Class of 2005 will have to take more math, science

Students in the class of 2005 must complete 17.5 credits of core classes and eight credits of electives to graduate. Before the change, students were allowed to take 10 elective credits.

The two core credits were added to the mathematics and science requirements, increasing each by one credit. At least one of the three math credits must be Algebra 1.

From eighth to 12th grades, students must complete four credits each in language arts and social studies; three credits each in math and science; one credit each in practical arts, fine arts and physical education; half a credit of speech communication; and eight elective credits.

The completion of a senior project also was added to the graduation requirements.

“We will study senior projects performed by ThunderRidge and other high schools to see if they were effective,” said Pat Grippe, former assistant superintendent of learning services, who has been working on the graduation requirement changes. “We can always withdraw that requirement if the board wishes to later. The first project would not be required until 2005.”

Students must demonstrate proficiency on Colorado Student Assessment Program tests or an equivalent measure, demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, math, science and social studies and complete all academic and behavior requirements to participate in graduation.

Other changes in the graduation requirements were mainly language changes in the document.
In other board news:

• Bill Reimer, chief operating officer for the district, reported the final public enrollment figures for the district.

The estimate for elementary school enrollment was 18,750, and the enrollment is 18,613. Middle school enrollment was estimated at 4,975, and 5,100 are enrolled. The estimate for high school enrollment was 8,825, and 8,839 students are enrolled.

The district’s enrollment of 32,552 is just two more than the district’s support department’s estimate of 32,550. Public school enrollment for the 1999-2000 school year was 30,065.

The final county enrollment numbers will be reported when the charter, alternative and private schools, which have not started their fall terms yet, report their enrollments.

The district is expecting public school enrollment to be 34,354, Reimer said.

• The board voted to establish an escrow account with the Bank of Cherry Creek. The district plans to put cash reserves in the account so it can earn interest above that owed from the 1992 bond election. The district will keep the money in the account until it is used to pay the bond holders. The $1,845,000 in bonds, which were issued to pay for building in the district, matures Dec. 15, 2003.

q The board voted 5-2 not to allow an exception to the age limit for a kindergarten pupil. One parent asked to board for the exception because his child’s birthday is a few weeks after the deadline, and he wanted to enroll his child in kindergarten, not preschool. Children must turn 5 before Sept. 15 to enter kindergarten.

“We have to stick by the district’s policy,” said board member Victoria Starkey. “We could set a precedent and have a sudden onrush of kindergarten students if we make this exception.”

The next board of education meeting is at 7 p.m., Sept. 5, in the third-floor meeting room at 620 Wilcox St., Castle Rock.