• 2009 Federal stimulus dollars
• State of the state finances
• Becoming even more transparent
• Golden schools get a boost
• Johnson Program open house
• Spring art exhibits
• Board of Education Meetings
• Archive of past issues

Tanya Haave
University of San Francisco
Women's Basketball Head Coach
Evergreen 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.

2009 Federal Stimulus dollars

Jeffco Public Schools will be receiving $23 million in federal dollars as a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, signed into law by President Barack Obama last month in Denver. The money is for a two year period and is all earmarked for special education and Title programs. The district doesn’t have any specifics yet, but there will be very limited flexibility about how the dollars are to be used.

“We believe we can use the money to impact student achievement and save jobs. We will be very transparent with how the money is used,” said Jeffco’s Chief Financial Officer Lorie Gillis.

The district may establish a Web site or another form of ongoing communication to keep the community informed about the use of federal stimulus dollars and the impact it will have on student achievement. Please keep reading the Key Communique for updates on the stimulus program as more details become available.

What else would you like to know about Jeffco's budget situation?

State of the state finances

Please join Colorado State Treasurer Cary Kennedy for an evening of money matters on Monday, March 16, from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Jeffco Education Center Board Room. Kennedy will address Jeffco’s stakeholders group and will help the community understand the state of the state and how Jeffco fits into the bigger budget picture. Seating may be limited depending on the response - please RSVP to Paulee Calvert at 303-982-6843 or pcalvert@jeffco.k12.co.us

Becoming even more transparent

Recently, Jeffco has been at the center of debate about financial transparency. Senate bill 09-057 would require the school district to provide an online searchable database available to the public. That bill has passed the state senate and is being reviewed in the state house. The district recognizes the importance of transparency and regardless of the outcome of the legislation, the district is moving forward with the development of tools and processes for presenting expenditure information on our Website.

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Golden schools get a boost

Several Jeffco schools in Golden received grants at the Golden Civic Foundation’s Breakfast on December 8. Kyffin, Mitchell, Pleasant View, Shelton and Welchester Elementary schools along with Bell Middle School and Golden High School were awarded money that they will use for technology improvements and upgrades.

These upgrades include SmartBoards, laptop computers, document cameras and palm pilots for K-3 teachers to aid in basic early literacy assessment. Established more than 30 years ago, the Golden Civic Foundation raises funds through private sources to use toward improving the City of Golden. The foundation has awarded $1.8 million to non-profit organizations, capital projects and city schools.

“It’s wonderful,” said Kyffin Principal Val Braginetz. “The Golden Civic Foundation has supported Kyffin throughout the years and we greatly appreciate it.” The principals say the foundation helps them fund projects in their schools that would otherwise never exist.

"The Foundation understands that kids in school are the future of Golden," said Mitchell Principal Kim Summeril.

More information available on the Civic Foundation's Web site

Johnson Program to host open house

The Johnson Program is inviting the community to an open house on Wednesday, March 18, 2009 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the school located at 1200 Johnson Road, Golden, 80401.

The Johnson Program is an alternative school for expelled and at-risk students in seventh through tenth grade. The Program has been housed at this Golden site since its inception in 2000.

The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about the new replacement project and tours of the old building. The new building will replace the original school built in 1960. The new school will be built on the existing site, south of the current building. The older facility will be demolished upon completion of the new project.

Students will continue to attend the older facility during construction. The project will be completed in time for school to open by August of 2010 and will cost just over $4 million. The school is being funded from capital improvement bonds approved by voters in 2004.

Check out the Johnson Program flyer

Spring art exhibits

Jeffco Public Schools is hosting its annual Art Shows which are free and open to the public. The exhibits highlight the best artwork from throughout the district. Artwork includes clay, drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, jewelry, fiber, ceramics and computer graphics. Artwork is lightly juried and there will be a first, second, and honorable mention awarded in 10 different categories. A best of show will also be selected. For more information please call Shannon May at 303-982-5967.

Art Exhibits
- Equity and Excellence: Feb. 6 - April 13, 2009, Education Center 1829 Denver West Dr. Bldg. #27 Golden, CO 80401
- Elementary: March 2 - 24 2009, Red Rocks Community College, 13300 West Sixth Avenue • Lakewood, CO 80228
- Middle School: April 15 - May 9, 2009, Lakewood Cultural Arts Center, 480 South Allison Parkway Lakewood, CO 80226
- Senior High: April 17 - May 18, 2009, Arvada Center, 6901 Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada, Colorado 80003-9985

Get the latest information regarding District Art Exhibits

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.