Agenda for the 5.14.08 meeting of the Eagle County School Board

EAGLE COUNTY, Colorado — Check the web extras on the right for a downloadable version of the 5.14.08 meeting agenda for the Eagle County Board of Education.





BOARD OF EDUCATION
AGENDA
May 14, 2008


BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Scott Green, President
Mrs. Connie Kincaid-Strahan, Vice-President
Mr. Brian Nolan, Secretary/Treasurer
Mr. Andy Arnold
Mr. Jason Benderly
Mrs. Carrie Benway
Mrs. Jeanne McQueeney

John D. Pacheco, Interim Superintendent
Page 1 of 2 051408BDAGN





P.O. BOX 740 • EAGLE, COLORADO 81631 • 970.328-6321 FAX 970.328.1024


John Pacheco
Interim Superintendent

N O T I C E OF M E E T I N G

Eagle County School District RE 50J
BOARD OF EDUCATION
At District Office, 757 E. Third Street, Eagle

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Regular Session Begins @ 6:00 P.M.
Estimated Time: 3.25 hours

A. General Functions
Call to Order.

05-14-1 Work Session. (3:00 – 5:00 P.M.)
1. Presentation of 3rd Grade CSAP Results.

05-14-2 Executive Session. (5:00 – 6:00 P.M.)
• Personnel.

05-14-3 Regular Open Session. (6:00 P.M.)

B. Public Participation of Board Meeting. (5-minute limit, please)
Questions and comments are welcomed at this time. Each person shall normally have five minutes to address the Board
on consent or non-agenda items, but the time can be adjusted at the discretion of the Board or the Board President.
Persons may speak on any agenda item for 3 minutes at the time of the specific agenda item. The Board is not obligated
to respond to items even though the information has been presented by a participant and the Board may also ask for this
item to be placed on a future agenda.

05-14-4 Approval of Consent Agenda Items.* (2 min)
Action. Items of a routine and non-controversial nature are placed on the Consent Agenda to allow the
Board of Education to focus on other items contained in a lengthy agenda. An item may be
“removed” from the Consent Agenda and considered separately by any member of the Board of
Education.
05-14-5* Approval of Agenda.
05-14-6* Approval of Minutes.
05-14-9* Approval of Monitoring Report for Governance Policy EL-10, Communication
and Counsel to the Board.
05-14-11* Approval of 2008-09 School Board Meeting Calendar and Location.
05-14-15* Personnel List.
05-14-16* Approval of Negotiated Agreement.

05-14-5* Approval of Agenda. (Consent)
Action.

05-14-6* Approval of Minutes. (Consent)
Action. Minutes from April 23, 2008 and May 5, 2008 BOE Meetings.

C. Report of Superintendent. (20 min)


D. Board Reports. (15 min)


Page 2 of 2 051408BDAGN

E. Public Interest Items for Discussion.
05-14-7 Approval of BMHS Substance Abuse Policies. (30 min)
Action. (Mike Gass presenting.)
(Attachment 05-14-7)

05-14-8 Early Childhood: Progress and Possibilities. (30 min)
Info. (Heather Eberts presenting.)
(Attachment 05-14-8)

G. Board Policies and Administrative Regulations.
05-14-9* Approval of Monitoring Report for Governance Policy EL-10, (Consent)
Action Communication and Counsel to the Board.
(John Pacheco presenting.)
(Attachment 04-12-19*)

05-14-10 Approval of Monitoring Report for Governance Policy EL-13, (15 min)
Action. Standards Based Education and EL-15, Instructional Materials
Selection and Adoption.
(Mike Gass & Heather Eberts presenting.)
(Attachment 04-12-10)

05-14-11* Approval of 2008-09 School Board Meeting Calendar and Location. (Consent)
Action (John Pacheco presenting.)
(Attachment 04-12-11*)

F. Business and Operations.
05-14-12 Presentation of Preliminary Budget – Public Hearing. (30 min)
Info. (Phil Onofrio presenting.)
(Attachment 05-14-12)

05-14-13 Approval of Additional Projects from 3B Bond Funds. (30 min)
Action. (Phil Onofrio presenting.)
(Attachment 05-14-13)

05-14-14 Approval of Revision to EVHS Summer Construction Calendar (15 min)
Action. (Mike Gass presenting.)
(Attachment 05-14-14)

H. Employee Relations.
05-14-15* Personnel List. (Consent)
Action. (Jason Glass presenting.)
(Attachment 05-14-15*)

05-14-16* Approval of Negotiated Agreement. (Consent)
Action. (John Pacheco presenting.)
(Attachment 05-14-16*)

I. General Administration.
05-14-17 New/Old Business.

J. Discussion Items.
05-14-18 Feedback and Evaluation of Meeting. (5 min)
Info. A. Evaluate Decisions of this BOE Meeting in Terms of Governance Policies.

05-14-19 Input for Next Meeting. (5 min)
Info.

05-14-20 Adjournment.

UPCOMING BOE MEETINGS:
The Work Session of the next regularly scheduled BOE meeting is
Wednesday, May 28, 2008, 3:00 P.M. at District Office in Eagle
Attachment 05-14-1.1


BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDA ITEM



BOARD MEETING OF:` May 14, 2008.

SUBJECT: Presentation of 3rd Grade CSAP Results.

GOVERNANCE POLICY: E-1.

ACTION/INFO: Info.

TIME NEEDED: 30 minutes.

PERTINENT FACTS:

1. The third grade reading CSAP results arrived April 25, 2008.

2. These were released to the BOE on May 1. The press had access to the scores through a press release by Brooke
Skjonsby.

3. This data will be used to assess instructional practices, programs, curriculum, and staff development for the
2008-09 school year. It will also provide diagnostic information for individual third grade students in regard to
reading abilities.

4. Attached is an overview of school, district, and state results.

5. This presentation will provide a detailed review of the data and an opportunity for questions and discussion.





















RECOMMENDATION/
MOTION:

ORIGINATOR: Heather Eberts

APPROVED: DATE:
AGENDA REQUEST
1
3rdGrade CSAP Results
Presented: May 14, 2008
By: Heather Eberts & Mike Gass
All Students
All Students
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
U PP P A
%P and A
Eagle
CO
12%
11%
20%
18%
61% 64%
7% 7%
2
Disaggregation Summary
Raw Data –3rdGrade CSAP
3
English speaking students
School Population Data
4
English language learners who took the
test in English
ELL
0
20
40
60
80
100
NEP LEP FEP
%P and A
17%
55%
88%
Language Background
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
English Spanish
%P and A
80%
45%
5
Lectura
Lectura–Disaggregation summary
6
Gifted Students
Free and Reduced Lunch Data
Free and Reduced
38
4042
44
46
48
50
52
Free Reduced
%P and A
43%
50%
7
Analysis
The district improved over last year’s scores
–68% P&A this year; 63% last year.
AES showed 34% growth over last year.
GAP still exists with F/R lunch students and
ELL students as compared to English
speaking students.
Overall, 68% were P or A, while 81% of
English-speaking students were P or A.
Minutes April 23, 2008, Meeting
Page 1 of 6





P.O. BOX 740 • EAGLE, COLORADO 81631 • 970.328-6321 FAX 970.328.1024




Eagle County School District RE 50J
BOARD OF EDUCATION
AT DISTRICT OFFICE, 757 E. THIRD STREET, EAGLE
Wednesday, April 23, 2008, 5:00 P.M.

