A Recipe for Disaster

The following letter was posted in the Colorado Springs Gazette. 

 

A recipe for a disaster

District 38 is completing its second year in the experimental reconfiguration of the district; experimental because there are almost no other examples in the U.S. of a single middle school feeding two high schools.

The school board rubber stamped then superintendent Raymond Blanch’s plan to erode the culture of two fine and very distinct middle schools.  

They also chose to unfairly place two relatively inexperienced leaders at the helm for this extremely difficult transition. After a commendable effort, the current principal has decided to resign. 

Middle school can be a very trying time for most adolescents coupled with larger class sizes than ever before at Lewis-Palmer Middle School and an epidemic of bullying on the national level. It is time to bring in a well seasoned and experienced leader with a proven track record for leading a successful middle school. Shockingly, D-38 is posting the principal position for only a two week window, over a time when many schools have their spring breaks and the posting does not even require any experience as a principal. So D-38 could have a totally inexperienced principal answering to an inexperienced superintendent. Sounds like a recipe for disaster.

Stephen Boyd

Larkspur

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/burned-136209-people-suspended.html#ixzz1rDfgHrrv

Top Ten Ways to Become a High-Performing System (Part One)

Hundreds of reforms are introduced into school systems around the country every year in curriculum pedagogy, governance, technology, and so on. Unfortunately, most fail to achieve the substantial improvements in student achievement that their advocates hoped for and, overall, U.S. educational performance has been flat for the past twenty years.

We now know that a number of other countries have gotten a lot better than us, accelerating educational improvement in a short time and on a large scale. Their success in improving hundreds of schools is inspiring. But what exactly has enabled them to raise their game and become global high performers? And are there lessons for U.S. schools?

To see the complete article click here.

Observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Day

The following article was posted on Ourtrilakesnews.com under the Opinions Heading. To see the complete letter, click here.

Since retiring from an administrative position with Lewis-Palmer School District 38, I really haven’t felt the need to question, comment, or discuss in public any actions taken by District 38.

But, after I learned that D-38 was observing MLK Day in the buildings and not releasing students or staff for the day as a holiday I felt it was necessary for me to share my thoughts on that decision.

 

Having been one of those who “built” the calendar for D-38 for several years I know how difficult it is to try to put together a schedule that meets the needs of everyone. However, to exclude MLK Day as a holiday worthy of releasing students and staff is to me a great disservice to the man and his message. I was unable to find any other district on the Front Range that did not release students and staff for this widely-recognized Federal Holiday.

Trust me, I know that few or none would have used the day off to actually travel to Memphis or Washington or Selma. I also know few would have rented films or read books about Dr. King. I am also sure that many teachers and others did an amazing “job” of teaching about Dr. King in the D-38 schools.

Then what is the point of this letter? Great Question! Simply stated … having the day off is not about going to a memorial or reading about Dr. King. It is about honoring a message of equity and equality. Just as Memorial Day is about honoring fallen service men and women. Just as Thanksgiving is about honoring family and giving thanks for all we have. Just as Labor Day honors workers and all they do. Just as President’s Day honors all of our Chief Executives and their service to the United States. Aren’t all or most holidays about honoring and reinforcing a message of some sort?

Dr. King’s Day is also about civil rights and civil liberties. It is about one person becoming the face for many. It is about being able to say that a person of color had a hand in changing this country for the better through a message of peace, love and understanding. It is about a message telling all children that their dreams can become a reality regardless of race, religion, gender, creed or ethnicity. As one minority child has shown, that dream can take you all the way to the Oval Office and become the President of the United States.

MLK Day is about honoring all of those men and women, minority and non-minority who marched, spoke, sang, prayed, wrote and died so that others could have THE DREAM that Dr. King preached about on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial in a city that should and must represent the rights of all. Isn’t that the message that should be sent by having a “day off” for a national holiday honoring Dr. King?

When students have that day off from school to go skiing, shopping, to the movie or just to share some time with a parent, that child might stop and think “in D-38, we don’t just get a day off because of snow, we get a day off to honor a man who dreamed of a better world for his children and the children of others.” I would encourage the district to consider reinstating MLK Day as a released holiday (as it was in the past) and to continue using an outstanding faculty to teach about Dr. King’s message prior to the holiday release date.

