HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes EAB 021301CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS
EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD
. FEBRUARY 13, 2001
The February 13, 2002, Regular meeting of the City of Palm Beach Gardens Education
Advisory Board was called to order at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the
Municipal Complex located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida.
The roll was called and the following members were foun,d to be in attendance: Chair
Wayne Anderson, John Gardner arrived at 7: 13 p.m., Judith Hanrahan, Murtz Kakli,
Jim Panoch, Jan Porter, Ron Sadaka arrived at 7:08 p.m., and Helen Zientek. City
Council Liaison Vice Mayor Eric Jablin was also present. Wayne Anderson reported
Anne Berg had fallen and had had a hip operation and was doing well. Chair
Anderson reported Charlotte Schiffs husband was in intensive care after his throat
closed up, and he was doing better. Chair Anderson reported Ilene Gerber had the flu.
The minutes from the January 9, 2002 meeting were approved as submitted.
Chair Anderson reported a letter of resignation from the Board had been received from
Vice Chair Leslie Millar.
Introductions were made by the guests and the Board members. Guest Speaker Dr.
Orr reported he was accompanied by Anna Miehan, Assistant Superintendent of
Curriculum Instruction. Dr. Orr indicated the curriculum was complete with hundreds
of choices. New reading materials were in use, mathematics had gone back to the type
formerly used, and everyone would use the same books in those two courses so that
there would be unified math and reading programs. Ms. Miehan highlighted
information regarding the organizational structure and noted that current emphasis
was on creating career .oriented programs for grades 7, 12. Libraries. within classrooms -
were to be created. A reading initiative was being used in grades K,2, which was a
part of the School ~oard's commitment to reading, providing focus on the earliest
grades. Reading levels were being matched to the proper grade. Enthusiasm for the
program among the teachers was reported. A K,9 algebra initiative was being used
this year to provide a good math foundation in the early grades. Accountability was
recognized because of the State testing. Dr. Orr indicated the "D" schools were
Education Advisory Committee
Meeting Minutes 2/13/02
constantly working to raise their levels. At the end of a teaching cycle, each student
could now be tested to determine their level and whether they had advanced since the
last assessment, so that problems could be found early. Also, diagnostic tests could be
given to help teachers determine how to best meet the needs of students. A unified
electronic report card was being developed for elementary schools, and would be in use
this fall. A plan for FCAT science was to be in place during the school year 02/03,
with grades to be given the year after that. Dr. Orr urged the Board to make the same
commitment the School Board had made a few years ago, that every child would have
would have a full set of textbooks. Since a textboo~ now cost approximately $50, it
was expensive when books 'Yere lost, and more accountability was nee de d from
parents, teachers, and students. Technology for e,books was not quite ready; however,
it was predicted that prices for e,readers should come down in the next few years. Dr.
Orr hoped to get to the point of issuing cd's containing textbooks instead of actual
books. A pilot program using e ,books was to be tested next year. 78 schools would be
title one schools with 55% of their students on free or reduced lunches by next year.
Under Departmental Instruction Support, Ms. Miehan advised there would soon be 24,
hour a day access to a public television station, which was offered by the County, and
possibly education advisory boards ,might be given air time. This new communication
tool would offer many new possibilities. Letters of support from communities was
requested for regular pre,school programs, for which the State was requiring a number
of changes. Or. Orr described some of the changes which would be made. The goal of
having all students pass Algebra I was stressed, since algebra was now required by many
industries as well as higher learning institutions. Discussion ensued regarding algebra.
Dr. Orr indicated summer school algebra should not be easier as seemed to be
perceived, since it was the. same material and teachers, and FCA T must still be passed.
Committee Report:;
Boundaries -Boundary changes were reported. The Palm Beach Gardens eighth
graders living in the area next year from 1,95 west to Military Trail, Northlake to
PGA, would be given the option to go to another school instead of Duncan next year.
School Board Forum -Mr. Panoch reported noted at the end of the meeting, the
Chairman had commented if Mr. Johnson failed it was the responsibility of the School
Board, since they had given him direction, and Mr. Panoch expressed his opi~ion that
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Meeting Minutes 2/13/02
being the case, ifhe failed maybe the School Board and not the Superintendent should
be replaced.
City Council LiaisonJablin reported that an outstanding student had been honored at
a City Council meeting and sang for the Council, which had been an great
performance. Criteria for the award was to be discussed later in the meeting.
SAC Meeting Reports
Allamanda Elementary , Wayne Anderson reported students had been enthused about
the 41:h grade FCA T writing test, that a new playground was being built, and new
crosswalk signs installed. Mr. Anderson commented that the budget was ex~ctly the
same dollar amount per student as last year. One media support teacher was going to
be cut.
Palm Beach Gardens Elementary -Wayne Anderson reported he had attended for
Anne Berg. They had voted to buy at least two class sets for the social studies
program.
Timber Trace Elementary, Ron Sadaka reported he was unable to attend. Jan Porter
reported on planned fundraisers and progress regarding a charter school.
H. L. Watkins Middle , Items reported included the construction renovation that
would go before th~ School Board in March, and adding another objective for title one.
Watson B. Duncan Middle -The "Buckle,Up" poster had been presented. Facility
improvements were discussed.
School of the Arts Middle -Construction for a new school was predicted for 2003.
Fundraising would be needed for a performing arts theater. Auditions were in process.
Palm Beach Gardens High-Less elective courses would be offered. A grant had been
received and houses would be utilized for career programs. Semi,permanent houses
were being used rather than portables.
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Meeting Minutes 2/13/02
William T. Dwyer High -It was reported some growth was expected next year; and
that parking had been a problem. The plan was to create a single point of entry in
front with the parking lot enclosed. The possibility of Abacoa kids replacing the
Jupiter Farms students was discussed. It was noted the whole area would be changing
with all the current development. The Abacoa school was discussed.
Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. Sch ool of the Arts -The time for having· SAC meetings
had been limited from 5:30 to 6:30 and an announcement that the mission statement
had to be changed to satisfy accreditation requirements had been found to be false, so
that would be brought up at the next meting. Suggestions by the art teacher to resolve
the problem of art students missing work and tests when they had to go out to do other
things had been met with opposition from the academic teachers.
Grove Park -The meeting would be held during the next week.
Old Business and New Business
Criteria for Monthly Award -Palm Beach Gardens students, teachers, and
administrators who had made an extraordinary contribution to their school or
community would be considered for this award. The proposed criteria was distributed
and discussed. The monthly winner would demonstrate what they did at a City
Council meeting. Chair Anderson suggested teachers and principals could help make
nominations for the award. Chair Anderson reported that two volunteers who had set
up a Spanish program at Timber Trace, that they were not paid, and these were the
types of people that should be recognized. Chair Anderson recommended contacting
principals and asking who helped their schools, and those who had gone above and
beyond should have their names submitted to a committee. The committee could
review, then narrow the names down and present 3-4 names to the Board for
consideration. The nominees must live in the City. Those who wished to serve on
the committee were asked to contact Mr. Sadaka by e-mail. The tape of Summer
L4bar singing at the City Council meeting was played.
Adjournment
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There was no further business, therefore the meeting was adjourned.
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