MINUTES

Board Members Present Administration Present
Andy Arnold Heather Eberts
Jason Benderly Mike Gass
Carrie Benway Phil Onofrio
Scott Green John Pacheco
Connie Kincaid-Strahan
Jeanne McQueeney
Brian Nolan

Board Members Absent Administration Absent

A quorum was present, and due notice had been published. (All Attachments listed are available for
review at the District Office.)

A. General Functions
The meeting was called to order at 5:00 p.m.

04-23-1 Executive Session.
At 5:01 P.M., Scott Green moved to adjourn into Executive Session pursuant to Section 24-6-402(4)(f) for
the purpose discussing teacher negotiations. John Pacheco, Mike Gass, Phil Onofrio and Jason Glass were
invited to attend. Connie Kincaid-Strahan seconded the motion. All members present voted aye on a roll call
vote to adjourn into Executive Session. (7-0) (Motion carried.)

04-23-2 Regular Open Session.
The meeting was reconvened at 6:13 P.M.

The Board participated in the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. Public Participation at Board Meeting.
There was no public input at this time.

04-23-3 Approval of Consent Agenda Items.*
04-23-4* Approval of Agenda.
04-23-5* Approval of Minutes.
04-23-12* Personnel List.

Scott Green moved to approve the consent agenda. Connie Kincaid-Strahan seconded the motion. All
members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (7-0) (Motion carried.)

04-23-4*
Approval of Agenda.
This Agenda Item was approved under the Consent Agenda.

04-23-5*
Approval of Minutes.
This Agenda Item was approved under the Consent Agenda.
Minutes April 23, 2008, Meeting
Page 2 of 6


C. Report of Superintendent
John Pacheco reported that three Eagle County Charter Academy (ECCA) students recently participated in
the state science fair and did extremely well; Garret Cerny placed 1st in Behavioral and Social Sciences,
Haley Herbert placed 4th in Plant Sciences and Johanna Hayes competed at the state level. These students
presented their projects to the Board.

Mr. Pacheco encouraged the Board to attend the high school graduation ceremonies, which are as follows:
• Red Canyon High School (RCHS): Friday, May 30, 2008; 10:00am; 4 Eagle Ranch in Wolcott.
• Battle Mountain High School (BMHS): Saturday, May 31, 2008; 12:30pm; Ford Amphitheater in Vail.
• Eagle Valley High School (EVHS): Saturday, May 31, 2008; 9:00am; Hot Stuff Stadium in Gypsum.
• New American School (NAS): Saturday, June 14, 2008; 12:00pm; Gypsum Amphitheater in Gypsum.

Mr. Pacheco reported that there will be a ‘Shaping the Future of Eagle County’ group meeting on Monday,
April 28, in the Eagle County Room at the Eagle County Building. This group would like to discuss
housing, county growth, employment and various other topics. This group is bringing in a Colorado State
Demographer who has specifically studied the Eagle County community.

Mr. Pacheco distributed the Eagle County Youth Collaborative (ECYC) agreement/memorandum of
understanding they recently developed. (Attachment C) The ECYS is a partnership of Eagle County youth-
serving organizations who are members of the Eagle River Youth Coalition. The purpose of ECYC is to
decrease the academic achievement gap of students enrolled in Eagle County Schools (ECS). ECYC will
further foster positive youth development in order for Eagle County youth to become successful adults. Mr.
Pacheco informed the Board that they should expect to revisit this on May 28 for approval.

Mr. Pacheco distributed information from the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) outlining the
Comprehensive Appraisal for District Improvement (CADI) process. Mr. Pacheco reported that the CADI
team has been with ECS all week interviewing staff, board members and community members. This group
plans to give a comprehensive presentation on their discoveries.

Mr. Pacheco informed the Board that John Kuglin was recently featured in Ed-Tech Magazine. Mr. Kuglin
has been invited to give presentations at the local, regional and national levels to inform groups about ECS’
technology efforts, which gives a lot of notoriety to this District.

Mr. Pacheco reported that Kristin Ramstad, Director of Early Childhood, has been working with the county
to provide early childhood care in Gypsum, specifically below New America School. The County has
allocated some dollars and has asked the Board to do so as well. Heather Eberts and Mr. Pacheco will bring
this to the Board at the May 14 meeting to show what this process will entail and outline ECS’
responsibilities in supporting this worthwhile effort.

D. Board Reports.
Brian Nolan reported that he would like to form a real estate brain think tank. In addition to Connie
Kincaid-Strahan’s professional wisdom, other big players in the valley are needed to make intelligent and
informed decisions.

Carrie Benway reported that she was surprised to learn that we are not offering any summertime programs
for 3rd graders struggling with reading. As a Board goal of every 4th grader being proficient in reading, this
should certainly be addressed. Scott responded that this should be discussed in new/old business.

E. Public Interest Items for Discussion.
04-23-6
Performance Pay Committee Report.
John Pacheco stated that he is in full support of approve of the Performance Pay Committee Report.

Brian Nolan and Jason Benderly thanked the committee for their endless efforts in examining and
redesigning the current system.

Mr. Benderly read the following aloud for Board approval:
The underlying principles of the committee’s recommendation are as follows:
Minutes April 23, 2008, Meeting
Page 3 of 6

o First, there will be two components to annual compensation: (1) an annual bonus and (2) a
salary adjustment.
o Second, the annual bonus will be based on two components:
• A building measure.
• A District measure.
o Third, the salary adjustment will be based on two components:
• A negotiated district-wide adjustment.
• An individual evaluation adjustment.
For the academic year 2007-08, the following percentages will be applied to these components
based on ECSD finances and the recommendations of the committee:
o Total bonus: 0-4% (District bonus: 0-2%, Building bonus: 0-2%).
o Total salary adjustment: 2-6% (Negotiated: 2%, Individual evaluation: 0-4%).
o We expect that the average bonus will be 2% and the average salary adjustment will be 4%, for
a potential total payout of 6%.
These percentages will be reviewed annually by the Board of Education and adjusted accordingly.

