June 6, 2013
A Colorado Community Media Publication
ourarvadanews.com
Jefferson County, Colorado • Volume 9, Issue 2
School budget health on upswing Board president takes conservative stance looking forward By Vic Vela
vvela@ourcoloradonews.com Jeffco students will spend more time in the classroom next year, and teachers’ salaries will be restored to 2010 levels under a new school district budget approved May 30. With a 4-1 vote, the Jefferson County Board of Education passed the 2013-2014 budget, which benefited from last year’s voter-approved mill levy override, and an increase in state revenues that will translate to greater district funding. The district’s shift in fortune is notable, considering that it wasn’t that long ago that it had planned on 2013-2014 expenditure reductions totaling $45 million — coupled with the loss of 600 jobs. But the new budget still falls short of fullfunding status. “We’re not entirely out of the woods,”
said Board President Lesley Dahlkemper “We’re behaving cautiously and conservatively as we move forward.” Dahlkemper, Jill Fellman, Robin Johnson and Paula Noonan voted in favor. The lone no vote came from Laura Boggs, who expressed concern afterward that the district would end up having to make more spending reductions down the road. Boggs unsuccessfully tried to amend the budget to allow for the hiring of more teacher-librarians, the elimination of bus fees, and fees associated with advanced placement classes. And, Noonan sought to reduce student outdoor lab fees as “one small way to help (parents) out and their children out.” However, the majority of the board’s members rejected those efforts. Miller said that it “would be wonderful” for the district to be able do everything it wants, but that “this is not the ideal world right now.” “If somebody can find a way to fund that, I’d love it,” she said. Highlights of the new budget – which will operate from July 1 through June of next year – include fewer early release days for students, from nine last year to five for
the coming school year. This means that students will receive about six to eight hours of more classroom time, compared to last year. School employees also benefit from the new budget. Teachers will work four additional days next school year. And, after having experienced a three percent pay cut over the last few years, all Jeffco employees will see their pay restored to 2010 levels. Also, employee furlough days will be eliminated from next year’s budget. Jeffco will receive more money from the state than it has in recent budget cycles. Thanks to improved revenues, the state, under the current School Finance Act, has legislated an overall increase in revenues to all schools for the first time since the 2009-2010 school year, according to budget documents. With that funding, the district will see its per-pupil funding reach $6,540, an increase over recent budgets. The total planned funding amount that the district has budgeted for the coming fiscal year is still about $48 million short of what was budgeted in the 2009-2010, according to budget information.
The new budget includes funds collected from the $39 million mill levy override that voters approved last year. But that money will not equate to the creation of new programs or restoration of old cuts. Most of the funds from the override will go toward filling a $45 million budget gap that would have existed, had taxpayers not stepped in last year. The district, which is made up of about 86,000 students and makes up 10 percent of the state’s school funding, has lost more than $78 million from its general funding operating expenditure budget over the last four years. Superintendent Cindy Stevenson said before the meeting that the district still has funding problems, but that she is pleased with many aspects of the budget. “We’re holding steady,” she said. The budget does not take into account assumed bumps in revenue from Senate Bill 213, the Future School Finance Act. The bill, which overhauls the state’s school funding system, was recently signed by Gov. John Hickenlooper. However, voters must approve the tax increases associated with the bill before it takes effect.
Summer street fairs returning to Olde Town Staff Report
Judge George Boyle, the city of Arvada’s first full-time appointed municipal court judge, is retiring and will serve his last day on the bench on June 28 after 35 years of service to the city. Photo by Sara Van Cleve
Case closed ... Boyle giving up gavel Arvada’s first full-time judge retiring after 35 years of presiding over court By Sara Van Cleve
svancleve@ourcoloradonews.com Arvada’s first full-time judge will be laying down his gavel for the last time June 28 after 35 years of service. Judge George Boyle, 68, was a practicing lawyer when he applied for and was appointed by the city council as a part-time municipal judge in 1978. In 1995, the city of Arvada had four parttime judges when Boyle brought to the council the suggestion of hiring one fulltime judge to be more efficient and save money. He was hired and gave up his private law practice at that time. “I like being a judge,” Boyle said. “I like to work with people.”
And the number of people Boyle sees in his court has grown over the years, too. When he first started, Boyle handled about two cases per month; now, he hears more than 25 each week. Most infractions involve traffic tickets, but cases involving marijuana are on the rise. “Thirty-five years ago I don’t think we had a marijuana ordinance,” Boyle said. “Now I see 25-30 violations per week. Most juvenile offender cases today deal with marijuana. It’s more marijuana than alcohol.” With the economic downturn, Boyle said he has seen an increase in theft cases. No matter the offense, Boyle strives for fairness. “When you see people, I try to be friendly to them and treat them with respect,” he said. “I usually tell them. ‘I hope I don’t see them back here,’ and many reply, ‘I hope I don’t see you again, either,’ and I take no offense to that.” Repeat offenders appear in his court, but, “I hope I’ve made a difference in quite a few people’s lives,” he said. “A few times
people have come up and thanked me for what I do.” Boyle said he thinks he has left the Arvada court system in good shape for his successor, David Cooke, who was appointed by council June 3. Boyle said he felt it was time for him to retire so he can spend more time with his wife. “My wife retired seven years ago and she’d always ask me ‘When are you going to retire?,’’” he said. “And I finally said June 30, 2013.” Everyone asks him how he’ll spend his “Golden Years,” and he gives them the same answer: “On July 1, I’ll wake up and see what to do with the rest of my life,” he said. He and his wife plan to travel, go hiking and walking, spend time with their three granddaughters and walk to a coffee shop at least one morning per week for a cup of Joe. “We put together a good court with good staff, and I will miss them,” Boyle said. “I think I’m leaving a good position here for the future.”
The streets of Olde Town Arvada will come to life this summer as residents and visitors alike enjoy music, food and activities during the Second Saturday Street Festivals. The second annual Second Saturday Street Festivals will be 4:30-10 p.m. June 8, July 13 and Aug. 10. The festivals will feature live music from Chris Daniels and the Kings, The Wendy Woo Band and The Indulgers. While listening to local jams, residents will be able to enjoy a variety of food from vendors, beer or wine and go shopping at Olde Town stores and vendors along the street. The events will also feature activities for children. “Our citizens are always asking us for fun events with top entertainment and a great family atmosphere,” said Second Saturday Coordinator Adam Mueller. “I think the Second Saturday Street Festivals will really have something for everyone. Summer evenings in Colorado often have that relaxing, perfect temperature that draws people outside, and we want to give them a fantastic reason to come enjoy a few hours in Olde Town Arvada.” Grandview Avenue east of Olde Wadsworth in Olde Town Arvada will be closed for each festival. The street will be gated off to allow for a safe event and to permit the sale of beer and wine on the street. The festivals are free to attend and tickets to purchase drinks will be sold at locations within the event area. Parking is also free and attendees can park in the public lots near the Arvada Library, 7525 W. 57th Ave. and Historic Flour Mill, 5590 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. For more information on the Second Saturday Street Festivals, visit www.OldeTownArvada.org.
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