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Board of Education Work Session Recap October 24th, 2018

News from Sheridan School District No. 2

Contact: Mark Stevens [email protected]

303-495-8699 (mobile) • 720-328-5488 (office)

 

News Release

Oct. 24, 2018

Board of Education Work Session Recap 

 

The Sheridan Board of Education held in an informal work session on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at SOAR Academy. The following is a brief recap of the topics discussed.

Alice Terry Elementary School—Learning Walk 

Earlier in the day Tuesday (Oct. 23), three of the five board members toured Alice Terry Elementary School as part of its regular series of “Learning Walks” to see schools and classrooms in action. Superintendent Pat Sandos and other staff members also joined the tour, which was led by Alice Terry Elementary School principal Diego Romero and assistant principal Jennifer Webster. 

At the work session, Board of Education president Bernadette Saleh said she was appreciative of the chance to see classrooms and also for the post-tour conversation. “I came away with different observations than a teacher would,” she said, noting that school administrators are looking for different things than a non-educator.  Board member Karla Najera said she left the school feeling “hopeful” and thanked the school’s leadership for being honest about the academic challenges ahead.  Board member Daniel Stange said he observed some “really good engagement” between teachers and students.

Also Tuesday, a non-profit organization called Wish for Wheels donated 70 bicycles, one for each second-grade student at Alice Terry Elementary.  Superintendent Pat Sandos, who helped with the event, said students were thrilled to receive a free bike.  Romero told the board that the non-profit plans to make the donation an annual event.

Mill Levy Ballot Proposal

Superintendent Sandos said the district is sending out factual information to the community about Proposal 4B, Sheridan school district’s mill levy ballot proposal on the Nov. 6 ballot, along with information about Amendment 73, a statewide ballot initiative regarding school funding.

The $3 million ballot proposal specifically for Sheridan schools would: 

•      Improve safety and security infrastructure and operations to be able to maintain safer buildings for students and staff;

•      Repair leaking roofs and other district facilities and provide general maintenance in school buildings;

•      Improve and upgrade technology infrastructure and operations in schools to support 21st Century learning opportunities and achievement for Sheridan students; and

•      Make salaries and wages of district personnel competitive with those of other school districts in the metropolitan area.

District staff estimates that raising the additional $3 million would increase taxes on a home with an assessed valuation of $200,000 by $15.44 per month and taxes on a home with an assessed valuation of $300,000 by $23.16 per month.  (Assessed valuations are not market prices.) 

According to the county’s election website, about 7 percent of voters have already cast ballots. 

Sheridan staff is planning for a variety of scenarios should the mill levy request pass or fail. That planning is complicated by the fact that Amendment 73, if approved, would also affect the school district’s income. It’s possible that both proposals pass, both fail, and that only one of the two proposals will be approved. Whatever the outcome, said Superintendent Sandos, the staff will be prepared with options for the board to consider the district’s financial planning after Election Day.

October Count

Sheridan School District 2 is serving 1,256 students this school year—virtually the same as the

2017-2018 school year. Last year, the count was 1,252.  While enrollment at Alice Terry Elementary School is down, the student count is up at Fort Logan Northgate School and the Early Childhood Center is completely full.  

 

Transportation Lawsuit

Sheridan School District is one of six Colorado school districts and two associations fighting to stop a new law that would make it possible for school districts to provide transportation across school district boundaries to any student in the state. A hearing was held on Oct. 5, Superintendent Sandos told the board, and the judge indicated he would issue a written decision within 30 days.   

CASB Conference

Sheridan board members are planning to attend the annual Colorado Association of School Boards conference in Colorado Springs. Board members this week discussed their schedule and logistical details regarding the conference. 

About Sheridan School District 2

Located southwest of Denver, Sheridan School District 2 seeks high-level post-secondary options for all students through continuous improvement of quality instruction. More:

www.ssd2.org