Eagle County Schools Board of Education Meeting 4/14/21

001- [Kate] Welcome to tonight's Regular Meeting from the Board of Education meeting on Wednesday, April 14. I will call the meeting to order and we will begin with the Pledge of Allegiance. - [All] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic he represents, one nation under God, indivisible, with freedom and justice for all. - Thank you all for being here tonight, whether in person or remotely. We will have people joining us remotely. The first item on the agenda is approve the consent agenda, which includes a routine of an uncontroversial nature or a place to allow the meeting focus on other points contents of the extensive agenda, An element can be removed by any member of the Board of Education and considered separately if necessary. We also approved

002the agenda and the minutes at this time. - I propose to approve the points of the consent agenda. - Second. - Excellent! Thank you so much. Any comments or discussion on that point? No. Missy? - [Missy] Ok, thank you, Madam President. Mr. Almanza? I'm not sure if it's connected yet or not. - [Kate] Mr. Almanza is probably not with us at the moment. - [Miss] Okay, we'll count it as not present to vote. Mrs. Alter. - Yeah. - Mrs. Cocchiarella. - Yeah. - Mrs. Jarnot. - Yeah. - Dr. Long. - Yeah. - Mrs. Stecher. - Yeah. - Mrs. Tvarkunas. - Yeah. - [Missy] The motion passes six in favor, zero against. One not present. - Excellent. The first point is public participation, which has, We have these, Written comments can be submitted between 4 p.m.

003and 5 p.m. on the day of the meeting and be read in the minutes. This may seem restrictive or unnecessarily so, Yes, difficult to do, but actually, I think it gives the public an easier way to participate as before the COVID policy when they should really be coming here at the time of the meeting and be here in person so they can read your comments, which remains an option. And as we move towards less restrictive policies, We would love to have people here speaking on that podium. Our intention is not to censor anyone, nor anyone's comments. We have always had the experience of very respectful comments and thoughtful contributions. Tonight, we have several comments that have been submitted, But they all refer to one topic of the upcoming agenda, And you, the audience, have the

004option to speak at this time or during the agenda item. We'll keep all those things together tonight. so that we can stay on topic. We will try to review this short introductory section from our report, sports reports and all the new matters, as quickly as possible so that we can to get to the heart of the matter, the discussion of the four-day week schedule. Then, Mr. Superintendent, I'll give you the floor right now. for your report, please. - With pleasure. Very well thank you. Welcome everyone. Welcome online viewers. Let's run this presentation here. Very good, recent recognitions. It's good to start with some very exciting news. It is a pleasure for me to share with the board of directors Amy Vanwel, principal of Berry Creek Middle School She was selected by CASE. as the Middle

005School Principal of the Year from the state of Colorado. Amy Vanwel is in her tenth year with the district and tenth year in that position. And I can tell you, as a parent of children who have attended that school and one who is currently in Battle Mountain, which I truly appreciate, please excuse me, Berry Creek; I really appreciate that Amy really Embrace our philosophy of hearts and minds. She is extremely patient, especially with my children. Friendly, has a great sense of humor and he is very consistent in his behavior and leadership. I think it's been very evident this year through all the confusion and all the challenges. She has been optimistic, She has been a problem solver and has kept its staff and students very comfortable through all this madness. And from a superintendent's perspective,

006I appreciate that you have high standards. for its students and staff, and who knows how to collaborate as part of a team in our organization. She leads our DAC Committee, and has done so for some years, and we truly appreciate your willingness to assume that leadership role. In level meetings, We can always count on her; and in team meetings, We can always count on her so that she is frank and sincere and thoughtful in her comments, and always with a problem-solving perspective. That's why I think it's very well deserved. that he wins this award. And she will head to Denver the first week of June to receive his award from the president of CASE. It's good to know we have someone like that on our team and that represents our district so well. So thank

007you, Amy. In addition, thank-you lunches They have continued to visit the schools and they provide lunch as a way of telling the staff from the board and our administrative team in the district office that we are grateful for their work, grateful for your commitment with our students and our schools. And I need to say thank you. to the board members who have stepped forward to help with that. Michelle, yesterday, at VSSA. And thanks also to Missy, who has been a great help to install and remove them in all schools. We're almost finished. We have three more places to visit, and we have some of the district offices which we also want to reach with maintenance and transport and our office in the DO. So we're preparing the visits for that. We are very grateful for

008the opportunity to share them. Very well, shortage of bus drivers. They heard a little about this in the Budget Committee, But I think it's reaching the point in which they need to have a little more understanding where we are with our situation with the bus drivers. We currently have around 50% of the drivers that we had employees about two years ago. And with such scarcity, is starting to affect our ability to execute routes and we will have to start considering some other changes in the programming. I want you to know that in recent months We have implemented a hiring bonus. We have implemented a retention bonus. We are now working to increase the hourly wage. so that we can remain competitive with the other transportation services in our community, such as the city of Vail,

009the city of Avon, ECO Transit, So we're trying to remain competitive. But it's a difficult job. It's a challenging job. and it's also difficult to program, while in those other transport jobs A person could work eight hours straight. For our drivers, it's more of a split shift. So there's a morning part, free time, part in the afternoon. Then that becomes challenging. Options we are exploring for next year. Obviously, plan number one is to keep trying to do a major recruitment effort, Check out our compensation and benefits packages, to make them as competitive as possible, to ensure that we have available housing. for the employees, try to overcome all those obstacles. But we might also have to consider changing start and end times at different levels so that we can consolidate the routes. We may need

010to increase the walking distance for students who live nearby or are near neighborhood schools for which we are still providing buses. We may need to increase that distance. It is also possible that we may need to increase the threshold that defines a bus stop. In other words, we have a school district covering 2,000 square miles. It's enormous. And we have people who live on the four corners of our district and we may need consider more direct routes and that the parents help us and bring the children to convenient locations to reduce driving time. There is another factor that they must take into account and I have included it in this table. This table shows unemployment versus employment. Hourly wages at the top, starting with $18 an hour on the left and ending with $22 an

011hour on the right. The second row shows monthly income while employed. That would basically be before taxes. But that's the monthly income. The third row shows what normally It would be an unemployment benefit. What it would typically be. But the monthly income of the unemployed They would add $300 per week. Therefore, add $1,200 per month to unemployment benefits. And I'll show them to you in this chart. This is a very good explanation of why it's so difficult find people who do driving jobs bus jobs, janitorial work, maintenance work, food service jobs, anything you pay by the hour in our community. At this point, with a stimulus of $300 per week for unemployment benefits, a person who is not working basically It's breaking with what we can afford in a salary per hour. This will continue

012until September. September is the last month for that additional federal benefit, So we're going to have difficulties. to fill positions that pay hourly until that disappears. And then, if you look at the graph there, the green line and the blue line at the top, The blue line indicates what the entrance looks like. when you are employed And the green line is what the entrance looks like. for additional unemployment benefits. Look how close they are. So trying to convince someone to go to work when he's earning so much money for not working, It's difficult to sell. That's a hard sell. But we will continue working on it. I want you to understand what we are up against. in terms of hiring drivers and the service changes we might have to make, Hopefully, by autumn, I think

013we can get through this year without more dramatic changes, But by the fall of 2021, it is likely that some of those changes that I mentioned earlier These are things we will have to discuss. So, with that, I'll move on. to something a little more interesting. I was able to participate in a talk about safety of the dam. And for those who are watching and can't see my notes, It's not "damn security." It's with real water, like a dam, a safety dam. And I want you to understand that we have talks with emergency personnel in Eagle County quite regularly. And the purpose, I think the purpose is well defined by former President and General Eisenhower. And what Eisenhower said about planning "I've always found plans to be useless, But planning is essential." So, in the

014planning process itself It's where you learn. So, based on these types of simulations, The planning process forces us to think How we're going to handle these things, that's what's important. Having a perfect plan is never the goal. Because there is no perfect plan. So, some important facts about this which I think is worth sharing. In the state of Colorado, There are approximately 1,900 dams, 1,900 dams. And to make it a little more specific to Eagle County, Here is a map of the dams in Eagle County. We have 15 in Eagle County that would be considered a significant hazard class if there were a failure at the dam. So that map shows them where some of those are, if they can read that. The one we used as a simulation was Eagle Park Reservoir, which is

015located in the lower right corner, the southeast corner of Eagle County. And it's actually on a property which belongs to Climax. It used to be a waste pond. and since then it has become in a cleaner retention pond. And the purpose of this exercise was to say if that dam were to fail, What impact would it have on the community? I can tell you, specifically for schools, which would have a major impact on Red Cliff and Minturn, It would probably flood the road it crosses. that community, and would prevent them from entering or leaving, It would prevent our buses from entering or leaving. for a period of time of 48 to 36 hours depending on, or within 48 to 72 hours, sorry. depending on how bad it was. The time it would take for the

016dam to fail in reaching Minturn in terms of the water surge It's only three and a half hours long. So, in terms of an evacuation window, It's quite small. So I'm sharing this just to say that These are the types of scenarios that we occasionally cross. Melissa, Katie, or I usually participate in these and they help us brainstorm, What does that mean for our children? who live in that community, How would we provide them with resources? How could we keep them connected to school? And this is another one of those positive aspects for a COVID year. It would be much easier for us. interact with them remotely now, using Schoology as a platform because we all know her well, and we could help them much more easily. So, that's just one interesting part. on dam

017safety. Of the dams we have, here are some statistics, 10 are considered high risk, five of significant risk and nine of low risk. I like the painting. Very well, other recent activities. We have concluded interviews for our new chief technology officer, We have an offer and it has been accepted. by Beau Wielkoszewski, And no one is more excited about that signing. that Katie Jarnot, who was very happy to hand over the keys of the position of chief technology officer. We expect Beau to start the first week of May. Adele, is that correct? So right now it's in the process from moving from Bigfork, Montana; where he currently serves as chief technology officer for the school district there. Beau has military experience, has done a lot of intelligence work, has spent some time at the Pentagon,

018It focuses heavily on systems, the security of the systems, but also a good understanding of how the educational side of technology looks, So we're excited to bring Beau on board here in a couple of weeks. I also participated in a Vail Valley Partnership broadcast, a Facebook Live broadcast about equity within the Eagle County School District. Tia Luck accompanied me at that presentation, Amy Vanwel, Ariana Lopez, who is a student at Battle Mountain High School, and we had between 60 and 70 online participants who were able to see and hear how we are implementing our fairness procedures and prioritizing that in our district, So it was a good opportunity. I thank Vail Valley Partnership and to the people of Vail for helping to organize that. And finally, the Eagle River Scholarship Fund. I am a member

019of the board of directors of this organization and we started our interviews a couple of weeks ago. I interviewed 10 children, Most of them were students in our system. And I have to say they performed very well. Many from Battle Mountain, Many Eagle Valley students were in the room for that. We offered six scholarships for $7,000 a year for two years. I am very happy to participate in that process And I'm glad that our children came so well prepared and they spoke with such fluency and eloquence. It's inspiring. It's good to know that we are producing quality children. Let's look at the last part, which is recent recognition. I think we're going to see a change in the tone and content of the information that we are getting from the Office for Civil Rights from

020the United States Department of Education, specifically in relation to Title IX. We've been experiencing some fluctuations. between presidential administrations on how we enforce Title IX, specifically for transgender students. I see that pendulum swinging towards an environment more inclusive, more supportive and more accessible for LGBTQ students. So, I think that in a district that embraces equity and a district that wants to make sure that each student feels valued and respected And welcome for who you are, This is a change we are eagerly awaiting. I don't have any details to announce about this yet. But the signals we are receiving from the Department of Education and the Office for Civil Rights I'm told that changes are coming. So we're excited about that. Upcoming activities. Just to let you know, I will be in Grand Junction for the

021next two days for the Western Slope Superintendents Conference. And then the following week is spring break, So we all hope to be disconnected for spring break. Well deserved and congratulations to our students, staff and parents who have overcome this for much of the year and they're taking a well-deserved time off next week. That's all for my report. That was a long time, but a lot is happening. - Thank you. Yes, nobody says that the people from the district office not be busy or in schools. Everyone is super busy right now. Dr. Long, and you? How busy have you been? - Not too busy actually. For the last three weeks, on Fridays, We had a sports tournament with Rocket League which involved Red Canyon High School, Battle Mountain High School, Colorado Mountain University in Edwards, and

022to Colorado Mountain University in Spring Valley, and Steamboat. Two of those teams have withdrawn because the University of Colorado Mountain Edwards He beat them badly, but Battle Mountain and Red Canyon They're still in the race, And this Friday is our final tournament. We will announce the winners and prizes at that time. My son, Ryan, had the SAT yesterday. He was exhausted and had never taken such a difficult test, But I think I was well prepared by their teachers at Battle Mountain, so that's good. I received my second vaccine today. So, if I start acting strangely, It's not my fault. In addition, CMC is planning an in-person graduation ceremony. It will be different from most graduations. We're planning to have some kind of path along which students and their parents can walk and then stop to

