News Release
September 20, 2006
Denver Public Schools And Denver Classroom Teachers Association Issue Beacon Schools RFP
Denver Public Schools and the Denver Classroom Teachers Association jointly released a Request for Proposal (RFP) for Beacon Schools. In Beacon Schools, teachers and principals will make a deliberate choice to work together to establish coherent and consistent instructional practice that leads to high academic performance for all students. The concept was agreed to in the 2006-2007 contract negotiation.
The Beacon Schools RFP is available immediately at http://bsi.dpsk12.org.
"This is a new concept that Denver Public Schools has developed to allow the best ideas of our employees to emerge," said DPS Superintendent Michael Bennet. "By giving teachers and faculty a chance to develop programs focusing on high expectations, we're letting their experience and knowledge set new standards for school excellence. We welcome innovative ideas for the Beacon Schools program and will select only the best plans for implementation. In the end, thousands of students will benefit from this partnership through higher academic standards and increased educational opportunities."
"The Beacon Schools initiative is an amazing opportunity for teachers, administrators and community to think creatively about transforming our schools," said DCTA President Kim Ursetta. "Our teachers are excited about the opportunity to reform schools based on their knowledge of students and best practices" she continued.
SELECTION PROCESS
Each year, Beacon Schools will be selected through a uniform process that will include submission of a letter of intent, executive summary and comprehensive proposal. Each proposal will be reviewed by an advisory committee, which will include district staff, members of the Association, and community representatives. The advisory committee will advance recommendations to the Board of Education for final approval.
In order to facilitate parent choice and effective school operation, the process will be completed prior to the parent choice process and the budget and staffing cycle.
TIMELINE (2006-2007 SCHOOL YEAR)
- September 20: District issues request for proposal (RFP) for Beacon Schools.
- September 25: District will host an information session regarding Beacon Schools at 5:00 p.m. at Manual High School located at 1700 East 28th Avenue.
- September 29: Letters of Intent due to the District by 4:00 pm.
- October 13: Executive Summaries due back to the District by 4:00 pm.
- November 21: Formal proposals due back to the District by 4:00 pm.
- January 11: Advisory Committee recommendations presented to the Board of Education.
- January 18: Public Comment at Board of Education meeting regarding Beacon School proposals.
- January 25: Board of Education makes final decision on Beacon School Proposals.
For more information regarding Beacon Schools and the RFP process, please visit http://bsi.dpsk12.org or contact Nan Baumbusch at 720-423-3101. For all press inquiries, please contact Alejandra Garza, DPS Communications Director, at (720) 423-3305.