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School Site Council (SSC)/School Governance Team (SGT) - Location: Library / Starting Time: 4:15pm |
Dates: |
09/18/08 |
10/16/08 |
11/20/08 |
12/18/08 |
01/15/09 |
02/19/09 |
03/19/09 |
04/16/09 |
05/21/09 |
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| *Dates subject to change. Please check back to the website prior to coming to the meeting. |
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San Diego Unified School District
Taft Middle School
December 20th, 2007
4:15pm - Library
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SSC Agenda |
SGT Agenda |
I. SSC Business
A. Approval of Minutes - 11/15/07
B. Public Input
II. Data Review
A. Budget as of 12/20/07
B. Grade Level Data
C. Benchmark Assessment Results
III. SPSA
A. Evaluate 2006-07 SPSA
B. Staff Meeting – PI Plan “Vision”
IV. Budget
A. Approval of Budget Transfer
B. Parent Institute Charges
V. Advisory Groups
A. DELAC Report
B. ELAC Report
C. DAC Report
D. GATE Report
VI. Round Table
VII. Next Meeting - 1/24/08 |
I. Governance Business
A. Approval of Minutes - 11/15/07
B. Public Input
C. Bylaws Review (Article X, Section J)
D. Parent Institute Graduation
E. 8th Grade Algebra Class
F. Parking Lot - Informational
II. Committee Reports
A. Civility Report
III. Round Table
IV. Next Meeting - 1/24/08 |
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San Diego Unified School District
Taft Middle School
School Site Council Meeting Minutes
December 20th, 2007
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Attendance:
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School Site Council Members Present: Mike George, Frank Ciriza, Dan Swierczynski, Paulette Fillion, Dave Page, Marla O’Connell, Sue Ericson, Kelly Padilla, Michelle Cook
Absent: Maru Pulido
Guest: Eleanor Evans, Nicci Krey, Jim VanCleave, Regina Cavada (Student Rep.), Carol Tran (Student Rep.)
The meeting was called to order at 4:26p.m. Quorum was met.
SSC Business
- Approval of Minutes: Minutes of November 15, 2007 meeting were reviewed. Marla O’Connell moved to approve the minutes as written; motion passed.
- Public Input: None.
Data Review
- Budget: Mike George distributed copies of the Budget Status Summary as of 12/20/07 -- $268,133.60. Even though this was $40,000 more than last month, Mike still needs to verify the amount and see where it is coming from. If he can verify that there is $40,000 more, we need help to relieve the P.E. Department by possibly bringing in a long-term sub. There was a discussion about the use of Parent Involvement funds, and Dave Page brought up that there are some expenditures that haven’t come about yet, and they should be kept in mind when discussing use of Parent Involvement funds on new ideas. Mike informed members that he has been very cautious in his spending to this point, and he has kept the SSC informed of all expenditures. Nicci Krey inquired about the Microsoft Settlement Reimbursement ($31,132), and Mike said he would call Fiscal Control to check on it and report out at the next meeting.
- Grade Level Data: Mike George shared CST data with members that showed significant gains for Taft over the past several years. In English/Language Arts, the percentage of students performing at Proficient or Advanced has grown steadily from 33% in 2004 to 43% in 2007. He was particularly impressed with individual subgroups, stating that “Students with Disabilities” climbed from 8% in 2004 to 18% in 2007 (7%/2005, 11%/2006). This is a huge accomplishment to see these flat numbers take a spike. We are exposing these students to regular instruction and it shows us that push-in does work. The “Economically Disadvantaged” subgroup has also shown constant, steady growth (26% to 38%). Mike was also very impressed with what students did at the algebra level. In math, the percentage of students performing at Proficient or Advanced has grown from 21% in 2004 to 36% in 2007. Mike attributed Taft’s growth to good, solid teaching.
- Benchmark Assessment Results: Mike George shared the in-district ELA and Math results with members. We are required to use Units of Inquiry lessons in ELA and Math Modules in Math, as well as give the benchmarks, because we are a PI school. Mike said that as we approach the second part of the year, we are going to look at the data as a staff and see where we want to go with it.
SPSA
- Eleanor Evans moved to forward evaluation of 2006-07 SPSA to next meeting, and Dan Swierczynski seconded. All in favor; motion passed.
