A message from Superintendent Chris King - BVSD Community faces tough times together
On January 28, the Colorado legislature, as expected for several months, formally acted to rescind $110 million from Colorado K-12 funding. This means that $3.8 million in this year’s BVSD budget has now been taken back by state government to balance the state’s 2009-2010 budget.

Here in BVSD, the first two of at least 12 superintendent’s community budget forums were held Wednesday at Eldorado K-8 School and Louisville Middle School.

The first 20-30 minutes of each forum will be an explanation of the district’s finances and our expectations for next year. For the next 60-70 minutes, I intend to answer questions and engage in a dialogue with those community members who attend. These forums, to be held throughout BVSD from mid-February through March, are invaluable to me as I oversee the development of the preliminary budget that the board and you will receive in April and the proposed budget that you will all begin to consider in May.

Cabinet members and I have already met many times over the past several weeks with principals to discuss the certainty of cuts for the 2010-2011 school year. We will meet several more times with principals before budgets and staffing for next year are ready to bring to the school board for study and action. Budget staff and I have also started meeting with individual school staffs to discuss their understandable concerns about our still uncertain finances for next year.

These are difficult meetings, yet they are important ones for me and, I believe, for school staff members. I have urged all principals to let their respective staffs know that I am available to meet with as many school staff members as possible. 

Finally, we heard a group of teachers’ presentation to the board in January concerning staff growth over the past decade in central administration. While I appreciate their effort, initial analysis by budget staff are showing a different result. The district staff directory, the data source used by the teachers, has changed significantly over the nine-year period compared in their research. When taking these changes into account, the comparison is really not of equal information. For example, the “department head” listing in the front of the directory under the “quick find” section is meant to provide information about the person to talk to if you have a question about a particular service area. 

Many of these positions are not administrators, but supervisors or leads, and the position has always existed. One person listed is clerical support, not an administrator.  Also some names are listed twice as individuals cover multiple functional areas. Some positions are new administrators, but most are not. A thorough and detailed response is being finalized this month for the board and any other interested individuals. It will be posted to the BVSD Budget Issues web page that anyone can link to from the front page of the BVSD website.

In summary, though the board, the media, state policy makers and I have been raising the alarm of a state and district fiscal crisis since December 2008, our larger community is just now becoming truly aware and very concerned. I believe that is exactly what is needed. While there are many difficult conversations and decisions ahead, BVSD is always at its strongest and most successful when the greatest number of its citizens become thoughtfully engaged in how best to fund the education of our children in a way that meets each student’s learning needs.

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New Required Race & Ethnicity Categories
The federal government recently changed the reporting categories for race and ethnicity. Starting with the 2010-11 school year, all districts in Colorado are required to report staff data to the Colorado Department of Education using the new categories. With the new reporting categories, individuals identify themselves by ethnic group (Hispanic/Latino or Not Hispanic/Latino) and by one or more racial groups:

1. American Indian or Alaskan Native
2. Asian
3. Black or African American
4. White
5. Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 

All BVSD staff will be asked to update their race and ethnicity information during the spring of 2010. Human Resources will begin contacting employees through email mid to late February. To learn more about these changes, please our website.

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Bond Update
The new Casey building is approaching 75 percent completion and is on schedule to be finished in May and ready for students in August. The project is on track to receive LEED Gold certification.
Check out these recent photos from the project:

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BVSD offers seven different voluntary tax-deferred retirement savings opportunities that you can contribute to through payroll deductions: one 401(k), five 403(b) providers, and one 457(b). These voluntary savings plans are in addition to PERA. Visit www.copera.org or call PERA at 303-832-9550 for more information on PERA. Contributions to any of the voluntary tax-deferred savings plans will not affect your PERA benefit.

The next Small Steps to better Savings session is scheduled for March 10, 2010 from 4:00-5:30 p.m. at the Ed Center (Aspen Room). The the main topic will be about Social Security and PERA and how the two interact. The presentation will start at 4:30 p.m. Representatives Social Security and each of the plans, including PERA, will be available for questions beginning at 4:00 p.m.

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Downtown Boulder's Fashion Under the Flatirons, benefiting Impact On Education!
A night filled with fun and style highlighted with a fast paced, energetic fashion show – Fashion Under the Flatirons is an event not to be missed. In its inaugural year, Downtown Boulder’s Fashion Under the Flatirons will incorporate a runway fashion show emceed by World Cup Freestyle Ski Champion Jeremy Bloom, beauty stations, silent auction, food and drinks all featuring local Downtown Boulder businesses.

