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Safety panel: Support, coping crucial Littleton Public Schools committee wants to continue work By Jennifer Smith
It quickly became apparent that this work is complex and requires deeper study and analysis than the initial timeframe could allow.” — LPS SAFETY PANEL REPORT
jsmith@coloradocommunitymedia.com The committee examining safety and mental-health issues for Littleton Public Schools presented its findings to the board of education June 25, stressing what the members say is one overarching message: “We believe that LPS and the greater community recognize an emphasis on high achievement and high performance, with the unintended consequences of creating a climate for mental-health issues and pressures on students. Given that, there need to be supports for students (and, by extension,
parents) around coping skills, resiliency and recovery.” Committee members said the emphasis should be on prevention rather than intervention. “We need to be able to give them support and coping skills for the times they’re not the best,” said Tammy Harimon. To that end, mental-health supports should be in place at even the preschool level, they say.
“A lot of teachers say, ‘By the time they get to me, it’s too late,’ ” said Jim Stephens, committee chair. The eight-page report lists 10 specific recommendations to improve the safety procedures, mental-health programs and communication systems of the district. It ends with the suggestion that the board reauthorize the committee to continue its work. “It quickly became apparent that this
Hanna comes to South Suburban after working in Castle Rock Staff report
Last hurrah for superintendent By Jennifer Smith
Castle Pines resident Rob Hanna is South Suburban Parks and Recreation District’s new executive director, taking the helm on July 31 as the district nears its 60th anniversary. “We are excited that Rob will be leading South Suburban to the next level of greatness,” said John Ostermiller, board president. “Rob is a solid performer and has proven himself to be a dedicated leader who Hanna works exceptionally well with partners and agencies. He’s a collaborator and is responsible for creating an open environment that has contributed to high Parks continues on Page 9
I just want to say thank you to a great team of sailors. I just had the good fortune of being on the boat with you.” — SUPERINTENDENT SCOTT MURPHY
jsmith@colorado communitymedia.com In the last of his long goodbyes, Superintendent Scott Murphy exited his 25-year career with Littleton Public Schools on June 25 to a standing ovation, tears, hugs and an official resolution declaring, “his servant leadership, skilled fiscal and political expertise, sincere compassion and unwavering dedication to the Littleton Public Schools District is unsurpassed.” Now officially retired, Murphy looks forward to traveling with his wife, Teri Chavez, and serving on a variety of education-related boards and committees. He’s also teaching school finance at Regis University, and spends time feeding the homeless at St. Elizabeth’s on the Auraria Campus. He thanked the board for supporting him through his nine years in the role of superintendent, saying it takes a team to sail a ship through sometimes-rough waters.
Safety continues on Page 9
Parks, rec district gets new leader
The Littleton Public Schools Board of Education applauds Superintendent Scott Murphy in the last moments of his final board meeting on June 25. Murphy is now officially retired. Photo by Jennifer Smith
June 25 school board meeting was final one for Scott Murphy
work is complex and requires deeper study and analysis than the initial timeframe could allow,” it reads. “Continuing the committee would build off of existing knowledge and momentum to avoid delay in furthering the work.” The group could function as a monitoring body into the future, say its members, for local systems and possibly at a higher level in conjunction with a similar committee created by a new state law. Both were created in the wake of the December 2013 Arapahoe High School murder/suicide, in which Karl Pierson shot himself to death after mortally wounding fellow student Claire Davis. “The backdrop of this was Arapahoe High School, but it’s so much more complex,” said Superintendent Scott Murphy.
“I just want to say thank you to a great team of sailors,” he said. “I just had the good fortune of being on the boat with you.” Board member Carrie Warren-Gully recalled when she first met Murphy, when she was the PTO president at Sandburg Elementary School. “I remember thinking how amazing it was that you could be a parent volunteer in a school district and the superintendent actually knows your name,” she said, calling him a mentor she trusts implicitly. Board members Mary Nichols and Lucie Stanish both commented on Murphy’s positivity. “He’s always challenged us to celebrate the good things together,” while also taking a hard look at the challenges, said Nichols. State Sen. Linda Newell, D-Littleton, even made a special appearance to wish
Murphy well and give him an official Senate proclamation in his honor. “Your steadfast devotion is evidenced by Littleton Public Schools being consistently one of the best,” it read. On a more personal note, she thanked him as the mother of two daughters who grew up in LPS. “I want to share as a person my experience and my gratitude,” she said. Murphy’s name will live on in the district thanks to the Murphy Legacy Fund, which will support security and mentalhealth efforts. And he said he’s confident the district will be in good hands under the leadership of Brian Ewert, formerly the superintendent of Englewood Public Schools. “Brian is a good, good man, and I know he’s a good superintendent,” said Murphy. “He’ll bring wisdom and kindness, with a great head and a good heart.”
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