March 19, 2015 VOLU M E 31 | I S SUE 38 | 5 0 ¢
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Jeffco district, teachers Wheat Ridge city begin negotiation talks Sides form issues and begin laying out bargaining process Staff Report Negotiations between the Jefferson County Education Association and the Jeffco Public Schools District began to a calm start the week of March 9. During the first two meetings, both sides presented their issues, or what items they wish to build an agreement on this negotiating season. For the district, aligning a contract with strategic objectives, student learning goals, supporting and rewarding teachers under a clear, flexible and collaborative framework was key. JCEA presented seven issues, which included educating the whole child; family
WHAT’S INSIDE
school and community partnership; class size conducive to student success; time to teach and time to learn; culturally relevant education; effective educators and respectful collaboration. “While it might not look like a traditional IBB (Interest based bargaining) process, we are very committed to the collaborative aspects of the IBB process,” said Jim Branum, Jeffco’s lead negotiator and district counsel. “By working around the table, we’re going to come out with a much better agreement.” After presenting, each side delved into their priorities for each issues, highlight-
ing what each side is looking for. Although most of the meetings were congenial, some points of contention arose around compensation and the over testing of students. “There’s a very real problem for the district right now in that some of the details of a complete compensation plan are not in place, and Amy (Weber) needs some of those details rather quickly or maybe yesterday in order to be effective in her role as the head of HR in doing that recruitment of highly effective teachers,” said Negotiations Moderator Jon Numair on the current compensation model. “I think this is probably one of the very difficult pieces we might have in front of us.” Moving forward, the sides will continue to discuss their top issues, how to put together small study groups for each issue and what the priorities are for each.
‘March Gladness’
CRIME: Six indicted in effort to hinder gang. Page 3 LIFE: Ears in the ceiling. Miller play in Arvada explores espionage. Page 13 SPORTS: Ralston Valley wins girls lacrosse game. Page 19
POSTAL ADDRESS
Volunteer Betty Wilson shows off a woman’s sweater that is part of the Christian Action Guild’s annual sale, which ends March 31. All winter wear is $1. Pictured from left to right; Betty Wilson, Cheryl Selbe and Kelly Ivan. Photo by Amy Woodward
WHEAT RIDGE TRANSCRIPT (ISSN 1089-9197)
OFFICE: 722 Washington Ave, Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 PHONE: 303-566-4100 A legal newspaper of general circulation in Jefferson County, Colorado, the Wheat Ridge 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: Wheat Ridge Transcript 722 Washington Ave., Unit 210 Golden, CO 80401 DEADLINES: Display: Fri. 11 a.m. Legal: Fri. 11 a.m. | Classified: Mon. 5 p.m. G ET SOCI AL WITH US
P LE A S E R ECYC L E T H I S C O PY
Christian Action Guild offering expanded thrift shopping and food to needy By Amy Woodward awoodward@coloradocommunitymedia.com
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he impending seasonal transition has many retailers offering outstanding sales on winter wear. The Christian Action Guild, a nondenominational food bank and thrift shop is also taking part in the frenzy with their own March Gladness sale with sweaters, jackets and winter kids wear for $1. “We’ve got more things and a bigger variety so people need to come here,” said Joyce Sutton, president of the Christian Action Guild. The clothing shop, organized by volunteers, has been revamped with displays which boast quality merchandise and specialty items. “When people come in they are all excited about it because it’s a fun little local place to shop,” Sutton said. The guild is also excited about the progress of their food bank, which now offers fresh produce and meats. “We keep stretching our goals,” said Kay Fur-
IF YOU GO The March Gladness sale runs through March 31. The Christian Action Guild is located at 1401 Ford St.
tak, volunteer. In almost a year since the guild reached out to the business community, the tidy food pantry has garnered additional support from surrounding merchants and national food chains. Every Tuesday, the sandwich shop Which Wich, located in Denver West, brings 100 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Bonefish Grill, also located in the Denver West area, donates food. “We pick up there once a week and they freeze extra things that they normally would have thrown away,” Furtak said. The guild has also networked with Starbucks, Pizza Hut and the Outback Steakhouse. Bob’s Atomic Burgers in Golden remains one of their dedicated supporters. “We’ve come a long way,” Sutton said.
manager wins award Goff praised for promotion of city By Hugh Johnson
Contributing writer
Wheat Ridge City Manager Patrick Goff was named Manager of the Year by The Colorado City and County Management Association. Goff was honored at the organization’s Winter Conference Feb. 26-28. The organization recognizes members that have made an outstanding contributions to local governments, according to a release. Goff was in involved in projects that will bring three new residential communities to the city, and a Sprouts Farmer’s Market as part of the Kipling Ridge development at 38th and Kipling. Wheat Ridge was also ranked as one of the best places to retire by Livability.com The organization is comprised of local government managers and assistants from around the state. Wheat Ridge Mayor Joyce Jay praised Goff for his leadership in promoting the city’s economic growth. “Last year was a landmark one for the City and Patrick was a driving force in many key initiatives. He not only helped promote economic growth and development, but fostered partnerships and leveraged funding to make Wheat Ridge a better community,” she said in a release. Matthew Brine, a board member and president and county manager for Gunnison County, said that Goff has been integral in bolstering the city’s visibility and promotion as a great place to work and live. “Wheat Ridge is gaining more attention as both a great place to live and work and it’s clear Patrick deserves credit for increasing the city’s visibility,” he said in a release.
REGIONAL NEWS YMCA hires new Executive Director The Susan M. Duncan Family YMCA has announced that Jen Spettel as its new executive director. Spettel began her career in 2004 and has more than 10 years of leadership experience. Previously, she was the membership director for the Susan M. Duncan YMCA, prior to that she was the association director of membership for the Denver YMCA.
LWV host TABOR discussion Carol Hedges, executive director of the nonprofit Colorado Fiscal Institute, will give an update on Colorado’s TABOR (Taxpayers Bill of Rights) amendment to the League of Women Voters of Jefferson County at a general public meeting 1-2:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 24. Hedges, an expert on the effects of TABOR, will also discuss the options of refunding tax money to taxpayers or using the money for education and other state obligations. The meeting is at the Belmar Library, 555 S. Allison Way, Lakewood. For more information call 303-2380032 or visit www.lwvjeffco.org.