023take photographs. We have many photographs, large poster-sized photographs of the instructors so that people can also take pictures with them. And we've received a lot of training. at Colorado Mountain University. Yesterday we met with Ajit Pai, he is the former president of the Federal Communications Commission, and it was interesting for me because I was talking about net neutrality and I was also talking about expanding broadband access for rural areas, which is something that would definitely benefit us. Interesting conversation with him. And that's all. Thank you. - It's been a very difficult couple of weeks for me. I was able to attend the panel on equity in schools which Superintendent Qualman spoke about. And I just want to say another shout-out to Ariana Lopez from Battle Mountain. She shared some great ideas And I think the

024attendees were really pleased. to listen to the students' voices. I am a member of the Mental Health Advisory Committee from Eagle Valley, We had a meeting since this board met. last. Paul Cuthbertson Memorial Foundation It's another board I serve on. And at the time of year when scholarships are offered, We had our annual meeting and, hopefully, in the future... It will be one of the two annual meetings to determine the scholarship recipients. We had excellent applicants, Most were current students or graduates of our school district and we were able to determine prizes for a total sum of $12,000. On the Mountain Youth side, Communities That Care, We've been getting back involved with data, Data from the Healthy Kids Colorado Survey and other local data so that we can review our process strategic planning. And then

025there were two other community engagement events from Mountain Youth, which I joined. One was the last of the spring, Eat Chat Parent on pain management; and the second was Learning Together, which is our Spanish-language family participation program regarding nutrition. Very well related to a session presentation from the work we heard about earlier. I talked about some of our nutritional components in the district. I spent some time in school buildings. At Mountain Youth, we offer skills programs for life to students of different ages. And so I had the opportunity to watch a program fifth grade at Avon Elementary School this week, where they talked about the takeover of decisions and their consequences, as well as a session at Homestake Peak on communication. And then, as Superintendent Qualman said, We've been quite busy with those lunches of

026gratitude. So it was great to be able to thank the staff from Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy and Avon Primary School because of those commitments. I met with the clinician at the center of hope. who works at Berry Creek High School. They are looking to start some kind of support group for LGBTQ students of a Gay-Straight Alliance or something like that, so it was really great to exchange ideas regarding the initial steps to get it up and running, Hopefully, before the end of the school year. They've noticed that many students are interested on that topic, whether it's having a safe space to discuss their personal experiences or support their friends as allies. Today we had a Welfare Committee meeting. It was very crowded. It's great to see that the work continues to progress with all

027the different subcommittees. And then I attended two other community events. The Vail Symposium had an event, a speaker on protests and poverty, really focused on racism and the strategies we can work on locally. And then Project Funway, which I'm sure we'll hear a little more about from a couple of members of our board who are more involved with that work than I am, But I think it was very well produced. It was really fun to see the pictures and the designs that came out of that event this year. - Ugh, I'm tired of listening to Michelle. Apparently, I don't remember everything I've done. Yes, Saturday night's Project Funway It was really fun. I had a small party at my house, with all the necessary health measures against COVID, for the committee Congratulations to Wendy, Tessa,

028and Vaugh. They worked very, very hard this year. And I think the new virtual format It actually opened some doors, and somehow we talked about positive things, I think it could have reached several people. and my mom was able to attend. And she, in fact, for the first time, said, Wow! I want to donate. And she has actually been there in person, And it really convinced her more. Watching the video and being truly... When you're in person, it's sometimes hard to see and listen to what is really happening, The presentation is fun to watch, But I think this is somehow more impactful. Congratulations to Superintendent Qualman's daughter, who was one of the best in the Project Funway competition. It was a beautiful design. My daughter walked down the catwalk and had a great time. so

029it was super fun. So, a victory for the educational foundation. and for education in our community. With that, congratulations also to Denise Cardoza. She is from Berry Creek Elementary School, She is the building's paraprofessional. She received the Apple Award in March, which maybe was Lou, but it was awarded on Monday. I didn't make it to Eagle, But he showed up on Monday. I also attended the meeting from the Welfare Committee this morning and we are very close to have a district welfare plan, which is exciting. I'm still fairly new to the committee, But there has been a lot of work underway and exciting things in the future. With that, I serve on the Physical Activity Subcommittee. And just so people know, that the registration for COPA Soccer It is in process at this time. I

030think it ends in May, I don't know if that's the case in sports. I think it's already underway. If you go to youthpower365.org, some of the deadlines and potentially missed deadlines, I think there might still be some opportunity for that. And Mountain Rec has one too, Their sports league is underway and registration for season three is open and ends on May 10. And I think that's softball. I'm not exactly sure what sports they are. I attended a meeting of the Land Resources Committee And we have something exciting, we continue to collaborate with Habitat on the plot of Third Street and Eagle. That's really exciting! And I think we've reached an agreement. We can vote for around 12 units there, And I believe nine of those units will be directed to a type of teachers in

031that 80 to 100% of AMI. That's a little different from the other Habitat projects in which we have partnered with them. And the other three units will be available. for staff or other people in the community at a lower AMI rate, but that is progressing. So that's exciting. And that's all I have. - Okay, I also got to see the Project Funway competition and I had a lot of fun looking at all the designs, And I'm so glad they were able to to carry it out virtually. It was great. I was also able to attend virtually to open dialogue with parents presented by Mountain Youth, which was called Influencing Our Thoughts and Behaviors. And I just want to thank Montana Youth. That's always an excellent way. to provide parents with tools to be better parents,

032so thank you. I still help out during recess at school Eagle Valley Elementary School And I enjoy doing it. And it was my son's 11th birthday last week, so we celebrated a lot because last year we couldn't do anything. So we went skiing and mountain biking, We had some friends and enjoyed the good weather, And that's all. I also wanted to congratulate Amy Vanwel for her award for Middle School Principal of the Year. When Amy arrived at Berry Creek, it was her first year. that our eldest son was starting at Beaver Creek, So he started there at the same time, and I had children there during the next seven years. And I can't say enough about Amy Vanwell. Phil mentioned most of them, But there's another thing I wanted to point out. I discovered that

033she is incredibly creative. in terms of satisfying individual needs of the students. She always listened and sought a way to make things work. So congratulations to Amy, well deserved. I also attended the board meeting from Walking Mountains. I think it's great news that summer camps appear to continue as they have done in the past, in person. And hopefully, that bodes well for the coming year. when the Walking Mountains excursions They will probably also be carried out on site and not in schools. The other interesting news There was a conservation agreement for 244 acres. on the property in Sweetwater, and it is a joint project. You may have seen it in the newspaper recently, But it's exciting news and it also allowed them to buy another property which is close to the original Avon campus. There

034are many things happening there. I attended the Committee meeting CASB Equity. We are working on the finalization of an equity policy for CASB, which has been a long process, and we are also working on documents to help school districts to create their own equity policies and how to fix it. The other thing I want to point out about CASB The website has a new section for people who are potentially interested in being members of the board. So they can use it as a resource if they listen to people who might be interested and who want to learn more about it. I attended the LRC, which Kelly mentioned, with the Habitat association. I met with Tricia Foreman, who is working in the APDE grant and I had an interesting conversation with her and we simply share

035our own experiences personal with APDE. I attended Edwards Elementary School's Bingo Night. I didn't win, so I was quite discouraged. But it was a lot of fun. And they did a great job. I also attended Project Funway, And the amount of creativity never ceases to amaze me. that we have in our valley, I couldn't do that, you know, But it's incredibly impressive. And finally, I just want to congratulate to the high school football team Battle Mountain. I've been to many of those games with my son, who has senior year night tomorrow night, and they won their league, and the qualifiers will begin next week, Hopefully with a couple of home games before going to a neutral site, But those times are yet to be determined. That's all. - Great, thanks everyone for all the hard

036work. I love that quote about planning being essential. But plans are usually dispensable. That's what I spend a lot of my time doing, thinking about things and planning the agenda a bit. We work behind the scenes to ensure that the negotiation process moves forward. We'll get to that later tonight. I had the opportunity to meet with Tia, again, our equity coordinator when bringing in the students. They'll be with us next time, at the next meeting, which is exciting. And I was able to attend the teachers' thank-you luncheon. In Red Hill, it's always a pleasure to see the teachers and listen to what they have to say for themselves. They're having some interesting conversations. about the CMSC. It's right? - Yeah. - I can see myself stuck on an old acronym. And then, some emails of

037the Facilities Committee They were coming and going, which is a pleasant and efficient way to do it. So something interesting always happens while we are not here at the board meetings. I lost my planner. To move on to old and new matters, I believe this is an underutilized part of the meeting Because there are other things we can talk about. in addition to the list here who is involved in both old and new matters, which is what we will talk about next. If anyone has any questions about those points or any other information we want to know, We need to notify the staff. This is a good time to do it. But if we have other ideas, Yes, and I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. to welcome to the valley, to Eagle County

038and to VailDaily to Ali Longwell, who wrote an article today on the possibility that the members that the board members be compensated, And there are many obstacles and steps. before that becomes a possibility, But I think he did a good job reaching many different perspectives. And it's always great to have a new member on the team and we look forward to reading much more about what Ali has to write and work on with her in education. And I had something else, but I don't remember. Perhaps Shelly will remind me, If there is anything else you would like to mention now. - The two things on my list were summer meals, I realized that we're going to have four weeks of summer school, But beyond that, do we know what the status of that is? And

039also, do we want to see a policy of equality? And it's something we believe we should add to our existing policies? Do you have anything? - Yes, then we should have seen that, and to make sure, as Superintendent Qualman said, that we have several policies that touch on equity in different areas, but it is possible that we need a general policy such as simply separating policies which are administrative policies. of our government policies. I'm not sure if we have that equity policy in governance, But we can definitely investigate that. - I would like to receive an update about the kindergarten lottery for ECCA, see how those results were obtained and see if we made any progress on that. - [Philip] I have them on the list. Thank you. - Anyone else, anything new or old?

040If something else comes up, we still have another chance. So the next item on the agenda, I want to thank everyone for being patient. and hang out with us here, We are really interested in what you have to say. And I know we also have students waiting, But first, let's get to public participation. There, I'm pointing at the computer screen, And here it says James Garcia. And I know the students are waiting online, silenced and now with the camera off, with a lot of patience, And we certainly appreciate that they joined us. while we go through our meeting process. And I'll give the floor to our secretary. - [Michelle] Very well, we have several, - In fact, Michelle, before you get into that, I'd like to put some of this on the table. - [Kate]

041Oh, sure, yes. Thanks, Phil. - So that the viewers understand why we are doing this. The next item on the agenda is about the schedules in Battle Mountain and Eagle Valley High School, that have been operating on a hybrid schedule throughout the year. In the agenda, this is an information item, Which means we are here to listen, We are here to learn. This is not an agenda item that we are going to vote on. or make a decision. The time has come to make a decision about this That's when we see disease levels drop. in Eagle County. And currently, we are still very high in Eagle County. In fact, we have the largest number of positive students at this time that we've had all year. We are closer to orange than to blue in our

042current metrics. So I know there's a lot of optimism surrounding vaccines. My daughter was vaccinated a few moments ago. I know our staff has had the opportunity to get vaccinated, Now our high school students are doing it, but overall we still have a high prevalence of the disease in Eagle County. So, until we see that metric in the blue zone and let's stop these outbreaks in our high schools, of which we only had one in each school last week, This is a time to listen and a time to learn. But now is not the time to jump into a hasty decision until epidemiological data support that decision. So, with that said, we're here to listen. We have quite a few comments that we have gathered from the public. I might recommend that, because we have

043some people in transition that they could, Who needs a presentation supplement? Anyone? They don't have to do it if they don't want to. - [Kate] To get on screen. - But if they do, we could read a couple of letters and then listen to someone and then a couple of letters, and then listen to someone to give you a break from reading. Seem to you? Works? - [Kate] Oh, that's a good idea especially just to mix it - [Philip] Because we have a lot of people - And we have different perspectives. And it wasn't my intention to start abruptly, But I've just been looking at these people sitting here and watching people on the screen. And I know what's coming, But perhaps not everyone who is watching. We have a three-minute limit for reading comments,

044And Michelle will do everything she can to read them. in a timely manner. But if it is exceeded, we may hear a beep. Or if there are repetitive parts that are written exactly the same, Perhaps those parts will do it, We'll simply take them one step at a time. - So, Michelle, why don't you read two, And then we'll have the Parish Director present some information for Battle Mount High School. Rob, do you need to connect to something? Or are you improvising? - Improvisation. - Good. - That sounds great, thanks. And I truly appreciate it, on behalf of the board, to everyone who took the time to submit comments today. The letters will be read in the order in which we received them. So the first one is by Tina and Steve Vardaman who write:

045"Dear ECSD board members, We are writing to you again to beg our teenagers to come back to full-time school. It has been more than a year since this pandemic began. and the teenagers in our public schools They are among those in our community who have paid the highest price. The growing loss of education and social and emotional stimulation It is deeply concerning. Now we have a latent crisis. of apathetic and depressed teenagers. Both Vail Health and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health, For months, they have strongly recommended ECSD to return to high schools to a full-time schedule. The intention of the security measures It was never about preventing COVID, but only to control COVID to avoid overwhelming the healthcare system. Our community's healthcare system He's handling COVID very well overall, with vaccines on the rise, including teachers

