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RE-1 approves contract for Career Academies of America

New statewide online charter school will be based in Huerfano County, focus will be on career pathways with initial focus on health, manufacturing and technology

by Dan Harper

GARDNER — After a number of presentations at board meetings, meetings with the administrative staff, and a session on the budget and the contract, the RE-1 Board of Education voted unanimously to approve a contract for Career Academies of America. (CAA), is an online multi-district charter school with Huerfano RE-1 as its authorizing district. The school’s initial focus will be on graduating students with industry credentialed certification in health, manufacturing and technology.

CAA will also offer options for enrolled students to participate in the pathways offered by its other charter schools, such as in science, technology, and the arts.

RE-1 will receive 5% of the per pupil funding (PPF) for each student signing up for CAA. Students from across Colorado will be able to enroll. The emphasis will be on grades 9-12, but grades 6-8 may be considered. Credit recovery, vocational education, concurrent college enrollment, and adult education will also be part of the education outreach described by Dana Lambert, CEO of the Summit Education Group, the entity responsible for the charter school application. The program is different from most online schools in that it provides one-on-one life coaches for each student. For more information on CAA, check with the district office.

Teacher appreciation week

The board meeting was held at Gardner School with dinner provided for the board, staff and guests. As part of Teacher Appreciation Week, a number of staff were recognized for their good works, Excellence in Education, and contributions to the success of Gardner School. Heather Gonzales, Stella Garcia Sanchez and Laura Colgan were honored. Then, in a surprise turn of the tables, Gardner Principal Pam Levie was honored for all the hard work and support she gives the staff. Two members of the Destination Imagination team, Jesslyn Trujillo presented a slide show of the recent State Competition.

Helping to fund parks

Intern for the City of Walsenburg David Wise came once more to ask the board for a contribution to the Civic League Park project. After discussions about financial issues, providing different opportunities for our students, and concerns over public opinion, the board reached a compromise. Instead of providing the requested $2,500, the board authorized $1,250 from funds and the money raised by the Pennies for Parks fundraiser. Schools will be starting the fundraiser on Monday. The Huerfano RE-1 Schools Foundation will be helping as well.

New high school English teacher

JMHS Principal Gunny Pagnotta introduced the school’s new English teacher, Lisa Lane. Lane is from Denver where she is teaching at John F. Kennedy High School. The board approved hiring her later on in the meeting.

San Isabel Electric donates for new sound and media system

Pagnotta also spoke of a donation by San Isabel Electric Association. General Manager Reg Rudolph and Chief Financial Officer Ryan Elarton informed Pagnotta of the generous financial contribution that will allow for a new sound and media upgrade for the high school. Finally, Pagnotta was honored with a standing ovation by the Board and audience for his exceptional work over the last two years at John Mall. This came moments after the Board accepted his resignation with deep regrets and best wishes for the future.

PERA 110-140 process clarified for custodian position

A confusing discussion concerning PERA occurred when custodian Julian Martinez asked for a 140 day contract for the upcoming 2018-19 school year. Martinez’ contract at this point is for 110 days, which he plans to complete by the end of June 2018. His hope had been to start the new 140 contract in July, however, that is not permissible under PERA rules.

At the heart of the confusion is the fact that PERA operates on a January to January calendar, while the school district’s year is from July to June. Under PERA rules, Martinez is not allowed to start a new 140 contract until January 2019, because he is currently under contract for 2018 on a 110.  The most the district could do for him, was to approve converting his current 110 to a 140, allowing him an additional 30 days to work in 2018.

Martinez may apply for a 140 in November/December of 2018, with work to begin in January 2019. However, this would leave the district without a full time custodian from mid-August through December. The district will most likely need to find a full-time custodian for this time period, so it is very possible Martinez will be tasked with using part of his additional 30 work days to train a new custodian by August 22.

Superintendent Mike Moore explained it is unrealistic to hire someone for five months pending Martinez’s possible return in January and then release the new employee.

Goals for the super, goals for the board

The board set two goals for Moore. The first, to improve the school climate and culture. The objective is to ensure an environment for staff, teachers, students and families that is welcoming, and provides a safe and secure place for learning to blossom. The second concerns instructional practice, to bring about the best practices for the district and student success. Both of these goals align with the Unified Improvement Plan (UIP) the district must provide to the state each year.

Board goals were narrowed down to one broad reaching goal; a five year plan. As director Jaye Sudar pointed out, it has been over 10 years since the district worked on a strategic plan. She remarked the previous attempt was a long drawn out process ending up in a report that never made it to the board for approval.

President Sherry Gomez suggested that an action plan be ready within 90 days for Moore’s goals for implementation for the 2018-19 school year.  The board will use academic year 2018-2019 to prepare its fie year plan.

Washington Underground’s progress report and room request

Cindy Campbell, representing Washington Underground gave an update on the LED lighting survey. She stated the bulbs would cost approximately $6700. Campbell is awaiting estimates on labor for the project.

The issue of building security was brought up by district office staff present. People walking into rooms randomly and interrupting meetings has become an issue. It was recommended that people using Washington Underground should be considerate of the district offices and BOCES, which occupy the first floor.

Campbell and personal trainer Michael Reynolds had requested the use of an additional room at Washington School. The board tabled the request until more information can be gathered. Gomez requested all board members visit with Reynolds and see what rooms are still available, in order to better understand the request and vision for the additional space.

In other business

Sudar shared a letter from the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) concerning a possible change in graduation standards by the state board of education. The proposed change was that all high school students must pass the United States Citizenship Test. Sudar explained CASB’s stance, which is the requirement of a 100 out of 100 score on the test is unrealistic, and exceeds the state board’s statutory authority, violates the local control clause in the state constitution, and contradicts the the purpose of the Colorado Graduation Guidelines.

The board approved the hiring of Risa Byall as a second grade teacher at Peakview.

Cement plant concerns

Building inspector suggests a negotiated move out of Northlands to site near prison WALSENBURG — The Walsenburg City Council convened a special meeting Friday, March

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