Chris Garcia

The meeting commenced with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of reflection regarding an employee's spouse undergoing cancer treatment. The board addressed agenda items, including approving the minutes from the June 27, 2017, and July 31, 2017 meetings. The agenda was amended to remove recognitions and celebrations and to add a board action concerning the approval of a settlement claim related to the sprinkler system at Adam City High School. Key discussions involved audience comments regarding the non-renewal of a teacher and subsequent plans to meet with various therapy and social work staff concerning their employment status. The Superintendent provided updates, highlighting a successful 'Student Back to School Kickoff' event aimed at improving attendance, where services like physicals, immunizations, and backpacks were provided to approximately one thousand attendees. The Superintendent also reported on a coaches orientation emphasizing teamwork, student attendance, and academic performance, and detailed the district's turnaround and innovation plans, confirming the selection of an external partnership pathway with Beyond Textbooks for ninth and tenth grades. Furthermore, leadership introduced numerous new and reassigned school administrators.

The primary discussion revolved around the need to enter into an executive session. The motion to convene executive session was made pursuant to CRS 24-6-402 (for receiving legal advice on specific matters) and CRS 24-6-402 / n 4 / ng (consideration of documents protected in settlement negotiation). After initial discussion regarding the required majority for convening an executive session (majority of present members versus majority of board members), the motion failed due to a lack of sufficient votes (two out of three present voted in favor), and thus the executive session was not convened at that time. A subsequent clarification confirmed that a majority of present members was sufficient to convene the session.

The meeting commenced with the pledge of allegiance and roll call. Key discussion items included the approval of the previous minutes from February 14th, 2017, and the agenda. Significant time was devoted to recognitions and celebrations, specifically honoring Mayor's Award winners and Students of the Month from Lester Arnold, who spoke about their academic achievements, wrestling success, and positive experiences at Lester Arnold, especially regarding support for balancing schoolwork with extracurricular activities. The Superintendent's report highlighted accomplishments from Hansen Elementary School, including student presentations at the Colorado Ko Cave Association conference, artwork display at the Denver Art Museum, and participation in Girls on the Run, which reportedly improved students' communication and self-esteem. The Hansen Elementary team also detailed their Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, based on the CARES acronym (Cooperation, Assertiveness, Responsibility, Empathy, Self-Control), including reward systems and upcoming assemblies focusing on cooperation and empathy. Furthermore, fifth-grade students presented on their leadership initiatives, such as managing morning announcements in English and Spanish, organizing a Hansen Hawk Talent Show, designing posters for the winter concert, and fundraising for their continuation. There was also a procedural discussion regarding the need to formally open and close the hearing for facility naming (specifically the swimming pool), which was ultimately bypassed due to no speakers being present.

The meeting began with the Board convening into an Executive Session for the purpose of receiving legal advice concerning specific matters, citing CRS 24-6-402(4)(b). Following the executive session, the regular meeting was called to order. Key discussions included recognitions and celebrations, specifically highlighting interns from Metro University supporting students at DuPont Elementary through the mental health referral team and social skills work. The agenda approval process involved considering item 5.3 separately. The main business involved the approval of the 2020-2021 student calendars, which was a topic of considerable discussion, particularly regarding the number of half-day releases and the need for associated childcare support, with the committee's recommended option being approved. Further agenda items covered communications regarding financial sponsorships for community events, specifically the Five Thousand Dollar donation for the 14er Fest Annual Gala and discussing the sponsorship level for the Kids First Health Care Biz Bash. Finally, the Board addressed school and committee assignments, including confirming assignments for various foundations and authorities.

The meeting featured recognition segments and discussions regarding the Superintendent's report. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to presentations by student representatives and coaches concerning the adjustments made to the Homecoming week schedule, specifically moving the football game from Saturday to Thursday to prioritize student-athlete rest and safety over tradition, aiming to reduce the risk of concussions. The Superintendent presented a three-year trend analysis illustrating significant progress in school performance ratings, noting that no schools were rated at the lowest level ('red') in 2018, with several schools achieving the highest level ('green'). The board's future goals were discussed, focusing on achieving higher performance metrics for all schools, increased student and staff attendance rates, and the implications of the upcoming state review panel evaluation which will determine the district's turnaround status.