046and students aged 16 and over and with tourism declining. It seems ECSD should be able to find a way that high school students return to full-time learning. We understand that logistics are difficult. We also know that this community is capable and has a track record of making things happen. Making the impossible possible It is the character and spirit of Eagle County. It's in our DNA. Our teenagers have already lost a lot. Strong leadership will be needed. to turn this situation around. We urge you to implement a plan immediately, through which our teenagers of public schools return to a five-day full-time schedule per week for the past five weeks of the school year. Five days a week for five weeks, let's do this. Thank you for listening. Tina and Steve Vardaman." Okay, and the next letter

047arrives. by Jen and Ben Wiener. "Dear ECSD board members, we are writing to you to beg our teenagers to come back to full-time school. It has been more than a year since this pandemic began. and our teenagers are among the members of our community who have suffered the most. This is a mental health crisis among teenagers really serious in our valley, where many of our teenagers suffer from depression and have developed other mental health problems. Hybrid scheduling is far from being the equivalent to be at school in person. The consequences we now face They are condemnatory with the loss of education of our teenagers and the social aspects of their emotional well-being. This is very worrying and remains a challenge for many families. Our teenagers need to return to a schedule full-time student with a

048life that gives them purpose, even if it's only for five weeks. Both Vail Health and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health, For months, they have strongly recommended that ECSD returns to," Should I omit the parts that are exactly the same? to the previous one? - We have time. - OK thanks. "For months, he strongly recommended that ECSD would return to high schools to a full-time schedule. The intention of the security measures It was never about preventing COVID, but only to control COVID to avoid overwhelming the healthcare system. Our community's health system He's handling COVID very well overall, with vaccines on the rise, including teachers and students aged 16 and over and with tourism declining, It seems that UCSD should be able to find a way that high school students return to work full time. We understand that

049logistics are difficult, but with our strong support and community leadership within the school district, This can be achieved. Our teenagers have already lost a lot. We urge you to implement a plan immediately, through which our teenagers of public schools return to a five-day full-time schedule per week during the last five weeks of the school year. Thank you for listening. Jen and Ben Wiener." - [Philip] Well, Director Parish, Do you want to give us a perspective? of the students of Battle Mountain? - Sure. So I think that, first of all, everyone in the schools we understand and identify with with all the different points of view that people have and that it has been a challenge for everyone, And there are compelling reasons to remain in the hybrid, And there are compelling reasons to be there

050four days a week, And every family and student has their reasons. and they are all valid. So we all know it and we live it every day. Everyone in the room knows it too. So I'll talk a little bit about What was our process for collecting information? and student opinions. And I think Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain They had similar processes. But what we did was gather a group of students so that they could give their opinion. Our students were all our AVID students. ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth grade, We had our group of Hispanic mentors, Our Student Council group, Link Crew and then all our history classes, including DE history class and the regular history class, who were all eleventh-grade students, Therefore, we were able to obtain a wide range of opinions. of the

051students, And what we did was conduct a very short survey in which students only receive the facts. We tried to gather this information and in the most impartial way possible. And the facts were things like, They would start school four days a week April 26th, They would go to school on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, It would be a seven-day period, everyone would be masked, but there wouldn't be much social distancing, students on days A and B, In the third hour they would be in the same classes, things like that. So everyone has that information. And then everyone said, if they wanted to stay in the hybrid or if they wanted to go four days a week, but the key component It was that they needed to give a reason. And the students, it was incredible.

052I'm sure Greg will say the same thing. But they took it very seriously. From high school boys sometimes You never know if you'll get a serious answer or a funny answer, but they were very serious. They had an opinion and were able to back it up. So what I did was take the comments, I think Greg did something similar, But there were 104 comments about returning to four days a week and I classify them differently, I try to put them into main categories, and there were 54 who spoke of educational, school, and work concerns. There was a school, they want to go back for their schoolwork. 22 said they wanted to return to normal. And again, I had to talk like a teenager. and place them in these categories. And then 24 more comments focused

053in socio-emotional concerns. And then I did the same with the rest of the comments about the hybrid system, And there were 150 of those, and I divided them into, 27 were about related health concerns with COVID. The vast majority, 75, expressed "We just need to finish the period, we have changed so many times, "We can't adapt to one more thing." or to the stress of a change, the stress of creating a new system, and then 15 said they enjoyed the hybrid, and then the rest was just a reprogramming problem, with work schedules, and those were 30 comments. So, there are many students who expressed this concern that they have structured their lives around the hybrid, primarily in relation to work on asynchronous days. So that's what we did with the comments. Then I asked the

054students who were interested in being part of it from a panel of students if they wanted to come on a Wednesday and talk to me about it. We did that on a Wednesday and we had a great conversation. And they became very mature again. and respectful in their opinions. Also, in the overall chart, when they had to decide, stay in the hybrid or go four days a week, There were around 60% who wanted to stay with the hybrid and 40% who wanted to go to a four-day schedule per week. That was our process. Phil asked us to prepare some support we could provide for students who remain in the hybrid program, And that's for the students who are fighting. in the hybrid situation and the ways in which we can help them. So this is

055a short list, and we can also think of others. We can open our media center on Wednesday for any student who needs a place to work, that is quiet, with Wi-Fi and a productive learning environment. We can do that for students too. on their asynchronous days. For some students on asynchronous days, Obviously, the library is a finite amount of space. But we can facilitate that whenever there is space. and we can maintain the learning environment. Teachers still have their hours from the office on Wednesdays, every Wednesday that they are available for any student who needs help. The teachers in general are very qualified to help with one-on-one students, especially on Wednesdays when they need it and they need a little extra help. We are already bringing some students into the building SPED and ESL students,

056Special Education students. on asynchronous days to get additional help. We still have our homework club available. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30, that students can take advantage of. And then all our advisors would say they are anxious and ready and willing and interested in meeting with students on their days off to work on any problem or social and emotional situation where children need help. - Rob, for any student that he's really excited to come back, who wants to return for academic or social reasons, What is your point of contact? If you want to get in touch with someone at school and say, Hey, this is my situation, I feel anxious about A, B, C, what can I do? Who should they contact? - The first point of contact would be the advisor. -

057[Philip] The School Counselor. So, if they contact their counselor, Can your advisor connect them? with any of the academic support you mentioned, And obviously, social and emotional support. What is precisely their area of ​​expertise? - Yes, and academic, The counselor can also communicate on behalf of the student from any academic area. - Perfect, thank you. Could you send those notes you read to Missy? so she can carry them later to our meeting record? - [Rob] Sure, I'll send you the support notes. - Yes, the endorsements and the survey data you shared. That would be helpful. Thank you. - Clear. - Any questions for Director Parish? - I'd just like to know your opinion. I mean, do you think the kids would be better off there? Or do you think they'll do better in hybrid mode?

058Or what do you prefer? - Oh, I think that would be better, in hybrid or four-day, Is that the question? - Four days. - I mean, I think, as the data says from the survey, It's a mixed bag. That was 60, 40 in favor, - But what is the concern about What do children think? because I don't think we normally ask children, I mean, I don't think my kids would say that at this stage of the game, they want to return, But I don't think, or I'm not sure, that means which would be better for them, So I'm asking for your personal opinion. - I think some children would benefit from going back, But I think we would lose many students. Basically, we're changing a set of problems on the other hand. I think many

059students have made this system work for them, including their schedule, than to change it for five or four weeks, There's not much benefit in that for students. I think we would probably lose more than we would gain. We would lose more than we would gain. And that's in a general sense. I think there are certain students those who would benefit. But I think May It's a very challenging month for high school. There are AP exams and graduations and proms and lots of things are happening And I don't know if we'd gain much. when we switch to four days. - This goes somewhat with Shelly's point. But do you have any idea about the teachers and staff? I mean, what's your opinion? I mean, obviously they're mostly vaccinated, But they still have a classroom of 15

060children versus 30. I mean, any feelings or input? - [Rob] I'll let them answer that. - Could they give their opinion next? - Yes, we have the union guys. that can give us that impression. Michelle, do you want to read a couple more? of your public engagement messages? - [Michelle] Of course. - Alright. The following letter comes to us from Tamby Katieb, who writes: "Dear members of the Eagle County School Board, As a father of two high school-aged children, I would like to offer some comments before its discussion on April 14, 2021 about the schedule. We are strongly in favor of returning to face-to-face instruction and learning for all high school age students. The unexpected and sudden loss of face-to-face learning It was devastating more than a year ago and we never fully understood the

061logic that students of age high school students didn't need face-to-face learning opportunities that our elementary school-aged children and secondary school received during the pandemic. If the waiting time to receive advice and behavioral health advice It is an indicator, Our high school children have clearly suffered at the expense of the COVID hybrid schedule. They can't find a behavioral health counselor or licensed in this valley that is not booked at least one month in advance, even with virtual telehealth consultations. It's the same story in neighboring counties and in the Frontal Range. The scientific community recognizes that adolescence is a period in the that teenagers need greater peer interaction, And it's also a time to take risks It is so important for social and emotional development such as peer interaction. According to Laurence Sternberg, a developmental psychologist who

062specializes in adolescents at Temple University, our young people aged 14 to 17 are among the most boldest of all teenagers, However, these are our high school students which have been reduced to two days of classes of face-to-face learning. Although these teenagers use the same cognitive strategies that adults, They seem to run risks during this period of life as an adaptive advantage, something that has served to human psychology for millennia to leave safety and move on to less structured situations in life as young adults. Think about how quickly these teenagers They go to work. After finishing high school, More education and training in other skills are emerging, as well as significant commitments for life. In accordance with this deeply rooted strategy adolescent development, Teenagers invest in the future, not the past. This means they need to

063interact. with other thinkers of the future even more so at this age, no less. Building relationships with other thinkers of the future, including their classmates, teachers, administrators and the staff of each school is of vital importance for the future success of teenagers as risk takers and members of our community. Social rejection or social limitations They are a threat not only to their development needs and adaptation, but instead become a threat for the community who wants to see our children engaged and passionate about learning. My simplistic and unscientific survey behavioral health services in Eagle County right now It tells us something very different and terrifying. It is a warning sign that we must reiterate. learning and fellowship opportunities as soon as possible. While we rush to open restaurants, outdoor bars and breweries and without masks in

064Eagle County, We're dragging our feet with student and teacher surveys and we ask if we want that reduced opportunities for face-to-face learning be more permanent. Are we really engaging children? with virtual classrooms? Measuring our learning loss due to the pandemic It's an excellent read for management. or a group of researchers, But it does nothing to get us back on track and avoid the harmful and lasting impact with our teenagers that we all know is happening this year due to the hybrid schedule." We have the rest of the letter filed away and the board members will make sure to read it. Thank you very much, Tamby. And the next letter comes to us from Amy Quiselica. I'm very sorry if that's mispronounced, who writes: "Dear Board of Education of Eagle County Schools, Public schools exist for

065a reason. and modify them abruptly beyond the benefit, practicality and effectiveness expected has had disastrous consequences for our local students. Our son attends VSSA and is in sixth grade. We are grateful that the VSSA students finally be able to attend in person five days a week after spring break. Our daughter attends school Catholic St. Clare of Assisi, where he has attended five days a week without incident. We urge you to support the school Battle Mountain High School and to Eagle Valley High School in the search for ways to return to face-to-face learning five days a week during the remainder of the 2020-2021 school year. There are biological, social, and economic consequences. and very real cultural aspects of school closures and subsequent hybrid learning which cannot be exaggerated. The Centers for Disease Control reported that 25%

066of young adults considered suicide during the lockdowns, while the general mental health problems They also appear to have skyrocketed. CDC data shows a 24% increase in mental health visits to the emergency room for five-year-old children 11 years compared to 2019. Among adolescents aged 12 to 17, that's 31%. That increases by 31%. According to the minutes of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, screen time for people younger people have always been tall, But the lockdowns, as expected, led to an increase in the use of devices and a reduction in social interaction. Forcing students into digital learning It had a negative impact on physical health, as well as people exercising less, and They will often increase their alcohol consumption, which is related to anxiety and depression. And the guide issued by the

067Academy American College of Pediatrics which recommends that schools remain open, They point out that the schools and programs supported through the schools They are fundamental to development and the well-being of children and adolescents and provide for our children and teenagers academic instruction, whether in person or virtually, social and emotional skills, reliable safety and nutrition, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, mental health services and opportunities for physical activity, among other benefits. Beyond supporting educational development for children and adolescents, the schools play a fundamental role when addressing racial and social inequality. The World Bank also estimates that the damage caused due to school closures, the equivalent of approximately $16,000 in lost profits during a student's life at present value. These learning losses could be translated over time in $10 billion of lost profits for the global economy, due

