Board News
September 16, 2005
Citizens Committee On Bond Expenditures Reports Projects Delivered On Time, On Budget; Three Charter School Applicants Present Proposals
The Citizens Committee on Bond Expenditures yesterday commended the Department of Facility Management for meeting the goals of the ongoing $310 million bond and highlighted the extraordinary numbers of construction projects completed this summer on time and within budget.
The district also received kudos for involving diverse business companies in service, supply and general contracting awards.
The committee recommended that the district formally adopt procedures for allocating $4.8 million of bond money that is designated to finance capital improvements associated with school revitalization efforts.
Another recommendation of note was that the district set aside an estimated $4.1 million in principal and interest - the total amount that could remain after all projects are completed - to allow for possible inflationary costs and to ensure expenses are aligned with the district's strategic plan, being drafted by Superintendent Michael Bennet and the leadership team.
Charter School Proposals
Also at this week's Board meeting, three applicants with ideas for charter schools presented their plans to the Board of Education this week - CP Charter School, Global Village Academy and West Denver Preparatory Charter School.
The District School Improvement and Accountability Council will deliver its recommendations on the three charter proposals at the Board of Education meeting on Thursday, Oct. 20. The Board is scheduled to vote on the proposals Thursday, Nov. 3.
A brief summary of the three proposals:
- The CP Charter School's mission is to facilitate optimal individual academic achievement and character development through a rigorous, content-rich, inclusive learning environment. This school would open on the former Lowry Air Force Base near 8th Ave. and Yosemite St. and involve a close partnership with Cerebral Palsy of Colorado.
- Global Village Academy would provide a K-8 American international school offering immersion world language streams in Mandarin, Spanish, Farsi or Russian. The school seeks to prepare students to meet the challenges of a complex social, global and economic future by delivering a rigorous educational program built on the academic programs of the International Baccalaureate Organization. The organizers are requesting to use the Rosedale Elementary School building, which was closed to regular district enrollment beginning with the current school year.
- West Denver Preparatory Charter School's mission is to prepare students in grades six through eight for educational success from middle school through college. To be located in the Westwood neighborhood, the school would open for 100 students in sixth grade next school year and expand to serve nearly 300 students over the following two years. The school would provide a demanding education of high standards, structure and accountability.
Board Notes
In other action this week, the Board of Education approved:
- A $947,000 Carl D. Perkins Grant from the state of Colorado through the Colorado Community College System to increase academic rigor, link secondary and post-secondary programs, prepare students for in-demand occupations and invest in effective, high-quality local programs.
- An agreement with the Children's Museum for the use of Children's Museum Drive and the future school site in the central Platte Valley.
- Revisions to Policy JKA, Student Restraint, describing when and under what circumstances employees my restrain students.
For More Information
Links to comprehensive reports about highlights featured in this edition of Board News are listed following the meeting agenda items at this link: http://board.dpsk12.org/meetings/agenda_archives/9-15-05/agenda.shtml.
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