March 31, 2016
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Why are teachers leaving? School district officials say numbers don’t reveal a major trend By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com Niki Mitchell has watched a number of fellow teachers leave the Douglas County School District in recent years. Some have gone to other school districts. Others have taken early retirement. A few have left the profession altogether. “It’s heartbreaking because these are all
This is the first in a series about the impact of initiatives and policies in the Douglas County School District. Upcoming stories will explore the salary band, pay-for-performance structure and evaluation system. amazing teachers who have made such an impact on kids — every one of my friends who have left are veteran teachers,” said Mitchell, a kindergarten teacher at Saddle Ranch Elementary in Highlands Ranch
who has taught in the district for 23 years. “Teachers are feeling demoralized. This has become a toxic place to teach.” District officials maintain turnover rates are not alarming and say teachers who leave do so more for personal and philosophical reasons rather than workplace dissatisfaction. They also blame those critical of district policies for politicizing the issue and creating an anti-district agenda. But interviews with 12 elementary, middle school and high school teachers and one school psychologist pinpoint specific district policies and initiatives as reasons for many teachers’ departures. Of those interviewed, one is a current district teacher, six
THROUGH THE YEARS Douglas County School District teacher turnover rate: 2009-10: 10.2% 2014-15: 16.7% 2008-09: 10.2% 2013-14: 17.3% 2007-08: 12.5% 2012-13: 13.3% Source: Colorado 2011-12: 11.2% Department of Education 2010-11: 11.6% are now teaching in other school districts, one will leave for a new district next school year, three are retired, one is working in the private sector and one is in the Peace Corps. Reasons they cite include the market-based salary structure implemented in 2012, an Turnover continues on Page 6
Five vie for Metro District positions Four incumbents and one challenger compete for seats By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Mason Andrews, 11, left, and his brother Declan, 9, are sad the Highlands Ranch Community Association’s annual Easter egg hunt is canceled, but they jumped at Eastridge Recreation Center’s offer for free, candy-filled eggs. “We have a baby sister and it would’ve been her first time walking in the hunt,” Mason said. “But maybe next year.” Photos by Alex DeWind
No hunt, but kids still get eggs By Alex DeWind adewind@colorado communitymedia.com
The Highlands Ranch Community Association gave out about 4,000 Easter eggs at each of its four locations. Weater put a stop to the annual hunt but “people are being very understanding,” said Amanda Arnce, community events coordinator.
For the first time in Highlands Ranch history, the community association canceled its Easter egg hunt of about 25,000 eggs due to winter weather. “With the forecast and the amount of snow that’s on the ground, its just not logistically possible,” said Jamie Noebel, director of community relations and events. “It would do more damage to the park than it would be worth.” With baseball season around the corner, the HRCA and Highlands Ranch Metro District had to cancel the March 26 event to avoid a muddy mess.
The free Easter egg hunt, which usually takes place at Northridge Park, is for ages 1-11. This year, the HRCA instead distributed about 4,000 eggs at each of its four recreation centers. “We will reuse the eggs with toys in them next year,” said Amanda Arnce, community events coordinator. “The ones with candy in them have to go out or else they will expire.” Children were advised to take no more than six eggs. Mason Andrews, 11, and his brother Declan, 9, jumped at the chance of free goodies. They were especially excited for this year’s hunt because their 2-year-old sister was going to participate for her first time.
Four incumbents and one challenger are running for seats on the seven-member Highlands Ranch Metro District board of directors: Incumbents Victoria Starkey of the north central region, Nancy Smith of the northeast region and Renee Anderson of the southwest region are seeking four-year terms. Neal Christensen is challenging Anderson in the southwest region. Incumbent Jim Worley of the northwest region is running unopposed for a two-year term. Residents can vote for all candidates regardless of what region they live in. The election will be May 3 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the John D. Hendrick Building, 62 W. Plaza Drive. Voters unable to attend may file ballots by mail, email or in person with Metro District’s general manager, Terry Nolan, by the end of the day April 29. Mail-in ballots must be received at the John D. Hendrick Building by 7 p.m. May 3 or they will not be counted, according to the Metro District. The seats in the west and south central regions, held by chair Rick Owens and director Carolyn Schierholz, respectively, will be up for election in 2018. Election continues on Page 5
COUNT ON IT New pitch limit is intended to reduce risk of injury for high school pitchers. PAGE 20