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Minutes 12-14-00MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2000 AT 6:00 P.M. PRESENT Diana Tedtmann, Chairperson Rae A. Fellows Arlene Greenberg Dorothy A.P. Howard Judith 'Braswell, Alternate Aly Gore, Voting Student Caroline Roter, Voting Student Virginia Farace, Education Advisory Board 'Liaison Also Present Mohandas D. Chettayar, Executive Director We Change Foundation I. Pledge of Allegiance The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. Chairperson Tedtmann led the Board members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. II. Roll Call The Recording Secretary called the roll and declared a quorum present. III. Minutes Approval - November 2, 2000 To be approved at the next meeting. IV. Chair's Report Chairperson Tedtmann noted that they have been very busy with the boundary issue and attending meetings at the School District on November 27, 2000 and last night. The meeting on the 27th focused on the boundaries of the High School, Middle School and Elementary Schools. Chairperson Tedtmann reported that the Mayor, City Commissioners, as well as the City Manager and Assistant City Managers, were present at the meetings, Also, several representatives from this Board and Ms. Farace were present. There have been some decisions made, but the plan will not be finalized until January 22, 2001. This will be discussed further under Unfinished Business. Meeting Minutes ...... Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December 14, 2000 Chairperson Tedtmann announced that Mr. Ehster resigned from the Board and a new member, Ms. Rosalind Murray, has been appointed as an Alternate, but was unable to be present tonight. V. City Liaison Report Ms. Farace reported that a great deal of her time has been spent on the School Boundary issues. Ms. Farace announced that today was education day for the Chamber of Commerce Leadership. Each year one day is devoted to education. The schools visited and the issues were - · Galaxy Elementary School, which is in need of remodeling and modernization. · Grading of schools and accountability. · South Technical School's transition to career academies and transitioning out the adult students. · Congress Middle School was visited and the team learned about the magnet programs. · The new High School site was toured and the head of construction for the school discussed construction issues for the District, followed by a lengthy discussion on the boundary issues. VI. ProJect We Change Foundation Presentation Members agreed to continue with the meeting until the representative from We Change Foundation arrived. VII. Public Audience Mr. David Fellows reported that Mr. Richard Kabinoff informed him that the magnet program at Congress Middle School is coming under scrutiny. Mr. Fellows was uncertain as to what was actually being scrutinized. He noted that the School District is looking at re-evaluating the magnets to determine if they are doing the job that they were intended for. Congress Middle School is a school- wide magnet and the City made a $100,000 contribution in computer equipment to the School. Ms. Farace asked if the magnet program at Poinciana was also being looked at and Ms. Braswell reported that all magnet programs are being re-evaluated and she has received information from the magnet office that they will be re- evaluating the effectiveness of Poinciana's magnet program. Ms. Braswell was not certain what the criteria will be used for the evaluation. The funding to do the 2 Meeting Minutes - Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December 14, 2000 evaluation has already been requested. The magnet program at Poinciana has been in existence for six years and she feels it has been very successful. Ms. Farace pointed out that this is a big concern to the City because it can affect the economic development of the community. Ms. Braswell would like to see the feeder system continue because this is unique to the City. School Board member Paula Burdick indicated to Ms. Farace that magnet funds needed to be reduced and sent back into the regular classrooms. Also, Dr. Robinson, the newest School Board member, stated on several occasions that Poinciana should not be a magnet school. This should be another issue that the Board should address. Ms. Fellows proposed that this be a goal for this Board to retain the magnet programs in the Boynton Beach Schools and she feels that the science and math magnet programs are a plus for the Boynton Beach Schools. VI. Project We Change Foundation Presentation - Mohandas D. Chettayar Mr. Chettayar apologized for being late, and said he had difficulty locating the room in which the meeting was being held. Ms. Fellows proposed that a sign be placed on the door identifying the room where the Education Advisory Board meeting is taking place. Ms. Farace requested that the Recording Secretary prepare a sign to be placed on the door identifying the Program Room as the meeting room for the EAB. Mr. Chettayar stated he was present tonight at the request of Garfield Hamilton to present his Foundation to the Board. He stated they have been operating in Boynton Beach for over five years and they wanted to take a new approach to education in order to make a difference. His philosophy is that the problems that young adults are encountering today have nothing to do with the academics being offered in the schools. Out of 181 students at his school, 72% come from a divorced background. He further noted that today teachers are being held accountable for many things taking place, many