Scott Green stated that if the Board is in agreement, they should approve this report as presented.

In looking at the recommendations, Mr. Benderly stated that he would like to better understand the different
concepts and (in practice) what this could mean for a given academic year. It is his understanding that the
numbers could fluctuate, but the principles and theories will not change. Jason Glass responded that the
performance change will take place this year.

Brian Nolan moved to approve the recommendations of the Performance Pay Committee as presented with
the following conditions:
I. The underlying principles of the committee’s recommendation are as follows:
a. First, there will be two components to annual compensation: (1) an annual bonus and (2) a salary
adjustment.
b. Second, the annual bonus will be based on two components:
i. A building measure.
ii. A District measure.
c. Third, the salary adjustment will be based on two components:
i. A negotiated district-wide adjustment.
ii. An individual evaluation adjustment.
II. For the academic year 2007-08, the following percentages will be applied to these components based on
ECSD finances and the recommendations of the committee:
a. Total bonus: 0-4% (District bonus: 0-2%, Building bonus: 0-2%).
b. Total salary adjustment: 2-6% (Negotiated: 2%, Individual evaluation: 0-4%).
c. We expect that the average bonus will be 2% and the average salary adjustment will be 4%, for a
potential total payout of 6%.
III. These percentages will be reviewed annually by the Board of Education and adjusted accordingly.

Carrie Benway seconded the motion. Jason Benderly, Carrie Benway, Scott Green, Connie Kincaid-Strahan,
Jeanne McQueeney and Brian Nolan voted aye, Andy Arnold voted nay on a roll call vote. (6-1) (Motion
carried.)

04-23-7
DAAC Report.
John Pacheco reported that he has had the pleasure of working with DAAC over the past several months,
which has been comprised of a committed group of staff, parents and community members. This group has
taken the time to work with various schools, and departments and programs within those schools, to develop
questions and recommendations around a variety of topics.

DAAC members Bev Rasmussen, Lori Hixon, Doreen Somers, Deb Sheehy and Jason Pyle presented
recommendations to the Board in four different areas: District-wide, Early Childhood and Elementary
School, Middle and High School and Special Departments.

Scott Green asked if one social worker would be sufficient for the entire district. Mike Gass responded that
it would be ideal to have social workers on both the east and west ends that are bilingual. Brian Nolan
inquired about having a social worker that caters to grades K-6 and a social worker that caters to grades 7-
Minutes April 23, 2008, Meeting
Page 4 of 6

12. Mr. Pacheco replied that a feeder is really important because you are working with the same families.
DAAC reported that, more importantly, you are relieving the staff of these duties. Principals weren’t acting
as educational leaders when focusing on social work.

Mr. Pacheco stated that these are recommendations of DAAC; he was chair of the meetings and answered
questions from the District perspective.

Mr. Green thanked DAAC for their service, preparation and recommendations. He assured this group that
over the course of the last several years, all of the recommendations have been looked at and carefully
considered. Mr. Green then asked the group to state their top 3, non-negotiable items. DAAC replied,
unanimously: Master Teacher FTE, Social Workers and maintaining a focus on teacher retention.

Mr. Nolan asked if this was an annual report to the Board. DAAC replied that it was. Brian asked if there
were some things on the list this year that were also on the list last year and if there was a process in place to
look at each year’s list to determine priorities, those items worth keeping on the list versus removing, etc.
Mr. Pacheco responded that because of the transition in the spring last year, some items were overlooked
and/or not determined as priorities. In looking at last year’s list, there were some items that were attended to
and some that were not and this year’s list is much shorter with more targeted items. Mr. Pacheco stated that
in talking with Principals, their #1 concern is FTE. Mr. Nolan stated that there should be a living and
working document to determine what has been granted, what has not, etc.

Andy Arnold suggested that Phil Onofrio go through the highest priority items and put some dollars to
them. Mr. Arnold also expressed an interest in an on-going progress report on how we are doing with these
items. The Board should think about the budgeting process and the strategic plan, and begin prioritizing
everything.

Mr. Onofrio stated that this year, ECS allocated an additional $75 per pupil per school and the Principals
were given the money and placed in a position to decide what is most needed at their respective schools. Mr.
Pacheco added that Toni Boush decided that Minturn Middle School (MMS), for example, really needed a
counselor. The school community should make these decisions. DAAC also stated that these
recommendations are what the Principals told them they needed.

Scott Green moved to approve the monitoring report for Governance Policy EL12, Commitment to
Accomplishment and Accountability, DAAC End-of-year report. Brian Nolan seconded the motion. All
members present voted aye on a roll call vote. (7-0) (Motion carried.)

04-23-8
BMHS Substance Abuse Task Force
Mike Gass stated that this has been a truly collaborative effort in tackling an increasingly growing problem
in Eagle County. He introduced the task force, which is comprised of ECS staff, parents and community
members; Joe Hoy (Sherriff), Ted Eicholtz (SRO), Brian Hollenbaugh (SRO), Sandy Rose (DA), Jeanne
Hennessey (BMHS Guidance Counselor), Rich Houghton (BMHS Athletic Director), Greg Slosinger, Ellen
Eaton (BMHS parent), Janet DeClarke (BMHS parent), Taylor Bearstow (BMHS student), Kimberly
Roland, Brian Hester (BMHS Principal) and Phillip Qualman (BMHS Assistant Principal) were all present
to address the Board.

Jason Benderly asked how ‘non-school related’ is defined. Brian Hester responded this is primarily when
issues arise outside of school and/or at non-school sponsored functions (ie. law enforcement arrests a
student over the weekend). Brian Hester added that parents have rallied around providing drug- and alcohol-
free homes to help students avoid getting in trouble outside of school (safehomespledge.com).

Andy Arnold asked how this will be introduced to students and was looking for verification that this is in
fact the new policy. Mr. Hester added that the all students are brought together in small groups (typically
during homeroom) to explain expectations and policy changes and this information has been effectively
distributed during parent/teacher conferences, PTA meetings and booster club meetings. Mr. Hester said that
if these recommendations are approved by the Board, BMHS staff would like to communicate this with
parents and students before summer.

Connie Kincaid-Strahan asked how they are looking to engage those students not involved in extra-
curricular activities (25% of the total BMHS population). Mr. Nolan replied that this is where the voluntary
Minutes April 23, 2008, Meeting
Page 5 of 6

drug-testing would come into play and hopes to provide incentives to and empower those not involved in
extra-curricular activities that will take this pledge by offering scholarship opportunities and
recommendations on college applications. Clearly this is a work in progress and will definitely take time to
evolve.