Sincerely,

Ted L. Belteau

Monument

D-38 Refinance Under Scrutiny

 

 

 
Lewis-Palmer School District 38’s refinancing of three leases — including the administration building — have come under question. A concerned citizen has asked why it was not taken to the voters. The refinance, which was approved in August 2010 was done as a Certificate of Participation rather than a General Bond Obligation therefore, according to the Colorado Department of Education and D-38, it does not need voter approval. By Lisa Collacott Community Media of Colorado
See Tribune Article Here

Savings For School Districts

Judge Sheila Rappaport ruled Colorado unconstitutional for not providing a “thorough and uniform” school system. Part of the judge’s unconstitutional determination should assess the large administration staffing variances for our 15 El Paso County School Districts. Here is my grassroots solution.

More D-38 opinions in the news – October 2011

As posted on the website for Colorado Springs The Gazette:

On October 23, 2011

Who can comment?

On October 24, 2011

No to four more years of ‘F’


Here’s another local article of interest regarding voting and education from the Tri-Lakes Tribune:

posted October 4, 2011 in the Opinion section

You get the government you deserve

D-38 BoE Candidates Opinion Letters

Here are links to some recent opinion letters published by local newspapers regarding the November 2011 Lewis-Palmer School District Board of Education election:

From The Gazette, Colorado Springs October 21, 2011
Letters: Issues at D-38

From The Tribune, Tri-Lakes October 19, 2011
Signs, signs, everywhere is signs…

Do you have an opinion, too? Submit a comment on the article or submit one here – write a letter, but most importantly, let your voice be heard by voting! Mail in your ballot!

Opinion Letters – week of October 16, 2011

Is the State to Blame for Problems in Lewis-Palmer School District 38?

Lewis-Palmer School District 38 currently has 3 incumbent board members up for re-election.  All three are being challenged by candidates who believe D-38 can do much better managing the district’s finances – putting more money into the classroom without raising taxes.  During the recent candidate forum at Monument Academy, John Mann, the incumbent board president, reiterated his belief that the state’s approach to K-12 funding shortchanges Lewis-Palmer.  Before jumping on this bandwagon, let’s look at the facts:

In the recently-completed 2010-11 school year,
There were 34 school districts in Colorado with enrollments greater than 4000 students.  These 34 districts accounted for 87.1% of all full-time students in the state.
State-provided funds accounted for 63.3% of Total Program Funding in these 34 districts.  But in D-38, state-provided funds accounted for 67.7% of Total Program Funding.  Only 15 districts received more state funding than D-38.

Despite these facts, our current school board continues to blame the state for problems created by local leaders.   Instead of casting blame, let’s follow the advice of the three new candidates and involve all district constituents in finding innovative approaches to fix the problems while maintaining a first class education within state budgetary mandates.

David J. Cloud

Monument

Replace D-38 incumbents

I am writing in support of three candidates running for Lewis-Palmer School District 38, Ken Valdez, Gordon Reichal and Al Maurer. The reason I am supporting all three is simple: They respect you the citizen and your tax dollars.

Since 2006, I have watched D-38 go from over 30 percent reserves, dropping to under 5 percent through 2009.

When the recession hit in 2010 this school board had to cut teachers, increase their classroom size, close a middle school that was truly one of the best in the state, freeze salaries, lose high school class offerings especially in the AP area as well as increase student activity fees. Also, under the current board’s direction they have accrued $225,000 in fines from the Colorado Department of Education due to their inability to understand and follow the regulations.

All the while, this incumbent school board refuses to take responsibility but continues to blame the state, elected representatives as well as their community for their funding failures.

District 38 voters need to understand that the incumbents are wanting you to put them back in office to continue their irresponsible management of your tax dollars. Valdez, Reichal and Maurer will stop this type of unsustainable cut-and-restore mentality.

Angela Dougan

Colorado Springs

D-38 Needs New Leadership

At recent D38 Board Candidate forums, the incumbents showed again how out of touch they are using their tired rhetoric about how they kept the budget cuts far from the classroom and teachers have never been happier.  The truth is the classroom was, in deed, dealt the greatest blow in those cuts.

Class size continues to grow and it is students who lose out.  D38 has outstanding students who come to school motivated and interested in learning as instilled by their parents. When class size increases, even the most skilled teacher must spend more time managing student behavior instead of teaching.  A direct correlation exists between larger class size and the increasing power of peer pressure.

