Managing the BVSD budget through the current economic crisis
Boulder Valley School District Superintendent Chris King spoke to the board at the Feb. 24 board meeting about the difficult economic environment our district faces. He outlined actions already taken by the district to help balance the 2008-2009 budget as well as upcoming challenges the district might face when preparing the 2009-2010 budget.
He noted that when comparing BVSD to other Colorado school districts, BVSD does well due to conservative, proactive budget practices implemented since 2005. Boulder Valley has also benefited from a historically strong district voter support of mill levy overrides and bond issues and Impact on Education has helped tremendously by leading the charge for a strong philanthropic community support system.
Actions taken thus far by BVSD include cutting 5 percent from operating budgets for Education Center offices and also imposing an immediate targeted hiring and traveling freeze for district administration. In January 2009, BVSD analyzed the governor's recommended 2008-2009 budget cuts for K-12 impact and led a successful effort to oppose cuts, protecting $2.6 million in BVSD funding for 2009-2010. Efforts to inform staff and the community about the district's economic situation were also made.
Part of the district's input gathering process is to hold Superintendent Budget Forums. Four public forums have been scheduled in the March:
March 4 · 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Nederland Middle/Senior High
597 County Rd. 30, Nederland
March 5 · 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Broomfield High School
1 Eagle Way, Broomfield
March 10 · 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.
Lafayette Public Library
775 W. Baseline Rd., Lafayette
March 11 · 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Boulder High School
1604 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder
While people are free to comment on the annual budget during the public participation part of a school board meeting, it is at the Superintendent's Budget Forums that the fiscal issues facing BVSD schools in the coming year will receive their most thorough public opportunity for review, discussion and input. |
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Field Test of Amgen Life Sciences Program Produced Winning Results
Thanks to a 3-year, $200,000 grant from the Amgen Foundation, as well as annual support from Array BioPharma, Roche and individual supporters, Impact on Education launched the Amgen Inquiry-Based Life Sciences program for BVSD seventh graders in 2007. Led by BVSD Science Coordinator Samantha Messier, the grant is funding a highly inclusive process that has included facilitated teacher work sessions, evaluation of various learning materials, and a controlled field test of two instructional programs.
Two pairs of middle schools with comparable demographics participated in the field test. Manhattan Middle School for the Arts and Academics and Monarch K-8 implemented The Human Body module of the Science and Technology Concepts for Middle School program (STC-MS). Centennial Middle School and Eldorado K-8 implemented the first two units of the Studying People Scientifically and Body Works program (SALI).
The pilot showed that both the STC-MS and SALI programs increased student achievement over the existing Prentiss-Hall program, with STC-MS generally outperforming SALI. However, English language learners tended to do better with the SALI materials due to its stronger emphasis on writing. Consequently, participating seventh-grade science teachers will have the option of choosing between the SALI and STC-MS materials for the full roll-out next year.
We are so grateful for the support of Amgen and the many community partners who match their commitment to education with financial support. Impact on Education increases student learning and support for public education in the Boulder Valley School District by focusing on motivating and rewarding teacher excellence, increasing student interest and achievement in science, technology & math, and creating opportunities for “at-risk” students. For more information check out our website. |
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Second round of bonds sold
The second and final set of bonds for the current Bond Program was issued February 24 in the amount of $176.8 million. The district decided to issue the remaining bonds all at one time to enable us to take advantage of the current competitive construction market. With these funds available, we will be able to expediently write contracts for Phases 2 and 3. Issuing the remaining bonds in one letting rather than two also will save the District approximately $500,000 in fees associated with the transaction.
BVSD partners with the Governor’s Energy Office and local companies Namaste Solar Electric and Next Generation Energy to install green technology in the Manhattan Middle School Bond project
 Two different features of the Bond project at Manhattan Middle School for the Arts and Academics are working to help reduce the school’s carbon footprint.
On top of the new Science wing at the school are mounted 48 photovoltaic panels which generate 9.8 kilowatts to power portions of the mechanical and electrical systems in the new addition. In the event the system output exceeds building demand, excess energy is pumped back into the grid.
“Instead of just reading about the subject, the students and staff can see tangible examples of what the recent buzz word “sustainable” is all about. The hands-on teaching aspect translates Science, Mathematics, and Physics into real life. I relate it to reading about a man on the moon versus actually seeing it happen,” said Project Manager Tom Blahak of Heery International.
Students and staff can monitor the system’s output through a digital display near the new Science rooms. The information can also be accessed online.
 In addition to providing energy to the school, the system also will support learning. Teachers at the school plan to develop a teaching module that will use the system as a teaching tool.
The sixth graders are looking at energy conversion from solar to electrical and how this PV system operates. The seventh grade focus is on life science and will examine the carbon cycle and how burning coal is converted to energy versus how solar energy is collected. In 8th grade Earth Science, the teachers plan to connect the solar cells and sun's angle during the season. Students will also look at weather and cloud cover and solar energy generation.
“There are so many ways we will utilize this teaching station it is very exciting to make solar energy be real and visual for our students,” said Science teacher Kim Greene.