Jeanne expressed concern regarding lack of clarification on the policies around infractions and asked if one
policy may be different at one school versus another. Mr. Gass responded that there is more accurate and
representative data at BMHS than any other school, and that the recommendations of this group were very
much supported.

Janet DeClarke stated that parents and students can receive the proper support, knowledge and education
through current program modifications the task force is recommending. This is not a class or a course;
parents can learn strategies to work with their children in order for these to be successful interventions,
whether it entails dealing with an issue internally or referring students to counselors and/or moral support
groups in the community.

The BMHS Substance Abuse Task Force was encouraged to move forward with policy changes, pending
legal advice and financial implications.

Connie Kincaid-Strahan left the meeting at 9:00pm.

F. Business and Operations.
04-23-9
Urban Land Institute Presentation.
John Nichols, along with two gentlemen from the Urban Land Institute, addressed the Board regarding an
interest in developing a long-range plan for ECS and Eagle-Vail Metro District to work together in
identifying how both groups can leverage current and future assets, specifically the 14 1⁄2 acres adjacent to
Eagle-Vail.

Through the ULI study, ECS and Eagle-Vail Metro District can continue to work together and entertain
future discussions regarding current land share uses. The group is requesting ECS help with 1/3 of the cost
of the study, which comes in at right around $40,000. Brian Nolan asked if this can come out of the current
BMHS fund, to which Phil responded ‘yes.’ The group responded that interviews will be June 2 and 3.

04-23-10
Budget Recommendations.
Phil Onofrio presented the preliminary budget to the Board. Brian Nolan asked when the final budget was
going to be adopted, to which Mr. Onofrio responded sometime in June. (Attachment 04-23-10)

On the ‘General Fund’ page, Mr. Nolan inquired about transfers. Mr. Onofrio stated that transferring money
from one fund to another is not an actual expense. If we over-spend in one account and under-spend in
another, it nets out.

Scott Green asked if there was a list of requests that is on-going, to which Mr. Onofrio responded that yes
there is.

Andy Arnold inquired how the Board could support these expenses with the priorities outlined in the
strategic plan. Mr. Onofrio responded that the culture has improved dramatically by allowing principals to
determine their needs and priorities at the individual school level.

G. Board Policies and Administrative Regulations.
04-23-11*
Appointment of Board Members to the Partnership for Education
Scott Green stated that The Partnership for Education is currently comprised of 2 county members and 1
Berry Creek Metro District member and acts as a design review policy council for the development of the
Berry Creek and Miller Ranch areas. Mr. Green stated that he will follow up with the county to see what
they are thinking and what exactly they are wanting in terms of ECS commitment.

H. Employee Relations.
04-23-12*
Minutes April 23, 2008, Meeting
Page 6 of 6

Personnel List.
This Agenda Item was approved under the Consent Agenda.

I. General Administration.
04-23-13
New/Old Business.
Carrie Benway reiterated that at-risk intervention is a necessity in moving forward.

John Pacheco stated that the Board will go over the bond project numbers at the May 5 meeting. The Board
should consider making a decision at the May 14 meeting.

On May 1, the Board will be given a tour of the county (courtesy of Mike Gass) to take a look at all of the
projects going on as a result of the 3B bond. The Board will be given the list of the unallocated projects on
that date. The tour bus will leave the BCMS parking lot at 9:00am.

Scott Green stated that FCI is struggling with electrical contractors on the EVHS project.

Jeanne McQuenney stated that all decisions the Board makes in reference to current and future projects
should be made in consideration of the strategic plan. She asked about the baseline report, to which Mike
Gass responded that this should be sometime in May.

John Pacheco stated that the Board will take action on the Eagle County Youth Collaborative Agreement
Memorandum of Understanding at the May 28 meeting.

J. Discussion Items.
04-23-14
Feedback and Evaluation of Meeting.

04-23-15
Input for Next Meeting.
There was no additional input.

04-23-16
Adjournment.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:07 p.m.


______________________________
Scott Green, ECSD Board President

______________________________
Brian Nolan, Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Education

______________________________
Tiffany Myers, Administrative Assistant
Minutes May 5, 2008, Meeting
Page 1 of 2





P.O. BOX 740 • EAGLE, COLORADO 81631 • 970.328-6321 FAX 970.328.1024




Eagle County School District RE 50J
BOARD OF EDUCATION
AT DISTRICT OFFICE, 757 E. THIRD STREET, EAGLE
Wednesday, May 5, 2008, 12:00 P.M.

MINUTES

Board Members Present Administration Present
Jason Benderly Heather Eberts
Carrie Benway Mike Gass
Scott Green Phil Onofrio
Connie Kincaid-Strahan John Pacheco
Jeanne McQueeney
Brian Nolan

Board Members Absent Administration Absent
Andy Arnold

A quorum was present, and due notice had been published. (All Attachments listed are available for
review at the District Office.)

General Functions
The meeting was called to order at 12:04 p.m.

The Board stated that they needed an Executive Session prior to the discussion of additional projects.

Executive Session.
At 5:04 P.M., Scott Green moved to adjourn into Executive Session pursuant to Section 24-6-402(4)(b) for
the purpose of consultation with legal counsel. John Pacheco and Phil Onofrio were invited to attend.
Connie Kincaid-Strahan seconded the motion. All members present voted aye on a roll call vote to adjourn
into Executive Session. (6-0) (Motion carried.)

1. Discussion of Additional Projects for Consideration from 3B Bond Funds.
Scott Green reviewed the funds available and the additional projects being considered that were included in
the Board packet. Mr. Green also reviewed the current projects underway and the budgets for those projects
(Attachment 1).

Brian Nolan stated the ECSD is working toward completing not just the eight components of the body but
an additional ninth component with Red Canyon High School.

Scott Green stated that there is approximately $2million for the Charter Academy however they will be
approximately $750,000 short on the funds needed for their project and that some can be allocated now and
then some in the fall. Brian Nolan responded that he felt that the all the funds need to be allocated now and
not some now and some later as the Charter Academy will still need to fund raise approximately $400,000.

Phil Onofrio stated that if what Mr. Green has stated is done then the contingency that is released first is will
go toward the Charter Academy. Mr. Nolan stated that he would rather they list be reprioritized and the
Charter be moved up on the list and all of the funds allocated be approved next week.

The Board discussed the prioritization of projects on the list contained in the Board packet.

Connie Kincaid-Strahan asked that the white boards be added to the list in the amount of $95,200.
Minutes May 5, 2008, Meeting
Page 2 of 2

Brian Nolan asked for a one sheet that prioritizes the list of projects and be easier to read for the Board and
community and add the white Board and put the Charter Academy at the top in the amount of $2,750,000
and phase the other projects as appropriate.

