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Board member Chris Wright revoked his recent letter of resignation from the Board of Education. Wright was not present at the special Jan. 26 meeting, however earlier that day he submitted to other board members a revocation via email of that resignation. The board’s legal counsel discussed a state statute which advises that a board resignation must be submitted and duly accepted by the board. Because the board had not officially accepted the initial resignation, Wright maintains his position on the board and no further action is required.

In other business at last Thursday’s meeting, Chief Education Officer Becky Carter provided the board and community with an update regarding the Special Education Advisory Committee. The committee will refocus efforts on parent and community involvement and collaboration. The next meeting will be held Thursday, Feb. 2 from 9 a.m. to 11a.m. at the Central Office.

In a 3-1 one vote, the board decided to proceed with a professional service agreement for IT services. An 11-month contract with vendor Colorado Computer Support was approved as a stopgap measure to ensure IT services are stable moving forward this school year. The contract will also provide the district with the time necessary to make more long-term decisions about IT support and operational services in the future.

The board directed the formation of an instructional technology committee made up of educators and IT professionals to bring forward a vision and action plan for instructional technology in District 49 for the next three to five years. The purpose of this committee is to ensure the district implements instructional technology in an effective, strategic way to support students.

Board members unanimously approved an Early Retirement Incentive (ERI) program for qualified staff members, as well as the district’s amended budget and charter schools’ amended budgets for the 2011-12 fiscal year. Additional action items included approval of revisions to several policies involving finance and staff retirement. The board heard a presentation about a proposed policy change to the kindergarten enrollment age at the three elementary schools in the Sand Creek Innovation Zone. The new policy would accept students who are five years of age by August 15; current policy states September 15. The board agreed to vote on that change at its February 9 meeting.

Chief Business Officer Brett Ridgway presented the 2010-11 fiscal year audit report. The auditor provided additional information and answered questions on the report; the auditor’s opinions are unqualified, which indicates the district’s financial results are accurate and the processes used in the business office are appropriate.

Curriculum, Instruction Assessment and Professional Development Administrator for the POWER Innovation Zone, Mike Pickering, shared information on the zone’s five schools’ Unified Improvement Plan. School leadership teams developed the plans with input from the School Accountability Advisory Committees at each school. The plans specifically describe action steps the schools will take toward continuous improvement in academic achievement, academic growth, growth gaps, post-secondary workforce readiness and adequate yearly progress.

Discussion items included the revision of several personnel-related policies to clarify operational procedures and make the policies more efficient. iConnect Innovation Zone Leader Kim McClelland presented an update on the Military Charter School Project. The board directed the project continue moving forward with the formation of a committee to explore the feasibility of a military charter school in the district.  McClelland also provided a review of charter authorization principles, policies and practices. Falcon High and Vista Ridge High Principals provided information on new courses that will now come back to the board as action items for approval at the next meeting.

El Paso County Sheriffs arrested four suspects for a string of criminal mischief incidents that happened in November 2011. The crimes consisted of spray paint on cars, houses and other property. A total of 14 incidents were reported and occurred mostly in the 8000 block of Royal Melbourne and the surrounding streets plus Falcon High School.

The cases were assigned to the Crime Reduction Unit. Deputies followed up on leads indicating five people may have been involved in these crimes. As a result of the investigation, one person was cleared and four others arrested. They include Dave Gentry, 18; Stetson Watts, 18; Dylan Denning, 19; and Jacob Person, 19. All are from El Paso County and will be charged with 14 counts of criminal mischief, a class four felony.

Stetson Watts

Jacob Person

Dylan Denning

David Gentry

Only four of the 11 wells managed by Paint Brush Hills Metropolitan District functions. The equipment in wells #1, 6 and 9 failed recently, and the metro board of directors voted last night to authorize District Manager Ellen Robley to secure bids for repairs. She said well use needs to be rotated among all the working sites. The district doesn’t intend to have all 11 up at the same time.

In addition to equipment problems, Well #9 also had a build-up of sludge at the bottom. Repairs on that well are expected to be about $60,000.

Four board member slots will be up for re-election in May. Three 4-year slots and one 2-year position will be available. Self-nomination forms are due to the district office by March 2.

