Attendees:
Lance Adams, Chair; Jane Davies, Chair; Karla Warner, ES Treasurer; Robin Lofstrom; Jodee Reed, Principal; Megan Ratcliffe, ES Volunteer Coordinator; Jessica Phillips, MS Volunteer Coordinator; Linda Richards, Banking; Megan Shepard; Sandy Nelson, parent; Kelly Bryant, Legislative Liaison; Misty Angell, parent; Rosemary Daszkiewicz, BLT Rep.; Jen Millen, Gardening; Alodie Loney, Scrip; David Innes, Webmaster; Ed Vesneske, Diversity; Caitlin Racey; Susan Motte, parent; Caleb Banta-Green, parent; Cindy Larison, parent; Sherry Jaqua, parent; Cathy Marks, parent; Randy Doak, Annual Giving; Patty Grossman, parent; Alexandra Immel, PIE; Katherine Ropp, parent; Jodi Russell, parent
Secretary’s Report:
- Annual Retreat (June 2009) minutes approved.
- Calendar of School Year meetings and events to be posted on website
- Next FOSB meeting is October 8, 2009
Principal’s Report:
- Alternative School Audit
- The SB audit has been postponed. Jodee indicated this is positive in light of the fact that there is still no clear message from the District as to the strength of its commitment to alternative schools generally.
Jodee met recently with her SPS Director and noted that, in subsequent communications, the director and superintendent have made use of some of Jodee’s language and/or ideas.
- New Assignment Plan
- Jodee proposes this as a focus topic for the next FOSB meeting.
- Upcoming SPS community meetings on the Assignment Plan: October 6 at Stanford; October 14 at BHS. Three documents available from the District on the
plan: a one-page summary, a chart, and the full plan.
- SB is now an “option school” under new SPS terminology for the assignment plan (there is an ongoing effort to work “alternative” back into the definition). Other categories include “neighborhood” and “service delivery” schools and areas.
- SB is requested to designate a parent contact regarding the Assignment Plan.
Kelly Bryant, the FOSB Legislative Liaison, will be this person with help from
Rosemary Daszkiewicz.
- Tie-breakers remain much the same, but note the (new) order for option schools: (1) siblings, (2) geographic, (3) lottery. The geographic area from which SB pulls is yet to be determined.
- SPS’s delivery of “services” will be aligned with middle-school mapping (to
come); SB’s middle-school reference area is thus TBD. The same holds true for
transportation, on both counts. Outside of the ultimately determined “reference
area,” families will need to provide their own transportation (but middle school
students will now receive bus passes). There is some possibility of “linked areas.” Jodee suggested that Whitman may be the middle school to which SB will be tied.
Elementary School Volunteer Coordinator’s Report:
- Pick-up and drop-off (18th Ave.): Now clearly marked. Keep it moving! No parking!
BLT Report:
- Rosemary Daszkiewicz explained the function of BLT. She conveyed some concern expressed by SB staff that, while parents bring many valuable ideas, this can lead to a certain “pressure” when it comes to scheduling evening events. They just want us to continue being respectful and aware of teacher and parent evening commitments. VP Michelle Ota can help in the process of proposing initiatives.
- Sarah Kopf resigned from ES BLT positions and Robin Loftstrom was proposed and approved as new ES BLT representative.
Budget Report:
- Co-Treasurer Karla Alcantara-Warren reviewed changes in the 2009-10 FOSB Proposed Budget. Most of the budget was approved at the Annual Retreat held in June 2009 but several items had to be revisited. Some of the items discussed:
- It was noted that books bought by FOSB are given to the classroom, not the teacher. Some teachers leaving the school may have taken books with them.
- Drama Program: Glyde requested $2,000 for the musical, to cover scripts, scores, and royalties. It was suggested that this be handled as a part of the MS mini-grant. It was also suggested that this year’s FOSB grant should serve as “seed money,” and that the drama program should generate some revenue. Glyde has communicated that there will be no charge to attend performances. It was suggested that we place a box at the door, inviting donations.
- Reading Buddy Program: SB has not yet hired a new Reading Specialist. The budget line is therefore still soft.
- PIE: PIE requests only $1,200, per Alexandra Immel.
- Cash Reserves: It was suggested that FOSB has too much cash in reserve and that there should be a discussion on new spending it down. Potential funding targets include increasing mini-grants, raising classroom supply funds, and/or special one-time projects or purchases. This matter will be sent to a committee to consist of the treasurers, chairs, and any other interested members of FOSB.
- There was a question regarding oversight of FOSB disbursements and overseeing the bookkeeper. Karla (Treas.) would like more access to books. There are plans to put new processes in place this year.
Volunteer Openings:
- Secretary (FOSB)
- Health and Safety Coordinator
- After-School Coordinator (Elementary)
- Facilities Coordinator
- Parent Directory Coordinator