068to lower levels of learning, the last months of schooling during the blockade. Young people are suffering because to their biological needs and unmet development needs linked to in-person socialization. In-person schooling, going to parties, attend concerts, See friends, all these activities played an important role in psychological and developmental needs of young people. The never-ending narrative about COVID-19 has created unnecessary harm to society and to our children." Again, we have the full copy of the letter and we'll make sure to read it. Thank you so much, Amy. - Thank you, Mrs. Stecher. Because Ms. Alter asked that question from the teacher's perspective, Let's adjust our order a little. That's what I was talking about with these guys. We were planning the directors' presentation. But you asked a good question. So we'll ask Sandy Burrell that presents the

069teachers' perspective from Battle Mountain following the statement of Director Parish. So, Sandy, I'll give you the floor. - Thank you so much. So Doug and I sent out a survey to all our certified staff in both high schools in early March, which were approximately 120 teachers and staff. We had 90 teachers respond, which is a fairly large survey sample, and 82.2% of our teachers He thought we should finish the year the way we started it. So, they prefer to remain in hybrid mode. There was a small percentage of teachers, 10%, that perhaps he was interested in a gradual return of ESL and SPED students four days a week, and that the rest of the students They will return to normal in the fall. Some of the major concerns, I believe, are that, Well, we wouldn't

070be following the CDC guidelines. If we were to return with 30 or 35 children in a classroom, which is what it might look like if we started combining the classes with As and B together and that was causing a great deal of discomfort. Approximately 80% of teachers said who really want us to follow the CDC guidelines, which would not currently be three feet of social distancing In our high school, that would be six feet. and still wearing masks. Some of the major trends, comments and concerns really have to do with by interrupting our routines, that we've finally gotten into a rhythm, and the beginning of the year was particularly difficult, but that teachers and students are in a routine, and our comfort level in this hybrid system It's much better than at the beginning of

071the year. We have students who have started working to help families, and they are also volunteering in our community now and we feel that too It is a valid educational opportunity for them. There were definitely security concerns, as I mentioned earlier, and also in relation the mental health of the staff. I know we talk a lot about mental health of the students, but ruin our plans, so soon, with one week to go or a week and a half, and so close to the end of the school year with very little benefit, it's a difference of 10 days. And before the AP exams, which is obviously my concern, It's not even that many days, In other words, I already have my instruction plan from now on. until my AP exam, so I'd have to readjust that.

072And that will cost me, having to do it during the holidays. spring if we return immediately afterwards. So we're all definitely getting stressed. I mean, that's stressful. Do you want to talk more about that? Teacher stuff. By the way, we didn't really divide our two high schools as far as teachers are concerned, Therefore, we have collectively collected our data. - Yes, I mean. First of all, thank you for inviting us And thank you for having this forum so that we can begin a dialogue. I definitely appreciate it. - [Philip] Doug, let me interrupt you for a minute so they know who you are. - Oh, I'm Douglas Little. - This is Douglas Little. He is a history professor at Eagle Valley High School and represents the teachers' association there. So he's going to take advantage

073of Sandy's explanation from the teachers' perspective, but on the side from Eagle Valley. - Yeah. I think the biggest concern teachers have is, And first and foremost, the teachers want to see their children and they want to teach their children. We all know it's very difficult. participate in authentic learning when there are so many interruptions in your classroom every day. You don't know who will be quarantined, all the different nuances, the perspectives that are taking place and how that is affecting the learning process. I think that's a big concern they're having. the teachers We know that whenever there is an interruption in learning, It takes time to recover. Summer vacation is an interruption of learning, The departure of a master is an interruption of learning, even changing classes during semesters It is an interruption of

074learning. And it takes time to build culture, It takes time to nurture relationships, It takes time to basically establish a presence that facilitates learning at the highest level. I think much of the concern I'm hearing, in addition to logistical concerns, We won't have time if we do this. to recover, that we won't have time, because the children's schedules are going to have to change, The dynamics are going to change, Trust needs to be built in the classroom and in just four or five weeks, It's a very short response time for this to happen. In addition, we asked the students and to the families whose lives were interrupted, And they did. And they accepted it. And by doing this, we have kept our schools open. when most districts have closed. I think it would be detrimental

075to many. of our students And the teachers feel it would be detrimental. For many of our students, if we ask them that will disrupt their lives again. Because routine is important. If we're talking about a classroom management plan, If we're talking about a learning style, If we're talking about any kind of structure, A routine is important for a student's learning environment. And ask people that changes their routines so it would be a marginal gain It simply doesn't sit well with many teachers. And I'm talking about the shifts that have been given, I teach DE classes and I have this strange phenomenon which happens every year, where my afternoon students change their schedules to go in the morning due to sporting conflicts. They will have to travel and they don't want to miss their DE classes

076and stuff. So my morning classes are quite large. And if they combine two of my morning classes, On my day A and my day B, I will have 54 children. I can't have 54 children. So, those children have to go to a different class. And I don't know what's going to happen. And also, with many of my DE students, I have children who actually attend during their remote days as full-time students, as if their class was essentially their day off. So, if we combine the classes, Suddenly they'll try to fit in seven or eight classes on a six-day schedule. And with one month to go, they'll basically have to stop. one or two classes. And they can do this because of the schedule. So, I think it would be unfair to the boys ask them

077to choose which of the classes The things they're taking aren't going to end. So I think that from the teachers' perspective, when 82% of teachers say no, It's not because 82% of teachers don't want to be there With children, they simply understand that the logistical problems behind this are insurmountable in some cases. I agree with one of the parents in the comment that said, We are very good at making the impossible possible, But this would be a very difficult impossibility. to make it possible. - Thanks, Doug. - No problem. - Thank you, Sandy. Any questions for the teachers' representatives? who are present? - They may appear at the end once we have it all together. So we thank you for waiting. until we finish this conversation. - Thank you. Okay, Michelle, would you like to

078give us a couple more? - [Michelle] Of course. - I think we had as well as 12 comments from parents in total, just so you can anticipate how many of these we have. - Very well, next, let's listen to Greta Campanale, who writes: "Data from the Colorado Department of Public Health collected since the beginning of this academic year They indicate that schools are a source of spread. of COVID-19? In Eagle County, if the main reason why Battle Mountain and Eagle Valley High Schools They operate on a hybrid schedule, It's to maintain social distancing guidelines required by the state for interior spaces, We, the public, should see the data that indicates if schools are operating at full capacity lead to the spread of COVID. Have the public authorities analyzed the data that could very well show

079that keep high school students out from the school leads to further spread than if they were involved in face-to-face learning full-time? In fact, most, if not all, the exposure notices we have received Battle Mountain reports indicate that the virus is spreading It occurs outside of school at social gatherings. The CDC currently reports the following on the evidence of physical distancing in schools. In summary, the preponderance of the available evidence of US schools indicates even when the students were located less than six feet apart in classrooms, There was limited transmission of COVID when they consistently remained other prevention strategies, in particular masking and student cohorts. International studies further support these conclusions. This Friday, the COVID-19 indicator system of Colorado will disappear and the management of the coronavirus response It will be transferred to local health departments.

080When this happens, will it be possible for Eagle County find a way to make students of public high schools return to full-time in-person learning in accordance with public health guidelines informed by real data about schools and the transmission of COVID? Regarding the questionable decisions that have kept children out of public school this year, We must consider: Has the cure been worse? that disease?" Thank you, Greta Campanale. And our next letter comes from Robin Litt, who writes: "Dear members of the Eagle County School Board, I am writing to you today to urge you to get our teenagers back to school full time. High school students are at risk. They teeter on the brink of apathy and many are isolated and depressed. Although I no longer have students in the secondary schools Battle Mountain or Eagle Valley,

081I know how much our teenagers are struggling. The harmful effects of social isolation and the lack of contact with friends, teachers, coaches and mentors will have a lasting impact on our youth. I understand that both Vail Health as Eagle Valley Behavioral Health They have been urging Eagle County schools to return to high schools on a schedule full-time. The intention of the security measures It was never about preventing COVID, but only to control COVID to avoid overwhelming the health system. Our community's healthcare system He is handling COVID-19 very well overall. This is the ideal time to make the change. Bring children back to the classroom five days a week after spring break. Don't let this continue. Give our students the opportunity of face-to-face learning. Find the children ignored by the system before summer has an even

082greater impact on them. Please provide for the senior students the experience of face-to-face education. I can't imagine how difficult the logistics are going to be, But resilience is what characterizes to our community. We support each other. The parents are here and willing to help when necessary. They have the support. Please assume a leadership role for which they were elected. Our teenagers have already lost a lot. I urge you to implement a plan immediately. so that high school students can have again a full-time schedule of five days a week during the last five weeks of the academic school year. We were so terribly disappointed that Battle Mountain High School could not do more than a pre-recorded graduation for our senior students last year, and we recognize that other schools in the district They were able to

083rise to the occasion to honor their graduating seniors in a more complete and respectful manner. I don't want this year's senior students be the victims." That's where the sentence ended. "Five days a week for five weeks, let's do it." Thank you for listening. Robin Litt." - Thank you, Michelle. Director Doan, would you mind sharing with us the findings he requested from his students, and also your opinion? Thank you. - Yeah. So again, thank you, as everyone else has said, for giving us the opportunity to provide you with the information. So first I'll put on my director's hat. So, when I did this with the students, I explained to them that I use three functions in this process. I am the father of a student from Eagle Valley High School, So I understand the parents' perspective

084about all of this. I am the husband of a teacher from Eagle County, From what I understand, my wife has been through and what are their prospects. And then, as a director, I also have a role and a responsibility. So I can speak to you anecdotally about many things And maybe we'll do it with a beer after this. or something like that, But right now I'll tell you what the students said and what is your data and what is our data. And then, if you're interested in knowing What is the perspective of my three hats? I can also provide it. So we communicated well with Battle Mountain, Rob and I carry out very similar processes in our two buildings, We went to several different groups. I have an executive summary that I can share with

085Missy. and they can read it in its entirety. We reached about 250 students going directly to their classrooms, to their spaces. We offered a comment board on Padlet where students could publish and read comments and reply to others asking them what their opinions were, like a kind of blog, so to speak. And then we also conducted a survey in which we asked the students to give us their opinion on what they wanted to do. In each case, firstly, with the comments Again, the same process as Rob, We take the comments and categorize them. and we read all the Padlets, whether to remain in the hybrid model or switch to four days a week. The distribution of comments was basically, 75% of the comments related to the reasons why we should stay with the hybrid, and

086around 25% of the comments They were in favor of moving to four days a week. Many of the same issues have just emerged. It was about health and safety, or current life and the way it is lived And one works and the desire to remain the same. Some very positive ones, like loving the hybrid system and the modular system, and some children They have very positive things to say about it. And then regarding the comments to move to four days, wanting to be more academically engaged, see their teachers more, to have a sense of culture and community and all the things we love about school, not to be isolated. So, again, any of the comments that of the parents would be reflected in what we've heard so far in what the students said on that

087side. When we moved on to the voting part, it was the same. It was exactly 75% of the votes to maintain the hybrid and 25% to switch to something more in-person. So, it didn't really matter. There were slight differences between first-year students and last year. The senior students had many opinions. Hello, James, and everyone else who are going to talk here in a little while. They will give you their opinions. and they will express their opinions on the matter, and they have many sound points of view on the matter. The first-year students were more like, Just tell me what to do and I'll do it. And they would return, but they would also stay at home. So I feel it was a great performance from the school. We didn't survey a thousand students, But when

088a quarter of them were surveyed, We clearly understand where they are and what their problems are. Again, just as a side note, I create a weekly COVID dashboard for staff, and we have been monitoring it every week, Otherwise, every two weeks; the number of cases in the building, How many students are out, how many staff are out. The last two weeks have been horrible. It's been as bad as ever, right now in our schools. It is more related to sport and social contact, But that is impacting us, in the number of students who are currently out. We have 10 positive cases and 51 students in quarantine in the last two weeks, which is one of our highest numbers, knowing that we are no longer doing contact tracing in the classroom, We are only making direct

089contact through other things. And so, at this moment, we are above where we were during the first semester through the entire first semester, total quarantines and positive cases in the second half of the year, And I think that's significant. We've also been keeping an eye on the ratings. Since October 1st, we have carried out comprehensive monitoring of the students' grades. And again, I'm speaking about it as a member of the staff, How many students are failing? Who are we addressing? We made great progress in the first semester. At one point, we had almost 1400 "F" grades in the building. And then, at the end of this semester, there were 600. so we reduced it by more than half. This semester, it has not risen to the same critical level. When I did the math on

090April 7th, There were 905 "F" grades in the building. And again, there will be a process in which senior students perform together And they will begin to see that. Therefore, we anticipate a certain type of distribution with very similar grades this first semester, And it's not dramatically different most of the time, So again, just to mention the fact. What thing? Yes, yes, exactly. The entire semester, the entire second semester, we have been offering on Wednesdays, So, the part about what other things we can do and how can we further support students, Throughout the second half of the year we have been offering Study sessions on Wednesdays, four hours in the afternoon. We began by addressing the students, We send more than 50 emails a week and we call the parents and students directly to offer

