Picadome SBDM Council Minutes

April 24, 2003

The Picadome School Community is committed to all students attaining the highest levels of academic achievement and responsible citizenship through equitable opportunities in becoming lifelong learners.

The meeting to order at 3:20 PM by council chair, Darla Simms. Members present were: teachers- Juaacklyn Cunningham, Tammy Johnson and Bill McMakin; parent-  Jeff Mefford; absent, Tammy Lynch parent.

            I.                   Minutes

March 13, March 25 and April 3 minutes were reviewed and discussed. Bill McMakin moved that the minutes be thoroughly reviewed by council members and approved at the next meeting.

 

            II.                Public Comment

Wendy Wheeler Mullins, a parent member of CRISES (the Coalition for Reform in Special Education Services) reported concerns about the achievement gap at Picadome between students with disabilities and their non-disabled peers. (See attached) Miss Simms explained this gap was not identified for Senate Bill 168 due to the fact that the number of students tested on the KCCT at each grade level was less than 10; however we are aware of this gap and will continue to work on closing it. Miss Simms shared an email from Vince Mattox on Training Sessions for SBDM. Council identified the need for training in Standards and Indicators and Differentiated Instruction.

   

            III.             Budget

Darla Simms reviewed the budget with council.  We will carry forward the 10% of the total School Council Instructional Funds budget. We also have requested to carry forward funds for staffing. 

 

 IV.       Information items

  A.    Senate Bill 168: Miss Simms updated council on the public meeting held on March 31, 2003, which two people attended.  She gave council members a copy of the updated Gap Reduction Target cover page.

  B.     Comprehensive School Improvement Plan:  Brenda Smith gave council members a copy of the plan with the most recent revisions. She explained that revisions were printed in bold type.

Miss Simms asked council members to review the plan before the next meeting and make notes on questions or concerns. .

Mrs. Smith also gave council a copy of the latest Implementation & Impact check on our current Comprehensive School Improvement Plan.

  C.    Staffing Update: Fayette County School board has approved to continue full day kindergarten, full time Professional Staff Assistant, a 9:1 Special Education staffing ratio and elementary band and orchestra programs. (These programs will be funded by the district.) The Good Samaritan Foundation has provided a grant to maintain the staffing of school nurses.

D.    As approved at the March 13 council meeting, we are requesting approval from the superintendent for School Council Instructional Funds remaining from this school year (in addition to the 10% carry forward) be used for staffing. This would help fund our microcomputer specialist, a .5 writing specialist and a .5 reading specialist.  In the event that we have any remaining money in our staffing budget, Miss Simms suggested the following: increase the reading position and special area positions. Council agreed by consensus.

E.     By-laws: The revised bylaws were reviewed and put on May 8 agenda for further discussion.

F.     Social Studies Competency Assurances: After much discussion, council placed the Social Studies Competency Assurances on the May 8 agenda for action.

G.  Discipline Policy: Due to lack of time, Council agreed to place this on the May 8 agenda.        

          V.              Action Items

A.    Hiring policy

Miss Simms gave council a copy of the hiring policy, which the Budget and Personnel Committee was to have revised. After reviewing the policy, council members realized the committee had not made all needed revisions; council will appoint an ad hoc committee to work on this policy rather than return it to the Budget and Personnel committee again.

B.     Rewards money

Miss Simms updated council on the process used with staff for deciding who would vote on the proposals for using the rewards money. Proposals submitted by staff on how to use the rewards money will be voted on at the April 29 staff meeting.

C.    SBDM Committee Assignments

Beth Isaacs presented the Arts & Humanities aligned curriculum suggested by the Arts and Humanities committee. Council asked that the suggested curriculum be reviewed by grade levels at the next grade level meeting on May 6, 2003.  All committees should continue to work on SBDM charges made for this school year.

D.    Extended School Services: Council was given an updated budget. The amount does not include current salaries of about $1200. The total budget was $14,499.96. Brenda Smith reminded council that 10% of the original budget could be spent on instructional materials.    Mrs. Smith is working on the Summer School proposal and will present it to council on May 8.

  Adjourned: 5:35 PM

              Respectfully submitted: Becky Boling

Suggested Agenda Items:

            Comprehensive School Improvement Plan

            Implementation and Impact