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
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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,
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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.
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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
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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.
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