June 4, 2015
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Teachers Union hosts Summer of Action rally Jeffco teachers prepare for potential strike By Crystal Anderson
Canderson@colorado communitymedia.com Despite the pouring rain and blustery wind, more than 500 teachers, students and Jeffco supporters gathered at Clement Park for the Jefferson County Education Association’s Summer of Action kickoff rally. “Neither rain nor wind nor clouds will keep this community from taking back our schools,” said speaker and Columbine High School teacher Paula Reed. The May 29 event featured speakers from JCEA, district support staff, recent graduates and parents, all encouraging those in attendance to get involved with the union, and help spread the word about what is happening on the Jeffco Board of Education and with the school district. “I’m standing up and I’m asking you to stand up with me,” said Ashlyn Maher, a recent Chatfield High School graduate. Along with the speeches, the union asked those in attendance to text “SUFAS” to 95402, to show their support and stay up to date with union happenings, community walks, and district news. The relationship between the school board and the teachers union has deterio-
Despite the rain, district supporters from across the Front Range gathered at the Jefferson County Education Association’s Summer of Action kickoff event. Photo by Crystal Anderson rated rapidly since a new board majority was elected in late 2013. Since then, board opponents have cited a lack of transparency, accountability, and respect from the majority as the cause behind teacher sick-outs, student protests, a failed 2014 teacher compensation negotiation, and a lawsuit.
“I hope that Jeffco can stop doing what’s happening at DougCo — it’s not good for kids,” said Laura Eloe, a teacher at Thunderidge High School in Douglas County whose children attend Jeffco schools. “We love our school, we’re at Normandy, and Union continues on Page 31
Montessori School closes POSTAL ADDRESS
GOLDEN TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 0746-6382)
OFFICE: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Golden Transcript is published weekly on Thursday by Mile High Newspapers, 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210, Golden, CO 80401. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT GOLDEN, COLORADO and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address change to: 722 Washington Ave., Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legals: Fri. 11 a.m. Classifieds: Mon. 5 p.m.
PL E ASE RECYCLE T HI S C OPY
Debby Selitrennikoff, left, owner of the Montessori School of Golden, stands with staff member Robin Nosek. The two are getting ready to put the sign up for the first day of school in March 1990. Courtesy photo
35-year run ends with owner’s retirement By Christy Steadman csteadman@colorado communitymedia.com
Sorting through children’s books at the Montessori School of Golden was like a step back in time for Deborah Luciano Richford. “It reminds me of the times when I used to teach here,” she said. Richford taught at the school for about a decade, until 1998 when she married and moved to Louisville. After 35 years of operation, the Montessori school closed its doors May 27 because owner Debby Selitrennikoff decided to retire. “It has been a wonderful experience being here in Golden for all these years,” Selitrennikoff said. “I don’t even know where the 35 years went.” Selitrennikoff created a legacy and touched many lives, Richford said. The school was a big part of Golden for many years, staff member Sindy Jones said, adding that Selitrennikoff educated many of the community’s children.
“Everybody is sorry to see it go, but Debby deserves a wonderful retirement,” Julie Dionigi said. Dionigi’s two sons, who are now 31 and 26 years old, both attended the Montessori school. The school started with 13 students in early fall 1980 when it opened at St. Joseph Catholic Parish on Ulysses Street in Golden. In 1989, Selitrennikoff bought the old Barber House near Seventh and Cheyenne streets. After some renovation, including new additions, the school opened in March 1990. The school was such a success it grew to more than 100 students. “For about 17 years, we were packed full,” Selitrennikoff said. Dionigi attributes both of her sons’ success to the early learning they received at the Montessori school. Dionigi’s oldest son, Peter Archer, started in the pre-kindergarten program when the school was still at the church. When he entered first grade, he transferred to a school that offered services for those with special needs. In those days, Dionigi said, learning disabilities were not as easily diagnosed and doctors criticized her because they thought she was not properly raising her child. School continues on Page 31
Jeffco marijuana discussed at hasty meeting County moratorium to end Jan. 1 By Christy Steadman csteadman@colorado communitymedia.com
Jefferson County commissioners discussed marijuana at a quickly-scheduled meeting May 29. No decisions on marijuana policy were made at the meeting, as its purpose was to provide guidance to staff for zoning concerning the operation of marijuana establishments in unincorporated Jefferson County. Amendment 64 of the Colorado State Constitution authorizes recreational use of marijuana, including the operation facilities for cultivation, manufacturing, testing and retail sales. However, the amendment allows counties to regulate the industry, including prohibition of any of the four operations. The county’s moratorium, which prohibits commercial marijuana operations in unincorporated Jefferson County, ends Jan. 1. If the prohibition is lifted, cultivation, manufacturing and testing could be permitted in industrial zones, and marijuana retail could be permitted in commercial zones. Until then, commissioners can decide whether or not to allow marijuana operations in the unincorporated areas of the county. It was unclear at press time when the commissioners might make that decision. The county’s options concerning marijuana were described as a la carte at the meeting. For example, unincorporated Jeffco could allow the manufacturing or testing of marijuana products, but not the sale. In addition, if marijuana operations are allowed, regulation and restriction decisions for marijuana-related business locations must be made. The least restrictive would allow for use by right, and highest level would include requiring special use permits. Other authorizations specific to the operations facilities could include capping the number of facilities and/or licensing procedures. Though Jan. 1 is months away, county staff said that work on a permanent marijuana zoning ordinance needed to begin quickly. Through June, staff will research potential impacts, negative and positive, of lifting the prohibition. In July and August, staff will begin drafting marijuana-specific language to amend the existing zoning regulation. Public notification of the amendments will begin late September. The board of county commissioners will have the first reading of the amended zoning ordinance at the Oct. 27 county commissioners regular meeting. The public hearing is scheduled for Nov. 17. County commissioner Libby Szabo suggested that no matter the outcome, everything should be implemented slowly. “We’re learning new things every day that nobody thought of before on how marijuana is affecting our state,” she said.