Proceeds from this event will in turn benefit our Boulder Valley students and teachers. Please spread the word about this unique event. Students are welcome to attend with parents—Mother-Daughter Night Out? Father-Daughter Date Night? Family Fun Night? The possibilities are limitless and we all benefit from this event!

Ticket prices:
$35 – General Admission
$50 – Reserved Seating (includes reserved seat, one drink ticket and a goody bag)
$100 – VIP Seating (includes early admission, VIP service, runway seating, two drink tickets and a goody bag)

To purchase tickets, visit the Boulder Theater website or stop by the box office at 2032 14th St, Boulder, CO 80302.

As an independent non-profit organization, Impact on Education relies entirely upon donations from organizations and individuals who share our commitment to increasing student learning, expanding equity and rewarding creativity and innovation. Thanks again for your support! www.ImpactOnEducation.org

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Keeping Your Heart Happy and Healthy
February is American Heart Month, sponsored by the American Heart Association, so it’s a great time to review what you can do to keep your heart healthy. Many of the risk factors for heart disease and stroke are ones that can be treated, modified or controlled through lifestyle changes or medication. The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing heart disease. Here’s a look at some risk factors you can control:

Smoking - Smokers are two to four times more likely to develop coronary heart disease than nonsmokers. Smokers with coronary heart disease have about twice the risk of nonsmokers for sudden cardiac death. Exposure to secondhand smoke increases the risk of heart disease for nonsmokers as well.

High Blood Cholesterol - High blood cholesterol levels raise the risk for coronary heart disease. Age, sex, heredity and diet affect cholesterol levels.

High Blood Pressure - High blood pressure makes the heart work harder, which causes it to thicken and become stiffer. This causes the heart to not work properly, increasing your risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney failure and congestive heart failure.

Physical Inactivity - A sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Regular physical activity can help control blood cholesterol, diabetes and obesity, as well as help lower blood pressure.

Obesity and Overweight - People with excess body fat are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke even if they have no other risk factors. Excess weight makes the heart work harder, raises blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and raised the risk for diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus - Diabetes seriously increases heart disease and stroke risk, even when glucose levels are under control. The risks are even greater if blood sugar is not well controlled.

Alcohol - Drinking too much raises blood pressure, and can cause heart failure and lead to stroke.

Diet and Nutrition - Choosing to eat a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to keep your heart healthy. Stick with a diet that emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole-grain and high-fiber foods, fish, lean protein and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.

Stress - How you handle stress may affect your risk for heart disease. Some people under stress overeat, or smoke or drink more—all behaviors that raise your risk.

Additional Information - This information is brought to you by ComPsych® GuidanceResources®. This company-sponsored benefit offers confidential help and support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at no cost to you or your immediate family. Our Guidance Consultants can assist you with your concerns at: 866-519-8359. Visit ComPsych® GuidanceResources'®  website. Enter your company Web ID:BVSDEAP

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Did you know?
BVSD generates over 3,604,000 pounds of trash in one year! As a district we also recycle about 17 percent of our waste. We have a goal of increasing our waste diversion rate to 50 percent through waste reduction, and increasing recycling and composting.

Kudos!
BVSD will have 19 green star schools by the end of the year. Green star schools are the first in the nation to move toward zero waste by implementing composting school-wide, increasing recycling efforts, hosting special events around waste reduction and implementing other waste reduction activities in the schools. To learn more, go to our green BVSD website. Also, stay tuned for details this spring as we move the Ed Center toward becoming a zero waste facility!

Tips (from Eco-cycle)
As Valentine’s Day celebrations approach, we’re reminded of the aftermath of classroom parties: happy kids, tired teachers, and unfortunately, overflowing trash cans. Celebrations don’t have to have a negative impact on the environment! Taking action to reduce waste at parties and other school events supports BVSD’s sustainability goals. Please use the following tips to reduce waste at all district functions: class parties, staff meetings, community events and extra-curricular activities.

• Use washable (reusable) plates, cups, utensils and napkins. In the classroom, students can bring their own “dining kits” from home. Staff can also bring their own “dining kits” to faculty functions. Finger foods to eliminate the need for utensils altogether.
• If disposable napkins must be used, look for napkins made from 100% recycled paper (can be found in most grocery stores).
• Serve drinks in juice boxes, metal cans or plastic bottles, all of which can be recycled (straws, plastic straw wrappers, and peel off or plastic lids must go in the trash). Please have people empty drink containers before recycling them.
• Clean, balled-up aluminum foil and aluminum plates are recyclable. Pizza boxes are also recyclable.
• Green Star Schools can compost uncoated paper plates, paper napkins, paper towels, cupcake papers (non-metallic), and plates, cups and utensils made from sugarcane or corn (specifically labeled “compostable”).
• Encourage re-gifting, and reusable gift bags or wrapping paper made from used items like maps, calendar pictures and comics.

