Español | русский | 中文
Across the Board
September 12, 2023
Study Session
The Study Session of the DCSD Board of Education was called to order at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was broadcast live through the DCSDK12 YouTube Channel and on Comcast Channel 54 (also recorded and archived here).
The following are some highlights from the meeting.
DCSD Spotlight
The Board recognized DCSD’s School Resource Officers who have received the National School Resource Officer Practitioner (NASRO) designation. SROs from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Castle Rock Police Department, and Parker Police Department were recognized. In order to receive the NASRO designation, SROs must 1) serve as an SRO for a minimum of three years; 2) complete a NASRO-approved 40-hour Basic School Resource Officer training course; 3) complete a NASRO-approved 24-hour Advanced SRO or Supervisors and Management training course; 4) complete an additional 160 hours of specialized police in-service training; and 5) attend at least one NASRO Safety Conference.
Superintendent Updates
Superintendent Kane provided a number of updates including:
-
September is Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month. DCSD teaches Signs of Suicide in 7th, 9th and 11th grades. This is a suicide prevention program for students. DCSD believes that suicide prevention is about educating everyone about what to do if they’re worried about themselves or a friend. DCSD teaches warning signs of depression and suicide and how to have conversations about it.
-
The Board and staff held a moment of silence in honor of 9/11 / Patriot Day.
-
The Continental League Super Summit took place on August 26 at Chaparral High School. This student event explored the challenges and opportunities facing students in today's world and provided practical strategies for success, featuring dynamic speakers and engaging workshops.
-
DCSD is offering its staff access to wellness screenings and events, including optional flu shot clinics at worksites.
-
Superintendent Kane gave a shoutout to DCSD high schools and students to enjoy upcoming homecoming festivities.
-
The Foundation for Douglas County Schools is hosting its annual Building the Dream Gala on Friday, September 29 at the Legacy Campus. Learn more. >>
-
The Douglas County Youth Initiative is hosting its annual Youth Congress event on October 3. Many DCSD high school students have already signed up to participate.
-
One-time staff retention stipends will be paid in the September 20 payroll. This is for DCSD’s regular full-time, part-time, and 110 employees who were hired on by June 30, 2023 (or earlier) and were still with the school district as of August 31, 2023. The Board approved the payment of retention stipends using vacancy savings from unfilled job positions in the 2022-2023 school year.
-
Superintendent Kane attended the Student Advisory Group meeting on September 11, to talk about how public schools are funded in Colorado. Many students were in attendance and they were very engaged.
-
The Partnership for Douglas County Governments CEO Event took place at Cherokee Ranch on September 7th. DCSD appreciated being invited to participate.
-
DCSD Nutrition Services has served 200% more student lunches this year and 400% more student breakfasts. DCSD has provided 26,000 employee meals since the beginning of the school year. Employee lunches are being provided at no cost.
-
PSAT testing will take place the First week of October.
-
DCSD’s first professional development day of the year is Friday, September 22.
-
Hispanic Heritage month begins September 15. Conexión, in partnership with DCSD, will be hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Sept 19th at Legacy Campus from 6:00-7:30 p.m. The event will feature a band (generously donated), dancing, food, activities, and parent speakers. The Conexión board will introduce themselves and invite other parents to join the group. Click here to RSVP. >>
Student Safety Updates
Deputy Superintendent Danelle Hiatt and Assistant Superintendent Danny Winsor led an update on the system of supports that are in place in DCSD schools to ensure a safe environment, address bullying and support the behavioral, social and emotional needs of students. Click here to view the presentation slides.
Turnover and Hiring Data
Chief Human Resources Officer Amanda Thompson provided an overview of DCSD Turnover and Hiring Data. Click here to view the presentation slides.
Monitoring Reports and Superintendent Goals
Superintendent Kane presented proposed Superintendent goals and monitoring reports for the 2023-2024 school year. Click here to view the presentation slides.
2023 End of Year iReady Data
Learning Services Officer Matt Reynolds presented 2023 end-of-year i-Ready Data. Click here to view the presentation slides. iReady assessments are administered three times a year. DCSD students showed growth in Math and Reading across all grade levels and all bands. DCSD is performing above national norms.
Board of Education Engagement Plan Update
Director Meek and Director Williams provided an update on the Board of Education’s engagement plan. The DCSD Community Connection Plan was introduced last year as a way to engage in two-way dialogue with the community. The overall goal of the plan is to meet with representative groups of different stakeholders. This three-year perpetual plan that will continue to evolve. Click here to view the current version of the plan.
Board of Education Mission and Vision Discussion
The Board discussed potential revisions to the DCSD Mission and Vision as discussed previously in a Board retreat. The Board also discussed next steps in obtaining community feedback on the proposed edits. The Board will also consider creating a Policy AD to include the mission and vision. Draft proposed revisions will be sent out to the community with the goal of receiving feedback early December 2023.
Adjournment
At 10:23 p.m. a motion to adjourn the regular meeting and enter into Executive Session passed 6-1. The purpose of the executive session was to hold conference with the District's attorney(s) to receive legal advice on specific legal questions, pursuant to C.R.S. § 24-6-402(4)(b), regarding pending litigation, specifically Marshall v. Douglas County Board of Education et al., pending in District Court, Douglas County (Case No. 2022-cv-30071).
Upcoming Meetings
The next regular meeting of the DCSD Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, September 26 at 5:00 p.m. The meeting will take place at the DCSD administration building, 620 Wilcox Street in Castle Rock, and will be available to view on the DCSDK12 YouTube Channel and will be broadcast on Comcast Channel 54.