In a unanimous vote, the board agreed to reduce the wastewater fees for the two commercial properties in the district. Falcon Middle School rate will drop to $450 from $600 and Grace Community Church will pay $33.85 instead of $45 a month. The board agreed to review its entire billing structure next month.

Did you know that letting a car idle for just one minute can produce as much carbon monoxide as smoking three packs of cigarettes? That’s just one of the facts students want to share with drivers around their schools. In partnership with Engines Off Colorado, two District 49 schools will take part in the launch of a pilot program to educate the community about clean air around schools.

As part of the program kickoff, students at Skyview Middle School will participate before and after school collecting information about idling vehicles near their school. Science classes will be gathering data about the types of vehicles, whether they are idling and if so, for how long, in the school’s parking lot during morning and afternoon drop off and pick up times.

“It is a great extension of our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) programs and what we believe about making curriculum come alive for students in a meaningful way,” says Skyview principal Cathy Tinucci.  The students are approaching this project as a scientific problem, learning about the impact pollution has on their environment, analyzing current studies and exploring ways to make a difference in their own community.

The goal of Engines Off Colorado is to help the environment, improve the health of students and be a positive influence in the community. This statewide education campaign encourages drivers to turn engines off when they are parked, specifically while waiting for students before or after school. ‘No Idling’ signs are already posted at nearly every District 49 school and schools will now begin the process of educating parents and community members about these efforts to clean up the air.

These signs around Meridian Ranch Elementary School urge drivers to turn off their engines.

Meridian Ranch Elementary Student Council members have already been talking with parents and drivers at their school. The students are sharing information about turning off their vehicles and reducing students’ exposure to vehicle exhaust.

The information collected throughout the school year at Skyview and Meridian Ranch will provide the Colorado Department of Health and Environment with data on the effectiveness of the Engines Off educational campaign, as well as information on the impact the campaign has on air quality around the schools.

District 49 has already implemented an aggressive anti-idling program for its entire bus fleet. Last year, the department refurbished all older buses with state-of-the-art technology to help conserve energy and reduce pollution. The installation of catalytic muffler converters and efficient heaters was made possible through a state-funded clean air grant.

Engines Off Colorado – District 49 Launch
Friday, January 20
7:20-7:45am & 2:30-2:55pm
Skyview Middle School
6350 Windom Peak Blvd.
Learn about the Engines Off Colorado program: http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/ap/EnginesOff.html

The El Paso County Board of County Commissioners turned down the request by the Woodmen Hills Metropolitan District to approve an amended service plan. In a 3-1 vote with Commissioner Heisey dissenting and Commissioner Glen excused, the commissioners sided with residents who opposed the change.

Dennis Heisey made the first motion to approve, stating that it has been the practice of the board to allow residents to decide their own fate. He added the condition of removing the covenant enforcement provision, and that the district not impose tax or incur debt without voter approval. That motion died for lack of a second.

Commissioner Sallie Clark moved that the amended plan be denied, but that Development Services staff waive their fees to minimize the cost for Woodmen Hills to revise their plan. She was not comfortable with the number and complexity of changes and the lack of a financial plan.

Commissioner Amy Lathen, who represents the Woodmen Hills area, seconded Clark’s motion. She acknowledged that the majority of issues centered on covenants which were beyond the authority of the BOCC. She based her approval of the motion on the public response she had received opposing the change and the level of anticipated indebtedness. Lathen also suggested that the district make an attempt to get covenants changed because some of them weren’t common sense.

Commissioner Littleton suggested the district work on building trust within the community.

The Upper Black Squirrel Groundwater Management District recently re-drew boundaries based on increased population (see link below). Of the five districts, two have incumbents up for re-election– Mitch Baldwin, District 3 and Rick Jenkins, District 4. Neither is term limited.

Proposed boundaries

To qualify to run for either of these positions, an interested person must be a property owner in the area they wish to represent and a registered Colorado voter. He or she must then file a petition containing at least 60 signatures of registered voters. The deadline for the petition is close of business, Monday, Jan. 9, 2012.

