• Jeffco Board of Education looks for community feedback on budget
• Charter schools denied
• Construction Update
• Board of Education Meetings

Jamie Dukehart-Conti
2008 Miss Colorado
Ralston Valley High School Alumnus

The Bright Stars program recognizes Jeffco
Public Schools' graduates who have gone on to distinguished careers or have accomplished a significant achievement. If you have a Bright Star you would like to nominate, please e-mail Communications Services.

Jeffco Board of Education looks for community feedback on budget

Members of the Jefferson County Board of Education are asking for the community’s help in making tough decisions about the school district’s budget. The district will need to cut at least $35 million between 2009 and 2012 after voters rejected the bond and mill levy measures on the November ballot.

The board has received recommendations from staff and community budget workgroups and wants to continue to gather feedback from many different voices in Jefferson County. “These are very difficult decisions and we want the best thinking of our various stakeholder groups,” said Jefferson County Board of Education president, Scott Benefield.

Board members will hold a series of community meetings, “Challenges and Choices”, in early January to gather community feedback. Please RSVP by calling 303-982-6808.

The dates, locations and times of the “Challenges and Choices” community forums are:
January 3 – 10:30-11:30 a.m., Belmar Public Library, 555 S. Allison Pkwy., Lakewood
January 10 – 10:30-11:30 a.m., Arvada West High School, 11325 Allendale Dr., Arvada
January 10 – 10:30-11:30 a.m., Evergreen Public Library, 5000 Highway 73, Evergreen
January 10 – 10:30-11:30 a.m., Dakota Ridge High School, 13399 W. Coal Mine Ave., Littleton
January 10 – 10:30-11:30 a.m., Arvada Public Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave., Arvada  

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Charter schools denied

During its Nov. 20 meeting, the Jefferson County Board of Education denied the applications of two charter schools.

Global Outreach Academy was a proposed K-8 school in Arvada which would have focused on Slavic languages. In denying the application, board members cited concerns about a school which would segregate a portion of the community, as well as the financial viability of the proposed school.

Board members also denied the application of the Lotus School for Excellence, a K-12 school focusing on math and science. Board members said that while the concept of the school is intriguing, the Lotus School in Aurora has not met the instructional, financial and educational expectations promised.

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Construction update

School construction, funded from 2004 bonds, continues on-time and on-budget. To keep accurately informed, and to help inform others, please download and print the November District Construction Update fact sheet.

Upcoming Board of Education meetings

The Board of Education holds study/dialogue sessions (Seminar Room, 4th floor) and business meetings (Board Room, 5th floor) at the Educational Services Center, 1829 Denver West Drive, Bldg #27, Golden, unless otherwise noted.