Jeanne McQueeney asked if the Board was comfortable in raising the amount from $2 million to
$2,750,000. Brian Nolan stated that the school cannot raise $1.2 million and raising them to the $2.75
million would help make the fundraising efforts more attainable.

Scott Green recommended that the Board provide Phil with a document outlining the four phases of the
projects with dollar amounts and priorities assigned to each. Phase 1 should be BMHS stadium, elevators,
white boards and EVHS design fees; Phase 2 would be ECCA ($2,750,000); Phase 3 would be remaining
EVHS sports items, woodshop and locker rooms; Phase 4 is everything remaining under the list.

This item will be brought back before the Board for approval on May 14, 2008.

2. Adjournment.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:55p.m.


______________________________
Scott Green, ECSD Board President

______________________________
Brian Nolan, Secretary/Treasurer of the Board of Education

______________________________
Tiffany Myers, Administrative Assistant
Attachment 05-14-7


BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDA ITEM



BOARD MEETING OF:` May 14, 2008.

SUBJECT: Approval of BMHS Substance Abuse Policies.

GOVERNANCE POLICY: E-3.

ACTION/INFO: Action

TIME NEEDED: 30 min

PERTINENT FACTS:

1. Attached are the requested clarifications from the BMHS Drug Task Force.

2. The group will present revisions and clarify any additional points for the BOE or the audience.

3. This presentation is the work of a year long task force focusing on improving the supports for parents and
students.

4. BMHS is requesting funding for this position. The BOE may need to consider the financial impact to other
schools that have needs as well of equal importance.























RECOMMENDATION/
MOTION: Move to approve the policy change for BMHS extra curricular drug testing as
presented.

ORIGINATOR: Mike Gass

APPROVED: DATE:
AGENDA REQUEST
Battle Mountain High School Substance Abuse Task Force Recommendation

The Battle Mountain High School Substance Abuse Task Force requests Board approval
for the following:

1. Addendum #11 to the ECS Policy JICH – Drug and Alcohol Use by Students (see
“Policy Recommendation”)
2. Budget support for Student Assistance Program and Testing to total $65,000.

Per the Board’s April 23 feedback, the following information is provided:

Final legal review of policy and protocol
Substance abuse student data for BMHS vs. EVHS.
Revised substance abuse policy for BMHS
Random drug testing protocol for BMHS – text and graphic





Policy Recommendation

JICH – Drug and Alcohol Use by Students

See...

Education, Prevention Regulations (page 2), item #4
“Members of each school staff will be encouraged to become resources to students to
students and/or parents in the area of drug/alcohol education.”

The Student Assistance Program is an example of this policy statement.

Intervention
“Any intervention regulations must allow the school principal the discretionary authority
to make decisions that are necessary to manage a safe, healthy, and productive school
environment. The District staff should be knowledgeable about related laws and due
process rights so that interventions are legal, moral, and provide the opportunity for
student success.”

The Drug Abuse Task Force acted under the authority of this statement.

Intervention Regulations (page 4), item #3a
“...mechanical analysis of the student’s breath (or urine) is a possibility in situations
where the safety of the students is in questions.”

Our drug testing procedures fall under this statement, but urine testing should be added.

Item #10.
“The Eagle County School District encourages the school and community to provide as
many alternatives to students as possible. Among the treatment alternatives that may be
suggested are peer counseling, family counseling, and a specific drug education class that
may be organized using the resources of the community.”

Task Force recommendations incorporate many of the measures listed in this statement

ADD TO THE POLICY
11. School Principals may supplement district drug and alcohol policy if all the
following criteria are met:
a. demonstrate a problem different from other schools
b. follow all legal precedents
c. receive the consent of the Board of Education

Battle Mountain High School Task Force
Proposed Polices & Procedures
As of May 6, 2008 with Legal Counsel Revisions

In School - 1st Offense:


5 day OSS with incentive to return after 3 days with the following:
1) The student will voluntarily submit to an assessment/evaluation. Only
the evaluator’s recommendations are required to be shared.
2) The student will voluntarily enter a course of counseling appropriate to
the findings of the assessment/evaluation. Confidential information
from the evaluation will not be sent to the District. The counselor will
send the school regular confidential reports of the progress of
counseling. The District is interested in regular attendance and good
faith efforts on the part of the student and his/her family.
3) The parent(s)/legal guardian will voluntarily meet with Student
Assistance Program Coordinator for consultation regarding substance
abuse education & resources.

A parent(s)/legal guardian readmit conference will be required to be
considered for return to school after 3 days.
While the parent/guardian consultation and student counseling need not be
completed, a good faith effort to complete the recommended course of
counseling must be demonstrated.
OSS with incentive to return pertains to classes, sports and extracurricular as well.

5) Sports & Activities-20% suspension from sport/activity with carry
over. Plus the following as directed by school administration:
a) Relevant community service
b) Presentation to peers
c) Negative result on a drug test administered by the
school.
d) The student will voluntarily enter a course of
counseling appropriate to the findings of the
assessment/evaluation. Confidential information from
the evaluation will not be sent to the District. The
counselor will send the school regular confidential
reports of the progress of counseling. The District is
interested in regular attendance and good faith efforts
on the part of the student and his/her family.

In School - 2nd Offense:

Recommendation for expulsion


Extracurricular - 1st Offense:

20% suspension from sport/activity with carry over (next activity)
1) Student participant may return to competition upon a negative drug
test.
2) Drug testing for remainder of school year for extracurricular
participation.
3) The student will voluntarily enter a course of counseling with parental
participation appropriate to the findings of the assessment/evaluation.
Confidential information from the evaluation will not be sent to the
District. The counselor will send the school regular confidential
reports of the progress of counseling. The District is interested in
regular attendance and good faith efforts on the part of the student and
his/her family.

Extracurricular – 2nd Offense:

One calendar year suspension from activities to the beginning of the next
season of participation OR student participant may return to competition after
6 months given a negative test and upon completing community service
requirements.

Extracurricular - 3rd Offense:

Removal from all high school athletic/activity programs for the
remainder of his/her high school career.

Note: Extracurricular participants currently under a third violation, may be
reinstated for full eligibility beginning in the Fall of 2008, according to the following:

1) Written appeal to Athletic/Activity Council.
2) Signed agreement to submit to random drug testing
3) Approval of BMHS administration.
4) A negative result on a drug test.
5) Mandatory referral to SAP.