of which are not valid. The curriculum being offered also plays a role and noted it is impossible to make a student who is not interested in math or science to want to study this subject. Their absorption rate is very poor. They have developed a course that detoxifies the students' memories, in order to rid the students of the problems that they have retained. After the memory is detoxified, they are taught respect, self- esteem, goal setting and achieving. Phase 2 consists of showing the student who they are and what their purpose is in life. These children are very, very smart; they just need someone to open up their eyes. To date, over 181 students have graduated. In December there will be a graduating class of almost 32 students that all dropped out of high school and will now graduate with an 3 Meeting Minutes Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December 14, 2000 accredited high school diploma, accredited by the Board of Education, the State of Florida and the Federal Government. Out of the 181 students, all but 25 are employed. The 25 not employed are involved in a program with the Palm Beach County School District or Middle Schools and are too young to work. There are four courses offered: a motivational course called "mind span"; a professional customer service skills training; an accredited High School Diploma; and "rated PG course", which is for the parents of the students taking the course. There has been 100% attendance record for the parents, because if parents don't attend, the children are expelled. They receive no funding whatsoever and the students pay for their courses. The school has students who were expelled from Congress Middle School, who are now straight A students. Mr. Chettayar said he would like this Board to assist him in getting students that are in the school system and having problems to enroll in their program. Ms. Farace inquired about their recruiting process and does the school receive the dollars that goes with the child? Mr. Chettayar said they receive no school dollars. It is mandatory when a student signs up for the program that they must recommend someone in their peer group to take the course with them. If a student takes the course and then goes home at night to their neighborhood pals, they are lost. It is much more encouraging if one of their peer group joins the class with the student, A question and answer period followed. qualifications of the teachers and Mr. conventional teachers. Ms. Greenberg inquired about the Chettayar said they do not use Ms. Fellows asked about the training of the staff. Mr. Chettayar said 'on staff there is a 23-year veteran of the Air Force who has a Master's Degree and a former veteran that was in both the U.S. Army and U.S. Navy who is working on his Master's Degree in Psychology. There is a Chiropractor-physician also on staff. All teachers must be involved in a business. Ms. Fellows asked about the detox process and Mr. Chettayar said it is nothing like a drug detox process. Mr. Chettayar pointed out that his students are not all impoverished and socio-economically deprived students. He has students from Wellington whose parents are very wealthy, who have five children, and none of which graduated from high school.' Mr. Chettayar explained how the process works, which includes writing down everything that they think they did wrong in their lifetime. If a student doesn't do this, they cannot return to school. The papers are never looked at by the teacher and are used as a means to take the weight off the student's shoulder. There is a strong Eastern influence in the training, combined with American-Western ingenuity. 4 Meeting Minutes ~' ~ Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December 14, 2000 Mr. Chettayar feels that there is too much emphasis today on making High School mandatory. He would like more focus placed on going to college. He would like to start another pilot program for 20 students in Boynton Beach. Ms. Farace inqUired about the cost of the course and was informed that it costs $1,500. There are no scholarship programs available because they do not have any funding. Chairperson Tedtmann asked if Mr. Chettayar ever considered running' his school as a charter school? He replied that there is so much politics involved .in setting up a charter school that he does not want to get involved. Mr. Chettayar spoke about some of the success stories that have come from his program. Ms. Fellows asked if Mr. Chettayar ever spoke to any foundations for funding and he said that they plan to apply for some grants. First they needed to have a track record, which they now have and are now successful. Ms. Farace noted that TV Channel 25 is very supportive of the program and she has seen Mr. Chettayar several times on their educational show. Also, Mr. Chettayar noted that they do not support the G.E.D. system and students in his program earn an accredited High School Diploma. A G.E.D. gives the connotation that the student does not have the qualifications of a well- rounded education. Ms. Roter inquired if any of the students go onto college and Mr. Chettayar replied that currently seven students are in college and ten are waiting to enroll. Chairperson Tedtmann asked about the success rate of the school and Mr. Chettayar stated that of all the children enrolled, all but two students did not graduate. Chairperson Tedtmann requested that Mr. Chettayar forward literature on his school to the Board. Magnet Programs The Board resumed its discussion on the magnet programs. Ms. Greenberg reported that she attended a SAC meeting