Despite a board policy requiring an annual work climate survey, it hasn’t been done for two years.  The superintendent and principals know morale is lower than ever.  How could the BOE not know?  Identifying problems, past and present, is seen by them as being negative.  The consequence of this narrow approach is problems haven’t been faced fully and dealt with adequately.  The incumbents have invested much time and effort to the best of their ability, but D38 desperately needs new leadership.

Steve Boyd

Larkspur

LPSD #38 BoE mtg Highlights for August 18, 2011

Here are the official Highlights for the Lewis-Palmer School District Board of Education regular meeting for August 18, 2011. You can view official minutes of past meetings on the BoE’s webpage. Also, past meetings that were streamed live online can still be viewed at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/lpsd-live. (View the current “Draft” version of the Board’s new Governance, since the Board voted to eliminate Policy Governance at this meeting: District 38 Board of Education Governance.)

In addition, here is a link to articles in the Our Community News on District meetings in August : http://www.ourcommunitynews.org.

(NOTE: as of the date of this post, the OCN website did not yet have their September 3, 2011 edition available online.)

HIGHLIGHTS
LEWIS-PALMER BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
THURSDAY, AUGUST 18, 2011
These highlights contain basic information about the key issues discussed during Board of Education meetings.
They are not officially approved minutes and are not intended to be comprehensive.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

Consider/approve Monument Academy Charter School contract renewal – Mr. Borman reviewed the process of meeting with Monument Academy leadership and representatives in the development of a renewal contract for the charter school. The Board approved the renewal contract, effective July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2016. Representatives from the District and MA will continue to meet regularly to discuss any issues that arise and to encourage open communication.
Consider/approve Food Services agreement with Monument Academy Charter School – The Board approved the agreement to continue providing food services to MA for this school year. This is the third year of this arrangement and the agreement is working very well.
Consider/approve Food Services agreement with St. Peter Catholic School – St. Peter Catholic School approached D38 about providing food services to their students, anticipating between 20-40 meals per day. The Board asked for additional time to consider this request and for more information regarding St. Peter‟s responsibility for handling and serving the meals. The Board will call a special meeting to approve the agreement once details have been finalized.
Second reading to consider/approve rescission of Policy Governance – The Board discussed the reasoning/decision to eliminate PG and their intentions to investigate other options for school board governance. The topic was initially discussed at the July 8th Board retreat and at the July 18th special meeting. The desire is to establish a system of governance that is based on relationships, values, and beliefs of the District.
Consider/approve bond refinancing and resolution – The Board approved engaging the firm of Sherman and Howard to serve as bond counsel for D38 for the 2011-12 school year. They also passed a resolution to refinance the general obligation bonds from 2001. This refinance will yield a net savings to the taxpayers of the District of approximately $450,000 over the next five years.
Consider/approve capital reserve carryover and expenditures – The Board approved a request for capital reserve fund carryover and expenditures for specific projects as follows:
- carryover of $64,697.14 to fund capital reserve projects not completed by the end of the 2010-11 school year;
- carpet repair at Palmer Lake Elementary School, at an anticipated cost to the District of $8,326;
- drainage correction at Palmer Ridge High school, at the estimated cost of $45,000;
- remainder of funds to be held in reserve to help finance the new roof at Lewis-Palmer Middle School.
Consider/approve CDE BEST grant agreement for roof replacement at LPMS – Mrs. Wangeman answered questions regarding the capital construction grant (Building Excellent Schools Today) awarded to the District for the roof replacement at the middle school. The total grant amount is $420,497.10 and the District‟s matching portion is $513,940.90, for a total project cost of $934,438.00. The anticipated project completion date is July 31, 2012.
Consider/approve Intergovernmental Agreement for November 1, 2011, coordinated election – The IGA is a standard, required agreement delineating responsibilities and procedures that must be met by all agencies appearing on the November ballot. Board members approved this agreement with the El Paso County Board of Commissioners and the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Commendations – The Board presented Ken Merola of BESECx with a commendation certificate for his extensive work performing energy audits for District schools. Gene Mantei of Black Hills Energy also assisted with these audits, which have contributed to more efficient energy usage and energy conservation practices throughout the District.
District ‘fun run’ fundraiser – Representatives from the for-profit group, On Eagles Wings, were present to discuss the upcoming „fun run‟ fundraising event for D38, scheduled for October 1st. This event will raise money for D38 schools through online registrations and possible related food/merchandise sales. 25% of registration fees will be returned to the schools. For more information, contact Robin Adair, Community Relations Manager, at 488-4700.
Assessment update – Lori Wagner, Director of Assessment/Gifted Education/Technology, presented a PowerPoint detailing CSAP, ACT, Advanced Placement, and Growth Model information. D38 continues to rank in the top five in nearly every content area/grade level tested by the CSAP. She stated she is especially proud of the 10th grade science 1st place ranking (along with 4th grade math and 6th grade reading).
NCLB grant application – Peggy Parsley, Bear Creek Elementary School principal, was present to answer questions about the NCLB (No Child Left Behind) grant application process. The Board had the opportunity to review the application and the Board president signed the approval/transmittal form for electronic submission prior to the July 2011 deadline. D38 will receive grant funding in the amount of $220,000 based on the number of students qualifying for free-and-reduced meals.
PWES Special Education programming and staffing – Mr. Borman explained the additional special services being offered at Prairie Winds Elementary School to provide for dual needs students. This new programming will allow special needs students to remain in D38 instead of being staffed to out-of-district facilities.
Enrollment and staffing updates – The District created the annual budget for 2011-12 based on a projected enrollment decline of 125 students. To date, enrollment is at 117 students above projections. As class sizes are determined, it may be necessary to hire additional staff. However, the District will proceed cautiously in considering any new hires and enrollment will continue to be monitored closely throughout the beginning of the school year.
Superintendent update – Mr. Borman commented briefly on a variety of topics, including the orientation sessions conducted for new teaching staff and the recent principals‟ retreat to discuss goals for the new school year. He also noted the Palmer Lake Town Council has agreed to increase cash in-lieu-of land funding from $300/rooftop to $1200/rooftop, in line with funding amounts from the Town of Monument. He stated that D38 has once again received the rating of “accredited with distinction” from the Colorado Department of Education. This information will be more widely publicized at a later date.
Board member comments – The Board members all stated they are looking forward to the new school year, noting their conversations with staff members have been positive and encouraging.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS

