• Teacher negotiations begin
• Support Colorado Schools
• January Construction Fact Sheet
• Board of Education meetings

Kim Christiansen
News Anchor
Arvada West High School alumnus

The Bright Stars program recognizes Jeffco Public Schools' graduates who have gone on to distinguished careers or have accomplished a significant achieve- ment. If you have a Bright Star you would like to nominate please e-mail us.

District ready to negotiate new teacher contract

Beginning the week of January 22, 2007 Jeffco Public Schools will begin negotiations on a new four-year contract with the Jefferson County Education Association (JCEA). With an agreement, the new contract will guarantee teacher salaries and benefits until 2011.

Joining the district's negotiating team will be nationally-known labor expert, Steve Cabot. He is, the chairman of the Cabot Institute for Labor Relations, Inc., and is one of the country's foremost experts on Interest-based bargaining (IBB). Interest-based bargaining is a non-traditional approach that enables negotiators to become joint problem-solvers. Labor experts consider IBB as a “win-win” strategy with one side reaching out to the other in an effort to partner together to find solutions. It is hoped the successful strategies of IBB will result in an early and successful agreement with the JCEA.

While JCEA has not agreed to use IBB, the district's team is optimistic the discussions will produce an agreement that results in a continued great working environment for more than 5,000 Jeffco Public Schools' teachers.
What additional information do you need to share this news?

The Jefferson Foundation is promoting a broader awareness for public education and raising program funds by capitalizing on a novelty item – vanity license plates. Vanity plates have been a popular way to individualize a vehicle and support worthy causes.

The Support Education plate can only be purchased with the certificate provided through the Support Colorado Schools Web site. The total cost of the plate is $45 of which $20 is donated to the designated education foundation via the Web site. The certificate is taken to the driver's local DMV office and after paying the administrative fee of $25 directly to the DMV, the driver receives their plate.

A TV awareness campaign, called "Who's Driving Public Education?" is launching this month. The 30-second spot features sportscaster and Jefferson Foundation supporter, Reggie Rivers.

For more information call or e-mail Anton Delgado at 303-982-2212.

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.