During the past two weeks several metro-area schools have experienced student walkouts. There is additional information that student walkouts could occur Monday, May 1 as part of a proposed nationwide Immigration Solidarity Day.

In response, the district has taken several steps to ensure the continuation of the educational process and to protect the safety of students and staff. While the district respects the student's right to free speech, it also places a priority on creating a safe, respectful learning environment for all students. Jeffco Public Schools will continue to focus on academic achievement.

A letter has been sent to 34,600 Jeffco Public Schools' families, with students in grades 6-12, asking for assistance in keeping their students in school. The district is focused on student safety and academic achievement and will continue to work closely with local communities and law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all students.
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Monroe ( Washington ) Public Schools' Board of Directors announced April 17 the appointment of Jeffco Public Schools' Chief Operating Officer Ken E. Hoover, Ph.D. as the schools' new superintendent. He begins his new responsibilities in the Seattle suburb July 1.

Hoover, 53 a native of Washington, is currently responsible for the daily management and supervision of operations, including food services, maintenance, transportation, technology, construction, security and facilities planning. He has served in financial, operational and instructional leadership roles in Washington school districts, as well as executive director of the Washington Alliance for Better Schools, an education reform group representing a group of Seattle area public schools. He earned his doctorate at the University of Washington and his masters and bachelors degrees at Evergreen State College in Olympia .

“It is all about the children,” Hoover said of his desire to become superintendent of Monroe Public Schools. “Seeing the impact of our work and knowing the difference it makes in the lives of so many is the true reward of being an educator. Monroe is a well run public school system and I am very impressed with the quality of the educational opportunities available.”

“Dr. Hoover has done an outstanding job for this school district for the past five years,” said Cindy Stevenson, superintendent of schools. “I am very proud of the work he has done and what we have accomplished under his leadership.”

“We are grateful for his important role in the successful 2004 mill levy and bond issue. I'm very sorry to see him leave, but he is well deserving of his new role,” Stevenson added.
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District administrative leadership updates

The Colorado Department of Education's state accreditation report suggested Jeffco Public Schools increase support for schools and the monitoring of instructional programs. The district responded by creating four community superintendent positions. Incumbents Rick Myles, Marcia Anker , Peg Kastberg and Dr. Irene Griego will continue in their current roles with expanded responsibilities.

Reporting to the community superintendents will be four executive director for school management positions. Joining George Diedrich will be Principal Mentor Holly Anderson, Conifer High School Principal Cynthia Whitlock and Maple Grove Elementary School Principal Anthony Giurado.

Priscilla Straughn, currently principal at Arvada West High School, has been selected to replace retiring Chrysann McBride as the Executive Director of Learning and Educational Achievement.

The reorganization, to take effect July 1, is cost-neutral. The additional positions will be funded through the elimination of three half-time positions and one full-time position in the Department of Learning and Educational Achievement.
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Celebration of Excellence seats still available

There are nearly 900 community leaders in the Jeffco Public Schools Key Communicator Network. As opinion leaders, the district depends on their voice to educate the community about important school district issues. At the same time, the district needs to hear from its Network on the effectiveness of this important communication program.

As of April 18, only 10 percent of the Network has completed the annual survey. The district is asking for all Key Communicator's to take a few minutes and complete the online survey. Your feedback is extremely important, so if you have not done so already, please complete the 2006 Key Communicator's Survey.

Your support is greatly appreciated.
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Important Dates