Gordon Reichal presented information about “Math Moves U” scholarship funding, sponsored by the Raytheon Company, available for professional staff development and intended to offer enrichment to math curriculum and programming. He also inquired about the upcoming District financial audit.
Red Stevens attended a Town of Monument trustees meeting and heard discussion about the reevaluation of area housing developments and property values. He expressed his concern about increased housing in the area and inquired if the District has the capacity and facilities to serve an influx of new families and students.

LPSD #38 March 2011 meeting Highlights & Citizen Comments

Here are the Highlights published by the school district for the Lewis-Palmer School District #38 Board of Education regular monthly meeting. ** Power point presentations are available on the District website under the Supporting Documents folder on the Board of Education page (see 3-17-11 OAC Report.pptx and 3-17-11 Task Force Presentation.ppt).

Following are some of the citizen comments, submitted in writing, that were presented at the meeting.

Also a link to the reports on District meetings in the OCN for March 2011 (Our Community News).

HIGHLIGHTS
LEWIS-PALMER BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2011

These highlights contain basic information about the key issues discussed during Board of Education meetings.
They are not officially approved minutes and are not intended to be comprehensive.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

INTRODUCTION OF POLISH YOUTH LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE TEAM
Lewis-Palmer High School counselor Larry Clouse introduced the following Polish students, teacher, and host families from the US-Poland Parliamentary Youth Leadership Exchange:
Karolina Roczek – hosted by Haley Midzor and family
Anna Wojcik – hosted by Kourtney Guetlein and family
Weronika Wisnioch – hosted by Shane Mobley and family
Jakub Kowalski – hosted by John Coats and family
Pawel Szymanski – hosted by Josef LeBeau and family
Magdalena Krzysiak (teacher) – hosted by Karen Kennedy
World Link team coordinator Holly Nichols was also in attendance. World Link oversees placement and support of the Polish students while in the United States. She noted this is the first time such a team has been placed in Colorado and they hope to continue to work with Lewis-Palmer School District in the future.

LEWIS-PALMER MIDDLE SCHOOL PROMOTIONAL VIDEO
Superintendent Bauman presented the LPMS promotional video and introduced Dan Marcus, Intro to Video/LPTV instructor, and the three 8th grade students responsible for creating the video: Morgan Dougan, Talia Glowacz, and Megan Roscoe. Copies of this delightful video will be included in a packet of marketing materials to be distributed to area realtors, businesses moving to the Front Range area, and other interested individuals.

