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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes EAB 041499• CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD APRIL 14, 1999 The April 14, 1999, Regular meeting of the City of Palm Beach Gardens Education Advisory Board was called to order at 7:35 P.M. in the Council Chambers of the Municipal Complex located at 10500 North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Guests and student guests were introduced by Chair Wayne Anderson. The roll was called and the following members were found to be in attendance: Chair Wayne Anderson, Anne Berg, Judith Hanrahan, Murtaza. Kakli, Nancy Krause- Laurie, Leslie Millar, James Panoch, and Ron Sadaka. Students Jordan Evert, Andrea Kanner, and Matthew Metlis were present. City Council Liaison Eric Jablin. was also present. Deputy City Clerk Cindy Harvey explained that Jan Porter had requested a change to the minutes of the December meeting which had been changed; however, Ms. Porter was not happy with the way the change was worded and had requested further • modification. The Deputy City Clerk explained. that Ms. Porter had wished the minutes to state that the City had forced two members to resign; the minutes stated that the two members had felt forced to resign, which was correct, and therefore the City would not change the minutes. Anne Berg made a motion to approve the minutes of the March 10, 1999 meeting as modified with Maitland changed to Metlis. The motion was seconded by Ron Sadaka and unanimously approved. The Guest Speaker was Mr. Jack Meeds, Principal of Watson B. Duncan Middle School. Activities of the Education Advisory Board were described for the benefit of Mr. Meeds. Mr. Meeds described his background and education; as well as the number of students, test results achieved, and a new dropout prevention program for sixth graders planned for the coming year at Duncan Middle School. Another program planned for next year was intensive reading and intensive math for students in the 40th percentile and down. Mr. Meeds requested names of members of the community who might volunteer at the school to tutor students, work in the office, counseling, etc. Mr. Meeds described traffic problems at Duncan Middle school, to which City Council Liaison Jablin responded approval had been received for a traffic light; however, the School Board had not provided the necessary funding. Deputy City Clerk Cindy • Harvey reported work was progressing toward getting the light installed and that it • Education Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 2 might have to be a joint purchase by the City and the School Board because the City's new tennis courts might be considered a contributing factor to the traffic problems. Concern was expressed that there was only one access out for vehicular traffic in the event of an emergency which required everyone to leave the school. Principal Meeds reported an incident February 9, 1999 when two fights on campus occurred, involving a total of seven students, which appeared to be much worse because of the large number of students running and trying to find the fight to watch. Principal Meeds explained that a consequence of the fight was a vote by the faculty not to hold a scheduled dance that Friday because of the behavior of the students; which sent a message to the students. It was estimated that approximately 80 students had been attracted to the School of the Arts. Principal Meeds estimated the school had been built for 1100 students and there were currently 1500 students, discussed class sizes, math programs, the need for teachers for remedial math and reading, a new summer program, and the last SAC meeting where the school improvement program would be presented. Public Liaison Committee Report Jordan Evert reported a thank you note had been sent to North Tech and that she would send one to Mr. Meeds. Vice Chair Leslie Millar requested that when someone knew they would be out of town to please call another member to perform their duties that month. :• �• 7 • i • J W1 Chair of the Boundary Committee Ron Sedaka reported the Boundary Committee had not met. Leslie Millar reported there had been an important article regarding boundaries in the Palm Beach Post which she would share. rr MARMO•1l ••r Curriculum Committee Chair Wayne Anderson reported the committee had discussed boundaries and that some new members did not know the terminology used by the is Educational Advisory Board. Leslie Millar had volunteered to list some of the names • Education Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 3 and their meanings (example: SAC). Business School Partnership Vice Chair Leslie Millar reported two new partners, American Legion, which would promote patriotism in the schools, and R. J. Gators. Chair Wayne Anderson and Anne Berg had volunteered to speak to the managers of the two Palm Beach Gardens movie theaters to see if they would donate movie tickets for honor roll students. Vice Chair Millar commented the partnerships were two -way, and urged members to stop by Lens Crafters to see if they could help them in any way. 1 - - Chair Anderson reported a full Board of 11 regular members had been achieved, with • only six needed for a quorum. Those members assigned to attend SAC meetings at different schools were reviewed, as well as