091support if they were late, either because of their attendance or their grades. We offered it to him about a month ago. to all students. We sent a communication to all parents and to all the students that they could come to the study rooms with direct access to teachers for four hours Wednesdays. We have been offering specialized schedules to the students, primarily also to our ELD students and special education who can attend four days a week. Just as a reminder, we offer programs as an automotive mechanic on our days off. So, some of our students They already go to school five days a week through the programs from Eagle County. So our system was built from the ground up so that some students could be there alternating days. And just as we opened up sports and

092athletics, There are students who are in school five days a week per week. And I would say there are hundreds. And then I look at this kind of concept of how many students are connected to our schools. If you play a sport, if you're on the debate team, If you're in the band, if you're in the musical, if you connect to our school in the way we always wanted you to connect, That's happening five days a week. So it might not always be eight hours of academic contact that we want, But it has been there. This semester especially We have had much more interaction with the students. So yes, those are the facts and that's the evidence. And then we can talk about theory and affect if you wish. - [Philip] Greg, if the students

093need support at Eagle Valley High School, Is the contact point the same as Battle Mountain? Should they contact their counselor? to connect with academic support or social and emotional support? - Yeah. So, if you are a parent in Eagle Valley And he's listening tonight. and has not been contacted through our other methods communication, Please contact our advisors. Our administrators and advisors, deputy directors, I would estimate, in a five-day week, Each of them meets with five parents, at least one every day. So this semester, we've met with dozens, multiple sets of it. So, if a parent or student ever contacts us And if you need support, we are ready and willing. to offer it and we will do creative things to help. - [Philip] Thanks, Greg. Do you have any questions for Director Doan? - I'd

094ask Greg, do you think Or do you agree with Doug's assessment? that they try to redo the schedule, especially for third-year students and fourth year in DE Would that be an extreme challenge? - About a month ago, I rebuilt the entire program to see what would happen And, as many parents have pointed out, yes, we can do it. Everything is possible. It would be tremendously disruptive in many ways. Is it possible? Sure, anything is possible. We could do it, The most important thing would be that there are students that have specialized schedules that cannot be arranged and they wouldn't be able to go to their classes four or five days a week because there are conflicts that we designed. We designed it for students can go on their days off. Therefore, it is possible that

095they will have an online class. that meets at exactly the same time as another class, or they receive automotive mechanics training, so they will not be able to attend to classes four days a week or five days a week. And I suppose one thing, We discussed this at the public health meeting, We're not going to get any more information drastically. by having four or five days a week. We cannot expect all students to have access to it Similarly, Therefore, I cannot ask the teachers that they double their efforts in the last month because it would be unfair. There would be students who wouldn't have access to that, because we designed a schedule that would not allow them to do so. - [Ted] Okay, thanks. - Thanks, Greg. I appreciate it very much. I'll give Michelle

096the floor for a couple more letters of parental involvement. Thank you. - Very well thank you. Our next letter is from Jennifer Coulson. I'm going to point out the subject in your email It was "School Year 2021-2022." A little different what we've been talking about. Jennifer writes: "We ask that you keep the open school five days a week throughout the school year, please." Thank you, Jennifer Coulson. With that, I think we can read two more here. Very well, next we will hear from Elizabeth Dekanich: "Dear Eagle County School Board, I write as a veteran teacher with over 20 years of experience, Mother of three children, one in ECCA, one in Battle Mountain and another recently transferred to Vail Christian High School. Leaving emotions aside, we must continue discussing What is best for our children, our

097students and the future. Throughout this entire pandemic, I have been proud of our little valley, uniting in times of need, in times of crisis. We have overcome and beaten many of the odds, But how can we begin to celebrate when we can't? How can we get our students back to school? It's painful to see to make the teenagers of our valley falter. They no longer have a purpose. They no longer have connections. They no longer have people to support them. They are simply alone. If we don't return to school before August, We run the risk that students be even further removed from school and its connections. Students will need an adjustment period to readjust to a schedule, to learn and be responsible. Students must return during the month of May with the intention that we

098help them recover positive mental health providing them with support and the constant encouragement of adults within the school. As a teacher, I know that our number one goal It is the well-being of our students. Let's use the month of May to reconnect, recharge, review and revisit the school, their classmates and their teachers. If we don't do this in the 2020-2021 school year, We risk wasting more time of significant teaching in the 2021-2022 school year. Nor do I think we can underestimate the overwhelming task that students have when imagining the return to school in August, which will last nine continuous months. The idea of ​​going to school for five weeks and then have a summer break It can alleviate the anxiety of many students. Please consider this option. Why are they asking if we would change

099our lives? of the students for only five weeks? They need to be supervised and cared for, just as we have taken care of our students elementary and middle school. They'll say they don't want to go back to school, It's nonsense, they're fine. But are they? Any adult can tell them they're not okay. For teachers, I understand the burden we have taken on. and the burden we continue to bear. If the directors would give us permission to relax in the academic aspect of the school to be emotionally present for our students, Would that change the perspective? As I said, the month of May It could be a month of mental health. We can regroup and reassess ourselves after rebuilding emotional well-being of our students. Education is nothing without stability, security and protection. Thank you for taking

100the time to read this. If you have any further questions, Don't hesitate to contact me. Thank you for listening to all sides. and do what's best for the students. Sincerely, Elizabeth Dekanich." And here's another one from Amy Van Goey, who writes: "Our high school students have had to endure one of the most difficult years in his education. These children need social interaction and a quality education. This hybrid schedule is causing harm to our students both academically and emotionally. Primary schools receive classes the entire week with minimal COVID-related health problems, Why can't our high school students? These years are among the most critical in the life of a student. I know my high school senior It's not as well-equipped as it should be. to go to college this fall. Online education and virtual learning They are

101not effective. Please allow our high school students return to your normal schedule. Thank you, Amy. - Thank you, Michelle. We see someone online. James Garcia, I think he's a student from Eagle Valley High School Mr. Doan, is that correct? - [Greg] Yes. - Does James have any comments for us? Yes, James, Alexis and Zyrus should be there. - Alright. This would be your moment, James. If you're connected, you can turn on your camera and microphone. and we'll give you three minutes. - [James] Hello, can you hear us? - [Philip] Yes, we can. - [James] It won't let us turn on our video camera. - [Kate] Not allowing what? - [Philip] They can't turn on their camera. We will work on the camera issue. Is that essential to your presentation? Because we have other people. -

102[James] No. We don't need the video right now. - [Philip] Okay, then continue. - [James] Okay. We are addressing you as SPICE, the guiding mission of Students Promoting Inclusion and Civic Engagement, to talk about the problems that affect to the students to create a safe learning environment and support. Because of this, we feel the responsibility of advocating for many students here at EVHS on the subject of the return to full-time face-to-face learning this semester. We support maintaining the hybrid schedule. instead of returning to face-to-face learning full-time for the remainder of the semester for the reasons listed below. - [Woman] It's a challenge, So the number one reason is our safety. It's a challenge in most of our hybrid classrooms Maintain a distance of six feet with reduced class sizes. This is often not possible given

103the size of the classroom. The Centers for Disease Control now only They require three feet of social distance. in communities where prevalence is low. Eagle County is not eligible to change to three feet. But when we are, that will also be very difficult. to achieve. Given how social distancing has gone so far, We are not optimistic that it can be guaranteed a social distance of three feet in a classroom full of more than 30 students. In focus group meetings with students, Our own directors said that it would not continue social distancing If we were to return to full capacity, because it's impossible. both inside the classroom and in the hallways. Although maintaining social distance in the classroom it is a challenge, the reduced number of students in the building and the staggering of courses in

104the flexible schedule has made the hallways, the collaborative spaces and the cafeteria are much less crowded. A return to full-time, in-person learning It would mean crowded hallways, cafeteria tables, lines for lunch and crowded spaces. Put more children in school This makes it more difficult to regulate the use of masks. The fact that some people are vaccinated It does not mean it is safe for people not to wear masks, and threaten the health and safety of everyone, and it will be more difficult to regulate in a more crowded school. We are also concerned about the recent elimination from contact tracing. Contact tracing allows students to know when they have been exposed. Without contact tracing to tell us when we are exposed to positive cases, especially if the school is at full capacity of their capacity, Asymptomatic

105spread could go unnoticed and contribute to an increase in COVID cases. Contact tracing is one of the strategies prevention that the CDC recommends for all schools, regardless of the level of community transmission. And our district has eliminated something which is supposed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The pandemic is not over. More people are being vaccinated, but it is still necessary use strategies to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And we don't believe those prevention strategies are being prioritized in consideration of a return to full-time, in-person learning. If schools have not mastered the strategies prevention in a hybrid environment with fewer people in the building, How would adding more people to the building help? at the same time? We want our health, as students, make it a priority. - [Student] Reason number two, interruption. Throughout

106this process, students have been asked that adapt and accept certain levels of risk, and we have done so. We were fully online last spring and we committed to the hybrid this year. We adjust our schedules according to the timetable and we made it work. The students have stepped forward to stay to themselves and their families during the pandemic and they have done so according to the school schedule with which we started the year. Many students work on their asynchronous days not because they want to, but because they need to help support their families, They're saving for college and paying bills. Change the schedule now It could jeopardize your job security and income that are needed to support their families and their future. And there are also students who do chores childcare for their younger siblings

107during their asynchronous days. Changing the schedules now would disrupt these families' childcare plans during the last four to six weeks of the school year. I would put these students and families in stressful situations that could be resolved better during the summer in preparation for full-time face-to-face learning the next school year instead of in a matter of days. Last year, we had to adapt to something very different because we had to do it. Do we really have to do it right now? The disruptions would not only affect personal life and the students' work, but also their learning. The smallest class sizes in the model hybrid learning have allowed students to establish relationships nearest with our teachers, unlike the ones we had in class. 30 or older. These relationships have helped us to overcome difficult times this

108year. In large classrooms, Our teachers have more uses for masks and social distancing that monitor and less attention to us, our learning and our mental health needs. We don't want to lose the relationship. that we have maintained during these difficult times. The students are coping as best we can. And add another big change as a disruption to our coping strategies, that's not going to help. The district has mentioned several times that the mental health of students It has been a priority for them, especially this school year. If the district changes the schedule at this point in the year, It would force us to direct our attention and energy to adjust to new schedules, New classmates, new building protocol which adds stress and anxiety to our lives, all for just four to six weeks after spring

109break. Instead, let us continue. Let's finish the year with the schedules we have, the adjustments we have made and the relationships we rely on. Don't force us to start over with only four or six weeks. - [Student] We want our family to be at graduation And we want to be in it, to dance with our friends. at the prom, We want to be safe and healthy at school, not only physically due to COVID-19, but mentally due to stress that a change at this point in the school year would cause. The things we want and the peace we need They are more achievable if the hybrid schedule is maintained until the end of the year. The disadvantages of changing to full-time face-to-face learning at this time are stronger than the potential benefits. The pandemic is not

110over yet. and we must remain as a hybrid model and get everyone back to school, Slowly and carefully, next year. Ultimately, this decision should be about the students. We are telling them what we want in terms of security. and stability. Let's see the end of this year, let's finish strong. Do not interrupt or threaten the progress we have made just because an adult vocal group He's pressuring them to do it. This is not this group of people We are the ones who will have to face the change. We've come this far with this hybrid model and can safely get us through the rest of this year if they allow it. We must defend the voices of the students, that the voices that students are heard and included in the decision. 205 students from Eagle Valley

111and Battle Mountain have signed our petition. We will send our petition and signatures to the board. Thank you. - James, thank you very much. You receive applause of the teachers in the room. Well done. They performed well. Michelle, do we have any more cards? - [Michelle] Yes, we have four more. - Four more. Let's read two, and then we'll listen to Katie Jarnot. And then we'll read two more, and listen to Melissa. And then we'll move on, let's finish this part. - Alright. Very well, the next letter comes to us from Georgi Dienst, who writes: "Dear School District Board from Eagle County: I am a mother of three children in three different schools, It's worth the effort to challenge mental health of our high schools. By waiting until August, They are falling further and further

112behind in their studies, which will affect them in the long run. I'll be brief and concise. because I'm sure they know all the arguments. I only beg you that please make our high school students return to school five days a week until the end of the current year. Thank you, Georgi. And the next letter comes to us from Korinne Winstead, who writes: "I am writing this on behalf of of our teenagers and from our public high schools. Last year's hybrid schedule It has been detrimental to education, mental health and overall success of our children. When hybrid scheduling was introduced, It was reported that the time device would allow days A and B They will merge without difficulty when COVID numbers became manageable. Vail Health and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health they have been recommending to our

113school district for months making changes to the schedule for high school students. I have followed the case reports throughout the school year And I know there has been little contact tracing between students and teachers and/or staff members. Our youngest students have been successfully educated in the four-day model throughout the school year. In a quick count, looking at our school calendar, our high school students have had approximately 53 days of face-to-face learning to date. And if this model continues, around 65 days in total for the school year. When the process began, I was impressed that the schools in Eagle County could develop and maintain a plan to keep our schools open, a feat that I'm sure wasn't easy." As our county continues to succeed in the management of COVID numbers, including vaccination of all teachers and

