Site Council Minutes – Sept 2011

Present:
Daniel Morphis, Darcy Strange, Neshay Shivji, Corianne Rice-Heinke, Jennifer Harper, Amy Wolfsen, Amy Graves, Jeff Johnson, David NelsonMeeting started at 5:02

Budget Update:
Jeff passed out budgets updates for September. Discussion of cuts in the amount of 20k less even in spite of increased student numbers.

Discussion of transportation issue with parent(s) stating that transportation denied. After further clarification from a supervisor, transportation stated a stop will be placed for student pick-up.

Pending funding requests:
Trish Shoemaker submitted a no more than $300 request for OBOB purchase.
Motion to take $300 from EEF fund was proposed, but books need to be returned to library after the competition.

Heather and Darcy requested money for grades 1-5, 1/2 day sub once per week that would come into classrooms or designated area and teach music to students. Subs are $200/day. Half day would be $100/day, once a week ideally.
Students relayed the fact that they were upset at the lack of keyboards, no band, no music this year.
Jennifer H. recommended a teacher (Donna Wynn) for this position.
$1,236 is marked for music from EEF fund, which will only be 12 weeks if once a week.
A discussion regarding only having a music teacher come in two times per month reducing the total yearly cost of $1600.
Darcy discussed the importance of having instruments accompany singing.
Jeff would make the ultimate decision for hiring a sub. $464 more would be needed to.

Half day sub for 16 days with an additional $100 for supplies with $1236 coming from music account and $464 coming from any K-5 educational use account.
Motion was unanimously approved.

EEF grant needs to be submitted by 10/9.

Darcy submitted four EEF proposals for the gray team in the amounts of:

1-$500 for Elective Supplies
1-$500 for IXL math practice website, which is for K-8.
1-$2000 or $500 for school garden project over two years for 1st, 5th, and 8th grade students.
1-$2000 for Artist in Residence

Discussion regarding the urgency to meet the week of 10/3 to discuss the prioritization of grant proposals.
ALL grants need to be submitted to Amy.wolfsen@gmail.com by 10/1.
Jeff will make sure 6-8 team gets this address.

School Lunches:
Jennifer spoke about the Village School’s decision to cancel contract with Sodexo.
This would need to be a district wide decision. Jeff recommended contacting school board, 4j services requesting schools be allowed to grow and serve own food.

After School Programs:
Discussion regarding the evaluation of after school programs. Edison Elementary has many after school programs, ATA does not.
Two string academies will be offered.
Band will eventually be two days a week after school: beg. and advanced.
Title program for students with academic needs will be starting soon for K-5.
6-8 after school structured homework time.
Possibilities of adding after school programs was discussed, budgetary restraints were mentioned. It would need to be a volunteer driven program. Request for parent input regarding their ideas about programs. Need teacher sponsor as well.

Future Agenda Suggestions:
SIP should be on ongoing agenda item.
Members will prioritize EEF grant proposals when emails are sent out.

Meeting adjourned at 6:06