Education

The Jeffco Board of Education agreed to change the rules for public comment at meetings at its Saturday retreat. 

To be approved at a future meeting, the new system would allow for up to 20 people to speak for three minutes each. If 21 to 30 people sign up, two minutes each would be allowed. If 31 to 60 people sign up, one minute per person would be allowed.

If more than 60 people sign up to speak about agenda-related items, they will be invited to speak during the second portion of public comment, after the board has taken action on its agenda.

From breaking in a new locker to making new friends, the first day of middle school can be intimidating. 

Falcon Bluffs Middle School is hoping to counter some of that anxiety with the New Beginnings program for Jeffco students entering sixth grade.

The program is headed by drama teacher Anthony Bruno and physical education teacher Allyn Atadero. Its aim is to introduce students to middle school life before the year begins, including the dreaded challenge of opening the new locker, their biggest fear, according to Atadero. 

Hired by a divided school board and suddenly at the helm of a district riven by political strife, Jeffco Schools Superintendent Dan McMinimee says he's determined to build bridges and develop relationships.

The Douglas County administrator took over the Jeffco school district July 1, and his first order of business was getting to know district staff — and letting them get to know him.

The Jeffco school board voted 3-2 last Thursday to approve the district’s 2014-15 budget — a $1 billion spending plan that increases teachers’ salaries and funding for charter schools.

Teachers, who have not had a pay increase in four years, will benefit from the $4.8 million earmarked for salary increases, which will equate to an average 2.5 percent raise per teacher.