114staff who wanted the vaccine, It's time to consider making a change. I know it would be easy to say, leave it as it is, We only have five weeks left, Well, these five weeks mean a lot. for most of the children I know. We love and respect our teachers, We want our children to learn in front of them, not that they continue sitting behind a computer for three days per week. Do whatever it takes for these children. Let them finish their high school year strong, happy and prosperous in the school building. Thank you for your time. Korinne Winstead, high school mother Eagle Valley. - Thank you, Michelle. Dr. Jarnot, do you have any additional information? that can add some color to this conversation? - Yes, I have it. I have the pleasure and the privilege

115to talk about the results of our survey of student perception. Over the past five years, we have distributed the Student Perception of Education Survey from Cambridge at the middle school level. Last year, we also started it at the level high school. The survey is based on the Tripod survey, who was part of the MET study, Measures of Effective Teaching, which was part of the work of the Gates Foundation. Therefore, it has been incredibly well researched and it has been given to hundreds and thousands of children across the country. So it has a very scientific basis. And it has four different domains. This is the second year we've offered it at the high school level, So we can see the differences between last year and this year. It happened before COVID last year, Therefore, the numbers

116were during a typical school year, for all intents and purposes. The percentages I will talk about They are the percentage of positive responses. So, in the different questions, in the different domains, it is a Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to totally agree. So, the percentages are students who responded in the positive aspects. So the four and five, the categories of agree and strongly agree. So, there are four different domains, There's a general scale and then there's learning. of the student, the student-centered environment, the classroom community and classroom management. And it was distributed to the majority of our high school students. I believe there were approximately 800 respondents. in every school. In general, before getting into the scores, I also want to say that there was a lot of unrest. regarding giving this perception survey

117of the students this year. I spoke directly with several teachers that they were very afraid from being under so much stress. And if the results were truly negative, How would that make them feel? And I'm so excited to say that the results are overwhelmingly positive. And one of the teachers in particular that I spoke to, and I spent a lot of time actually answering him, Because I care, and I believe this, I believe that listening to our students He is the most important voice in the room. I believe that when we make decisions, We must take their opinions into account. And I think that in the last five years that we've been doing this at the middle school level, when I was principal, I told my teachers, I think the response they receive from their

118children is more important than the answer I give them as an evaluator, because these are the children that are in front of you every day. And I have discovered over the years that children are incredibly honest and very precise on these topics. So the teacher with whom I spent a lot of time answering him, And I was happy to do it, I really hope that they see their answers because they were really positive. So it's a super bright spot. So, in the general report, Both Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain gained ground. So, the overall ratings for Eagle Valley They increased by two points, from 75% to 77%. And at Battle Mountain High School, The gain was seven percentage points. They have an overall positive response rate of 80%. The first domain is student learning and

119both schools improved again. Eagle Valley High School It rose two percentage points and Battle Mountain went up seven. Eagle Valley is at 71% and Battle Mountain is at 75%. In each of the domains, moreover, We break it down by many different factors. And the one I checked for this It was the ethnic factor. And in each of the domains, ethnicities among our white students and our Latino students were practically the same. There were very few categories where there was a difference and there was no significant difference in none of the categories. The second domain is the student-centered environment, And there, Eagle Valley High School ranks at 88%, registering an increase of two points, and Battle Mountain is at 89%, registering an increase of seven points. In the classroom community, this was the only category in

120which there was some loss. Eagle Valley dropped three points, still at 68%, and Battle Mountain rose six points, with 75%. The largest category, which I think is very interesting and it relates to something that Mr. Little spoke about earlier, It was classroom management. Both schools made significant progress in classroom management. Eagle Valley High School rose 10 points and has a positive response rate of 91% in classroom management, and Battle Mountain rose 14 points, with a positive response rate of 93%. So that's quite big, and especially in a year like this in which we had a little unease, We weren't sure what the results would be. I opened these and called all my directors and told them, Oh my God, look at this, it's amazing! So I think it's really important. The board has asked for

121a greater voice for the students. and information from the students, and I think these These are really good quantitative data that we can see in terms of student opinions, and it's well researched. By saying that, I'm not trying to say at all that what the principals did in their schools He wasn't a scientist. In fact, I want to thank you very much. because our directors, Mr. Parish and Mr. Doan They worked very hard throughout the entire process. In fact, they used a mixed-methods process, which is more difficult than simply sending a survey. So they both worked very hard. And we also worked very hard together. to make sure that information was not biased. So we really looked at how to do that in a way that it was fair. So I think all of this

122is really good. The other two things I wanted to mention, First of all, to our online students, thank you. Wow, that was incredibly well thought out and thorough. in their comments. So thank you for that. They obviously worked very hard on that. And the other thing I just want to mention quickly It's that when we met with the county commissioner Jeanne McQueeney, and we met with our partners Eagle County Public Health, One of the questions that arose was, How do we give hope to students? How do we help students feel hopeful? and happy and looking towards the future? And one of the things our directors and representatives of our teachers immediately pointed out It was all our end-of-year activities, We have the prom, we have graduation and we can have our end-of-year ceremonies. And I'll

123talk specifically about the prom. and graduation and sports later in the meeting, But we'll have those things. They're going to happen. And they're going to be mostly quite normal. We'll all be wearing masks, but we can combine them our masks with bow ties, sashes, and dresses. So I think that's also a way whether or not we can return to a four-day-a-week program for any reason, whether it's due to disease transmission metrics or whatever, Or if we go back to four days, Either way, we're going to have some regular end-of-year events, And I feel very fortunate that we can do that, And I think that will give the students hope, And it gives me something to look forward to. I asked both schools, "Can I go to the dance?" graduation And can I put on my

124elegant dress, please? I'll serve as a chaperone. So I think there are some really bright spots And I know we focus a lot on some of the negatives, so I feel very fortunate to be Little Miss Sunshine tonight with some positive news. - Thank you, Dr. Jarnot. I appreciate that data. Do you have any questions for her about the perception data? of the students? Very good, Michelle Stecher, Let's see how many notes we have. - Very well, we have our last two here. The following one comes from Sarah Millet, who writes: "Good evening County School Board from Eagle, My name is Sarah Millet. Since 2005 I have called Vail Valley home. I have four children. My youngest son, James, is in seventh grade. in VSSA in Minturn. First of all, I would like to take

125this opportunity to thank them for their service to our community, during what has been a time of great uncertainty and distress for parents, teachers, and students alike. I am proud that our school district was organized and ready to open for face-to-face learning in September 2020. I congratulate the teachers, administrators, and students who demonstrated courage, leadership, and compassion by keeping our learning communities open. In September 2020, our school district developed the hybrid model to contain the potential spread of the virus and make contact tracing more manageable. Eagle County schools also wanted to comply with the six-foot rule recommended by the CDC to mitigate the spread. Now, eight months into the school year, Our county is in a position to put an end to to the hybrid model and bring the children back to an entire school

126community with five full days of instruction. Today, 12 months into the COVID-19 pandemic, Now we know there is virtually no risk. for children under 25 years old. By opening our schools and return to a normal operating model, We are not putting children at risk. Our teachers who want the vaccine have been fully vaccinated, a large percentage of our families who want The vaccine has been fully administered. We are at the point in our county and in our state. in which we can live with the endemic risk of COVID in our world. Epidemiologists and virologists agree that this virus will be with us for decades. It's time to manage risk with common sense. and give up fear. There is little evidence at the national level that schools are the cause of the origin of community spread.

127What do we know too? We know that the children of this county are suffering an epidemic of despair, loneliness, and apathy. We know there has been a significant academic decline. in Eagle County, not just among students who have historically had difficulties, but even among students who, in the past, They have performed well in school. We know that our high school students They are disconnected and uninterested. We are losing our children to screens. The impact of school closures in the spring of 2020, along with a hybrid model, This school year has left many behind. of our students. We have already lost too much. I urge you to bring all the children back by the end of 2021 in Battle Mountain and Eagle Valley. Let our senior students be together with friends and teachers, that our first-year

128students know to his classmates and to its entire school community. Our students from Eagle County They are the most valuable asset of this community. High school is the time when young people They develop social skills, skills critical thinking, communication skills, academic progress and, most importantly, adult friendships and mentors that can have a positive impact throughout life. COVID has killed spirits, drive, motivation and the fun. Let's take the brave leap to rebuild our school communities during the last five weeks of the academic year. Our job is to help these children to reach their full potential. I think our school leaders know that two days It is not enough. to maximize the potential of our children and the hybrid model and let our students high school understand how fundamental education is to their future success. Respectfully, Sarah

129Millet. And tonight's last letter arrives by Andrea Glass, who writes: "I'm contacting you because I have the feeling that there are a large number of parents that might be intervening in favor of high school students return to a full-time, in-person schedule during the last five weeks of the school year. I just want to let you know There are parents here who realize the amount of work involved to make this radical change of schedule. Personally, I don't believe the reward is worth the enormous amount of work and the effort it involves. Therefore, I do not support the change to the schedule. However, whatever is decided, I will continue to support the administration and to the school staff. Thank you for your time and effort. Andrea Glass." - [Philip] Very good, Michelle. Thank you. - Thank you.

130- I certainly appreciate all the input of the parents in this process. We know they are emotionally involved in this, like many of us in the room, and that we are also parents of high school children. I'm looking around the room And I see there are many of us in this room. Yes, I see you, all of you. So yes, we're with you on this. So our last presenter is Melisa Rewold-Thuon. - Yes, thanks. Okay, I wanted to gather some data, just so you can see the trend whether we have made any progress with our hybrid model with our students. And in the last semester, We'll see both high schools that we have here tonight, at this point in the semester, last semester Battle Mountain had 17.1% of all its classes with "F" grades. They

131finished the semester at 12.7%. Eagle Valley High School at this point in the semester, Last semester, 19% of my students were giving "F" grades. and ended this semester at 12.7%. At this time, Battle Mountain is experiencing a slight improvement At this point, in this semester, with 16.6%. And Eagle Valley High School is at 15.2%. So we're moving in a slightly positive direction. and it shows us that more children They are getting used to the hybrid model. And again, we saw that many children recovered in the end. I think this too, since we are analyzing our new practice of equitable qualification, Really look at what the children actually know, And I think that's why we're seeing to help the children recover by the end of the semester. They are delivering and getting things done. Personally, as

132the mother of a ninth-grade student, I see that many postponements are happening. But when I asked my own son, Would you like to come back? And he says, I just want to see my friends, But I don't think it will really change the way that I am learning or doing something at the moment. So, the other information I gathered These were our suicide risk assessment figures. So, I checked last year, to the point where we became remote, So I chose March 17th because it seemed like a good date. Last year, our high school, our total suicide risk assessment figures There were 111. This year, at the same point in the school year, on March 17, We only had 52. So we talked about this at the counseling meeting. This is something that worries the board

133members. and that we simply don't have that many eyes on our children. So that's something we'd like to do. return, look and approach a little more to our students just to make sure everyone is okay. I mean, that can be taken in two ways. Some children don't feel that much pressure. because it's in the hybrid model. Then you have some children who feel less those social pressures and then there are other children who are They feel more alone and experience that isolation. So I think there are two sides to this with regard to the students' perspective. And also, when we look at our composition, We haven't really heard any letters. of parents with Hispanic surnames. But when we look at the "F" grade rates at the moment, We still have the persistent gap and those

134who are receiving those "F" grades They are Hispanic students, They make up 75% of those "F" grades. And that remains the same as last semester. 25% of our "F" grades are Hispanic women and 50% of our "F" grades They are Hispanic men. - Melisa, thank you for that additional information. Any questions for Melisa? I'd like to close this with just a couple objective data. On the CDE website, Colorado Department of Education, They maintain a published spreadsheet with the current operational plans for all districts in the state. As of today, 70% of students high school and middle school They remain on a hybrid schedule. We might see that begin to change towards the end of the year. But today, 70% of children High school and middle school students are in the hybrid model. However, our middle

135school children are not in hybrid programs. and two of our high schools are not hybrid, but two of them did. Furthermore, we received news today that Eagle County Public Health will lift, They expect to lift COVID restrictions on May 27. assuming the spread of the disease be under control. May 27. That's one day before we begin. to organize graduations in Eagle County. James talked about the prom and graduation, and we also heard parents talk about of opportunities for fellowship and how we celebrate. I think it's important to acknowledge that we recently saw to one of the largest districts in the state, in Douglas County, reopen their schools full-time after of their spring break. Then, in the last week of March, They invited all their students to return. And within 10 days of that decision, Three

136of its high schools had to close and switch to completely remote locations due to the outbreaks. We have just experienced outbreaks in our two large high schools. even though we are in a hybrid model. If that happened in our schools after the holidays, Two weeks after we returned from vacation, if we had to switch to completely remote due to the outbreaks, It would jeopardize graduation parties, will jeopardize graduations, will jeopardize the award ceremonies, will jeopardize the remaining days academic contact, and will jeopardize athletic seasons and the qualifiers for many of our students. Then we understand the seriousness of the question, That's why we gave him enough time to this tonight. We had 45 minutes scheduled for tonight, and we've doubled it Based on the comments we've heard tonight, and each of those comments It was

