Monday, September 16, 2010
School Directors present: Susan Guthrie, Gary Friedlander, Lisa Pliskin, Diane DiBonnaventuro, David Ebby (Board President), Linda Doucette-Ashaman (Board VP), Lyn Kugel, Jerry Novick, Melissa Gilbert
Audience: About 20 people.
This meeting consisted of:
- Presentation and passage of a 2-year contract for teachers & staff (1)
- Informational presentations on various summer programs (2-6)
- Public comment (7)
1. Teacher/staff Contract recommended by administration.
Overview by Dr McGinley (CM)
CM: This is the most fiscally conservative contact agreement in school district history. 2 year contract, calls for 1.2% scale increases 1st year, 1.4% increase 2nd year. Also calls for 1% contribution toward health coverage 1st year, 1.2% contribution 2nd year. Has language built in to improve efficiency, and make better use of staff development time.
Public comment on contract:
CS from Penn Wynne: Has Mr Orlando [business manager] been able to project the impact of this contract on this fiscal year?
CM: That was not Mr Orlando's role in this contract
CS: Will it be able to pass Act I standards without program cuts?
CM: Not possible to predict, since Act I numbers computed yearly, and home sales and values are not where they were, but aim is always to preserve program.
Chris Santamaria(?) president of LMEA: Agrees this is the best contract for now, thanks Dr M for his participation
Linda Ashman (LA): Appreciation to Dr M for such a responsible contract.
Jerry Novick (JN): More complex than it appears. More increases are built into the contract other than a straight scale increase, but he believes this is better than if they went of r a straight scale increase. Is this contract within this year's budget?
CM: yes.
Melissa Gilbert (MG): Points out that 505 of the teaching staff are at the top of the pay scale, and 75% of other staff are too. So large number of staff receive 1.2-1.4
Susan Guthrie (SG): Thinks this is a good agreement, will need to do more work [in future] to close gap between costs and revenue
Contract passes 8-0, Gary Friedlander recuses self.
2. Short explanation of laptop policy agreement
George Frasier: questions have come up about how to explain the policy to young children? Developing a presentation to explain to younger children. Language for parents to talk to children at home. George Frasier asks to be contacted with any questions: frazier@lmsd.org 610-645-1925
3. Strategic plan update
Michael Kelly: Working on improving communication. Website development. Alignment of program 6-12. New FACTS program. Yet to come: Job descriptions and evaluations, HS profiles - make sure descriptions are representative of what is offered. Also informal parent advisory committees
LK: Is there a plan in place for how frequently profiles will be revisited?
MK: no plan in place
LK: Who performs evaluations?
MK: Currently has been the building principals
MG: What kind of program around risky behaviors?
MK: Will be addressed through guidance.
4. Adequate Yearly Progress - charts presented by Steve Barbado (SB)
SB: Meets 24 out of 24 targets, but details show areas of concern
[charts are almost totally illegible to audience]
MG: Can't read these charts. Will this be presented in detail to a committee?
SB: Will do a more detailed presentation to committee.
[final slide shows 9-12 inadequate AYP for black [and Hispanic too?] students]
LK: When will we get mre details?
SB: by October
Dianne DiBonnaventuro: This final slide is much more concerning. What is the number of [black] students in 11th grade ?
SB: 40
JN: How long before No Child Left Behind requires 100% proficiency?
SB: 2014
JN: How realistic is that?
SB: Agrees that 90% is a better rule, but goal is 100%. Will do everything they can to get there.
5. Summer Math Academy - presented by Gary Plummer
32 students did it this past summer
[We see video clips of students learning math]
LK: How can we carry through during the school year?
GP: Taking a look at how we teach.
JN: Are sufficient resources i the program?
GP: Feels that phenomenal resources are in place, and need students to take advantage of them
DB: What is taught is not remedial, butto prepare for the coming year..?
GP: Yes
DB: Following up thorugh the school year [to see how well material was prepared for]?
SB: Math specialists have that responsibility
MG: [seems perturbed] Are these the same students we just saw in as represented in red on the AYP chart?
CM: [anticipating her question] Changes were made to this program just recently [meaning that poor AYP does not reflect poorly on the Math Academy program]
MG: These are not large numbers of kids who do not meet AYP. We should be able to identify what they need.
CM: That's what they're trying to do this year
MG: Assumes this will also benefit all kids
CM: [seems to agree]
6. Bridge and NTAP presentation - Dietra Spence (DS)
-Bridge is transition program from 8 to 9th grade
-42 enrolled in Bridge over summer
-focused on increasing graduation and attendance
LA: We all identified students enrolled?
DS: No, about 100 identified, 42 enrolled
LA: Will focus groups start immediately and be regular throughout year?
DS: Yes
NTAP program
New Teacher Assistance Program, focusses on new hires. Introduce them to research based instruction
7. Comments on non-agenda items from the public
CS from Penn Wynne: Will the passed contract and staff evaluation be available for public view?
CM: Yes, will get it together and make it available.
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