November 20, 2015 VO LUM E 1 4 | IS S U E 52 | FREE
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A R A P A H O E C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
Arbitration with Davis family nears completion Reports tied to school tragedy should be public in January By Jennifer Smith jsmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com
From left, Caitlyn Holt, Jackson Daichendt, Julia Arnese and Edwina Maben sit as magistrates on a teen court panel. Photo courtesy of City of Centennial
Court gives kids a second chance Youth commissioners lead panel for teen defendants
By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com Centennial Municipal Court and its youth commission started a teen court in January 2014. The youth commission, 11 teenagers appointed by city council, worked with students from the University of Denver Pioneer Leadership Program to coordinate a jury of teenagers that would sentence other teens for minor misconduct, such as violating curfew or using tobacco. Kimber Liss, municipal court administrator, spearheaded the initiative in hopes of educating teenagers rather than punishing them. “Teens tend to listen to one another
before they listen to adults,” Liss said. The court has held 11 hearings to date. It runs like other courts — a prosecutor reviews a defendant’s case and if the circumstances are appropriate for teen court, an offer is made. On the hearing date, the defendant and a parent or guardian appear in front of a magistrate panel of five or six youth commissioners. The case is reviewed and questions are asked. There’s open dialogue about the case — what happened and why. After deliberation, the panel offers a sentence that may include writing an apology letter, attending a courtapproved class, or serving on the next teen court panel. “It gives teens a 360-degree education on their situation and the judicial system,” said Liss. And if the defendant complies with the sentence, the case is expunged. The teen court gives teenagers a
second chance, said commission coordinator Kelly Brady. “I think it’s a good process for young people who come through the system,” she said. “They have the opportunity to evaluate their situation and how they got into it in the first place.” Liss, mother of five boys and one daughter, understands that teenagers get into trouble, she said. Often, it’s a curfew violation. “Nothing really good happens after midnight,” Liss said. “And it is dangerous to have kids out walking around.” The teen panel addresses concerns they have for the defendant and the importance of making better decisions in the future. It serves as a self-reflective, learning experience for everyone involved. “We’ve been able to make an impact on kids that were out doing something they didn’t need to be doing,” said Liss. “And I feel really good about that.”
Arbitration with the family of slain student Claire Davis is wrapping up and reports will be issued in January, Littleton Public Schools Superintendent Brian Ewert said during the Nov. 12 school board meeting. “The family shares our goal of helping other school districts learn from our experience,” he told the board. Ewert said the district’s reports are being compiled by nationally recognized consultants on security and mental health, and should be ready to be presented to the LPS board on Jan. 7 and Jan. 21. The timing of the Davis family’s release is unknown at this time, he said, but the state’s School Safety and Youth in Crisis Committee is slated to review it on Jan. 22. The committee was established via legislation brought forward by the Davis family, and Desiree Davis, Claire’s mother, is a member. The arbitration has been ongoing since April, when the board unanimously agreed to give the Davis family all the information it could about the circumstances surrounding the death of their daughter, Claire. An Arapahoe High School student, she was mortally shot by her classmate Karl Pierson on Dec. 13, 2013. He took his own life moments later. “We have already implemented changes in the district as a result of the tragedy, and we continue to want to learn how the district can make meaningful and thoughtful improvements for the benefit of all students,” Jack Reutzel, board president, said at the time. In a statement, Michael Davis, Claire’s father, said the family appreciated the
Davis continues on Page 6
Newcomers join board at Littleton Public Schools Nichols, Stanish step down amid tears, hugs By Jennifer Smith jsmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com Robert Reichardt and Jim Stephens were sworn in as the newest members of the Littleton Public Schools Board of Education on Nov. 12, having won the Nov. 3 election. “Thank you, Jim and Robert, for stepping in and stepping up,” said outgoing member Mary Nichols. “We expect great things.” Reichardt and Stephens finished neck and neck, earning 36.04 percent and 36.36 percent of the vote, respectively. The third candidate, Richard Boorom, garnered 27.6 percent. Both of the new board members said they were honored to be chosen. “I’m pleased my fellow candidates and I were able to give the voters a choice in this
election,” said Stephens. “The conversation about important issues facing Littleton Public Schools is key regardless of the outcome of the election. … (We) need to transition onto the board as quickly as possible. We have huge shoes to fill with terms ending for Mary Nichols and Lucie Stanish.” Nichols and Stanish, who had both served since 2007, left their last meeting in a flurry of tears and hugs. Jack Reutzel, board president, called them “transformational leaders and great friends.” “Thank you for the leadership you have brought to the table for us in some very difficult times,” Carrie Warren-Gully, vice president, agreed through tears. “Your leadership and heart and compassion brought so much to the team, and so much strength and stability.” Superintendent Brian Ewert, whom the board just hired away from Englewood Board continues on Page 6
Judge Ethan Feldman swears in Centennial resident Jim Stephens, the new assistant secretary of the Littleton Public Schools Board of Education, on Nov. 12. Photo by Jennifer Smith