137extremely important. Everyone's voice in this conversation is important. I am grateful to Director Doan and Director Parish by sharing support opportunities that they have in their schools And to remind everyone watching online, if they need help, academically or for social reasons and emotional, or even just to socialize, Contact your school counselor, because they can connect them with opportunities to address each of those concerns. Right now, they can help you. Therefore, our schools are prepared to provide the services that students need for whatever those needs may be. It's a very important conversation, And that's why we've invited you all here tonight. And we hear from those who are online, as well as all the comments that Michelle read. So thank you for your participation. As a reminder, this is not an item action tonight, It is

138not a voting element. This is so that we can hear everyone's points of view. those involved. And we will continue to monitor, as we have done all this year, levels of illness, perceptions of the students, staff, and parents, And we will make the right decision at the right time based on the available data. That's what helped us get through this year. keeping our schools open, keeping our students and staff safe, and we will continue with that methodology until the end of this year because it has worked. Madam President, that concludes that item on the agenda. unless there are further questions or comments of the board members. - Questions and comments. We appreciate all the comments submitted. It doubled our time for the agenda item, But as Superintendent Qualman said, All perspectives are valued and important

139to consider. We appreciate that there are people at all ends of the spectrum and we certainly appreciate that the students speak and participate so fully in the various matters from the survey, Because that's what it's really about, the children. And everyone just hang on there. There is hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel. There are celebrations. That's great news. Knowing that the people who are going to leave and plan their graduation and the whole New Year's Eve celebration so that we can be together, Stay there and keep working. I will continue with the process, unless someone else has something to say, We have several more topics to discuss tonight. We understand if everyone needs to continue with the rest of the night. Thank you so much for staying with us for so

140long and for all the work they did in bringing us their data. I really appreciate it. - [Woman] Thank you. - Thank you. - Thank you. - Missy, is this ready to be presented immediately? - [Missy] Cross your fingers. - Cross your fingers. We have an audio recording of our finalists of the "Proud to Be Bilingual" contest. And it's a little difficult to listen to, So we will all have to listen carefully. It doesn't last long. But we are very proud of our students, And this is another example of how eloquent they are. who are our children. - [Christopher] Aside from being proud to be bilingual, I would like to share with you how at every moment It has helped me a lot in my life. It has allowed me to help very special people,

141Like my mom, whether it's a simple task, such as working at the grocery store or helping her with interviews work, and even helping her with doctors and nurses. Being bilingual has opened many doors for me, how to make me feel more secure when I'm surrounded by people who only speak English. I've seen people miss opportunities simply because they don't speak English. It's almost like those I thank God for. for giving me the ability to be bilingual, and it makes me feel proud of myself. When I started going to school here in the US, My English was so poor who couldn't even write a sentence, I couldn't express myself properly because I didn't understand anything they were saying. But little by little I improved, learning new words every day and communicating slowly with others. And now

142looking back, It makes me feel proud of myself. These days, I don't need someone translate everything I say for me, but I am the one who helps others who are struggling to communicate. Although my age gets in the way when applying for certain jobs, generally one of my attributes that attracts attention of the employers It is my ability to speak two languages. My greatest experience is at home, helping my mom. and at school, where it is now easy to learn because I am bilingual. Another experience I have is my drum class, where I attended in person, my section for the class It is filled mostly with American children. And if it weren't for being bilingual, I would have no way of communicating with them. Being bilingual also helps me make better decisions. Like after high

143school, I would like to go to university and continue studying. And if I weren't bilingual, I probably wouldn't even want to graduate from high school. To conclude this essay, I would like to thank you for giving me this opportunity. And this is just one way of saying I'm so proud to be bilingual And I hope I never stop learning. Thank you. - Thank you so much. That was the recording by Christopher Villeda Espinoza, the second place winner in the category from high school, and he is a high school student Battle Mountain, And this was an essay that was in a competition throughout the state. He was the second-place winner for high school, There were also primary and secondary school categories. And Denver's public schools took the majority of the awards. But Eagle County schools jumped

144right in. - [Woman] Congratulations. - Congratulations and thank you for sharing that with us. Okay, so where are we now? Shelley Smith has been online, patiently with us for quite some time for this agenda item, which is an approval to be presented for cost-of-living adjustment of Head Start funds. - [Shelley] Hello. Missy, I tested my camera And he also told me I couldn't use the camera. - [Missy] My apologies. I'll work on that for the next meeting. - [Shelley] Don't worry. - [Missy] Thank you. - [Shelley] I'm going to share my screen anyway. First, I just want to thank everyone for including this on the agenda with so little time of anticipation. The Head Start office gave us less than two weeks to fix this, so thank you for being understanding so we don't have

145to ask for an extension. And it must be brief, but they need that it be something that you participate in decision-making, Therefore, I couldn't simply list it as an item of consent. So I'll try to take it the shortest amount of time possible. So I'll go ahead, I'll share my screen And I will only speak, and mainly I just want to, We have an upcoming review, So I just want to let you know a few things about financing in general and then obtain your approval to apply for the adjustment for the increase in the cost of living. There have been several increases in funding of Head Start. The first one we received last year It was $60,638 for COVID relief funds, and that we sent last year and used for obviously some additional concierge costs.

146We got an audiometer so we could do some tests. hearing because at that time many children They couldn't go to the doctor. We also use it for the equipment of to take home that some of you have seen in our professional development room that we sent home when the children were in quarantine because preschool children don't always have the home learning materials they may need. The following occurred recently, which was basically the second level of the aid fund because of COVID, and it was $20,763. And we didn't need board approval nor the policy council's approval for that. That was actually once which the Head Start office made very easy the request for funds. So we requested those funds. So I just want to make sure everyone is informed. about that. And that our plan is

147to use that for part of the expanded programming what we will do this summer for the children. And then there should be another grant. from the Head Start Office as part of the American Rescue Plan, where we could potentially have $69,000 to apply. And I suppose I'll have to come. and present them with a complete proposal along with how we will spend that money, But we still don't have the orientation. So I just wanted to let you know Regarding those additional funds, Why were we together tonight? So, if it appears in the Head Start inspection, It's not something that everyone doesn't know. or simply to remind everyone of our position in this regard. But the great purpose of tonight, and it's quite simple, The main question is there, the Head Start Office has given us

148the opportunity of requesting an additional $6,327, which is approximately an increase of 1.22% of our share of wages and/or Head Start benefits for next year. The big question I want to ask, I suppose, I need to make sure everyone agrees. Again, I think it's almost a rhetorical question. But this grant allows us to apply for an exemption. for our portion of non-federal participation because they know that many programs have incurred additional costs due to COVID. So, where we normally have a 20% matching every time we receive funding from the Office of Head Start, This time we only need to enter zero, that we do not want to contribute additional dollars. So that would be the part I'd like to talk about. your opinion. And the way I presented it is so that it will be

149approved. without non-federal participation. So I just want to make sure, first, that he agrees with that, and then just get their approval to request the funds, which expires tomorrow. - I propose to approve that the early childhood department Apply for Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) funds, of the period 2021-2022, and that it presents an exemption for the non-federal portion. - [Michelle] Me second. - Any further questions or comments? Shelley, once again, you have been very thorough and proactive in seeking funds and explain to us how he would manage to achieve it once again. - [Shelley] Thanks again for inviting me. - [Kate] Are you okay, Missy? - [Missy] Okay, Mr. Almanza. - [Fernando] Fernando Almanza, yes. - Thank you. Mrs. Alter. - Yeah. - Mrs. Cocchiarella. - Yeah. - Mrs. Jarnot. - Yeah. - Dr.

150Long. - Yeah. - Mrs. Stecher. - Yeah. - Mrs. Tvarkunas. - Yeah. - [Miss] The motion is approved, seven in favor, zero against. Thank you. - [Shelley] Thank you all for your time. Have a good afternoon. - Thank you, Shelley. - I'll see you again soon. Are we okay with another half hour of this? Does anyone need a break? Don't hesitate to step outside for a moment if required. We will have a planning update and accommodations for COVID. - I'll start by providing an update of the disease, as we do in all meetings. In Eagle County, the current incident rate It is 250 out of 100,000 with a positivity rate of 7.8. That incidence rate is two and a half times higher that the required level so that we can go down to the blue

151level. And those numbers are actually very similar To those in Douglas County, if they are interested to see what's happening there. At this time, we have 32 students who have tested positive. which is the highest number we have seen during all year in outbreaks in some schools. Battle Mountain, Eagle Valley, and a preschool. So we're working on those student quarantines at this time, and we have been issuing warning letters low risk when those outbreaks occur. But as one of the students mentioned in his presentation, There are no more mass quarantines, But occasionally public health officials will issue quarantines. I think the great news for us The vaccination is happening now. for students aged 16, 17 and 18, So that's useful. I was in Eagle Valley this afternoon to see that this process is happening. I

152am truly grateful for public health. for providing that opportunity at school. Very, very happy to see that happen and I hope it helps reduce the incident rate among our high school students. The last point I wanted to share It was that we are the recipients of the ESSER III dollars, also called dollars of the American Recovery Plan. That amount for our district is $3.5 million. that can be allocated during the next three years. In our Budget Committee, we decided that the best allocation of those dollars It is during the next two years to have a more significant impact. And those dollars are earmarked for very specific purposes. So I want to make sure that people and our staff Understand that those dollars cannot be used for whatever we want, that are specifically assigned to prevention

153credit recovery, prevention of school absenteeism, academic interventions, or social and emotional support, So basically whatever turned out such as learning loss due to COVID or an impact of COVID It's about how those dollars can be spent. So, once again, within our Budget Committee, we have decided to allocate them for the next two years, which is approximately $1.75 million per year, And that will be assigned on a full-time or personal basis. So, to give you a concrete idea of ​​what it will be like in our two largest high schools, That's roughly equivalent to three full beats. each year for the next two years for those specific interventions. That's a significant number. Then, schools will have those resources available. those supports instead, to address the problems I mentioned earlier. Our middle schools have fewer children, Therefore, they

154will have approximately the equivalent of two full strides for each of the next two years. And our primary schools that They have the smallest count They will have the equivalent of a full-time position. Those dollars are allocated per student. So, to be clear, the amount of support they receive is directly related to the number of students that they have. And we had the feeling that all the children had suffered in some way during this year due to changes in schedules or changes in their own situation, So, that's how we decided to allocate those funds. So we are grateful for those recovery dollars and we hope to receive that support in our schools next year. The next part of the report It's the impact on sports and the activities, on the part of Dr. Jarnot, and

155then she'll move directly to the plans for graduation and prom. Dr. Jarnot. - Thank you. Once again, I feel that I can be Little Miss Sunshine. So, in terms of athletics, We met yesterday with our public health partners to talk about season D, and a couple of messages which I want to say again and again, It is, number one, we want the children to stay at school, in sports, going to the prom, attend graduation and keep us healthy. Therefore, masks will continue to be important. Vaccines are important. Now that we have the opportunity to vaccinate to our young people aged 16 and over, We encourage you to do so. Our sports for Season C They finish next week. We have a couple of different teams that will potentially host the qualifiers. And one of the

156questions when organizing the qualifiers men's volleyball or soccer We have to allow the fans of the visiting teams. And our public health partners, Our sporting directors and I discussed this, and we felt it was a good idea to organize We will organize the qualifying rounds if we can. if we meet in a knockout situation, and that it would be good to allow fans to attend from rival teams. We will continue using the ticketing system, It will still be a limited number. One of the concerns we have seen in athletics It's because part of the transmission occurs on buses. So, if we can keep our children at home and not put them on a bus, It's probably safer. to go to an away game. Season D will begin on April 26th, which is when we return

157from our April holidays, That includes baseball, women's golf, men's and women's lacrosse, women's football, women's tennis and athletics. And we have decided that for all these sports, because they are outdoors And because starting on Friday, As Mr. Qualman mentioned earlier, Our public health orders will come from our local public health partners. We will allow that all the fans of the School District from Eagle County attend. So, if Battle Mountain plays against Eagle Valley, both Battle Mountain fans how those from Eagle Valley can attend, which will be important during men's football. I got into trouble with my own parents, who were unable to attend their grandson's football match at Eagle Valley High School. So Mom, Dad, if you're watching, They can go and watch Elliot play baseball. And Miles was playing football, yes. And they could

158go for the qualifiers too. So I'm out of trouble. We also expect to have the capacity to that the upcoming sports of Season D can accommodate everyone who wants to attend. Then we can take the students there. We will be able to have grandparents and not just parents, We will have a greater capacity for the fans. Once again, the message is that we don't want to spoil things at the beginning of the season. We don't want the children to be quarantined and they can't finish their season or go to the prom or go to graduation. So let's continue with the masks and all our security practices It will be very important. Athletics is probably the most challenging subject for spring sports, for season D sports, simply because of the number of athletes who attend and

