September Minutes
September 9, 2002
Item 1. Meeting called to order.
Item 2. Changes to Agenda.
Item 3. Agenda Approved.
Item 4. CAO Report.
Dr. James thanks parents, staff, and board for being in attendance. He discussed the following:
Student enrollment: 11 Student transfers left vacanicies. There are no students on the waiting list for grade 8.
Special Ed.: In the process of establishing IEP- working diligently.
Eating Habits: Top priority healthy snacks and lunch menu.
Health records -- being audited. Thanks to parents for cooperation with getting medical forms in on timely basis.
Transportation: working to rectify problems.
Early Dismissal: Changes in procedure. Forms need to be filled out with list of 3 names of people whom children may be released to. New procedures implemented with Cohen and Miller(Student services).
New Calendar: To be given out at Back to School Night.
Leadership program for 8th grade: Looking to build and promote leadership, provide leadership in school-wide way, and get 8th graders involved.
Middle School Clubs have begun.
Extra - curricular acitivities in progress.
Eighth Grade graduations -- looking beyond school building for ceremony.
Upgrading phone system
Hired 12 new members of staff -- recieved 4 resignations. There are three vacancies -- non-teaching positons.
Act 48 Records -- being reviewed by Carol so that we are in compliance.
III. Motion Items
1. Approval of "Annual Public Notice of Special Ed"
2. Approval of Internal Controls Policy
3. Approval of Operational Procedure Policy and Guidelines
4. Approval of CAO authority to sign contracts -- Up to $4000.
5. Approval of the change in benefits waiting period from 90 to 30 days.
6. Approval of the hiring of Sharon Bailey for proffessional services
7. Review and approval of bids on window replacement -- Only 2 bids recieved one did not meet standards -- bids put out again.
8. Review and approval of expenditures July 2002
IV. New Business
FAcilities Report
*looking into new fire alarm system that will automatically alert fire department
*Repairing Asphalt
*Looking into getting swipe cards for teachers entrance
8Looking into making usable classrom space out of room next to the stage in cafeteria.
Public Comment
Cheryl Hady said that she cannot wait to be able to come to a meeting without being upset about something. She said that the staff is not stable -- with no Vice Principle along with other problems in office. She asked about the reason for adding a second grade class -- where the class sizes were reduced to 17 students. The charter states that each class should have 25 students. She wanted know how we are paying for these extra salaries and why we had to fill out the charter school survy again. In regards to the Motion Items presented, Cheryl said that no one even knows what they are about.
Bill Smith wanted to know if questions aren't answered at the meeting do we get a follow up, when can we be heard, when do we get answers.
Kathy Harr said to get questions to them in writing.
Bill Smith asked if minutes were taken and if he can get a copy of them -- he said someone is obviously taking notes.
Board replied this is not a public forum.
Bill Smith said that his question was in regards to the job opening in the paper. The ad for a special ed teacher read, "People of color encouraged to apply." He said that was offensive to him and wanted to know why that was in there. He urged the board for answers. They replied saying, there will be a public forum.
Elvee Keyes remains concerned. She does not see how the school is providing extra oppurtunity for her kids. She has yet to see a music or adequate science program implemented. She was also concerned about the incomplete curriculum and the absence of a gifted program. She has been with the school for five years and has not seen the educational oppurtunity that was promised. She ended with this question, "When will we see this additional oppurtunity for our children to learn."
Michelle said she understands that we are a cultural school, but that we are also an academic school. But her son is having problems width a teacher he cannot understand.
Next Meeting: October 14, 2002
Meeting adjourned.
