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Across the Board
March 7, 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 at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/WTBbYWrwCc4?feature=share.
The following are some highlights from the meeting.
DCSD Spotlight
Last month, DCSD’s Activities and Athletics department along with The Foundation for Douglas County Schools hosted our annual Girls and Women in Sports luncheon. During that event, we honored many of our middle school and high school athletes. We had a former WNBA player (and DCSD alum), as well as a 9News sports anchor, speak during the event. We are incredibly thankful to everyone who came together to help us honor these amazing girls. Here is a quick recap video of the Girls and Women in Sports Luncheon.
Superintendent Updates
Superintendent Kane provided a variety of updates, including:
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DCSD hosted the Colorado Education Recruiting Fair at its Legacy Campus on Saturday, March 4. Approximately 400 job seekers attended and DCSD interviewed over 100 candidates at its table.
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During the April 24 staff Professional Development day, Superintendent Kane will present the State of DCSD and funding challenges to licensed staff across the school district (at nine separate feeder meetings). She will present the information to non-licensed staff on April 25.
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DCSD is working with a consultant as it prepares to potentially place a Mill Levy Override and Bond on the ballot in 2023. The consultant will be conducting polling, focus groups, facilitated discussions, as well as helping DCSD frame its messaging.
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Superintendent Kane, along with Board members, has received many emails of appreciation from teachers and staff in response to compensation increases that were announced for the 2023-2024 school year.
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Last week, many DCSD schools participated in reading events for Read for America.
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The South Metro Denver Chamber of Commerce visited and toured the DCSD Legacy Campus.
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The Mountain Vista High School Boys’ Basketball team will play in the final four championships this Friday.
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The spring sports season is kicking off.
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The state DECA conference took place last weekend with many DCSD students participating in the event.
Superintendent Monitoring Report, End #2 - Outstanding Educators and Staff
Superintendent Kane presented the monitoring report for Board End #2 - Outstanding Educators and Staff. The Board will take action on whether to approve the report, as is, at its regular meeting on March 28.
Click here to view the presentation slides
Legislative Updates
DCSD’s Lobbyist Jason Hopfer provided updates on legislation being considered at the State Capitol that could impact public education. Click here to view the presentation slides
Accountability Update
Superintendent Kane shared an Education Accountability Proposal created in collaboration with the Denver Area School Superintendent Committee (DASSC). The Denver Area School Superintendent Council wholeheartedly supports a redesigned accountability system that: 1) Accurately and comprehensively measures and advances students’ learning and progress; 2) Does not result in bias towards any student demographic; 3) Utilizes timely data that is actionable; and 4) Holds school districts, schools, and educators to a high level of expectation. Click here to view the presentation slides.
District Transportation Update
Superintendent Kane and Chief Operations Officer Rich Cosgrove provided an update on DCSD bus transportation. Transportation has been a “pain point” for families as DCSD navigates challenges, most notably the driver shortage that is affecting school districts across the country. We encourage our community to take some time to watch the update to the Board as it provides a lot of background information about the transportation challenges DCSD is facing, what DCSD has done so far to try to alleviate these challenges and the school district’s next steps.
Board Engagement Reflections and Planning
The Board reflected on its recent engagement events with students and teachers and discussed planning for future engagement opportunities. Click here to view the Board’s DCSD Community Connections Plan.
Adjournment
At 8:43 p.m., a motion to adjourn the regular meeting and enter into executive session passed 7-0. 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 the following: the status of threatened claims asserted by the District’s former superintendent, Corey Wise.
Upcoming Meetings
The next regular meeting of the DCSD Board of Education is scheduled for Tuesday, March 28. 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.