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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes EAB 041598CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENS EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD April 15, 1998 The April 15, 1998, 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. The roll was called and the following appointed members were found to be in attendance: Alan Adams, Scott Blake, Wayne Anderson, Ann Berg, Nona Helsel, Deborah Martel, Leslie Miller, Jan Porter, Ron Sadaka.. Absent from the meeting were Lisa Ridgely, Karen Robinson, Alan Sara, Ilene Gerber, Mary Inglis, Murtaza Kakli, George Mastic and Tesula Stuart. Monika Adams arrived at 8:15 p.m. Also in attendance were City Council Liaison Eric Jablin, Staff Liaison Paul Friedman, and student representatives. • Speaker Ulysses Smith, Area Executive Director, described the area his supervision encompassed north of 45th Street, and his background working in Palm Beach County schools since the 1960's. Mr. Smith related his idea that students should know they were going to school in order to work and the goal that students in grades K -12 be given job information, including actual work experiences, and that these classes did not preclude college attendance. Other goals were to improve student performance on standardized tests and to improve student discipline and safety. Principals had been made aware of these goals. Mr. Smith stressed that teachers must have control of their classes in order to teach. Evidence of the school to work concept was now seen in Palm Beach Gardens high schools. Suspension times for discipline problems were discussed, and alternative placement in second chance schools: The concept of Career Academies was discussed, which would combine the technical schools into a combined academic school with a volunteer career braining program for high school students ande upon graduation would provide them not only with their academic certificate but also with a certificate recognized by local industries that they had acquired necessary job skills. Mr. Smith discussed past problems as a result of making the technical schools only for students who did not plan to attend college. Board members discussed suspended middle school students who roamed the streets and got into trouble, and 40 suggested special classes for those students or to have them do community service through the police departments. Mr. Smith expressed interest in working on a committee to come up with other second chance alternatives. A board member Education Advisory Board April 15, 1998 Page 2 suggested other agencies should work to help children with discipline problems in a cohesive manner. Discussion ensued. The need for more psychologists was discussed. Mr. Smith commented on the possibility of allocating budget funds for a citizens committee. Another board member suggested getting parents more involved, and described such a program at her school which was very successful. Getting the communities involved was also discussed. Mr. Adams discussed title one students who attended Palm Beach Gardens schools and the fact that they received none of the title one benefits they would receive if they attended a title one school, yet title one funds were given to parochial schools. Mr. Smith indicated he would look into the matter. Pre - school title one programs were discussed. Mr. Smith indicated he was not that familiar with this type of funding. Mr. Smith was asked whether the process of getting a truant student back into school could be streamlined so that the police would not have to spend so much time and get behind in their work. Mr. Smith indicated he would look into the matter. Additional discussion included funding, lack of parental guidance, • parenting skill classes, making the legislature aware that new funding should not cut out existing effective programs, school support from civic organizations, and how the Board could help Mr. Smith with anything specific to improve this area. Adopt -A- School program was described by Mr. Smith. Mr. Smith and three board members left the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Minutes of the March 1998 meeting were approved as submitted. Motion was made by Leslie Miller to start an Adopt A School program. Motion was seconded by Scott Blake. The concept was discussed, and ideas were presented for how businesses and organizations could participate. It was stressed that the schools must ask for what they need. City Council member Jabhn suggested this be an ad hoc committee. Leslie Miller, Jan Porter, Ann Berg, Eric Jablin, and Wayne Anderson volunteered to be on the committee. City Council Liaison Jablin reported he had asked the City Council if the Education Advisory Committee could be involved in the School Board election, and the City Attorney had advised that would be no problem so long as they were fair to everyone. Mr. Jablin indicated he would like other Education Advisory Committees involved as well as Adelphia Cable Company to air the debates county -wide. Upon motion by Jan Porter, seconded by Monika Adams, and unanimously carried, an ad hoc committee 0, Education Advisory Board April 15, 1998 Page 3 was formed for this project consisting of Eric Jablin, Monika Adams, Ron Sadaka, Deborah, and Alan Adams. STANDING COMMITTEES Curriculum Committee Jan Porter reported at the last meeting the committee had discussed accomplishment of their goals. One member reported she had not known about the meeting. City Liaison Paul Friedman advised the Board that the City must be notified in a timely manner of any committee meetings so that public notice could be given. Boundaries Committee The Boundaries Committee had not met. • Public Liaison Committee The Public Liaison Committee had not met. SAC MEETINGS Timber Trace SAC The school improvement plan was reviewed and accepted. School of the Arts The school improvement plan was reviewed and accepted; something was supposed to be done about the air conditioning problem; and beginning new programs in the Glades had been discussed. Allamanda The school improvement draft was reviewed and accepted, which would be presented at a public hearing. Palm Beach Gardens Elemental The school improvement draft was reviewed and accepted, which would be presented at a public hearing on April 21. OF Education Advisory Board April 15, 1998 Page 4 Palm Beach Gardens High School The school improvement plan public hearing was set for April 20. Duncan No representative present. Suncoast No representative present. General Business Monika Adams expressed her opinion that one of the most important things currently happening was breaking up the school district which would really be an advantage. Alan Adams stated a bill had been passed by the House of Representatives, and a bill was currently in the Senate. If both passed it, this would be on the November ballot. • Costs and duplication of services under a new system were discussed. Scott Blake left the meeting at 9:28 p.m. The need for volunteers to work at Sunfest to get signatures to place the issue for Students First on a ballot was announced by City Council Liaison Eric Jablin. Alan Adams announced the Principal of Middle School of the Arts would be the guest speaker at the next meeting, to be held on the second Wednesday of the month.. There being no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned. •