The election will be held on Feb. 7, 2012 at the UBS District Office, 520 Colorado Ave (corner of Colorado and Hwy 24) in Calhan from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Absentee ballots are available by contacting UBS at 719-347-0704.

The Gazette reports that Chris Wright, past vice president of the D49 school board, walked out of the Dec. 8 board meeting after a discussion about hiring board members. Newly elected Treasurer Marie LeVere-Wright (no relation) questioned that policy during her recent campaign.

Wright is interested in the position as chief operations officer and accused others of trying to rewrite the policy to prevent him from eligibility.

A similar issue arose last summer when the District offered then-board member Rusty Moomey the position of special project coordinator. He eventually declined to take the job, but residents were angered over the perception that Moomey used his position to secure the offer.

For more details on this story, check out the Gazette at: http://www.gazette.com/articles/board-129914-angered-school.html

The Colorado State Board of Education did not overturn a decision from Falcon School District to deny a second charter school application from Imagine Schools Inc.  District 49 is currently home to The Imagine Classical Academy at Indigo Ranch, but the district opposed awarding a new charter contract for a second school because it concluded the management agreement between Imagine Schools Inc. and the school would place an unfair burden on the Pioneer Imagine Academy.

Falcon is expected to experience continued growth over the next 10 to 15 years so its long-range planning committee, whose specific charge included the design of a plan that would incorporate charter schools, identified key characteristics for successful charter schools within the District’s master plan: 1) strong local governance; 2) solid financial plan; 3) emphasis on serving at-risk populations; 4) expansion of educational choice; and 5) coordinated efforts to place schools in the path of the District’s growth.

Colorado permits Educational Management Organizations to help with day-to-day operations, provided the governing board remains in control. But in the case of Imagine, the company recruits those who serve on its organizing committee.  In addition, company executives handle the charter application, hiring of staff and securing facilities, all with little input from the local governing board.

“The local board took no vote or other action with regard to the charter application, the proposed management agreement, or any of the facilities or staffing matters related to the proposed school,” said Brad Miller, legal counsel for Falcon School District.

As is the case in many of Imagine Schools, Inc.’s campuses, the proposed school would have been locked into an operating agreement that would guarantee the company 12-16 percent of all revenue on top of the operating costs and the rent that must be paid to Imagine’s sister holding company for real estate and furnishings.  “Further, the applicant misrepresented its community support documentation,” added Miller.

The State Board of Education had originally remanded the case and asked that Imagine improve its proposed contractual relationship with that company, and then asked the District to reconsider its decision.  In failing to overturn the district’s decision, the State Board of Education determined Tuesday that these requirements were not met by Pioneer Imagine Academy after the appeal. Pioneer Academy is eligible to apply, but they would need to start over in the application process through District 49.  They cannot apply directly to the state since Falcon School District maintains exclusive approval rights for charter schools located within district boundaries.

Colorado Springs, Colo. (December 1, 2011) – At Pikes Peak Library District’s Board of Trustees Meeting on Tuesday, November 29, the Board voted to take action to purchase a facility adjacent to the Chapel Hills Mall. The facility was formerly occupied by MCI and is located at 1175 Chapel Hills Drive on the corner of Chapel Hills Drive and Jamboree Drive. The building is 112,883 square feet (a little less than twice the size of the East Library) and it has two loading docks. This purchase will increase the District’s total square footage by almost 50 percent without any new debt to the residents of El Paso County.

The preliminary contract price is $3.75 million, and it includes a 90-day (cancelable) grace period for PPLD to do the appropriate due diligence work. This equates to approximately $33 per square foot, which compares very favorably to an estimated cost to construct a new library facility of about $250 per square foot. A building of this size would have cost the District $28 million.

The District is using fund balance and the current operating budget to fund the purchase of this facility. There is no debt, and no taxpayer dollars will be used for interest expense. There will be some renovation and repair costs, and the District has money set aside in the budget to cover such costs.

This facility will ease the burden on other heavily used libraries by allowing the District’s Information Technology Department, Community Engagement and Outreach Office, Finance Department, Human Resources Office, Collection Management, and the PPLD Foundation to relocate, thus freeing up space at the East Library, Penrose Library, and the Knights of Columbus office building for other uses such as more space for the public.

