East as magnet gains speed

While the Colorado Springs School District 11 board has not given its official approval, some indications point to East Middle School opening next August as a math and science magnet school.

At last week’s board meeting, members discussed a proposed budget for opening a math/science magnet program, and last month a committee considering school configurations gave its approval to open a magnet school at East Middle School, 1600 N. Union Blvd.

A full report from the committee will be presented to the board in January.

“When we closed East, it wasn’t to close the doors completely,” said Tami Hasling, D-11 board president. “This is a great opportunity for us.”

A public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. today at the district administration building, 1115 N. El Paso St. The board is expected to vote on the proposal next week, but it could vote today on several construction items related to East.

Part of the district’s most recent bond issue was earmarked for a variety of projects at East, including electrical and plumbing upgrades, a renovated science area and intercom repairs.

District administrators also want to add air conditioning to the building. There are several proposals for the board to consider, including a geoexchange system — if it’s feasible, a traditional air-conditioning system or nothing.

Director of Facilities Mike Maloney said each proposal has different costs and effects on whether the building could reopen on time. Administrators are waiting for the board to give direction, he said, about whether the school will reopen and what projects move forward.

The district received a $1.9 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education this fall. The money cannot be used for construction, said Kandy Claybaugh, executive director of grants and special programs.

The budget given to the board members last week calls for money to be spent on several school administrators, office supplies and professional development. The board has not approved the proposed budget.

Grant money paid for district employees to travel to Texas and the East Coast to look at other math and science programs.

The grant was written specifically for East Middle School, Claybaugh said, not for other schools in the district.

CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0394 or shari.griffin@gazette.com

MEETING DETAILS

Also on today’s D-11 School Board agenda: Performance bonus pay — D-11 board members will vote on whether to use $500,000 to pay performance bonuses to schools.

The money would be split among district schools based on academic indicators, attendance and the percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced-price lunches.

Schools would decide how to spend the money. Amounts range from less than $1,000 at Tesla Middle School and Bijou Alternative Program to more than $37,000 for Doherty High School.

Proposed charter school - The board will vote on the application for Patricia Miranda Charter Academy. School officials want to open a charter high school in August that would serve 125 ninth- and 10th-graders. The school would grow to 250 students, including 11th- and 12th-graders.

Freshman classes would revolve around food science and nutrition; in 10th grade, the theme would be horticulture and landscaping.

The school would be at First United Methodist Church, 420 N. Nevada Ave.

- The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the district administration building, 1115 N. El Paso St. The board plans to meet in closed session from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.