Great turnout

Last night we had a great turn out at the ECEA meeting. Thank you to everyone who attended. To those of you who shared thoughts and insights, they were greatly appreciated. Some important take aways from the meeting are:
Teachers feel the district needs to listen to the public's response to the Mill Levy question. If the district can understand why it failed to gain enough public support to pass, then those issues can be addressed, and hopefully it won't fail next time. Apparently, business as usual is not acceptable at this time. Can we all talk to parents or community members and urge them to speak at an upcoming Board Meeting to share what they value and what they don't, and maybe why they think the Mill Levy did not pass?
Members were urged to attend the Board Meeting to at least hear what is being discussed so we can unify our values. Action item, see below.
Concern was expressed about the high amount of stress the teachers are feeling due to the new curriculum and the incredible amount of testing/grading that is involved right now. Action item, see below.
The RIF policy changes were discussed. New laws to take into effect in February, 2012, allow for seniority to be a part of deciding who might lose their job if a program cut were made, but only after the effectiveness of that teacher and the needs of the students are taken into consideration. This contrasts drastically to the current RIF policy which is strictly based on seniority. The negotiations committee is working (not finished) on the language that might be included so the policy would follow the law.
Action to be taken:
A survey will be sent out to gauge a sense of common values for the upcoming budget challenges. A budget for different programs will accompany the survey so people can use it to guide their choices (if so desired).
A survey will be created to gauge how the new curriculum is creating challenges for teachers.
Another meeting will be held in December. Date/time/location TBD shortly.

No votes mean kids lose

Unfortunately, Eagle County and Colorado voters do not feel that public education is important enough to support. I am in shock. I can't believe it.