February 13, 2001
Boulder Daily Camera
by Amy Bounds
Teacher Stephanie Donaton instructs her students while they dissect a dogfish shark in a biology class at Summit Mioddle School Monday.
Photo by Marty Caivano, Daily Camera
A Boulder Valley School District vote on renewing Summit Middle School's contract has been delayed for a second time as officials continue to negotiate.
The board was scheduled to vote on the five-year renewal at today's meeting, but plans to wait until the Feb. 27 to allow more time to consider alternatives to some of the school's requests.
"There's a lot to talk about with Summit," said Boulder Valley School Board president Stan Garnett. "There's a lot of history. You're trying to deal with every issue that might come up over the next five years."
Once a charter school establishes its contract, the school operates essentially as an independent entity, setting its own policies and managing its own budget.
Summit, which was Boulder Valley's first charter school, is asking for an increase in student enrollment, an increase in funding, a long-term commitment to a district building and financial help to improve the school building as part of the new contract.
"I would like to see us come up with a resolution that's acceptable to both sides," said Summit parent and board president Jim Cederberg. He agreed to both this delay and the previous two-week delay. The vote was originally scheduled for the Jan. 23 meeting.
One issue of disagreement between district staff and Summit is enrollment.
Summit's contract proposal, which was submitted to the school district on Nov. 1, includes a provision to increase enrollment by 50 students each year for the next three years — for a total of 400 students.
Cederberg said the demand is there to support the increase, pointing to the fact that the school's wait list averages 180 students.
District staff recommend an increase of just 50 students for a total of 300.
One reason given is the school doesn't have space for more students without adding portable classrooms. Another is the concern that the school would take too many students away from regular district middle schools.
Along with more students, Summit also wants more funding for those students.
"We want funding that's fair compared to what other programs in the district receive," Cederberg said.
Summit is asking for $4,236 per student after subtracting money to pay for the central services the district provides the school. The district is proposing $3,764 per student.
Boulder Valley is legally required to give the charter only $3,286 per student, district staff said.
Pam Rifkin, Boulder Valley's budget director, said one reason for the difference is the district gives Summit a share of the money from the 1991 and 1998 mill levy overrides, which isn't required by law.
District officials wouldn't comment on the specifics of the alternatives they're considering in negotiations.
"Nothing is final until the board reviews it and votes," Garnett said.
Because the Summit vote was pulled from today's agenda, those wanting to comment on the topic must use the hour set aside for public participation that starts at 6 p.m. today at the Education Center, 6500 E. Arapahoe. To sign up in advance to comment at that time, call 447-5114.