The facility will also feature a Creative Computer Commons, a prototype library facility that will provide information technology and electronic resources to the public. Classes will ensure participants are comfortable with technology and have the skills needed in the current job market. Emerging technology will be available for hands-on use. It will offer both educational and entertaining programs and resources. Finally, like all library locations, it will become a community center for its area, with a meeting room, study space, and community partnerships.

“The Pikes Peak Library District is a vibrant entity in which the demand for services increases every year.  This transaction will go a long way toward helping our staff meet the increasing needs of our citizens.” said PPLD Chief Finance Officer Michael Varnet.

The timeline for opening is still tentative, but the District hopes to have the new facility open by the end of 2012.

El Paso County developed draft oil and gas regulations and would like public comment. The deadline for public comment is Nov. 28. Here is the Cliff notes version of the 12 page document. This isn’t meant as a legal summation, just a common sense briefing. Please see the entire document at http://adm.elpasoco.com/Development%20Services/Pages/default.aspx

• Distinction between minor oil and gas facilities and major oil and gas facilities is described. Minor essentially refers to exploratory and major to wells that have been converted from exploratory to production.
• DSD Director may review and approve administratively special use applications and site developments plans for minor oil and gas facilities unless otherwise required by the BOCC.
• Major oil and gas facilities to be reviewed by Planning Commission then BOCC. No mention of who will approve site development plans for major oil and gas facilities (unless the statement “…for minor facilities…” should be major). See page 5
• Applications are to consider current land uses and the compatibility with drilling operations
• Applicants must consult with and documents that consultation with Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife regarding their plans.
• Water supply – This one’s important so here is the regulation in its entirety: The operator of any facility that is proposed to use water during exploration, completion, or production shall identify the proposed source of water to be used. The operator shall also provide an estimate for the amount of any water to be used, when it will be used, and evidence of legal entitlement to use such water (e.g. Water Court decree). Onside containment and disposal of water associated with oil and gas facilities shall be in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or county requirements.
• Additional assessments and mitigation include geologic, wildfire, flood or man-made (airport, landfill) conditions; and cultural resources.
• Site Security covers fencing, control of fire hazards, structure stability.
• Operators must provide a plan that describes drilling, well completion, transportation, resource production and post-operation activities.
• Transportation plan may be required.  This section covers roadway maintenance, site access, and financial assurance.
• Setbacks for minor facilities – 500’ from closest existing homes, schools, churches, businesses, playgrounds, recreation areas.
• Setback for major facilities – BOCC to determine on a case-by-case basis. Minimum 500’ but additional requirements may be imposed by the BOCC. Waivers may be considered.
• Excavated storage pits prohibited. BOCC will consider exceptions. BOCC may impose additional safety measures.
• Pipelines and Gathering Systems subject to the Colorado Oil and Gas Commission guidelines. Evidence of compliance to be submitted as part of operator’s application.
• Drainage management and mitigation, grading and erosion control, visual impact analysis and mitigation requirements are described.
• Application shall include a commitment from applicable fire protection district grading its ability to provide service.
• Emergency Response Plan to be submitted, approved and updated annually. Plan must address explosions, fires, gas, chemical or water pipeline leaks or ruptures, hydrogen sulfide or other toxic gas emissions, or hazardous material vehicle accidents or spills. Operator must reimburse county for costs involved in response to incidents.
• Noise emissions must comply with COGCC guidelines.
• Lighting must comply with Section 6.2.3 of county’s Land Development Code
• Groundwater Quality Monitoring Plan and Air Quality Control monitoring required.
• Site vegetation analysis and re-vegetation plan required
• Waste management plan to include handling, storage, transportation, treatment, recycling and disposal of waste generated including fracking fluids, trash, debris and human waste.
• Operators responsible for the management of noxious weeds
• Financial assurance required to restore damage to county roads or mitigate soil erosion.
• The BOCC will consider waivers for any requirement, including “financial impracticality or technical infeasibility” when the “burden of compliance outweighs the benefit of such compliance.”
• Notices must be given to surface property owners and affected residents within 1 mile of proposed facility.