Budget
- Dave Page informed members that a budget transfer was required to pay for substitutes for in-house teachers to attend QTEL trainings. Mike George added that this was mandatory instruction related to strategies that are proven methods of helping our 2nd language learners. Marla O’Connell motioned to approve the budget transfer of $5,200 within Resource 62860 (ELA) from Account 4301 to 1192, and it was seconded by Dan Swierczynski. All in favor, motion passed.
- Mike George informed members that he may need a budget withdrawal approved from Title I Parent Involvement monies for approximately $3,900 to pay for Parent Institute charges. The bill is in question because we were charged $150/head instead of $75/head that was in the contract. They have already been paid $5,000 from Price Charities. The SGT has requested that Mike pen a letter to the Parent Institute requesting full disclosure of the bill. Marla O’Connell motioned to withhold the payment to Parent Institute until we receive a response from PIQE to Mike George’s letter, and it was seconded by Dan Swierczynski. All in favor, motion passed.
Advisory Groups
- DELAC – None.
- ELAC -- In the process of getting a structure for needs assessment. It will be coming out to parents to facilitate their involvement in the school. Also, Taft had a Reclassification Ceremony on December 18 to recognize 31 students who have been reclassified from English Learner to Fluent English Proficient. The ceremony was put together by Maria Montgomery, our English Learner Support Teacher. Visit Taft’s website to view photos of proud students, parents, and administration alike.
- DAC -- Dave Page informed members that the district’s budget for Title I distributes money to school sites based on free and reduced lunch concentration. Currently, the district funds Title I money to school sites with 40% free and reduced lunch. The new proposals being discussed would change that to funding schools at no less than 60% free and reduced lunch. The amount of Title I money coming to the district from the federal government will be reduced by 17% for 2008-09. This will not affect Taft because we are in the 70th percentile. Due to the decrease in Title I funding, we may break even this year.
Dave Page would like to add discussion of the LEA plan and Title I funding to next month’s agenda so he can complete a questionnaire to be returned to district staff by February.
The California Department of Education (CDE) has revised its guidelines for spending of EIA money to require a broader use than just the English Learner programs. This may increase the amount of money that comes to Taft.
- GATE – Testing has been completed for the fall. There are some newly reclassified GATE students. You can visit Taft’s website for information about the GATE program including upcoming parent evenings, lecture series, and a direct link to the district’s website.
Dan Swierczynski and Cindy Lail have been observing Seminar classes at other district schools and talking to teachers about their programs. They are already using many strategies in their GATE Cluster classes that they have observed in the Seminar classes (i.e., smaller class sizes, more parent accountability, technology in place, Socratic seminars). It has been decided to move the implementation date for the program to next fall so they can continue observations. Dan and Cindy have been noticing a lot of structure in many of the Seminar programs, and that is not how they envision what we should have here at Taft. They want quality based in best practices, and what works best for students. Mike George added that we do have Dr. Cansdale’s approval to commence the program in the fall.
Round Table
Next Meeting
- January 24, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. in the library.
Adjournment
- The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.
Minutes recorded by Paulette Fillion |
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San Diego Unified School District
Taft Middle School
Site Governance Team Minutes
December 20th, 2007
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Attendance:
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Site Governance Team Members Present: Mike George, Frank Ciriza, Dan Swierczynski, Eleanor Evans, Dave Page, Marla O’Connell, Michelle Cook
Absent: Jennifer Kelley, Maru Pulido, Dina Weiss
Guest: Paulette Fillion, Sue Ericson, Kelly Padilla, Nicci Krey, Jim VanCleave, Regina Cavada (Student Rep.), Carol Tran (Student Rep.)
The meeting was called to order at 4:26 p.m. Quorum was met.
Governance Business
- Approval of Minutes: Minutes of November 15, 2007 meeting were reviewed. Marla O’Connell moved to approve the minutes as written; motion passed.
- Public Input: None.
- Parking Lot – Informational: Dan Swierczynski gave members background information on the closure of the faculty parking lot that was requested by the staff and concerned parents. There has been an ongoing problem over the years with vehicle, bicycle/skateboard, and pedestrian traffic in the lot during the high traffic times right before and after school. Bottom line, the conditions are dangerous for our students, and there have been many near misses. Currently, the lot is closed while student movement is greatest from 8:30-9:00 a.m. and 3:30-4:00 p.m.; however, there is an exception for handicap and visitor parking. We have seen a marked decrease in potential problems since the lot closure. Dan asked Mike George to update members regarding some potential legal problems that have arisen.
