March 25

                         

  Picadome SBDM Minutes

Special Called Meeting

March 25, 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 was called  to order by Darla Simms, council chair, at 3:53 PM. Members present:teachers- Juaacklyn Cunningham, Tammy Johnson and Bill McMakin; parents-  Tammy Lynch and Jeff Mefford.

  Miss Simms reminded everyone that this was a special called meeting for the purpose of reviewing the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan, accepting the proposed math textbook adoption and deciding on the 2003-2004 staffing summary.

  I.                   Comprehensive School Improvement Plan

Brenda Smith presented the parent component of the Picadome Comprehensive School Improvement Plan. The goal of this component is to improve meaningful communication between school and home and to increase parent awareness and understanding of what SBDM council and committees do. She pointed out the changes that had been made since the last review. There was a question as to whether the student achievement should reflect all students rather than only the Lower Socio-Economic Students, which is our Gap Reduction Target. There were some minor changes in wording that council suggested.

  Miss Simms asked if council could meet to approve the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan on April 3, 2003 at 3:15. Juaacklyn Cunningham asked for copies of the equity component of the plan. The Planning Committee will meet to review the plan on March 31, 2003 at 3:15. Miss Simms asked that any glaring errors council members found be addressed directly to Mrs. Smith.

  II.                Math Textbook Adoption

Juaccklyn Cunningham reported that there would be no money allocated for new textbooks this year so only the 5^th grade books will be ordered because those books would be purchased using existing funds. There was some discussion about ramifications of not ordering now, primarily  the opportunity to purchase these books at a special price. There was also some concern about possibility of increased enrollment at Picadome next year and not having the money to supply additional textbooks. Council decided to reexamine the 5^th grade order. Miss Simms will check with the 5^th grade teachers concerning this issue and to decide about ordering. For now, council decided to put the 5^th grade order in purchasing plan, but hold off on actually purchasing the new books. Council agreed by consensus and approved the math textbook purchasing plan.

  III.             Budget and Staffing 

  Miss Simms reminded council of the priorities they set at the March 13, 2003 meeting. They were:

1.0 Micro Computer Specialist

  .5  Reading specialist

  .5  Writing specialist

  Miss Simms expects there to be some carry-over money from the 2002-2003 School Council Instructional Fund.    There was a question of making the Micro Computer Specialist position less than the .9 at which it is  currently staffed.  There was lengthy discussion concerning these positions and where to find the money to staff them.  It was agreed that one portion could be found by trading in SAFE aide position. One proposal was to make art, music, PE and science each a .8 position. Then use the SAFE aide and Computer aide position funds to fund the microcomputer specialist position. There was some discussion concerning this position and other possible funding sources including help from PTA and converting a primary assistant position. After discussion, Council agreed they want these staffing positions:

            .8 Micro Computer Specialist

.5 reading specialist

.5 writing specialist

            .8 each Art, music, PE

  Miss Simms reminded council that .8 positions are sometimes difficult to fill as they discovered this past summer while interviewing.                 After some discussion, it was suggested that any School Council             Instructional Funds remaining be carried forward. Council agreed by         consensus that if more than 10% is available, it be put toward staffing.     Council also agreed that if workbook doesn’t balance, we could trade in a  .5 Primary assistant position.

                     Meeting adjourned: 5:39 PM

                   Respectfully submitted by Becky Boling