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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes EAB 021302CITY 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 1050o North Military Trail, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The roll was called and the following members were found 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 Schiff s 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 Board'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 constantly working to raise their levels. At Education Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 2/13/02 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 textbook now cost approximately $50, it was expensive when books were lost, and more accountability was needed 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. Dr. 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 FCAT must still be passed. Committee Reports Boundaries — Boundary changes were reported. The Palm Beach Gardens eighth graders living in the area next year from I -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, Page 2 Education Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 2/13/02 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 opinion that being the case, if he failed maybe the School Board and not the Superintendent should be replaced. City Council Liaison Jablin 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 4th grade FCAT writing test, that a new playground was being built, and new crosswalk signs installed. Mr. Anderson commented that the budget was exactly 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 the 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. Page 3 Education Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 2/13/02 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. 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. School of the Arts — The time for having SAC meetings had been limited from 5:30 to 6:3o 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 Page 4 Education Advisory Committee Meeting Minutes 2/13/02 serve on the committee were asked to contact Mr. Sadaka by e -mail. The tape of Summer Lubar singing at the City Council meeting was played. Adjournment There was no further business, therefore the meeting was adjourned. Page 5