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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes EAB 021000CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD FEBRUARY 10, 2000 The February 10, 2000, Regular meeting of the City of Palm Beach Gardens Education Advisory Board was called to order at 7:30 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 found to be in attendance: Chair Wayne Anderson, Anne Berg, Scott Blake, John Gardner, Judith Hanrahan, Murtaza Kakli, Nancy Krause- Laurie, Vice Chair Leslie Millar, Jan Porter, and Charlotte Schiff. Ron Sadaka arrived at 7:40 p.m.. Student Andrea Kanner was also present. Chair Anderson noted that the students shown as being present in the minutes of the January meeting had not been present. Anne Berg made a motion to approve the minutes of the January 12, 2000 meeting. Motion was seconded by Scott Blake and carried by unanimous vote. Jan Porter noted that in the minutes the report for Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. School of the Arts had stated that problems experienced by dance students were discussed, including that they were not allowed to obtain honors; and explained that the dance students were taking gym which did not allow time for them to take other classes. Committee Reports Public Liaison - Nancy Krause- Laurie reported problems getting students to attend the Board meetings. Boundaries - Ron Sadaka reported that a meeting attended by representatives of the School Board, developers, and the City Council had been held to discuss overcrowding in the schools and the anticipated rapid growth in the City resulting from sale of the MacArthur properties. The School Board had indicated the City could build schools when needed and they would reimburse the City. Curriculum - It was reported that the Committee had not met but that newspaper articles had been collected. Suggestions for spending "A" school fiords were made, a school book store for Riviera Beach was discussed, as well as obtaining volunteers to City of Palm Beach Gardens ® Education Advisory Board February 10, 2000 Page 2 help with tutoring. Proposals for projects funded by local businesses for Palm Beach Gardens schools involving computers and the arts were discussed. It was decided to look into changing the City's Art in Public Places ordinance to allow a portion of money obtained from developers to go to art programs in the schools. School Board Forum - There was no report. Partnership - There was no report. Guest Speaker Susan Schneider, Assistant Principal of Grove Park Elementary School, discussed the areas from which students were drawn, and the school's programs. Partnership programs were discussed. Obtaining volunteers from condominiums and from Americore was discussed. SAC Member Signup Allamanda Elementary - Chair Anderson reported the school had a new Principal, and that the committee had decided to address school safety, parental involvement, and meeting the educational goals set by the regional district and the State. Palm Beach Gardens Elementary - Anne Berg reported a decision had been made to distribute the "A" school money to the staff. as incentive money, giving $1,200 to each staff member and $600 to each non - professional on the staff. Discussion had taken place regarding the FCAT test, computer use by fourth grade students, overcrowding, identifying failing students and raising their grades, and increasing parental involvement. Timber Trace Elementary - Ron Sadaka reported the SAC committee had taken the FCAT test and only two of 14 had completed the test in the allotted time. The "C" status of Timber Trace had been discussed, and the fact that feedback was needed from the test results so schools would know weak areas on which to concentrate. 0 Grove Park Elementary - Vice Chair Leslie Millar reported items discussed were that City of Palm Beach Gardens Education Advisory Board February 10, 2000 Page 3 the school might go to uniforms next year, overcapacity, and a part-time gifted program. H. L. Watkins Middle - There was no report. Watson B. Duncan Middle - It was reported that items discussed had been dress code, distribution of "A" school money, trying to become a 5 -star school, and problems with air conditioners. School of the Arts Middle - Jan Porter reported an architect had been hired and that items discussed had been FCAT tests and scores, money to be obtained from Governor Bush and his philosophy, a 4 -day school week, requirements for teachers to be certified in their fields, and reading programs. Palm Beach Gardens High - No one had volunteered to attend SAC meetings for this school. William T. Dwyer High - Items discussed had been a smoking cessation plan, awards, FCAT, vandalism, truancy and non - attendance, and poor attendance at school events. Suncoast High - There was no report. Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. School of the Arts - Jan Porter reported discussion regarding plans for moving the library, and the honors program. Scott Blake reported that a great job was being done by the Principal, and that discussion had been held regarding dance students not being able to participate in honors programs because there was not time in their schedules to take the necessary classes. Donations from Mr. Dreyfoos were noted. North Tech - There was no report. • City of Palm Beach Gardens Education Advisory Board February 10, 2000 Page 4 Old Business Scott Blake read a draft of a proposed letter to the Governor in response to the "A +" education plan, and reported on legislative contacts he had made, one of which was Cheryl Client, Special Assistant to Governor Bush, who wanted to attend the March meeting to speak on the A+ Plan and the Governor's legislative agenda for the upcoming session. Mr. Blake reported on how Ms. Client had been picked as a special assistant, and that she wanted to visit schools when she came here, and invited members of the Committee to attend dinner with her. Charlotte Schiff requested ideas for the forum and help from any members of the Board. Chair Anderson distributed an FCAT test to be taken at home. Jan Porter nominated Scott Blake for Chair. Ann Ber g seconded the nomination. The vote was unanimous to elect Scott Blake as Chair for the coming school year. Jan Porter nominated Leslie Millar as Vice Chair for the coming school year. The motion was seconded and the vote was unanimous to elect Leslie Millar as Vice Chair for the coming school year. Chair Anderson stated he would continue as Chair for the remainder of this school year and that he would continue to be a member of the Board. Candidates interested in filling the existing vacancy on the Board were discussed. Help with reading and FCAT was requested for a charter school on Australian Avenue. New Business There was no new business. 0 City of Palm Beach Gardens Education Advisory Board February 10, 2000 Page 5 Comments by Members Copies of a recently published article were provided by John Gardner. Chair Anderson announced that volunteers were needed for a reading literacy program for adult illiterates who had children in elementary school so that they could respond favorably when their child wanted to read at home. The next meeting was announced for March 8, 2000. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. • 0