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS

Task Force matrix report – Steve Stephenson, facilitator for the community Planning Task Force, provided a PowerPoint update regarding ongoing efforts to reduce expenses and/or increase revenues in order to address a $3.2 million budget reduction anticipated for next school year. This report included a great deal of information that will be further reviewed at the upcoming Board of Education budget workshop on April 7, 2011. Operational and maintenance items were discussed, as well as student transportation fees, reductions in nursing staff, and ideas for marketing and advertising.
Consider/approve “fees in lieu of land” capital outlay resolution – The Board approved a resolution authorizing the use of „fees in lieu of land‟ funding, in an amount up to $350,000.00, for specific capital outlay projects.
Consider/approve new superintendent contract – The Board unanimously approved the contract for the newly appointed superintendent, John Borman, effective July 1, 2011, through June 30, 2013. However, the parties involved agreed that the Board has no obligation to fund the financial obligations of the contract other than for the current fiscal year of the contract term.

Consider/approve employee benefits package – Bob Foster, Director of Personnel, explained options and changes to the employee benefits package for the 2011-12 school year. The Board approved the health insurance plans and premiums available to employees.

Operations Advisory Committee (OAC) update – Deb Goth, OAC chairperson, and Committee members Jeff Bodily and Karen Shuman, provided the OAC update regarding capital reserve, technology, MLO, and enrollment forecast data. They discussed concerns and recommendations for the Board‟s consideration.

INFORMATION ITEMS

Science Step-up Program – Shirley Trees, Assistant Superintendent of Student Learning, introduced Palmer Lake Elementary School teachers Linda Wilson (2nd grade) and Mary Jane Aaby (Kindergarten) who have been working with the “STEP-uP” initiative (Science Teacher Enhancement Program unifying the Pikes Peak Region). The program uses a kit-based approach to science instruction, involving “hands-on, minds-on” learning. Ms. Wilson and Ms. Aaby introduced the insect unit and explained the instructional components of the science kits. They also provided supporting research information and shared student work samples.

High school principal hiring process – The posting for the position of principal at Lewis-Palmer High School opened on February 25th and closed March 17th. Bob Foster stated 18 applications were received. This pool of 18 applicants will be narrowed down to 2 or 3 candidates and it is anticipated interviews will be conducted on March 30th.
Transition plan for new superintendent – Interim superintendent Ted Bauman explained the plan for assisting John Borman in the transition to the role of superintendent. In addition to continuing his leadership at Lewis-Palmer High School until the end of the school year, Mr. Borman will begin attending central office administrative team meetings, the Pikes Peaks area superintendents‟ meetings, and building staff meetings to become more familiar with the day-to-day operations of the District. When available, he will be invited to attend various community groups and organizations to become acquainted with and introduced to community leaders. Mr. Borman, Mr. Bauman, and the school board will work together in the next three months to make the transition for the new superintendent as smooth and seamless as possible.

Dashboard – Cheryl Wangeman, Assistant Superintendent of Operations, presented the monthly dashboard report for the Board‟s review. This document summarizes enrollment numbers and free-and-reduced meals statistics, as well as budget information detailing expenditures and revenue. She noted the following: the budget is favorable regarding utility costs, but there is concern about increased watering due to the dry weather; unemployment compensation has been less than previously expected and it is hoped these funds can be used to absorb the increase in PERA costs for next year; and, it is anticipated there may be an additional $500,000-$700,000 in reserves at the end of the school year, an increase over the predicted $1.5-$1.9 million.

Board member comments – Mr. Pfoff commented on the OAC recommendation to close Prairie Winds Elementary School, noting it is too late to consider a building or grade level reconfiguration for next school year. Dr. Ferguson praised the many areas of outstanding achievement in D38, but added it is necessary to proceed cautiously when considering spending money on marketing. Mr. Pike addressed a citizen‟s comment and stated that the Board has tried to champion good intentions and remove barriers within the community. He clarified that the budget estimates for the next fiscal year are based on a conservative student count. Mr. Mann reiterated that D38 is continuing its culture of excellence; however, he expressed his concern about teaching staff becoming “over-maxed” and the possibility of lagging indicators of the effects of budget cuts.

CONSENT AGENDA
The Board approved routine matters concerning personnel, finances, and District operations.

CITIZENS’ COMMENTS
Ana Konduris, 19055 Shadowood Drive, provided information about a grassroots organization called Direction 38! and voiced her concerns about student enrollment. Jody Richardson, 17180 Oxbridge Road, stated her opinion about the current school board and the decisions that have been made. Marilyn Henderson, 20280 Doewood Drive, invited the Board members to the upcoming annual Festival of the Arts, to be held at Palmer Ridge High School, noting the organization’s past contributions to D38 schools through mini-grants.