The installation of the panels was made possible through a partnership with the Governor’s Energy Office which covered 50 percent of the installation costs. Namaste Solar Electric, a Boulder company, provided the design and installation for the system.
 Renewable power sources also are found in the parking lot and the outside basketball court in the form of two new dual-power light poles. Each system has both an Airbreeze wind turbine and a 170 watt photovoltaic panel. The energy generated by these systems provides enough charge to the batteries on the poles to keep the lights on from dusk until dawn without tapping into an outside power source.
According to Blahak, another advantage to these poles’ energy independence was a lower installation cost compared to a typical outside light fixture. Since these poles did not have to be connected to a power supply at the school building, there was no need to tear up asphalt to excavate a trench and run power cables, reducing the cost of the installation. According to Blahak, the project would not have been able to afford both new lights otherwise. Next Generation Energy, a Lafayette company, provided the design and installation for the poles.
The $10.4 million Manhattan Middle School project is part of the $296.8 million Bond Program approved by Boulder Valley School District voters in 2006. OZ Architecture was responsible for project design and Adolfson and Peterson was the general contractor.
Manhattan Middle School is one of seven facilities in Boulder Valley School District with renewable technologies including wind, solar and geothermal. Currently, the district is working on expanding the use of renewable technologies through a solar grant from the Center for Resource Conservation and the Bond Program.
About Sustainability Efforts at BVSD
This spring, BVSD will engage in the development of a Sustainability Management System (SMS). This will involve multiple stakeholders both within and beyond our organization. This process includes, but is not limited to, developing short and long-term visions and goals around sustainability and creating strategies for meeting these goals. In conjunction with the SMS process, and in partnership with the Governor’s Energy Office, BVSD will create specific goals around sustainability for Phase 2 and Phase 3 bond projects.
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Membership Discounts
Membership discounts are offered to BVSD employees from various athletic clubs around the area. To get more specific discount information, log on to the district website, http://bvsd.org/benefits/Pages/recreation.aspx or contact each facility directly. *We have recently added Lakeshore Athletic Club in Broomfield to the list. Here is the complete list:
Alaya Yoga Spa
Louisville • 720-890-8980
Boulder Parks and Recreation Center
Boulder • 303-413-7219
Boulder Valley YMCA
Boulder • 303-442-2778
Lafayette • 303-664-5455
Broomfield Recreation Center
303-460-6900
CorePower Yoga
N. Boulder • 303-440-3930
S. Boulder • 303-497-9642
Flatiron Athletic Club
Boulder • 303-499-6590
Lafayette Recreation Center
Lafayette • 303-665-0469
*Lakeshore Athletic Club
Broomfield • 303-729-2582
Snap Fitness Louisville
Louisville • 720-890-7004
The Mountain’s Edge Fitness Center
Boulder • 303-494-5000
YMCA Longmont
Longmont • 303-776-0370
Laptop security
Boulder Valley School District is a member of the Colorado School Districts Self-Insurance Pool (CSDSIP), which provides vehicle/property/liability insurance for our district. CSDSIP recently issued this warning regarding laptop security and how to foil laptop thieves: Laptop computers have always been a target for thieves because their portability and cost make them easy to steal and fence for money. But now laptops are also being targeted for what they can contain…sensitive, confidential data on employees and students, or other information.
While traveling:
- Disguise your laptop. Keep your machine in an ordinary piece of carry-on luggage or briefcase. Laptop cases are an advertisement to thieves.
- Keep your laptop with you. It may seem obvious, but too many people put down their laptop while traveling, then walk away to make a call or get a snack.
- Be especially wary when passing through airport scanners. Two thieves working together can delay you at the scanner, and then nab your laptop as it moves through the conveyor belt ahead of you.
In the office:
- Identify laptops. ID numbers should be inscribed on laptops and record model and serial numbers.
- Lock them up. Secure all equipment to a fixed place. Do not lock them in rooms with false ceilings. Thieves can gain easy access by climbing through the ceiling. (CSDSIP has had claims filed for thefts in this manner.) Lock laptops in a secure storage compartment.
- Make sure your laptop is password protected and put it on hibernate or standby when not in use. Keep data thieves from accessing your data.
- You are responsible for your equipment—please take care of it.
The "110 Program" and Saving for a Healthy Retirement
March 11, 4:30 p.m. in the Aspen Room at the Education Center
We will talk about the BVSD 110 program and a PERA representative will give an overview of PERA, PERA Benefits and guidelines about working after retirement. The deadline to apply for a 110 for 2009-10 is April 1, 2009. PERA will also talk about PERA’s financial status in today’s volatile environment.
In addition to your PERA benefits, BVSD offers three voluntary savings plans: 401(k) through PERA, 403(b), and 457(b). These plans are an important benefit for BVSD employees and supplement the retirement benefits available through PERA. Representatives from each plan will be available to answer your questions. |
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 Recommendations for "Greening" your next meeting or event
For your next meeting or event, consider taking one or two of the steps below to reduce waste before, during and after the event.
