February 19, 2009
PTA Meeting
Attending:
John Wong, Jim Thirtyacre, MJ Call, Brad Kaplan, John Olden, Gary Goldsborough, David McIlhenny, Robyn Lipsky, Cari Gennarelli, Brad Kaplan, Nancy Sur
Absent:
John Rothmann, Meserve Platt
Amanda Block: Administrative rep
Meeting called to order at 6:35pm
Minutes from November read by Nancy Sur, MJ Call moved to approve, Robyn Lipsky seconded, approved unanimously.
ADMINISTRATOR’S
REPORT Amanda Block
• Balanced scorecard submitted to District –
great example of PTA and SSC working together
• Very successful Community meeting
• Thanked everyone for opportunity to get together with staff at Annual Staff Luncheon
• No news on budget cuts yet from Sacto.
• Still working with Placement Center to keep enrollment as is
• New math curriculum for K-5 working out well
• Early literacy program at Madison underway – just coming to conclusion of 1st round of the program – reports sent home to families – some students have grown a full grade level in reading since December. Reviewing which students should stay in, or move on.
• Outdoor Ed trip to Yosemite was fantastic.
• Two mobile sound systems purchased for Scott and Madison, being used and working well. Additional system purchased for Scott Auditorium.
• Mylie and Aleeta have volunteered to run Mayfair again, Mr. Hack will work with them to do so.
• Aud remodel plans still in works – not approved yet. John Wong raised issue of whether PTA should “front” dollars for remodel in order to be done before end of year.
AUCTION REPORT, M.J. Call
About $76K fair market value in donations thus far
Anticipate $20K in tickets
Adding up balance, if got FMV for sales, we’ll be above $100K
Fewer items, but higher quality.
Some schools have experienced a 25% drop in charitable take.
Skipped evite because too much work – printed single page invites in Wed envelope.
Close to covering catalog printing costs ($200 short)
Jeannie Pierson working on filling volunteer slots.
Tia Harrison from Sociale graciously agreed to do the food again. Will keep to slightly decreased food budget.
Feb 28 is deadline (soft) for donation items.
About 20 bottles donated to Wine Raffle so far.
Anchor Steam providing the beer again. Seeking wine donations for consumption.
John noted a “reality check” that Auction funds may fall short, and we need to be cognizant of where we can make reductions in the budget.
TREASURER’S REPORT, Dave McIlhenny
$117K in the bank, about $12K more than last year at this time
Graduation fund looking good at $2700.
Staff luncheon raised additional funds, beyond expenses.
$35K ahead of last year in gross income. ($8K fall fundraiser and gift cards, matching corp grants, higher parking income, higher PTA membership)
Dave will work with Anne Vollen on making sure that parents who haven’t paid for Green Zebra books KNOW that they haven’t paid.
Brad/MJ raised issue of selling Spirit merchandise at the Auction. Suggestion of talking to Ms. Hadley to sell at track meets. Amanda raised idea of doing on-site screening of names for personalization at Mayfair.
Issue raised of what could be cut in event of budget cuts for next year. Outdoor Ed being contracted now for 2010. Amanda mentioned that if we opt out of various programs, we may go to the bottom of their wait lists (e.g., Yosemite Institute). Urged to elicit maximum participation from community on this discussion, if/when it needs to be discussed.
John noted that grant writing committee coming together – has 18 members.
Ms. Saunders keeps her bungalow open at lunch time for Lunch Bunch, and a few items have been damaged or lost. Robyn Lipsky raised possibility of replacing/repairing damage. Amanda noted that Ms. Saunders has school money, so more investigation needed.
$4K saved not doing handbook. Now available online.
Office supplies down $2K. Credit card fees way up.
John noted that we are not authorized to go above any line item without PTA authorization. Dave noted that that is difficult with Outdoor Ed because bus costs and scholarship costs unknown. Issue raised of whether we should have a ceiling on scholarship costs. Amanda noted that serious conversations are had with families before scholarships are awarded. John will work with David and Administration to develop a recommendation.
SSC Report – Susan Burkhardt
March 24 is tentative for next Community Meeting.
Final draft and comments at that meeting.
Lot of verification at the meeting that the community was on the same page as the SSC and teachers.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Technology, Vic DeAngelo
Received grant and bought mobile lab.
Mouse squad teaching students how to support machines. Teaching deeper understanding of technology. Mousesquad.org for more information. Tues, 2-3:30 at Scott, for 4th – 7th grades.
Gary raised issue of safety, security issues online and whether being taught to kids.
MISCELLANEOUS
• Gary announced May 28 as date for Carol Munch dedication of auditorium. Planning community-based event, starting at 6pm, music, food. Jim Fong working on movie on quilts. Mayor Newsom invited for official unveiling.
- Jim Thirtyacre asked for media connections to cover event.
Nancy S. called to adjourn the meeting at 8:10pm
Jim Thirtyacre seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:10pm.