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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.



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In compliance with Titles VI & VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008, and Colorado law, the Douglas County School District RE-1 does not unlawfully discriminate against otherwise qualified students, employees, applicants for employment, or members of the public on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, religion, ancestry, or need for special education services. Discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on age, genetic information, and conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth is also prohibited in accordance with state and/or federal law. Complaint procedures have been established for students, parents, employees, and members of the public. The School District's Compliance Officer and Title IX Coordinator to address complaints alleging sexual harassment under Title IX is Aaron Henderson, 620 Wilcox Street, Castle Rock, Colorado, [email protected], 303-387-0127.

Outside Agencies

Complaints regarding violations of Title VI, (race, national origin), Title IX (sex, gender), Section 504/ADA (handicap or disability), may be filed directly with the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, 1244 North Speer Blvd., Suite 310, Denver, CO 80204. Complaints regarding violations of Title VII (employment) and the ADEA (prohibiting age discrimination in employment) may be filed directly with the Federal Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 303 E. 17th Ave., Suite 510, Denver, CO 80202, or the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, 1560 Broadway, Suite 1050, Denver, CO 80202.

NOTICE OF DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION RECORDS

Special Education records which have been collected by Douglas County School District related to the identification, evaluation, educational placement, or the provision of special education in the district, must be maintained under state and federal laws for the period of five (5) years after special education services have ended for the student. Special education services end when the student is no longer eligible for services, graduates, or completes his/her educational program at age 21, or moves from the district. This notification is to inform parents/guardians and former students of Douglas County School District's intent to destroy the special education records of students who exited special education services as of June 30, 2016. These records will be destroyed in accordance with state law unless the parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student notifies the school district otherwise. After five years, the records are no longer useful to the district, but may be useful to the parent/guardian or former student in applying for social security benefits, rehabilitation services, college entrance, etc. The parent/guardian or eligible (adult) student may request a copy of the records by requesting the records at this link ( Douglas County School District Transcripts and Records Requests ).