159because it's almost impossible to use a ticketing system. It's not like other sports where there's one entry point And people sit in the stands and watch. There are events happening all over campus. The biggest problem or concern, I suppose, With athletics, it's the teams' camps. So, because of the events They occur throughout the day, The teams organize a camp and everyone hangs out. and they eat snacks and take off their masks and they spend time together, Therefore, our sporting directors They are working very hard to create a map and to really chart where the team's camps will be and really emphasize with all the athletes and the coaches and volunteer parents that they wear their masks, even when they are outside, Wearing masks is very important. Once again, we don't want the children to get

160lost. these big end-of-year events because they were infected at an athletics competition. So that's our biggest challenge there. Athletics directors are also creating areas for spectators, and maps will be provided which will show everyone where the different events are, Where are the spectators? Where are the camps? of the teams. So I feel like we've found it a fairly safe way to do it. And as a result, we will be able to organize an athletics competition in Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain for this athletics season. Season D extends until June, far beyond the end of the school year, so it will be a little different this year. But we're prepared for that. The coaches are prepared for that. We are grateful to have been able to complete the season. Any questions about spring athletics? Okay, I'll

161go straight there later. to graduation and prom, which excites me a lot, as I mentioned earlier. So, graduation parties were approved. for both Eagle Valley and Battle Mountain, except for the locations. It's going to look perfectly normal. Masks will be required. The high school graduation party Eagle Valley will take place at the Eagle River Center at the fairgrounds and the graduation party from Battle Mountain High School It will take place outdoors on the Battle Mountain High School campus. We have been approved for a capacity big enough so that we can really allow all students Those who want to come, come. VSSA will be joining the Battle Mountain prom. And Red Canyon, I still haven't spoken to Troy. about what that will be like, But we'll make arrangements for them too. So it's really exciting that

162we be allowed to do that. We were worried that it might be a limited number, that perhaps we could only offer it to students final year. But it looks like we'll be in good shape with that. Regarding graduation, Plans are being finalized for graduation. We don't have those details yet. But overall, as Mr. Qualman mentioned earlier, Public health orders will allow us to have a fairly normal prescription, and capacity limits will be lifted so that we can allow that practically anyone who wants to attend, can attend. The actual design of the graduation It will probably look different. It will be a little different. But as those plans begin to take shape, We will talk to our public health partners about that. once we return from the April holidays and we will obtain their approval. But

163I truly appreciate our local public health system. Heath Harmon and Mandy Ivanov, They have been such good partners. And they really want to, and we really want to that our children, have a normal end-of-year experience, And we want families to participate, We want graduation to happen. I definitely don't want to be watching a virtual graduation crying this year, because that's what I did last year. So we're excited for that to happen. Obviously, there will be certain things which could be different. The way we deliver diplomas It may look different, The place where people sit can look different. But I just want to spread the message of hope. That we will have graduation, it will happen. And it will be, I believe, a ray of hope for our children and something to look forward to for

164all our families and students. - [Philip] What's wrong? - [Kate] Is this a problem? - [Philip] I don't know. I don't think so, no. - I'll either present or hijack the screen. It's a little bit - It's Fernando. - [Melisa] F for Fernando or Facebook? We're not sure, Fernando, yes. - With an update on travel implications and quarantine updates for Melisa. - Yes, more or less, following what Dr. Jarnot said, We want to have a great spring, We want to have a great graduation ceremony, We want to be able to have prom. That's why we ask everyone to exercise maximum caution. before spring break. Since I last saw the board, We have issued just under 500 low-risk impact letters for students, Therefore, in previous days, Many students would have been quarantined in the last two

165weeks. And we average between 15 and 20 letters low-risk exposure by a positive student. And we currently have 80 students who are in quarantine, And that is through collaboration with public health and contact tracing. Most of them are related to sports or multiple cases in a grade or classroom. So, of those 80 students who were put in quarantine, We had eight additional students who tested positive. So, our positivity rate in quarantine It is approximately 10% at the moment, Therefore, we made the right decision by quarantining those groups of children. But again, I want everyone Please exercise extreme caution. especially if they travel, so that they take all precautions, wearing their masks. We ask that you continue CDC travel recommendations. So, if they return or travel to an area which presents a high level of risk,

166that they follow those recommendations before bringing your student back to school. That includes international travel. to level four and level three areas, a COVID test upon returning, not only to leave that country, but also three to five days when I return. We're only asking for this, We cannot force anyone to do it, But we ask everyone to follow these recommendations so that everyone can be safe at school. We expect to see an increase after the holidays spring and after the trips. So, let's stay in school, let's stay the rest of the time, because in reference to what Mr. Coleman said earlier, We don't want to have an outbreak and have to go remote. in any of our schools in these last few weeks, especially for our high school students. They need to take their AP

167exams. They need to do everything possible to prepare for graduation and by the end of the school year. So please exercise extreme caution. If someone is fully vaccinated, which means 14 days or more between a second vaccination or the only vaccine for Johnson & Johnson, then it is not necessary to quarantine and it is not necessary to perform the test before returning to school. - Thank you, Melisa. That's all for the COVID update. unless there is a question. - Is there any progress in the immunization event? at Battle Mountain High School? - I'll leave Melisa to it. I haven't heard there would be one. or some other. No, we don't have one arranged at the moment. I also think there's a slight complication. with the vaccines at this time because the Johnson & Johnson vaccine

168has been suspended, while there is an investigation underway in the state about some side effects that have occurred with Johnson & Johnson. There were six cases of bleeding due to blood clots. in the United States, And that's why they're being delayed. And so, in reality, they have been replacing other vaccines in the community at this time for those clinics that were scheduled. And then I think we'll see, Perhaps a delay in the formation of a new event immunization. But Vail Health has reserved the Pfizer vaccine. for our younger population. And I believe they can still attend any of those clinics. I think we're simply not in a position to do so. to make a proper one, like we did today at Eagle Valley High School. - That's all I could think about while we were

169going through all of this It's just that we forgot to talk on the summer supports that will be available. We talked about the support that is available. at the moment, how to get to their schools and communicate with their advisors, but to assure families that support will be provided for all grades during the summer, either at summer school and fun games and fun times for elementary school children, or if it involves debt recovery for high school children who needed to graduate or get back on track, We'll be busy all summer and we'll get that information. But if you're still listening, Please note that this will be happening throughout the summer. There's a lot we can do in the summer. - That's right, I think Melissa submitted that He gave many details at the last meeting

170regarding the summer school schedule, so we can review the minutes from that meeting March to get those details. - Okay, and then Adele has Some human resources updates for us. - Yeah. Your package contains the information on the annual nominal process. And I think all of you have been through this before, so they're quite familiar with it, But every year we only check the reminders. And this is an annual process, teachers who are in their first three years of employment with school districts are considered teachers on probation and therefore, your contract may not be renewed at the end of the year for any reason or for no reason at all. So we discussed it with the directors who they would prefer not to renew, a teacher in their first, second, or third year, And then

171we'll bring those names to you. at the board meeting on May 12. And they can go through that process and have those names on the consent list. Or if there is something they might question, They can remove those names, one name, two names throughout the entire process. We always recommend that you keep the names there because we have undergone a rigorous review of those names and the circumstances of the request, so we feel comfortable and confident in the names that are presented to him. This is a legal requirement Because if we don't follow this process, anyone who is not renewed, So that's a double negative, so it probably doesn't make sense. To those who are not included in this process, Your contract is automatically renewed for the following year. And if we don't follow this

172process before June 1st, that just happens automatically, which could then lead to a non-probative state or to a permanent state. And if there were any problems or concerns in the future, It's a much longer process that we have to follow with the dismissal process. Do you have any questions? Everyone has been through that before. We have those people who have a one-year interim contract And they signed it when they started with us, Therefore, they are aware that, generally, most of our non-renewals These are people with a one-year contract. So, We don't anticipate any major problems this year. We can be fast. - Thank you, thank you. - You are welcome. - [Philip] Thank you, Adele. - Okay, so what's the point? that we've all been waiting for? There is a process. Negotiation is a long

173process, And he says it's been a bit difficult this year, But I appreciate the time, the effort, the energy and the understanding that we have all come here to work together as a board and with the association, and realizing that we are all on the same team. What we want is the best for our students. And the best thing for our students is teachers, highly qualified teachers that they are happy in their work and in front of them in the classroom and working together throughout the year That's what kept the children in school And working together is what will follow. making a good team, focusing on the big picture and how we can work well together. And I think we're making progress with that. - Correct, correct. Definitely making progress. We met on April 7th

174and we got through the first part of the meeting really focusing on the fundamentals of interest-based negotiation, interest-based negotiation, as an alternative to more positional negotiation or contradictory negotiation. So we do it because we value it in our community and in our organization, relationships, collaboration and transparency. So in that first part of the meeting We listened a lot, we vented a lot and we expressed many frustrations and concerns, But in the end, we let those feelings out. We return to the core of IBB and we agreed to move forward with that as our guide. So tonight, we're asking the board to vote to allocate dollars one time only tonight. This is phase one of the process. They will see phase two Hopefully, after our next negotiation meeting, which is May 5th. That will include the

175current dollars. of the School Financing Law. And at this point, we don't know exactly. What will those dollars be? But I think, in principle, we agree. in many of the elements of what phase two will be like, We had a very productive meeting on April 7th, And hopefully, we'll be able to present that to you in May. after that session. But tonight, we will vote for single dollars. To be clear about those one-off dollars, We have around $1.7 million in unallocated funds balance this school year. And that balance resulted from cancellations or reductions in many activities and events throughout the school year that were related to the pandemic, as well as several positions that remained unfilled. Therefore, we recommend that those dollars are assigned as follows: $412,000 would be allocated to buy a new K-5

176literacy curriculum. We are now at a point where the Department of Education requires a state-approved curriculum, and some of our schools are some complying and others not, and this will help provide funds to ensure we have an allocation throughout the district for those new resources which will be in English and Spanish. The next item here is worth $160,000 for the professional development days in August, specifically August 2nd and 3rd for the elementary school teachers who will be in charge to implement this new curriculum. If they're going to invest so much money in a new curriculum And they want it done right and they want it to be done comprehensively and faithfully in his district, must ensure that the teachers have enough time to train. Therefore, we would be compensating to our elementary school teachers with

177their daily rate for those two days of training, and we believe this will help them to have the time and familiarity with those resources to implement them well when students enroll later that month. And the last part of this one-time allocation in dollars It is approximately $1.1 million for a one-time compensation adjustment. The work that our staff members do have done this year, all staff members, from principals to teachers, including support staff, drivers of buses, the janitors, everyone really has reviewed their job description, their duties have completely changed and have worked in environments which were much more challenging than ever before, and we believe that extra effort He deserves additional compensation. Therefore, all members of the full-time staff They would receive a one-time compensation adjustment of S1,000. Of course, that would be subject to taxes.

178So, the after-tax amount would be less than that. Those hired after mid- In December they would receive half of that. So that would be around $500. And that compensation is prorated for those who do not work full time. So, if a person works part-time and has been with us all year, Instead of $1,000, he would receive $500. This adjustment includes paraprofessionals, which represents a great benefit for our staff. Once again, he shows great appreciation for the work and the commitment that our staff members have put in this year. Ultimately, your vote tonight does not end this part of the agreement. It requires ratification from the Eagle County Education Association. And if they can confirm that before the end of this week, We are confident that we will be able to obtain this one-time compensation adjustment

179in the staff paychecks for April 23, which would be the Friday after spring break. So this is an agenda item and I'm happy to hear your questions or comments about this before putting it to a vote. - Someone? We've had many questions and many comments on this topic. And as we said before, the previous vote that did not approve this previously It was in no way a lack of respect for the work and to the effort that has been made throughout this year. It was just part of the process and some questions about the big picture. So we appreciate your patience and the understanding of everyone involved in the process, We will continue to emphasize that word and how much we appreciate you all and all the work they've done and we expect this compensation

180adjustment help everyone's wallet a little and we wait to see how much money This gives us the status at the end of this process. It's very difficult to finally close everything. when we don't know how much money the state is going to give us. So it's hard to know. But we feel we have to move forward and organize that curriculum and plan those days of the curriculum and get some money for everyone's pockets before the end of the month. - I propose accepting the agreement negotiated as written. - [Ted] Me second. - Any further comments or questions? Missy? - [Missy] Thank you, Madam President. Mr. Almanza. - [Fernando] Fernando Almanza, yes. - Mrs. Alter. - Yeah. - Mrs. Cocchiarella. - Yeah. - Mrs. Jarnot. - Yeah. - Dr. Long. - Yeah. - Mrs. Stecher. -

181Yeah. - Mrs. Tvarkunas. - Yeah. - [Missy] The motion is approved, seven in favor, zero against. Thank you. - Thank you, board members. We will send a communication to the ECEA leadership at the end of this meeting. And once we have a decision regarding its ratification process, We will keep you informed immediately once we hear from them about whether this will continue or not as they voted tonight. Thank you for your support. - Excellent. Thank you all. I don't think I've missed anything And that we have reached the end of our agenda tonight. All I can say is that This is one of the greatest honors that I've had while working with this team. Here, everyone is seated on the stage and everyone else there and everyone else in the district, to know what we

182have achieved together, It simply warms my heart. And it makes me want to tell you to have a good night and adjourn the meeting. Thank you for your time and for listening so much.