July 16, 2012 at 5:30 PM - Work Session and Regular Meeting of the Board of Education

Discussion:  The Burger Bash will be on August 8 at at the high school. The welcome back meeting will begin at 10 a.m. with the burger bash starting around 11:30 a.m. Dr. Loeffelholz encouraged all to attend and help with the Burger Bash.

Discussion:  The board retreat will be on July 26 beginning at 4 p.m. and will cover the strategic plan and new buildings.

Discussion:  Mark Brown and a number of CHS coaches provided information about The Discoverer Way. Eight core attributes are involved and roles are assigned to all involved. The overall goal of The Discoverer Way is to prove every student a solid foundation of character. Loeffelholz, Curry, Dostal, and Goss responded to the presenters, reinforcing points of the presentation.

Discussion:  CHS Principal Steve Woodside presented the board with a flag that was carried in the cockpit of his son’s F-15E Strike Eagle on missions over Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The flag was sent by Air Force Captain Darren Woodside, who flew an F-15E Strike Eagle, while a member of the 48th Flying Wing at Lakenheath AFB, England from 2009-11 (CHS Class of 2001).

Discussion:  The board went into executive session to discuss real estate and personnel.

Discussion:  The Board reconvened at 7:00 p.m.

Discussion:  Hearing on Board Policy 504.18, Regulation 504.18R1, and Exhibit 504.18E1 was opened at 7:00 p.m. Hearing closed at 7:01 p.m. No one spoke at the Special Hearing.

Discussion:  Mike Goos read the Mission Statement.

Discussion:  None

Discussion:  Substitute Teacher Compensation will increase 3%.

Discussion:  The revenue is at 96.5 percent, which is about where it should be; but there are other reimbursements waiting to be received. The expenditures summary is also typical of what a district should see being at 81 percent.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said the big changes are the district is now required to educate students and staff on acceptable use and is also required to filter and monitor usage. Social networking has also been added.

Discussion:  Executive Director of Technology/Operations Leonard Kwapnioski said the Trane contract was reduced by almost $60,000 overall but $20,000 was put back into an agreement with CMl.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said groups must get approval a year in advance for trips. Students will raise the funds for the trip.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz said the biggest part is the kindergarten assessment. He said this is the first year kids must be five by August 1 to attend kindergarten. Students who turn five on or after August 1 can request to take an assessment. He said the other changes involve early withdraw. He said parents must file a signed notarized release form with the Commission of Education and an exit interview must be conducted. He said at this exit interview, the parents must present evidence that they are the legal guardians of the child.

Discussion:  The biggest change is it is now 5 approved or unapproved absences per quarter based on an hourly equivalency. He said if a student is absent because of a school activity this doesn’t count against him or her. Dr. Loeffelholz said a principal can excuse a child for a doctor’s appointment, but there must be documentation from the doctor’s office. Dr. Loeffelholz said the idea is to be proactive and try to keep kids in school.

Discussion:  There were two companies, Home Real Estate and ReMax Real Estate Services, that submitted items. He said 50 percent of the score was based on the fee, 30 percent based on experience and qualifications and 20 percent based on marketing. He said ReMax had more of a plan in place and asked for a 4 percent commission.

Discussion:  Dr. Loeffelholz reported on the portables that most of the painting is done, ramps will be finished this week, and power will be connected in the near future. Carpets are being cleaned and will be reattached to the floors. Handrails will be installed next week. CMS options are still under investigation. Additional calculations will be attached to the downtown site. Community listening meetings will be scheduled to share factual information and gather public comment. The focus for 12-13 will be team, collaboration, and trust. These will be emphasized in the opening convocation. Dr. Loeffelholz also discussed administrative team meetings. A PLC conference was held in Denver recently. Comments from participants were received by the board. Thirty-one attended this year, board member Theresa Seipel included. Dr. Romshek indicated those in attendance expressed greater understanding after hearing from the professionals in PLC's. Teams are stronger than individuals, we need to continue to use data, and we need to work on our culture as it is an area we can directly impact. Seipel reported that she hoped the groups' enthusiasm would carry over into the new school year. She asked other board members to support PLC in the CPS. Doug Kluth addressed the power of having staff members be involved in this initiative. Mike Mattos, one of the summer presenters, will be doing training at CPS in September. Loeffelholz indicated this would be a continuing improvement action plan in upcoming years. Robert Hausman reported that even though attendance at national conferences is costly, the ability to hear the experts is powerful for CPS staff. Kwapnioski commented on the auditorium improvements and how much better the stage and other areas look. Lighting and sound upgrades will begin next week. The foundation will provide significant funding toward improvements.

Discussion:  Mr. Curry liked the Discoverer Way presentation.

Discussion:  No Executive Session held.