May 19, 2016
VOLUME 32 | ISSU E 47 | 50 ¢
MEET THE CLASS OF 2016 WheatRidgeTranscript.com J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y, C O L O R A D O
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District, teachers agree to new deal Jefferson County School District and teachers’ union find common ground after 2 months By Crystal Anderson canderson@coloradocommunitymedia.com
Street in Wheat Ridge for 44 years, and Marc’s Restaurant, also on West 38th for 18 years. “It’s so hard to pick a favorite memory with my dad,” Mark said. “I’ll always remember playing golf with him, and the holiday and family dinners. Those were
A proposed contract between the Jefferson County Education Association and the school district will implement a new salary schedule that gives teachers raises based on their degree, years of experience and effectiveness rating. “This puts us on the right track to build stability and halt the exodus in Jeffco,” said John Ford, president of the association, referring to the large amount of teachers leaving the district. “It’s a start.” After two months of negotiations, the union and the district agreed to a fiveyear contract — the longest contract they’ve ever had — that would put teachers back on a salary schedule instead of strictly using the pay-for-performance model implemented in 2014. Evaluation ratings still play a role in an educator’s salary. Former board members Ken Witt, Julie Williams and John Newkirk implemented the pay-for-performance plan. Community members successfully recalled the three in last November. “I think the length of the agreement is a testament to the strength of the contract,” said Superintendent Dan McMinimee in a news release. “Both parties feel stability is important and this negotiation has gone well. My staff worked hard, the board gave as much compensation as possible, and JCEA was understanding of district limits.” If ratified by the union, the agreement will come before the board for approval June 2. Union members have until May 27 to vote.
Valente continues on Page 7
Deal continues on Page 5
Marketgoers shop for fresh produce in the fall last year at the Cherry Creek Fresh Market. Chris and Michele Burke, cofounders of Colorado Fresh Markets, are bringing their passion of agriculture to run the Golden Farmers’ Market for the Golden Chamber of Commerce this year because the former managers retired after last year’s season. Photo courtesy of Colorado Fresh Markets
Passion for agriculture New farmers market managers bring 26 years of experience
By Christy Steadman csteadman@coloradocommunitymedia.com Chris and Michele Burke, cofounders
of Colorado Fresh Markets, always heard wonderful things about the Golden Farmers Market, they said. So in January, when the Golden Chamber of Commerce asked them to help manage the market because the previous managers retired, they happily accepted.
Their goal, Michele Burke said, is to “retain the original flavor and community aspect while bringing some new ideas” to the market. In fact, she added, every community they operate in shapes its market. Market continues on Page 5
Longtime restaurateur Ray Valente remembered Community mainstay dies at 91
By Clarke Reader creader@coloradocommunitymedia.com Raymond Valente Sr., or Ray or Senior as he was known to his friends, died at the age of 91 at Mountain Vista Senior Living Center on May 6.
Survivors include his wife, Elaine, sons Ray Jr. and Mark, daughter-in-laws, Linda Valente and Paula Valente, granddaughters, Jaida Paolini and Gia Valente, grandson-in-law, Alessandro Paolini and great granddaughter, Marcella. Ray was a community mainstay, owning and operating Valente’s Italian Restaurant, at 38th Avenue and Reed
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