Brandy Hale, Gilpin County.  The Gilpin County School Board met early on Tuesday, and began with the pledge of allegiance and roll call with all board members present, followed by approval of the agenda.

Congratulations and a birthday cake celebration for the birthday of board member Sarah Swanson.

There was no public participation, and the board approved the minutes of the last meeting. Next was the first reading of the proposed preliminary budget for school the 2018/2019 school year followed by discussion of costs and changes to new employee health insurance options.

The district covers single employee premiums, but does not cover the addition of spouses or children.

Coverage rates for GCPS staff are increasing, with the premiums of all new plan options going up, and the board approved two plans during the meeting, one for individuals and another that is preferable for those with children, having previously met with staff representatives and hearing their concerns and thoughts. The new single employee plan has an increase of $177.08 per month, and the one chosen by the board for those with children to cover has a premium increase of $85.06 per month and $105.86 increase for the addition of children. The board noted that rate hikes were likely influenced by the high amount of money paid in claims during the past year, and that doing some safety training to prevent falls, slips, sprains and other injuries might help reduce premiums in the future. It was suggested that the Rural Schools Alliance might be able to help negotiate lower premiums if they were teamed with other districts that participate.

The board then approved the removal of policies from the manual that had been discussed at the previous meeting. Superintendent Mackenzie has been reviewing the policies and removing redundant policies or ones that don’t qualify as policies in order to mesh with the Colorado Association of School Boards.

Next was the first reading of policies that are being amended or modified for the same prupose, by removing redundant phrasing, updating phrasing, and removing references to No Child Left Behind, which is now the Every Student Succeeds Act and ensuring they comply with CASB policy as well.

The superintendent reported that progress continues on the track and field construction, and completion expected to be on time for the fall semester. He stated that the last safety committee meeting included fire alarm protocol changes, and that every teacher now has gym and auditorium keys in case of a lockdown. There will be a Safety Day on May 22nd at Weber Field. Additionally, he is planning to incorporate Facebook notifications for students and family to provide information on policy and location plans in the event of an emergency. The communication survey that was sent out received 17 responses, all good with the exception of one, and the superintendent is hoping for better communication of school events, picture uploads and food to community members.