July 3, 2015
VOTE FOR THE CUTEST PUP IN PARKER
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ParkerChronicle.net A publication of
D O U G L A S C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
Court rules against vouchers School district aims to take case to federal level, plaintiffs say argument ‘should be over’ By Jane Reuter
jreuter@coloradocommunitymedia.com The Colorado Supreme Court ruled against the Douglas County School District’s Choice Scholarship Program, agreeing with a lower court that it violates the state constitution. “The Colorado Constitution features broad, unequivocal language forbidding the state from using public money to fund religious schools,” the decision read. “Yet aiding religious schools is exactly what the CSP does.” But district leaders said it’s not the end
of the road. They intend to take the matter to the U.S. Supreme Court. “While we were disappointed, we are not surprised,” school board President Kevin Larsen said during a June 29 press conference at the district’s Castle Rock administration building. “This may very well be simply a case of delayed gratification. Douglas County kids may have to wait just a little bit longer to get full access to choice.” Larsen said he believes a positive ruling at the federal level could pave the way for students nationwide to use public funds to attend private or public schools. “We have reason to believe the United States Supreme Court justices have an interest in this question,” board member Craig Richardson said. “We believe competition makes all schools better. We believe Voucher continues on Page 7
From left, Douglas County School District Superintendent Elizabeth Fagen, legal counsel Rob Ross and school board President Kevin Larsen listen as board member Craig Richardson speaks during a June 29 press conference on the Colorado Supreme Court’s voucher verdict. Photo by Jane Reuter
$20 million data center opens doors OneNeck cites incentives offered by the local government By Mike DiFerdinando
mdiferdinando@colorado communitymedia.com
Taekwondo master and owner of Victory Taekwondo Ramil Abratique organizes his students to begin sparring at practice. Photos by Nick Puckett
Studio shows power of faith Victory Taekwondo members going to competition in Texas
OneNeck IT Solutions has completed the first phase of a new $20 million, 35,000-square-foot Tier 3 data center in northern Douglas County. On hand for a June 23 tour of the facility were all three Douglas County commissioners and state Sen. Chris Holbert, R-Parker, who heralded the project as an example of the county’s business-friendly climate. “If it weren’t for the tax incentives, the construction incentives, etc., we probably wouldn’t be here,” said Terry Swanson, a vice president for OneNeck. “We’re here because Douglas County is a great place to do business.” Swanson said the Denver metro area was a good choice to open its first Colorado
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INSIDE
By Nick Puckett Special to Colorado Community Media The taekwondo studio sits in a Parker strip mall, sandwiched between the Sprouts grocery and Murdoch’s ranch supply stores. Above the door, a yellow sign — barely visible from the street — reads “Martial Arts.” The doors are propped wide open in an effort to air out the overpowering smell of bare feet and sweat. Almost perfectly harmonic “kee-yas” travel across the parking lot. Inside, parents sit in black metal chairs, watching 30 girls and boys, ages 6 to 12, methodically spar on worn red and blue mats. The white walls are barren of awards and trophies. But don’t let the humbleness of the Victory Taekwondo dojang fool you: Six members of Victory will compete July 4 at the USA Taekwondo National Championship in Austin, Texas. Korban Leeper, 7, and his father, Jeff, 30; Ellie Bowman, 12; Trinity Sison, 12; Jordan Laudan, 15; and in-
#Recruiting has changed High school athletes are turning to new technologies to find the right college.
Jordan Laudan, left, and Trinity Sison spar wearing gear used in competition. structor Chris Endo, 21, medaled at the state
Precision movements
tournament March 7 in Aurora to qualify.
The students respond to cadences from Master Ramil Abratique, the studio’s owner, like soldiers following a drill instructor, conducting precise movements for each kick,
With the exception of Bowman, this is the first national appearance for the athletes. “We’re going there to have a great experience,” said Bowman, “and to learn from it.”
Taekwondo continues on Page 14
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