those school SACS for which representatives were needed. SAC Committee Reports Chair Anderson reported he had been unable to attend the last Allamanda SAC meeting. Anne Berg, representative for Palm Beach Gardens Elementary SAC, reported a large portion of the meeting had been discussion regarding reading improvement with emphasis on seeking more volunteers, and that the reading improvement program would be implemented in small groups. The school -wide character in education program was also discussed, including parent involvement. Ms. Berg stated she was impressed with Principal Kennedy's approach involving teachers at every step. Ron Sedaka, representative for Timber Trace Elementary SAC, reported the meeting would be the next Monday with the public hearing for their school group the following • Monday. • Education Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 4 Murt Kakli, representative for Howell Watkins Middle School, reported discussion regarding the school improvement plan with objectives being the improvement of math and reading comprehension, how to minimize disorder and insure a safe environment, and utilizing technology. Since there had not been enough time to work out different approaches proposed, a special meeting would be held for further discussion. Jan Porter, representative for Middle School of the Arts SAC, was not present. Leslie Millar, representative for Palm Beach Gardens High School SAC, reported Karen Marcus had resigned, a School Board representative had explained Achievement for All, from which some of the wording would be used in the school improvement plan. A special meeting would be held to finish the school improvement plan. Jordan Evert, representative for Dwyer High School SAC, reported discussion is regarding shortening summer vacation, a successful program for students regarding their next year's curriculum, a new Hall of Fame for seniors, and the success of Mrs. Croft's Academy program which had gone to State convention. Leslie Millar reported that Jordan Evert had been Student of the Week. No representative from Suncoast SAC was present. City Council Liaison Jablin reported his wife had not been able to attend Dreyfoos School of the Arts SAC. No member reported regarding the School Board meeting on Channel 20. OLD BUSINESS There was no old business. - INN =-- • Unsuccessful attempts to obtain a knowledgeable speaker on vouchers for schools were reported. • Education Advisory Board Meeting Minutes April 14, 1999 Page 5 Guest speakers for next meeting were announced: Kathy Schmidt to speak on new technology programs, Kevin O'Shea from the American Legion, and the manager from R. J. Gators on Northlake Boulevard. The next meeting date was announced as May 12, 1999. A member reported a newspaper article regarding the desire of the State to change the grading scale. Leslie Millar made a motion to explain the duties of the committees to the new members and to circulate a sign -up sheet for committee members at the next meeting. Anne Berg seconded the motion. The duties of the various committees were explained for the benefit of the new members present. City Council Liaison Jablin agreed to help provide information regarding new developments within the City. Chair • Anderson reviewed committee vacancies for which members were needed, and stated that every member was expected to serve on a committee. Ron Sedaka commented he was happy to have the new members. Deputy City Clerk Cindy Harvey explained that Ordinance 12, 1999 contained the new standardized guidelines for all City Boards. Ordinance 13, 1999 revised the composition of the Education Advisory Board to eleven members, and four alternates. Ms. Harvey explained she would be attending future meetings, probably every other month, and could answer questions regarding the ordinances. Changes in terms were reviewed. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. 40 • • CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS EDUCATIONAL ADVISORY BOARD CITY HALL 7:30 P.M April 14, 1999 le" S ; I. rA Call to order 7:30 11. Listing of those present (5 minutes) 7:35 M, Approval of minutes from the last regular meeting (5 minutes) 7, IV. Guest Speaker - Mr. Jack Meeds- Principal of Watson B. Duncan Middle (20 Minutes) 8-00, V. Committee reports (20miqXztes)8:20 A. Public Liaison B. Boundaries - Ron u"J 0 T��o a&; �A C. Curriculum - Al Lr,,e�g- E 1/j at t7A t D Partnership - Leslie - E- Membership- 11 T&q Y5 d0-",1f (V �,_' " �, � " 141/ _ _ 7 �,e /2's V1. SAC Member Reports (20 minutes) 9 M o v) c' -r) c ice r�-, ev:00 A. Allamanda Elementary Wayne No 'Vctepor-T- B- Palm Beach Gardens Elementary -Anne 1Rq-AZ5i&1q C. Timber Trace Elementary - Ron - R � P D. H.L.WatkinsMiddle-Murt E. Watson B. Duncan Middle - Epic- F. School of the Arts Middle - Jan G. Palm Beach Gardens High- ScotVLeslie- H. William T. Dwyer high - Ilene/Jordan (S ) r r. sZ 12) 9 n I Suncoast High - Soha:FateL(S) A/0 To Up / J. Alexander W. Dreyfoos, Jr. School of the Arts - Eric/Student - K. School Board Rqxxi - Any member - dO VU. Old Business (10 minutes) 9:10 VIU. New Business (20 minutes) 9:30 A. Vouchers for schools — �,L e A B. Guest speaker for Wd meeting - 16,�,-rmq 7cc kc-o% ' C. Date for next meeting - May 12, 1999 M 4 R FZRj� 'R'-Z OA- D. Other business ® WA,, ,- i) div C-Ap CA E. Member's comments IX Adjournment 9:30