My name is Ana Konduris and I live on Shadowood Drive. I’m a member of a grassroots organization called DIRECTION 38! We have 4 specific objectives:

#1: To elect a new School Board. DIRECTION 38 will identify, promote, and support fiscal conservatives with ethics and principles, men and women who can articulate a strategic vision and are not afraid to plan for our future. WE WILL:
#2: Focus on the budget. And hold accountable those who mismanage it.
#3: Insist on a Long Range Plan.
#4: Re-commit to honoring our teachers.

On March 8, I attended the District’s monthly DAAC meeting. A parent addressed a rumor concerning Palmer Ridge High School. She used the expression “elephant in the room.” Now, I don’t know if she used that idiom for the rumor as a whole, or to apply to Palmer Ridge specifically, but I do know this. Palmer Ridge is often referred to as the “elephant in the room.” Even today, people are steaming mad about Palmer Ridge. Many believe that it’s responsible for the distrust that permeates this very room tonight. But, in reality, this DISTRUST, a much, much bigger “elephant in the room,” can actually be traced back to 2004. From 2004 thru 2008, the D38 School Board, with two of our current sitting members, overspent and wiped out our savings account. There are folks in this room right now who firmly believe that since 2008, we’ve gotten our act together, no more deficit spending, and absolutely no overspending. I respectfully disagree.

One more thing. Let’s recall a major premise of the December 2009 Board decision to reconfigure our traditional schools. We were told to expect to lose 140 students each year over the next 3 years. That equals 420 students for a loss of about $2.7M. Wouldn’t we love to have that $2.7M right now? Those are the District’s projections, but here are the facts. Over the past 4 years, our student base population has not decreased. It has INCREASED every single year, even with our weak economy. So! Where are these neighborhood kids going to school? This year 486 (that’s more than 420) are enrolled in District 20, not to mention the 858 students who attend our exceptional charter school, Monument Academy. So the question becomes: Why? Why are 1350 of our neighborhood kids not going to a neighborhood school of academic distinction? I think we can all agree that the answers are long overdue. I just hope it’s not too late.

Comments by Jody Richardson:

Good evening. Thank you for this opportunity to speak to you. Having attended almost every board meeting for the past year I have realized that this segment is not for constituents to ask questions of you as when that has happened you have never given answers. Therefore I will just make a statement.
Since I have taken the opportunity to share my opinion with the community through a letter to the editor of the OCN, I feel it is appropriate that I should be willing to address you directly as well. My 3 children had the privilege of attending D38 schools from elementary through high school. During that time I was involved as a volunteer at many levels, as wall as a paraprofessional employee for 7 years. When my youngest graduated in 02 I became involved in other things and kept school district issues on the peripheral. I believe that is probably the norm for most people. When controversial issues came up I read the the articles in the paper, spoke with trusted friends still working in the district and used the ballot box to express my disagreement with the way things were being handled.
Our district has historically been 70 plus % constituents without children in the schools, yet there was always support for district requests for money. In fact I never imagined I wouldn’t support such a request. Unfortunately during the past 7-8 years I have watched our different school boards make one irresponsible decision after another, with none of them feeling that an explanation is necessary to the people they represent. With each subsequent election of new board members I had high hopes that things would change and improve. Unfortunately I was wrong.
I was asked last year by a friend who currently teaches in the district if I would meet with other people who were concerned about current district issues, as this teacher didn’t feel they could voice their concerns without reprisal. So I started attending your meetings, spoke with friends, neighbors, district employees past and present, and started doing my homework.
I realize that you are in a no win situation, as not everyone is going to agree with every decision you make. I don’t agree with many of the decisions you make and that’s okay, I don’t have to. But what I do expect is to see that when you are questioned about an issue and the presenter gives researched information that is different from what you are being told by a district employee, that you would be willing to find out if there is substance for this persons information. It is your responsibility when an employees findings are questioned to do your own homework to find out whose information is truly accurate. Just going back to that employee doesn’t cut it. You have shown an arrogant disregard for any constituent who has questioned your decisions or your process. I am beginning to wonder if most of you even understand your function as a school board member.
When one of you made the statement at the budget workshop last June, and I quote: “I could care less about the budget”, I could hardly believe that is what I heard. You represent ME! You represent every other taxpayer in this school district. It is your responsibility to understand budget issues, to care about the budget, to do your research to guarantee that the phenomenal teachers we have in this district who have been tasked with educating our children, have the resources they need to continue doing an awesome job. Whining and complaining about budget cuts as if our district were solely singled out by the state for those cuts , instead of looking at ways of working within the money that is available is non-productive and a waste of time.
You inherited an overspending our reserves attitude, and if anyone would look at the figures they would see that you continued on with the downward slide. Since you haven’t shown any interest in making fiscally sound decisions and honest efforts at change I can assure you that you will not receive my support for an MLO. You haven’t earned my trust and I don’t think I am alone in this attitude. Thank you.