Mike George informed members that he was aware of this problem when he was a student here many years ago, a teacher here, and now as principal. He agreed to shut down the lot after he consulted with the San Diego Police Department Traffic Division and the School Police. Both agencies agreed that the lot posed safety problems for students and staff, and the closure within high traffic times followed similar policies at other San Diego Unified schools. Despite the increased safety for our students, there has been a parent complaint that has escalated into a lawsuit filed under the Williams Act (safe and orderly schools). This is not a monetary action. Jose Gonzales, head legal counsel for the district, advised that this suit does not fall within the parameters of the Williams Act. The parents have indicated that they may file a civil suit. Dr. Rich Cansdale, our Area 3 Superintendent, requested Mike to contact the parents and invite them to share their concerns with the Site Governance Team. They have been invited to this meeting in hopes of taking a positive step forward in resolving this conflict.
Dan Swierczynski said that he didn’t believe this issue fell under Governance. Dave Page asked Mike who was responsible for the School Site Safety Plan, because the document will be brought to this table. Nicci Krey is currently working on the district’s new safety plan template which is due in March.
Mike George informed members that there was another parent who also expressed concern over the lot closure, but has been keeping an open dialogue with him and trying to come up with positive, alternative suggestions to closing the lot (i.e., Could parents help to direct traffic?/Legal Dept. said no.). So now we’re back to the legal system. Mike has invited the parents who filed suit to meet with him and discuss the issue but they have declined. They have also written letters to the Governor and the Department of Education. Dr. Cansdale and Mike are both proponents of Family Friendly schools. Mike requested that if this body would like to give him their recommendations, he will listen and pass them on to Dr. Cansdale. He reiterated that our parking lot does remain open for business, but just not during serious traffic times.
Nicci Krey felt that it is safer everywhere now because of the lot closure. Students ride their bikes, it’s a foot traffic area, and there were parents doing U-turns in the lot. One of her first priorities this year has been to help establish new drop-off and pick-up points for parents, even before this parking lot issue arose. She had the City come out at the beginning of the school year to establish a 100-yd. drop-off/pick-up area behind the bus loading zone on Gramercy Drive. They will also be putting up larger signs designating bus parking and loading areas for parents. The work should take place when we are closed for winter break.
Dave Page said that Fletcher, Cubberley, and many other schools have their staff parking lots closed to traffic. Mike added that parents were making illegal U-turns in our lot. He noted that Juarez and Wegeforth are also closed to traffic, and school police at Clark chained off their employee parking lot.
Like the principal, Paulette Fillion was aware of the dangers in the parking lot when she was a student here, as a parent of three students who have attended Taft, and as a teacher here. She has witnessed many close calls over the years, especially while out on duty. She feels we need to be proactive and take steps to protect our students before there is a tragic accident at Taft.
Marla O’Connell said that her son (8th gr.) has told her that he feels a lot safer now when he rides his bike to school. Before, he always had to watch out for cars trying to get in and out of the lot.
Frank Ciriza felt that there was no order in the lot, and now he agrees that the lot is much safer for students. Mike added that he witnessed a bumper-to-bumper collision in the lot. Parents are still allowed to drop off students for the 6 to 6 program. We’re trying to be very cognizant of the community’s needs.
Marla O’Connell added that we should always err on the side of safety.
Dave Page noted that we needed to move the meeting along. He felt that Dr. Cansdale will see from the minutes that the SGT unanimously supports the principal in the closure of the staff parking lot.
Mike George informed members that the parents who filed suit were emailed on Monday of this meeting’s date and time; however, they responded that it wasn’t enough notice. He would like to keep the door open to any communication with these parents. He also feels confident that the other parent who is trying to come up with a solution will continue to help us.
Jim VanCleave expressed his concern for the safety of our students. His car was nearly hit last year in the parking lot by another vehicle that was trying to cut around him.
Carol Tran (Student Rep.) said she has witnessed students walking behind cars in the lot that have almost been hit.
