August 11, 2016 VO LUM E 29 | IS S U E 38 | FREE
LET PEACE RING OUT Area churches sound bells to honor victims of gun violence. PAGE 12
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Superintendent pick draws mixed reaction Erin Kane was executive director of charter school American Academy
By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@colorado communitymedia.com Although the Douglas County School District’s new interim superintendent stated a top
priority will be to restore trust among staff and the community, two parent advocacy organizations expressed disappointment Kane about her lack of classroom and educational experience. “I believe we can come together and move forward for students
staff and community,” said Erin Kane, an engineer and executive director of American Academy charter K-8 school, which has two locations, in Castle Pines and Parker. “Sometimes, one cannot just sit on the sidelines waiting for someone else to solve problems and show leadership.” Kane was selected as the lone finalist from two candidates and approved by a 4-3 vote of the Douglas County school board at a
special meeting Aug. 2. The other candidate was James Calhoun, who retired as principal of Castle View High School in Castle Rock at the end of the 2015-16 school year. Board members said they wanted to have an interim leader in place by the start of the school year, which begins Aug. 8. But the search for a permanent replacement could last several more months. Kane steps into the role
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vacated by Elizabeth Fagen, who left in July to take the superintendent position in Humble, Texas, a district of 39,000 students outside Houston. Douglas County Parents and Voices for Public Education, both parent organizations long critical of the district leadership and policies, said they were disappointed by Kane’s selection. Interim continues on Page 18
DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOLS
Voucher program halted Ruling says previous order applied to all schools, not only those affiliated with religion By Mike DiFerdinando mdiferdinando@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Grayson Hochstetler, of Highlands Ranch, tests out his new balloon bow and arrow at the Douglas County Fair and Rodeo on Aug. 6. Find more photos from the fair on pages 15 and 16. Photo by Shanna Fortier
Event connects police with community Douglas County Sheriff’s Office staff spent night of Aug. 2 visiting block parties across Highlands Ranch By Alex DeWind adewind@coloradocommunitymedia.com Day to day, Douglas County Deputy Jason Blanchard wears an all-black uniform. He drives a truck with red and blue lights on top and the word “Sheriff” printed on the sides. Most people don’t know that Blanchard is a former biologist, an avid runner and a family man. He likes to camp, boat, hike and compete in triathlons. “For the most part,” he said, “most of us are just normal people that are trying to get home safe to our families at the end of the day.” Blanchard coordinated this year’s National Night Out in Highlands Ranch to connect law enforcement and community members and to strengthen relationships among neighbors. “People don’t see their neighbors half the time,” said Blanchard, “and they need to have relationships with each other so they can support one another.” Night Out continues on Page 6
Judge Michael Martinez of the 2nd Judicial District has stopped the Douglas County School District’s school voucher program. Martinez granted the injunction filed by Taxpayers for Public Education, a group, that according to its website, is a Coloradobased, bipartisan organization made up of taxpayers and parents of children enrolled in public schools. In the Aug. 3 ruling, Martinez found that the School Choice Grant Program was fundamentally the same as its predecessor, the Choice Scholarship Program, and that it is covered by the same injunction that halted the earlier version of the program. The judge rejected the school district’s argument that the injunction against the DCSD voucher program applied only to religious schools. He held that the Colorado Supreme Court’s order “applied to all private schools.” Martinez agreed with the plaintiffs that the School Choice Grant Program is “in actuality a mere revision of the (Choice Scholarship Program).” “While we respect Judge Martinez, we disagree with his decision,” said board member Doug Benevento. Benevento said the district is exploring options for an appeal. Cindy Barnard, president of Taxpayers for Public Education, applauded the decision. Voucher continues on Page 18
AROUND THE FIELD Andrey Klamm, 7, punches Deputy Jason Blanchard, who wears body armor any time he’s in uniform. Blanchard made an appearance at the Poppywood Place block party on Aug. 2 for National Night Out. Photo by Alex DeWind
Turning a double play in softball can also turn a team’s momentum. Check out this story and others as we kick off three weeks of fall sports previews on PAGE 25.