July 6th, 2025 01:35pm

School Choice Meetings This Week
	February 21st, 2011

As you know, the Superintendent's Staff has been working on implementing the OCP (Option Certificate Program), a voucher program presented to the Board of Education by the Task Force.  Their findings will be presented to the Board and the public at a Board of Education Meeting in early March.

Elements of the program being considered were presented by the staff at the DAC (District Accountability Committee) Forums in early February.  We saw areas of concern, including assigning accountability for OCP students' education to the district, rather than parents, student eligibility requirements, and restrictions on private school participation.  According to staff members, their conversations with the CDE (Colorado Department of Education) have led them in this direction.

We understand that by law, the program must meet certain requirements, but the Task Force's recommendations, and a program we strive for, would be one that gives choice and accountability to parents and would have a minimum of eligibility requirements for students and private schools.  We cannot know what the proposed program looks like until presented.  However, we have an important opportunity to hear about it, express our preferences, and ask questions. 

We urge you, your friends, family and neighbors to join us at one, more or all of the School Choice Community Engagement Meetings:

Tuesday, February 22, Ranch View Middle School
1731 West Wildcat Reserve Parkway
Highlands Ranch
6-8 pm.

Wednesday, February 23, Cimarron Middle School
12130 Canterberry Parkway
Parker
6-8 pm.

Thursday, February 24, Castle Rock Middle School
2575 Meadows Blvd.
Castle Rock
6-8 pm.

These meetings will include introductory remarks, 10-minute presentations each by a supporter from GCDC and an opponent of the OCP.  Following, the DCSD will present their findings and finally, there will be a question and answer period.  Opponents will certainly be there.  Please help us to have a strong showing, as well!

For more information, please visit http://www.greatchoicedouglascounty.org/