Key Communique

A charter school focusing on the arts has received initial approval by the Jeffco Public Schools Board of Education.

The Mountain Phoenix Community School, proposed for a yet to be determined site in Coal Creek Canyon, is a K-8 experiential and arts based charter school. Organizers say the school's planned curriculum combines Waldorf, Montessori, the United Nations Multicultural, Country Day School models and public school models. The Board of Education approved the application, which calls for an initial student population of 44, at its November 2, 2006 business meeting.

The school plans to begin operations, for a term of three years, by Fall 2007. As part of the approval process, organizers of the school must meet a series of contract requirements by January 25, 2007.
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Recently, the Jefferson County Board of Education held six meetings to gather input from the community. The theme for the meetings was, “What Does Your Child Need to be Successful in School?” Meetings were held at Shaffer, Patterson, Zerger, Wilmot, Russell and Kyffin elementary schools. Community members shared their thoughts and ideas about many subjects. Some of the main themes were:

District Resources: Parents wanted to know what the district is doing about decreasing funding. Board members explained about the Budgeting for Results process and that budget cuts will need to be made again this year. The audience also wanted information about construction at various schools.

Choices for Students After Graduation: Board members addressed questions about what type of curriculum the district offers that gives students the most choices for their future. People expressed strong support for art, music, career development and electives programs as well as strong academics. Our community strongly supports the Warren Tech programs and would like to see Warren Tech expand.

Special Needs Students: There were discussions about meeting the needs of students who have special learning needs. Parents of Autistic children, children with learning difficulties and parents of gifted children all emphasized the value of teacher training.

Security and Safety: There were discussions on safety and security concerns in the wake of the Platte Canyon and the Pennsylvania shootings. Parents wanted to know what the district is doing to make sure children are safe.

Curriculum: There were questions regarding what the district is doing to improve student achievement and some specific questions regarding curriculum. Staff members addressed questions and assured parents the district has a “well rounded” curricula.

Absence policy: Some teachers attended the meetings and expressed their concern about the change to the district's absence policy. Policy JH and Regulation JH-R were changed this year to allow students to make up work following an unexcused absence, including an unexcused absence due to suspension, with the goal of providing the student an opportunity to keep up with the class, and as an incentive to attend school. Students who complete the required makeup work within the required timelines receive academic credit earned for the work with a lower grade.
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Budgeting for Results outcomes included in 2006-2007 budget

During the 2005-06 school year, the district embarked upon a new budget development process to ensure that the 2006-07 operating budget better supports the commitment to student achievement. The process, called Budgeting for Results (BFR), was an intensive year-long activity involving staff, community members, the Board of Education and consultants.

These stakeholder groups examined existing financial resources, defined the desired results for student achievement, developed 12 strategies for achieving those results, designated funds to be used for implementing the strategies and gathered ideas and proposals from schools and departments for special funding. The proposals were then prioritized by all stakeholders, including the community.

In June, the Board of Education passed the district's 2006-07 budget, which includes a detailed explanation of the BFR process, the district's planned income and expenses.
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The Board of Education holds study/dialogue sessions (Seminar Room, 4th floor) and business meetings (Board Room, 5th floor) at the Educational Services Center, 1829 Denver West Drive, Bldg #27, Golden, unless otherwise noted.