Lewis-Palmer School District Board of Education, March 17: Committees suggest ways to cut costs

Includes: Report to the Board by the Long Range Planning Task Force; Outline for new Principal search; DAAC meeting report.
Written by OCN reporter Harriet Halbig.

OCN February Reports on LPSD-38 meetings & Letters to the Editor – March 5, 2011

Our Community News is a monthly publication that reports on local area meetings and interests. Here are links to the reports from the District 38 meetings held in the month of February. Also included are links to Letters to the Editor published in the March 5, 2011 edition.

The OCN does not have a “comments” section online, as some other newspapers do – so feel free to leave your comments here on our site (see the Welcome page for guidelines). To submit your own Letter to the OCN, click on the guideline link below. Deadline for submission for the April issue is Friday, March 25, 2011.

Letters to Our Community

( Click here for letter guidelines)

Letters include:

D-38 duped again! by Ana Konduris

Superintendent “search” reveals arrogance by Jody Richardson

Hiring process was anything but transparent by Stephen Boyd

 

Lewis-Palmer D-38 Board of Education, Feb. 3 and Feb. 17
Reports include topics: New Superintendent Borman; Long Range Planning Task Force report; New School Calendar for 2011-12; Discussion on Charter School contract -  by OCN reporter Harriet Halbig.

Gazette Opinion – Letters to the Editor

Here are some Letters to the Editor published over the last few months in the Colorado Springs Gazette regarding D-38.

December 10, 2010

Changes at District 38

So many radical changes to School District 38’s culture this year, thanks to the reconfiguration. That was supposed to save big bucks, but the district still needs to cut more for next year. Here’s a really radical next step that could save millions without affecting students and the classroom: Eliminate District 38’s central administration.

Negotiate to purchase all administrative services from Academy School District 20, our neighbor to the south who shares similar values, culture, and achievement. Lewis Palmer’s principals could answer to an assistant superintendent under the superintendent of District 20. The District 38 online budget indicates the salaries and benefits alone (without the cost of operating the “Big Red” building) amount to about $4.9 million.

Why consider such an idea? Besides dismantling the culture of District 38, what else has changed this year? Where are the detailed exhibits of what was spent (e.g. playgrounds installed at the former Creekside) to carry out the reconfiguration and where exactly are the savings?

The benefits for working with D-20? With more students, larger districts provide more services and programs at less cost per student. For example, in 2008-2009, District 20 had almost 22,000 students compared to District 38’s 5,800. Just the salary/benefits of the LP’s superintendent cost $23.75 per student while District 20’s was $9.92 per student (Pikes Peak Education Association 10/2009).

This may seem unthinkable because we love local control, but our local leaders have proved ineffective, much like our current leadership in Washington — well intended, but can’t get the job done.

Under interim superintendent, Ted Bauman, a task force has been selected to identify how costs can be cut for next year without impacting the classroom. Is anyone looking at the obvious? Why does Lewis-Palmer leadership continue to operate eight schools and the administration building? The district’s largest facility, Lewis-Palmer High School, has an enrollment that is less than 60 percent of its capacity.

The leadership in District 20 has been making great strides over the past years while Lewis-Palmer has floundered. Maybe it’s time for a true change, at least for a few years, until District 38 can be helped back on its path toward excellence.

Stephen Boyd

Larkspur

Read more (including comments): http://www.gazette.com/articles/hikes-109422-whom-letter.html#ixzz1FeM7hF3p

February 5, 2011
Tale of two school districts

Recently, 14 school districts were accredited by the Colorado Department of Education as the top 10 percent of districts in Colorado based on academic test scores. Lewis Palmer was honored as one of those school districts. This is a direct reflection on the community’s high standards and the dedication of the classroom teachers in this district.