Before the Event:
- Reduce paper waste by: Posting event details online, allowing for online registration for the event and responding to attendees via email.
- Encourage event attendees to carpool or take the bus to the event.
- Encourage attendees to bring reusable mugs with them and to take them home after the event.
- Encourage speakers to limit handouts and provide attendees material electronically upon request.
- When handouts are necessary, always print double-sided and on paper with high post-consumer recycled content.
- Do not print on neon or deeply-dyed paper, which cannot be recycled.
- Ask food vendors to minimize packaging.
- Order bulk food items and finger foods (e.g. large serving trays with serving utensils and fruit), rather than individually packaged/wrapped lunch boxes and products. If serving boxed lunches, request materials that can be recycled.
During the Event:
- Bring pitchers to serve water, rather than ordering bottled water products.
- Use reusable plates, napkins and glasses when possible.
- All paper products should be made with high, post-consumer recycled content.
- All non-reusable items should be biodegradable or recyclable.
- Eco-cycle offers a zero waste kit, which includes compostable flatware, glasses and napkins and items needed for disposal. Go to Ecocycle's website for more information.
After the Event:
- Properly dispose of all waste created from the event, disposing only those items that cannot be reused or recycled.
- Use low or non-toxic cleaning supplies.
- Use reusable towels or paper towels with high, post-consumer recycled content for cleaning.
Thank you for doing your part to help green BVSD! |
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Board Approvals
- The board approved the amendment to the original lease agreement for conduit space and fiber optic cable between the district and the City of Boulder. The original agreement was approved by the board in February 2008. This amendment clarifies the details regarding the number of strands of fiber the City of Boulder will lease, the locations of those fibers and the payment terms already agreed to. In addition, this amendment covers a new partnership with Boulder Research and Administrative Network (BRAN) whereby the district allows BRAN to use fiber strands in exchange for a one time payment of $200,000 and annual maintenance payments of $15,000.
- Molly McGannon, Business and Marketing Instructor at Centaurus High School, was granted permission to sell photographic goods and services to the district on a one-time basis for FY 2008-2009, for the Centaurus High School prom.
- The board approved the reapplication for the Designated Career and Technical School (DCTS) status of Boulder Valley Technical Education Center (Boulder TEC) with the State Board of Community Colleges and Occupational Education (SBCCOE). The previous DCTS status was granted to Boulder TEC on April 14, 2004, and will expire April 13, 2009. DCTS renewals are due every five years.
Four contracts were approved:
- The board awarded the architectural and engineering contract for the Bond Program Birch Elementary School Renovations and Additions Project to Oz Architecture of Denver, Inc. The contracted fee shall be the sum of $298,260.00.
- Oz Architecture of Denver, Inc. was also awarded the architectural and engineering contracts for the Bond Program Emerald Elementary School Renovations and Additions Project and the Kohl Elementary School Renovations and Additions Project. The contracted fee shall be the sum of $259,680 and $283,400 respectively.
- The board awarded the architectural and engineering contract for the Bond Program University Hill Elementary School Renovations Project to SLATERPAULL Architects, Inc. The contracted fee shall be the sum of $275,000.00.
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Hats Off! Superintendent's Honor Roll!
Congratulations to this week's Superintendent's Honor Roll recipients:
Maria del Rocio Tremillo, a Boulder High School and Boulder TEC senior, won the regional Martin Luther King, Jr. writing contest. She was nominated by Boulder High teacher Laura Jordan, who said Rocio is a role model for all students. Her story is indeed inspiring – she dropped out of high school when she was 15 because, as a second language learner, she found school to be exhausting. Three years later, she discovered that what she needs to fulfill her life's destiny is an education. So at 19, she re-enrolled at BHS where she now holds her head high and demands the education she now values as never before.
Leann Osterkamp, a Boulder High School senior, was selected as a finalist in the young ARTS program, a core program of the National Foundation for Advancement in the Arts (NFAA). One of just 141 young artists chosen from nearly 8,000 applicants in nine disciplines, Leann won an all-expense-paid trip to Miami in January for young ARTS Week in which she and other young artists took part in a celebration of the arts for master classes, showcase performances, exhibitions, enrichment programs, and final adjudications with renowned artists and arts educator. At the conclusion of young ARTS Week, Leann was named as one of the 60 finalists for the White House designation of Presidential Scholars in the Arts. She is now in the running for selection as one of this year’s 20 Presidential Scholars in the Arts. Leann was nominated by Boulder High Principal Bud Jenkins, who said her piano performances are outstanding and that Leann is awesome.
Lindsey Tubbs, a sophomore at Monarch High School, received the National Financial Literacy Award for scoring in the top one percentile of the National Financial Literacy Challenge exam. Lindsey was recommended by the President’s Advisory Council on Financial Literacy. From Nov. 3, 2008 to Dec. 12, 2008 the challenge was taken by more than 75,000 high school students in the nation and in Department of Defense schools around the world. Lindsey was nominated by Monarch High teacher Paul Diekhoff, who states that Lindsey is the first Monarch High student to receive this distinction.
Thank you, all, for passion and persistence in pursuing your dreams. |
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