For questions regarding waste reduction, recycling or composting in school district buildings, please contact Eco-Cycle’s School Recycling and Environmental Education Program at 303-444-6634, ext. 122.

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Board Approvals

• The board approved the Obama Speech Arbitration Report from Arbitrator MacLean.
• The lease agreement with Verizon Wireless was approved by the board. The lease will allow a telecommunications device and related equipment to be placed on the football stadium facility at Broomfield High.
• The compensation amendment for the employees represented by the Meet and Confer Agreement, the Boulder Valley Office Professional Agreement and the non-represented employees was ratified by the board.
• The board approved the Bond Program project for High Peaks/BCSIS Elementary Schools additions and renovation, subject to the completion of the punch list items to the satisfaction of the architect and the district’s Project Manager.
• The board approved the Bond Program project for Louisville Middle School addition and renovation, subject to the completion of the punch list items to the satisfaction of the architect and the district’s Project Manager.

• The resolution regarding the Colorado school finance litigation, as amended, was approved by the board.

Three grants were approved:

• Human Resources – Title II Recruitment & Retention – Colorado Department of Education- 10
• Nutrition Services – School Food Project – Colorado Health Foundation- 10
• Curriculum & Instruction – Title I Achievement Gap Grant – Colorado Department of Education- 10

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Hats Off!
Congratulations to this week's Superintendent's Honor Roll recipients:
During the February 9 board meeting, eight outstanding Boulder Valley parent volunteers at the secondary level were honored.

Mary Jane O’Hair, a parent of a Boulder High junior and sophomore and Brenda Kaser-Burger, a parent of a 2009 Boulder High graduate and an incoming freshman for next year were nominated by Assistant Principal Shannon Minch.

According to Shannon, Mary Jane and Brenda “organized our Boulder High Shadow program during open enrollment. They maintained the shadow registration website, supervised 12 volunteers, recruited current freshmen to help with the shadowing and managed all shadow assignments.”

Also nominated by Shannon Minch are Shelly Kappel, a parent of a Boulder High senior and Leah Kahn, the parent of a sophomore and an incoming freshman. Shannon writes, “These two women worked many hours helping Boulder High School get ready for our Showcase. They worked tirelessly on our public relations committee with administrators and teachers to promote Boulder High. Their love of BHS came shining through with all of their time and effort.”

Alison Shetter is the parent of two Boulder High graduates, a BHS junior and incoming freshman for next year. Allison was enthusiastically and gratefully nominated by Boulder High Teacher Laura Jordan. Laura found out through a colleague that Allison had connections to the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. During that time, Laura was teaching her unit on judgment, using the Broadway musical, Wicked, as her primary text. Allison helped arrange for Laura’s students to get 71 tickets to Wicked--first 10 rows, center section at no cost. She also arranged for the lead Broadway actor in Wicked and his fiancé (also a Broadway singer) to visit Laura’s classroom. Alison also chaperoned the field trip to see the show and has arranged for 40 tickets to see the Broadway musical "In the Heights" in April.

Platt Middle School PTO chair and mother of three BVSD students, Cathy Faughnan, was nominated by Platt Middle School Principal Kevin Gates. Kevin writes, “She not only chairs the PTO at Platt, she also serves at Douglass Elementary and Boulder High schools. She is extremely organized and committed to making sure we are the best we can be and always focused on what the student’s need.”

Monarch K-8 Assistant Principal Sarah Oswick nominated two parents, Lea Anne Paskvalich and Kimberley Maurer-Alcala.

Lea Anne is an advocate for Monarch K-8 special needs students and families. She has served the district by participating on special education-related advisory councils. Lea Anne also serves as an advocate for families to help them understand the special education system. In addition, she served at Monarch K-8 as the school improvement team or SIT chair last year. 

This is only Kimberley’s second year as a Monarch K-8 parent and already she has become the school’s PTA president! As PTA president, Kimberley has worked tirelessly to support Monarch K-8 programs in tough budget times.  Sarah writes that Kimberly, “puts a lot of thought and love into her work.  For example, she and her husband came up with the idea to do outdoor movie nights and built from scratch a HUGE screen to put up outside.” Additionally, she has launched service projects for the PTA including Bloodmobiles and an Arbor Day Penny Challenge.

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