Another distinction the district received from the state of Colorado is that D-38 was one of 19 school districts identified as fiscally unsound.

The state has several benchmarks called indicators that alert them to financial solvency problems within a district. No district in Colorado has more than two indicators, and some of these districts only recently appeared on the state’s radar. D-38 has the additional distinction of having had two indicators for multiple years. The board of education, superintendent and central administration are responsible for the financial health of the district.

How were the dedicated teachers and concerned community rewarded for their hard work in academics?

Fifty teachers lost their jobs, the remaining teacher work loads increased substantially, class sizes were increased, the middle school model was dismantled, and a middle school was closed and converted to an elementary school despite a five-year decline in elementary numbers.

How were those responsible for this financial crisis reprimanded?

Former Superintendent Raymond Blanch was given letters of recommendation and paid $70,000 to leave. The assistant superintendent of operations (finance) kept her job.

The board of education members continue to make myopic decisions in spite of myriad input from community members.

When will the D-38 taxpayers demand better fiscal responsibility by replacing the current board members and requiring the financial transparency they deserve?

Stephen Boyd

Larkspur

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/schools-112367-streetlights-recent.html#ixzz1FeFfEO1w

February 14, 2011

Not without pain

I was pleased to read Stephen Boyd’s recent letter to The Gazette editor. (Feb. 6) In his letter, he cited the Colorado Department of Education’s recent accreditation of Lewis-Palmer School District 38 as one of 14 districts ranked in the top 10 percent of all Districts in the State of Colorado. Lewis-Palmer schools have a long-standing tradition of excellence in all areas of education — academic, extra curricular, and service to the community. The state’s accreditation is but one more marker recognizing our outstanding schools.

In that same letter, Boyd also stated that District 38 is identified as financially unsound by the state, apparently referring to the state’s most recent watch list which is based on June 2009 data. Based on the financial data ending in June 2010, we no longer warrant being on the watch list, and we anticipate being removed from the watch list in the fall of 2011 (the State will not update the watch list with June 2010 data until September 2011).

Our position on the watch list is a result of overspending that occurred in budgets of several years past. But in December 2007, our recently hired Assistant Superintendent for Operations, Cheryl Wangeman, briefed the Board of Education on this situation and we directed the superintendent to develop a plan to walk us out of this spending paradigm. Despite the unforeseen economic downturn of the past two years that so severely impacted the economy, our district turned the corner and last summer reestablished the standards set by the state.

Getting this done was not without pain. Typically, about 85 percent of a school district’s budget goes to personnel costs; making substantial cuts in spending are inevitably born by personnel. However, as Boyd points out, our schools continue to lead the state in student performance. This reflects the highest credit on our staff, our students, and our community.

Despite the financial uncertainties of the state’s budget and the peculiarities of the budget process, we continue to plan for the future and we are thoroughly engaged with the community as we do so. This is a reflection of our community’s commitment to our children, to their education, and to their future. Our continued tradition of excellence makes the Lewis-Palmer School District a great place to live and to raise our children!

On behalf of the board,

John Mann

President, Lewis-Palmer District 38
Board of Education

Read more: http://www.gazette.com/articles/health-112861-boyd-read.html#ixzz1FeGPQntZ

March 3, 2011
Selection process skewed

It was intriguing to watch the District 38 superintendent search morph from a very transparent, inclusive process to the pretense of such. Bob Cito, the consultant paid by the district to assist with the search laid out a plan that could have helped to rebuild community trust and identify characteristics, experience, and credentials that would benefit District 38 the most.

What Cito envisioned as a transparent, vigorous, and informative selection process became skewed into one in which committee members were hand chosen by current board of education and administration and, unlike Cito’s suggestions, following the lengthy interviews, none of the committees were allowed to rank, order or recommend the candidates.

They were only allowed to give information about strengths and ‘concerns’. It was clearly communicated that only the board of education would be making the choice.

Why the charade? No other candidate but one who works in the district could meet the criteria. Why did we spend almost $15K and an inordinate amount of volunteer time for a conclusion that was predicted by many, both inside and outside the district, at the end of last summer?

I wish John Borman the best in his endeavor to turn this district around. I would also like to apologize to the two other candidates for wasting their time.

Stephen Boyd

Larkspur

Read more (including comments): http://www.gazette.com/articles/new-113900-elementary-things.html#ixzz1FeBDxRxn