Drug Test
Participant in BMHS athletics or activities Volunteer
Signed consentto drug testNo consent to drug test
6 boys and 6 girls selected randomly
every week
Results
Not shared with Law Enforcement, unless under Diversion or Probation
Not used for Disciplinary Action
Positive Negative
Suspicion of drug use at school or during a school related activity
Drug Test
Results
Negative Positive
5 Day OSS
1st Offense 2nd Offense
Expulsion Recommendation
Voluntary assessment
by SAP
Incentive = 3 Day OSSReferral to SAP
1st Offense
2nd Offense
BMHS DRUG TESTING PROTOCOL
Qualify for Incentives
Scholarships
Certificates of Recognition
Lose 20% of the
season
Lose 6 months participation
3rd Offense
Career eligibility
loss
Request Appeal to
Athletic Council
Referral to SAP
Referral to SAP
Community Service
No Community Service
Re-admit Conference,
with EPP1 year loss of
participation
No Participation
One-TimeStudent Self-Referral
Confidential SAP Assessment
30 day drug test exemption
Mandatory Negative DrugTest, and subsequent
drug testing to participate
Negative
Law Enforcement Referral
In SchoolExtra-Curricular
Battle Mountain High School
Proposed Drug Testing Protocol & Procedure

Statement of Purpose

1) To provide for the health and safety of all students participating in extracurricular activities.
2) To undermine the effects of peer pressure by providing a legitimate reason to refuse illegal
substances.
3) To encourage students who use drugs to participate in drug treatment programs.

Definitions

Drug – any substance considered illegal by Colorado Statute or which is controlled by
the Food and Drug Administration (not to include tobacco for random testing purposes)
Student extracurricular participant - any Battle Mountain High School student, or other local high
school student participating for Battle Mountain High School, in any extracurricular program,
sponsored by the Eagle County Schools.
Extracurricular Program – any program sponsored by Battle Mountain High School and the Eagle
County Schools which does not require attendance in a regular academic course (Band and Pro Start
are not considered extracurricular programs)
Extracurricular Season – the period of extracurricular participation involving sanctioned competition
(i.e.CHSAA) or regular practice, in preparation for school sponsored performance.

Protocol Specifications

Procedures for Extracurricular Participants

Consent: Each student wishing to participate in any extracurricular program and the
student’s custodial parent or guardian shall consent in writing for every
extracurricular activity, every season, to drug testing pursuant to the school’s district-
approved drug testing program. Written consent shall be in writing as part of the
extracurricular consent materials. Students shall not be allowed to participate in any
extracurricular program without such consent.

Student Selection: At the option of the school, extracurricular participants may be randomly drug tested
at any time during the extracurricular season. Selection for random testing will be by
lottery drawing from the “pool” of all extracurricular participants for that season. The
Principal, Athletic Director or his designee(s) shall take all reasonable steps to assure
the integrity, confidentiality and random nature of the selection process, including but
not necessarily limited to, assuring that the person drawing names has no way of
knowingly choosing or failing to choose particular students for the testing, assuring,
that the identity of students drawn for testing is not known to those involved in the
selection process by at least two adults. A student may also be referred for testing by
the athletic department, principal, or a recommendation of a coach if there is a
reasonable suspicion to suspect a violation. A recommended 6 male and 6 female
extracurricular participants will be randomly selected each week.

Sample Collection: Samples may be collected at a mutually convenient time on the same day the
(urine testing) extracurricular participant is selected for testing or, if the participant is absent on that
day, on the day of the participant’s return to school. If a participant is unable to
produce a sample at any particular time, the participant will be allowed to return later
that same day to provide the sample. Male/Female Designated testing with clear
guidelines on authorized personnel to administer tests. Same sex monitors will wait
outside a closed restroom stall for the student to produce a sample and “listen for the
normal sounds of urination in order to guard against tampered specimens and to
insure an accurate chain of custody.” (U.S. Supreme Court in Board of Education of
Independent School District No. 92 of Pottawatomie County v. Earls, 536 US 822 –
(2002))

Prescription Meds: Extracurricular participants who are taking prescription medication may provide a
copy of the prescription or a doctor’s verification in a sealed envelope to school
personnel at the time a sample is collected. That envelope will be forwarded
unopened to the testing lab with the sample, with instructions for the lab to consider
the participant’s use of such medication to assure the accuracy of the result. Such
information provided by the participant will not be disclosed to any school official.
Extracurricular participants who refuse to provide verification and test positive will
be subject to the consequences specified by policy for “positive tests.”

Scope of Tests: The testing lab will be instructed to test for the following drugs: amphetamines,
marijuana, cocaine, opiates, and barbiturates. The Principal, Athletic Director or
designee may test for additional illegal drugs, to begin with the subsequent
extracurricular season; but in no event shall that determination be made after
selection of students for testing. Extracurricular participant samples will not be
screened for the presence of any substances other than an illegal drug or for the
existence of any physical condition other than drug intoxication. THC (Marijuana)
stays in the body a minimum of 30 days, therefore, a student testing positive to a drug
test, whether the student used the drug during the activity season or before starting
the season, will be considered positive, resulting in the appropriate consequences.

Limited Access to Results: The testing lab will be authorized to report results only to the Principal, Athletic
Director, or to such person as the Principal may designate. The test results are to
be secured in confidential files separate from an extracurricular participant’s
other student education records and released to school personnel only on a “need
to know” basis. Test results are not to be shared with law enforcement, unless the
extracurricular participant is under diversion or probation, and are not to be used
for the purpose of imposing school-related disciplinary measures (separate from
Athletic Handbook infractions) or lead to any academic consequences. No other
private/offsite testing/testing will be authorized by BMHS or the District.

Procedures in the Event of a Positive Result: Whenever an extracurricular participant’s test result
indicates the presence of illegal drugs (“positive test”), the
following will occur: 1. The extracurricular participant will
be asked to provide another sample as soon as possible. If
the student refuses to provide another sample, or unduly
delays in providing such sample, the results of the first
sample shall be accepted as accurate. 2. The second sample
will be submitted to the testing lab for testing; 3. If the
second sample tests negative, the student will not be notified
and no further action will be taken. If the second test is
positive, a custodial parent or legal guardian will be notified
and a meeting will be scheduled with the Principal or
Athletic Director, the participant, and the custodial parent or
legal guardian. In addition to imposing the sanctions
appropriately tied to extracurricular participation, the
participant will be referred to the SAP for an appropriate
assessment and recommendation.

Other Related Specifications:

Self Referral: A self referral occurs when a student contacts the Student Assistance Team on their own
behalf, seeking help with a problem including, but not limited to drug/alcohol use. This
contact will be confidential and may result in a thirty day removal or exemption from the
random testing pool. A mandatory drug test will be required at the end of the thirty day
period, to include all consequences for a positive test.


Extracurricular Team/Organization Incentives: Incentives will be provided for extracurricular
organizations whose participants demonstrate 0%
random drug test results.

