September 2002
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9-02 Board Forum3
This is an outline of the items discussed at the board forum. For clarity purposes, the information is not in the order in which it was spoken, but by subject. If anyone feels as though something was taken out of context please let me know and it will be corrected.
I. Curriculum / Academic Program
A. No Written Curriculum
1. Cheryl Haddy (a parent) wanted to know why the curriculum was not in written form and how it can be approved in this case.
2. Lisa Mayo, board member, said there was an outline for all grade levels. Board President Kathy Harr said that there is a new curriculum specialist working on curriculum.
B. Math and/or Science inadequacy concerns expressed by following parents:
1. Jill Smith (wants to see Advanced Math offered), Lisa Hoffman (also concerned about Spanish program), Nancy, Yola (wants to see Science program expanded and more opportunity in general for students.)
C. Elementary Level
1. Most parents are happy
2. Some say too much Homework at this level (See the Memo by Dr. James posted on the web page)
a. Lisa said to let the teacher know if you think you child has too little or too much homework.
b. There are guidelines for the amount of homework that each grade level should be doing.
3. Schedule changes confusing for kids and parents
D. Middle School
1. Jill Smith is concerned about the Middle School program and the lack of relevant homework.
2. Ed challenged the need for an extra health class for 8th grade
a. Kathy Harr said 2 health classes are required
3. Lisa Hoffman also concerned with 8th grade issues; she also wanted to know about the 8th grade parent meeting.
a. 8th grade parent meeting being scheduled
4. There needs to be unity in lessons within the grade levels along with a more accurate, unified grading system.
II. Charter Renewal
A. Concerns were expressed on whether or not the charter would be renewed:
1. Cheryl Haddy was concerned about the changes being made to the charter.
2. Lisa Mayo and Kathy Harr assured that the Bensalem School Board has been kept apprised of all changes throughout the duration of the charter.
3. Lori Linder questioned whether or not we would even have a school next year.
a. Kathy Harr said charter renewal is being worked on. She met with Dr. Gehrt. 1st draft will be done November 1, 2002.
III. Extra-Curricular Activities / Club Choices
A. Parents not happy with club choices saying that clubs should be based more on academics.
B. Club Choices should be a joint parent/student decision -- kids made choices without even bringing papers home.
C. Sandy asked about Sports and Music programs
1. Kathy Harr said extra-curricular activities were being looked at and a committee will be set up to make choices.
2. According to Lisa Mayo, the building across the street will be used for a music program.
IV. Committees
A. Lori Linder wanted to know why only one committee is left.
1. Peter Heine said there are other committees such as community affairs -- had only five volunteers at Bensalem Pride Day.
a. Cheryl Haddy said she emailed someone in regards to volunteering for Pride Day and the skating party and never got an email back.
b. Kathy Harr said the other committees still exist but are inactive -- hoping to reactivate.
V. Miscellaneous
A. Student-run conferences not working -- need teacher input.
B. Web Site not up to date.
C. Too many changes
1. Teacher stability
2. Student Services
3. Parents are not sure of titles. We need a list of job titles. Everything is too confusing. There seem to be a lot more staff this year. How are we paying for these new salaries?
a. Kathy Harr said that a list of job would be in writing soon.
b. The new hires are within the budget.
D. Parents want prior knowledge to any changes being made in charter.
E. Employment Advertisement
1. Peter Heine explained that in advertising "People of color encouraged to apply" was not an inference that a preference to color would be made in the hiring process. The school wants to encompass diversity, but only the most - qualified applicants will be hired.
2. Mr. Mayo explained that the reason for such an ad is to put a minority applicant at ease when considering whether or not to apply for a job -- making him/her feel that they are coming into a welcoming environment.
F. Complaints of long school year
1. Too hot without air conditioning -- A/C not an option because of the expense to upgrade the electric system.
2. Kids are not doing anything of importance during these extra weeks -- playing games, watching movies.
3. Kathy Harr said that perhaps one of the things to look into changing in the charter would be whether or not the school year is too long.
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