. 25. General Public Comment The Board has set aside two distinct opportunities for public comment: during consideration of action (consent/action/study) agenda items, and at the end of the meeting for general issues. During the action portion of the meeting, members of the public may address the Board of Education on any item on the meeting’s decision agenda. Speakers must complete a Public Comment form online and submit it electronically to the Board of Education secretary prior to 3 p.m. on the day of a regularly scheduled Board meeting. Groups representing a consistent viewpoint are encouraged to select one spokesperson to address the Board. At the time the Board is considering an agenda item, the presiding member will take public comment. Each person will have three minutes to speak. This is the Board’s opportunity to hear from students, parents, and other stakeholders for input on matters being taken up for study or decision. We value the input from the community and may incorporate the comment into the discussion of the item. The Board may or may not choose to ask questions of those providing comment on the action item. General Public Comment on topics relating to the operations of schools and not on the agenda will be taken at the end of the meeting. Each person will have one minute to speak. This is the Board’s opportunity to hear from students, parents and other stakeholders for deliberation on future meeting agendas. The Board and Staff may or may not choose to address any point or issue raised during General Public Comment, as they deem appropriate. We encourage those commenting to also provide their thoughts in written form submitted to the Board Secretary, so that the item may be better understood for future consideration.


At the next Board Meeting an account will given for all outstanding General Public Comments. This will give the current status of those items, which could include being placed on a current or future meeting agenda, being referred to the district staff for study, or the board declining to take the matter further. As an additional reminder, only those persons whom the Chair calls upon to speak during Public Comment may speak, and they may do so strictly during the time they are allotted at the podium. Other members of the audience are not permitted to speak at any time during the Board’s meeting, including during Public Comment, during any remarks or comments made by the Board or Staff, or at any other time before adjournment. In addition, public outbursts, applause, hissing, booing, or expressions of support or disapproval of any speaker’s comments are strictly forbidden. Failure to adhere to this important policy promoting the decorum, good conduct, and good order of the Board’s meeting will result in the immediate conclusion of Public Comment. If necessary, those who do not comply will be asked to leave. The Chair appreciates your cooperation, understanding, and compliance. Thank you. APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: Community input that can help the District meet the challenge of becoming the best school system possible is always welcome. President Larsen invited the following community member(s) to address the Board of Education.

• Gary Colley of Parker and representing the Community Accountability Committee for DCSD addressed the Board on the operation of the Douglas County School District schools. Mr. Colley commented on the comprehensive survey to validate where the community stands on various issues and asked why the RFP was not awarded.

In response to the question regarding the postponement of the community survey, President Larsen offered that the consensus of the Board is to continue gathering information in a thoughtful, thorough, intentional manner and look at the timetable to determine how that is going to happen.

• Brandi Butticaz of Castle Rock addressed the Board of Education on several student retention concerns at Academy Charter School. Ms. Butticaz believes the ACS administrators and Governing Board members are not fulfilling their fiduciary duties as school leaders pertaining to school policies, Colorado State Law and Federal Laws. Ms. Butticaz highlighted several incidents to support her concerns.

Legal Counsel Ross and the Choice Programming Department have been communicating with Ms. Butticaz and are arranging to facilitate a meeting with a group of parents and the ACS Board president to work through some of the issues. 26. Adjournment


APPROVED AS TO FORM BY THE SUPERINTENDENT RECOMMENDATION: That the Board of Education adjourns the meeting. ORIGINAL – Motion Member Geddes moved, Member Reynolds seconded ‘that the Board of Education adjourns the meeting.’ Geddes, aye; Larsen, aye; Reynolds, aye; Richardson, aye; Silverthorn, aye. Upon a roll call vote being taken, the vote was: Aye: 5 Nay: 0. The motion carried 5-0. There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:04 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2015. These minutes summarize the final decisions made by the Board of Education at the referenced meeting. View the meeting via live stream by accessing the following link: http://new.livestream.com/accounts/142979. Supporting document(s) attached to agenda items may be viewed by accessing the following link: http://eboard.dcsdk12.org/

___________________________ Kevin P. Larsen President

ATTEST ___________________________ Nona Eichelberger

Secretary

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