Voluntary Testing Program: Include voluntary testing for non-extracurricular students: voluntary opt-in
for random testing. Incentives for negative test results for high school career:
positive criterion for scholarship award and/or certificates of recognition.





Attachment 05-14-8


BOARD OF EDUCATION AGENDA ITEM



BOARD MEETING OF:` May 14, 2008.

SUBJECT: Early Childhood: Progress and Possibilities

GOVERNANCE POLICY: E-1 & E-3.

ACTION/INFO: Info

TIME NEEDED: 30 min

PERTINENT FACTS:

1. Eagle County Schools is exploring the opportunity for operating a child care center in Gypsum.

2. Kristin Ramstad has been collaborating with Eagle County Health and Human Services and Bruce
Baumgartner, Eagle County Manager, in this effort.





























RECOMMENDATION/
MOTION:

ORIGINATOR: Heather Eberts

APPROVED: DATE:
AGENDA REQUEST
- 0 -






Early Childhood: Progress and Possibilities!













Kristin Ramstad – Director of Early Childhood


Presented by:
John Pacheco – Interim Superintendent
Heather Eberts – Executive Director of Elementary Education

May 14, 2008





- 1 -

Progress: Early Childhood helping to close the achievement gap

“Irony is discovering that the most cost-effective way to diminish low student
achievement in high school occurs between birth and age five.”
-Lynn Fielding

Early childhood development is influenced by characteristics of the child,
the family, and the community. A young child’s physical health, cognition,
language, and social and emotional development contribute to their school
readiness. Early developmental experiences establish a vital foundation for
children’s academic success, health, and general well-being. Comprehensive
early childhood programs, such as Head Start, are designed to improve the
cognitive and social-emotional performance of preschool children, which, in turn,
influences readiness to learn in the school setting. Low family income and
community poverty lead to racial and ethnic achievement gaps (Anderson et al.,
2003).



Figure 1: Influence of Early Childhood on School Readiness and School Achievement (Anderson et al., 2003).

The ECSD Early Childhood Program provides comprehensive services to
low-income and children “at-risk” for learning difficulties through our Head Start
and Colorado Preschool and Kindergarten Program (CPKP) grants. Services are
- 2 -
provided in blended classrooms with children with special needs and tuition
paying children.
Our ECSD Early Childhood offers a quality educational experience for
children. Our philosophy for working with children is founded on the Creative
Curriculum, a developmentally appropriate approach to working with children
and their families. This approach addresses all the domains of early childhood
(cognitive, language, gross motor, fine motor, and social-emotional) while
valuing the role of play in children’s learning and development.

Creative Curriculum Approach




ECSD’s Early Childhood program’s core curriculum is Read, Play and
Learn! by Toni Linder. Based on research, Read, Play and Learn! is a literacy-
and play-based curriculum designed to help young children build cognitive,
communication and language, social-emotional, sensorimotor, and emerging
literacy skills. This curriculum meets content-area standards for reading, writing,
speaking and listening, science, and mathematics necessary for kindergarten and
elementary school readiness. Read, Play and Learn! was developed with
substantial input from a team of speech-language pathologists, occupational
therapists, and physical therapists to ensure that the curriculum effectively meets
the needs of children with mild to severe disabilities in addition to typically
developing children. Teachers who work in general, inclusive, and special
education classrooms have practical tools for individualizing children’s goals and
instruction, leading to better outcomes for all children.
- 3 -
ECSD data aggregated for the 07-08 CPKP Annual Report demonstrates
the efficacy of our Early Childhood Program. 100% of past CPKP participants
taking the Spring 2007 CSAP Reading assessment in the 3rd grade score
proficient or partially proficient. Of the past CPKP participants taking the 3rd
grade NWEA exam, 76% were proficient and 12% partially proficient.

Operating status of the ECSD Early Childhood Program

For the 2007-08 school year we are operating twelve classrooms in five
sites: Red Sandstone Elementary, Avon Elementary, Edwards Preschool Center,
Brush Creek Elementary and Gypsum Elementary. Approximately 165 children
are currently served through the ECSD Early Childhood program. The program
has four funding streams: Head Start grant ($419,345), CPKP funding ( 1⁄2 PPOR
for 70 slots), Special Education funding ( 1⁄2 PPOR for children identified and
enrolled on October 1) and General Funds/tuition contribution.
An in-depth community assessment, completed for the Head Start
Continuation Grant, indicated that there are an estimated 146 children eligible for
Head Start in Eagle River valley. We currently have 69 Head Start slots leaving
77 children un-served. According to Colorado Department of Education figures,
there are an estimated 178 children eligible for CPKP in ECSD’s service area. We
currently have 70 CPKP clots leaving 93 children un-served. In addition,
according to Preschool Directors, there were over 100 tuition paying students
who were unable to be served in our programs due to CDE and licensing
regulations, which limits the total number of children enrolled daily to 15 or 16
per preschool classroom.

Funding Source Slots Eligible, un-served*
Head Start 69 77
CPKP 70 108
Special Education (must serve all identified children)
Tuition served when there is room 100+
*compiled from various sources as noted above

Eagle County Schools Early Childhood Program Needs

The ECSD Early Childhood Program model, based on best practices, was
designed to serve one-third Special Education students, one-third “at-risk
students (Head Start and CPKP) and one-third tuition-paying students.
Unfortunately the proportions of this model are no longer equal. As our Early
Childhood Special Education population has grown, we have been unable to
serve many tuition-paying students.
For the 08-09 school year, we are moving Edwards Preschool Center into
June Creek Elementary. We will be offering three classrooms at June Creek
which currently meets the needs of the community and the school. Unfortunately
- 4 -
this responsiveness will decrease the number of early childhood classrooms by
one, so will reduce the number of children across the district we will be able to
serve.
Additionally, the west-end programs at Brush Creek and Gypsum are
experiencing even more pressure as the general populations of the communities
of Eagle and Gypsum have swelled. As of May 1, 2008 there are 18 children
qualified to receive special education services at Brush Creek Preschool. At
Gypsum Preschool, 15 children were qualified to receive early childhood special
education services. These four classrooms are at the breaking point to be able
to provide services to children.
The ECSD Early Childhood Program needs more classrooms to
accommodate the increasing early childhood special education (ECSE) numbers,
serve more low-income and at-risk children, and accommodate a balanced
number of tuition-paying students who serve as typical models for both ECSE
and at-risk children.
A barrier to expanding the program is space – especially at the west-end
of the valley. In Eagle, Brush Creek Elementary is nearing capacity and has two
early childhood classrooms. While Eagle Valley Elementary does not have an
early childhood program, there are not any available rooms for use as a
preschool. In Gypsum, we have two classrooms at Gypsum Elementary. Red Hill
Elementary is nearing capacity so there are no available rooms for early
childhood.

