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Future students in the Falcon 49 School District east of Colorado Springs may never have a superintendent, as school board members work to buy out the contracts of the district’s top administrators and hire a chief executive officer in their place, writes Education News Colorado. The changes test the limits of Colorado’s Innovation Schools Act, which allows state laws and collective bargaining agreements to be waived. High school principals will act as “innovation leader/assistant superintendents” within a “zone” that covers various schools, and will report to the CEO. Supporters say the plan will save money, but the teachers’ union is wary. Board meetings have been packed, and many details have yet to be hammered out.
Meanwhile, the state Legislature is buzzing with a record number—50—of education bills, Ed News also points out, offering a recent update of how they’re faring so far. One that’s garnering a lot of attention would mandate recess for local students, writes the Colorado Independent, noting educators and parents have long expressed concern over physical health being trumped by increased focus on standardized testing. On the topic of health, the Associated Press reports state Democrats are pushing a measure that would set aside nearly $125,000 to provide breakfast for poor kids after Republican lawmakers cut a similar program earlier this year.