WE ARE DEMANDING CHANGES AT GEORGETOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL

Improvements in Administration at GCS are needed now. The problems are widespread and discord is pervasive.  GCS Administration and Officials are acting quickly to undermine the future of our school! We are the school board's constituents, the guardians of our children, and we parents are not being heard! Thus, we are demanding more transparency, opened channels of communication, and greater respect for all involved in making our COMMUNITY school great - the parents, the students, AND the teachers!

We are bound and determined in this drive to improve the quality of education and life in our small community. All signators' names will be presented to the GCS School Board at the next board meeting as a show of parent solidarity in acknowledging these problems, and our commitment to fixing this school immediately.

There is a strong and united Parents Alliance committed to making major improvements at GCS. We stand ready and willing to work with the Board and School Administration.

We expect a solid and positive response to this petition from the GCS School Board stating its intent and commitment to constructively work with parents to address our concerns and affect much needed change. If a good-faith effort is not seen in responding to the questions posed herein, we will engage every resource available to draw attention to, and promote our cause. This will include media contacts, legal support, Colorado League of Charter Schools, Clear Creek County School Board and Superintendent, Colorado Shines, and all others related to this cause.

We are presenting a series of questions for the School Board to answer by no later than November 16 (or no less than one week before the November Board meeting – whichever comes first). SEE BELOW FOR THE LIST OF QUESTIONS THAT WILL BE PUT FORTH:

QUESTIONS

1. Does the School Board report to the Principal or does the Principal report to the School Board?

2. How does a person obtain a position on the Board?
a. What are the requirements to become a board member?
b. What is the process and procedure?
c. Is this process written?
d. Is this process published anywhere?
e. Is this process followed?
f. Does the administration receive a copy of emails (or regular mail) sent to the board?
g. Does the board allow the school administration to directly solicit a potential new board member?

3. Can the spouse of a Board Member be employed by the School?
a. Does this "conflict of interest" exist at GCS?
b. Does the Board/School have a "nepotism" policy?

4. How does the Board provide fiscal oversight of the School budgets, expenditures, fundraising, etc.?

5. In order to provide open communication, transparency, and understanding, does the Board/School have a Policies and Procedures manual, and if so, how is it disseminated?

6. What is the disciplinary policy at the School?
a. Is it written?
b. Has it been disseminated to parents?
c. Has it been explained to students, and do they understand the policy?
d. What is Mr. Dalpes' role in discipline?
e. Does he have an official or unofficial title of "Dean of Students"?
f. Do teachers have separate disciplinary practices, different from the School?

7. What is the role of the Police Department at the School?
a. Why is a School Resource Officer needed?
b. Have any law enforcement practices been adopted by the School that would differ or be in conflict with local, state, or federal law enforcement rules?
c. How has the role of law enforcement at the School been communicated with parents and the Georgetown community?

8. With the "departure under duress" of 3 certified and well-regarded preschool teachers within less than a year, is the School in compliance with all ECERS regulations?
a. Has the Board made any attempt to evaluate and understand why these teachers left the school and why the parents of preschoolers are highly disappointed at their unnecessary departures?
b. Does the Board agree with the parents that the GCS preschool is a vital part of our community and it has successfully met critical needs of families?

9. How does the Administration of GCS visibly demonstrate that the school truly is "creating a center for the community" as per the GCS mission statement?

10. Does the Board schedule and conduct their meetings with the intent to comply with Colorado's "Sunshine Laws" regarding Open Meetings and Open Records?