Possibilities of the Early Childhood Program

The following chart depicts the number of possible 3 – 5 year olds served
and the revenue that could be generated from having two early childhood
classrooms in each elementary school, with 50 additional CPKP slots.

HS/CPKP new CPKP SN Tuition TOTAL
AES 7 5 10 10 30
BCES 7 5 10 12 32
GES 7 5 10 12 32
JCES 9 5 15 21 48
RSES 7 5 10 10 30
GCC 5 5 8 16 32
MMES 7 5 10 10 30
EES 7 5 10 10 32
EVES 7 5 10 10 32
RHES 7 5 12 10 32
TOTAL 70 50 105 121 326
Revenue $713,000 $209,800 $440,580 $621,875 $1,985,255

- 5 -
The revenue estimates above are based on 07-08 PPOR figures and grant
income. This demonstrates that the Early Childhood program expansion can help
pay for itself through expansion and enrollment of tuition-paying children
program-wide.

Opportunities for expansion in 08-09

Colorado Preschool and Kindergarten Program
ECSD has been presented with two unique opportunities to expand our
Early Childhood program and serve more children in the 2008-09 school year.
The state legislature has proposed to expand the Colorado Preschool and
Kindergarten Program for FY 08-09 by 6,254 slots in the school finance act, a
response to the anticipated change in Kindergarten.
This provides a much needed opportunity to expand our CPKP funding to
more at-risk children. However, we have nowhere to put additional children.
According to our CPKP program administrator, it is proposed that up to half of
the overall expansion funding that a district receives may be used for start up
cost in the first half of the year, providing services in the second half of the year.
Successfully applying for 50 additional CPKP slots would result in $209,800
(based on current PPOR) in added funds.
There are some ideas/possibilities for accommodating these additional
CPKP slots into our program and adding much needed classrooms at the west-
end of the valley and throughout the valley:

EAGLE:
• Portables on the EVES/EVMS/DO campus
• Renovate and use existing Technology office portable

GYPSUM:
• Portables on the RHES/GCMS campus
• Portables on ECSD land adjacent to the RHES/GCMS campus

Ideas for adding Early Childhood classrooms across the valley:
• Expanding 2 classrooms into MMES,
• Putting EC classrooms into middle schools and/or high schools

Gypsum Child Care
The second expansion opportunity is in collaboration with Eagle County
Government. Eagle County has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to operate a
child care center for children aged 6 weeks – 5 years in Gypsum underneath the
New America School. The county holds a 5-year lease for the space and will
sublet it to the operator (including utilities). The county will complete physical
building improvements (with input from the operator), coordinating with state
child care licensing to provide a licensed childcare facility. In addition, Eagle
- 6 -
County will guarantee an agreed upon number of paid child care slots at an
average full time cost of $900 per month/child.
While serving children under the age of three is a new direction for ECSD,
after meeting with the county to further discuss this project, we would like to
respond to this RFP. This project will help meet the critical need for additional
preschool classrooms (2) in Gypsum. It provides an opportunity to support ECSD
student-parents in need of child care to stay in school and is an opportunity to
help meet the child care needs of ECSD employees.
Attached is our recommended proposal and program design to Eagle
County to operate the child care. Also attached is a spreadsheet analyzing the
costs and revenues associated with this project.
This proposal was designed to fit current ECSD early childhood staffing
patterns, pay-scales and meet licensing requirements. Having a certified teacher
as the Infant/Toddler Director would maintain a parallel structure to our
preschool programs, promote quality and allow flexibility in partnering with other
ECSD infant/toddler and child care initiatives. If further initiatives come to
fruition, a cost-sharing position of Infant/Toddler Coordinator is recommended to
ensure that high quality standards are implemented and sustained and to keep
current on licensing requirements and professional development requirements.
We propose to reserve 6 slots to serve children of ECSD students to
support teen parents in staying in school. Additionally, while not offering ECSD
employees reduced cost-child care, we propose to reserve 6 slots for ECSD
employees and to ensure as many ECSD employees that qualify for Colorado
Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) are signed up. The CCAP program pays
market-rate child care costs for qualified persons. The current income
qualification for CCAP in Eagle County is 185% of Federal Poverty Level.
These Gypsum Child Care positions would be under the Early Childhood
Programs umbrella. The Infant/Toddler Director and Preschool Director would
be supervised by the Director of Early Childhood.


Additional Cost of Expansion:
There are some additional costs that must be considered when expanding
the Early Childhood program including support and special education. If
classrooms are put into existing ECSD schools, maintenance, nutrition, office
support and I/T expenses are minimal. If a separate center/facility is opened,
these costs increase.
According to the Director of Special Education, a new center would require
a principal designee to cover initial and triennial IEP meetings (.1 Principal FTE
=$10,000). Additional special education itinerant staff (ie. SLPs, OTs) are
needed: at .5 FTE each (2 staff at .5 FTE or $25,000 = $50,000). The staff
increase is needed because even though there may be a shift in special
education student numbers, there is still a responsibility to meet hours and
meeting time in another location. Generally students have 2 days a week
- 7 -
minimum for service. There may also be an increase in cost for Mt BOCES
services (PT, vision, hearing) that would be incurred.
As a result of these additional costs, we recommend that for the first year
of proposed operation we do not offer early childhood special education services
in these two preschool classrooms. We would re-evaluate this decision after the
first year of operation after analyzing actual cost and opportunities.
Based on anticipated cost of operation and anticipated revenue as a result
of operating the Gypsum Child Care Center, we anticipate operating this center
at a profit.

Anticipated Cost of Operation: $ 522,366
Anticipated Revenue: $ 538,750
Anticipated Net Profit: $ 16,384


Conclusion:

There is a great need to expand the current Early Childhood program and
provide more children opportunities to gain the foundation needed for school
readiness and success. There are two “one-time” opportunities to expand the
program: applying for CPKP additional slots to serve more at-risk early childhood
students, open new classrooms and operating the Gypsum Child Care Center.
These expansion opportunities support Eagle County School District’s Strategic
Plan. While there would be additional incurred cost, the potential revenue
increase in grants and tuition would off-set most, if not all, of the cost.

Recommendations:

1. We recommend that the BOE approve the ECSD Gypsum Child Care
proposal to be submitted to Eagle County to operate the Gypsum
Child Care Center, expanding opportunities for children to
participate in the early childhood program, providing ECSD student-
parents with access to on-site/near site child care and ECSD staff
with additional quality child care opportunities. Due to the added
cost, we further recommend that fo