Regina Cavada (Student Rep.) says she sometimes witnessed students trying to be obnoxious and rude by stopping in front of cars on purpose to make them wait. She, too, agrees that the lot is now safer for students.
- Bylaws Review/Approval: (Handout) Dan Swierczynski suggested new wording for Article X, Section J that was tabled from the last meeting. The Governance document currently reads, “A quorum shall be defined as a simple majority (fifty percent plus one) and should represent the percentages of each membership constituency.” The new wording would read, “A quorum shall be defined as a simple majority (fifty percent plus one) for the purpose of voting at regularly scheduled meetings. For the purpose of voting at emergency meetings, a quorum shall be defined as a simple majority (fifty percent plus one), and voting will require representation from each membership constituency.” Kelly Padilla motioned to approve the new wording to the Governance document and it was seconded by Regina Cavada. All in favor, motion passed. Bylaws will be so changed.
- Parent Institute: Mike George informed members that Dr. Dorothy Zirkel from Price Charities had agreed to fund $5,000 of the Parent Institute charges this year. Dr. Zirkel and Mike were under the impression that we were to be billed at $75/head. Parent Institute sent a bill to Taft for an additional $3,900, after receiving the $5,000 from Price Charities. When Mike questioned Parent Institute, he was informed that the charge was $150/head. Mike asked for a recommendation from Governance members to pen a letter to the Parent Institute requesting a full disclosure of the bill. He would also like to inform them that he has addressed the issue with his SSC and SGT. Dave Page asked if it was the contractor that is doing this. Mike stated our contract says $75/head for up to 45 people. Marla O’Connell made a motion to request Mike George to write a letter asking for full disclosure of the bill, and it was seconded by Sue Ericson. All in favor; motion passed.
- 8th Grade Algebra Class: (Handout) Nicci Krey informed members that California has adopted new standards (formerly called Middle School Algebra). There is no CST designed yet for this new course. The state has finally realized we need standards to go along with this. Nicci has been selected to be on the adoption committee. When students reach 8th grade, they will have the option of going into regular Algebra or Middle School Algebra. Dave Page inquired if this will help students going into the 8th grade pass a math course and the CAHSEE in high school. Nicci said the course is designed to give students the foundation they need before 9th grade. We would set criteria for students who fall below basic to take this class. However, it is possible that we may see a dip in our CST scores. Dan Swierczynski asked the student representatives what they found difficult about algebra. Carol Tran said that word and distance problems were difficult, but equations were easy. Regina Cavada also agreed that distance problems were difficult. Nicci said she wanted to keep Governance members informed, and she would bring the matter back before the committee at a later date.
Committee Reports
- Civility – Frank Ciriza reported that minimal progress has been made on a new behavioral support plan since the last meeting, and members will require more time.
Round Table
- Mike George stated that he has spoken with Karen Childress-Evans from VAPA and they would like a program at Taft. However, Taft would need to fund the teacher. Perhaps we could start an after-school program ($35/hr., 2-3 days/week), with the YMCA funding up to $21/hr. It would be better to bring in an individual to do this. Taft already has an art teacher, but she is currently out on maternity leave. Mike said he is a strong, firm believer in visual and performing arts for children. He is very concerned that there are music programs at the local elementary schools and students are not able to continue when they attend Taft. Nicci Krey suggested exposing students to a visual art one semester and a performing art the following semester. Dan Swierczynski added that if they are not true electives, teachers end up with students who do not wish to be in the class. Nicci said that we need to decide soon because of the master schedule, and it should be placed on the agenda again in January. Dave Page called for a special meeting in January to discuss our priorities for next year’s master schedule, and to form a plan for what we would like to do with the money Taft will receive. Kelly Padilla feels that electives like Yearbook and ASB are not as important as the arts (music, drama, etc.). Members agreed to move the next regular meeting to January 24, 2008 so there can be a special meeting on January 17, 2008 to discuss the master calendar.
Next Meeting
- Special Meeting to discuss master calendar – January 17, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. in library.
- Regular Meeting – January 24, 2008 at 4:15 p.m. in library.
Adjournment
- Discussion ended at 5:45 p.m. The meeting adjourned concurrently with SSC at 7:20 p.m.
Minutes recorded by Paulette Fillion |
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