Thompson R2J Board of Education

Superintendent Dr. Ron Cabrera briefed the board on holding the first of his planned 50 visits in the community. He also said the district has prepared information on the H1N1 flu virus should it appear in our community. In addition, the district hired about 80 new teachers this year, choosing from over 4,000 applicants.

Upon completing his briefing to the board, Cabrera stepped to the podium to introduce some new staff members, including Berthoud’s new athletic director, Mark Avery.

With little discussion, the board approved awarding a contract to Hall-Irwin Corporation for construction of the new tennis courts at Berthoud High School and a reconfiguration of the irrigation pond on the campus. The cost of the two projects was $536, 915.

With elementary enrollment steady at 6,300 even though the district has added more elementary schools, the district now faces the possible closure of some elementary schools in the Loveland area. Board President Bill McCreary said, “Building a building is the cheap part, if you don’t have the kids to fill the building you can’t afford to operate the building.” Stephen Towne, executive director for business services, told the board that opening new schools increases operating costs and without an increase in students there is no increase in income. The staff prepared three options for rezoning, but board members wanted to look at other options.

Before adjourning the board reviewed the 2008-09 attendance report, revised school start and stop times and discussed proposed policy revisions.