at the Chdsta McAuliffe School where the principal reported that $13 million has been spent on the magnet program. Also they are not doing well on the FCAT and there is no means in place to determine how these students are doing. Ms. Braswell reported it is difficult to measure math and science at the elementary school level and that an FCAT for science is scheduled for 2003. Ms. Braswell said that she felt more time was needed to determine the success of the magnet programs and some of the programs are not being given the appropriate support. Ms. Braswell pointed out that the selling point for Poinciana is that there are only 700 children enrolled in the school compared to other schools that have 1,400 to 1,500 students, Chairperson Tedtmann inquired when a student leaves 5 Meeting Minutes Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December 14, 2000 Poinciana what Middle Schools do they attend and Ms. Braswell stated it was between Roosevelt and Middle School for the Arts. The reason they do not go to Congress is because of its reputation. Also, Congress Middle School does not have the resources or facilities that Roosevelt has. Ms. Roter said she was not in favor of magnet schools for elementary school children, because the children are too young to know what they wanted to do when they get older. Chairperson Tedtmann said that many of the School Board members also feel this way and would like to have smaller class sizes in all schools. Members discussed the advantages and disadvantages of having magnet schools. Ms. Braswell pointed out that many disadvantaged schools receiving Title 1 funds have smaller classrooms than Poinciana. Ms. Gore, who had attended a magnet school, felt there was a disadvantage to students who did not attend magnet schools and that regular students did not receive the attention and courses that were available to those students. Ms. Farace noted that perhaps all schools should offer magnet programs so that all students receive the same attention. Also, Ms. Roter stated in order to attend a magnet school, usually you have to travel a great distance and she would like to see magnet schools in all neighborhoods. Also, Ms. Farace pointed out that the magnet schools have not been in existence long enough to judge their success or failure and the program needs more time to prove itself. Ms. Farace also said that a recommendation is going to be made to promote choice for the South County Schools, which Dr. Robinson is advocating. Ms. Braswell stated that choice has just started in Riviera Beach. Also, choice is offered in St. Lucie County Schools. Chairperson Tedtmann would like to see some kind of theme for Boynton Beach Schools. This Board needs to find ways to support the Congress Middle School and to encourage Poinciana students to attend Congress Middle School. Ms. Braswell pointed out that the new reports that have been published show that the United States ranks number 19 in math and science, which is very poor. There needs to be an emphasis on math, science and technology, otherwise this Country cannot remain a wodd leader. Ms. Farace inquired why choice was instituted in Riviera Beach and Ms. Braswell stated this was due to the fact that a large percentage of the population was going out of Riviera Beach to support diversity in other communities. The residents wanted the children to be able to attend neighborhood schools and millions of dollars was spent to improve the neighborhood schools in Riviera Beach, which were magnet schools and are now schools of choice. Ms. Gore pointed out that with all these programs available, the regular students who do not attend a magnet or lB program are left out. Ms. Gore stated that the Meeting Minutes Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December 14, 2000 curriculum for the regular students is not of the same caliber offered to the specialized students. Chairperson Tedtmann stated these issues need to be dealt with in the school itself and by the SACs. Chairperson Tedtmann inquired if any Board member would like to do some research as to what is happening in Riviera Beach and St. Lucie and report back to the Board. Ms. Braswell said she would call Dr. Vogel in St. Lucie County to determine what is happening in their schools. Ms. Braswell suggested that one of the student members contact Ms. Janice LaFort or Mary Helen Abergast at the Palm Beach County School Board at 434-8000. Ms. Fellows indicated that she would like to attend the next SAC meeting at Atlantic High School. Chairperson Tedtmann requested that this issue be added to the agenda for the January meeting. Ms. Farace would also like this Board to address the magnet issue and that this Board supports the continuation of full magnet programs at Poinciana and Congress Middle Schools. Ms. Fellows suggested a workshop be held in January to pursue this issue. Ms. Fellows felt that the magnet schools need more time to prove themselves because they haven't been in existence for that long a period and that Congress Middle School has been through a great deal of changes. Ms. Braswell pointed out that all teachers are obligated to provide quality education to all students. Ms. Howard stated that there are other subjects, besides math and science that are lacking in schools that need to be addressed, such as reading and phonics and students up through the 11th and 12th grade cannot read. Ms. Howard agreed that the programs need more time to determine their effectiveness. The student members discussed the shortcomings of their courses compared to the honor courses. Also, Ms. Roter said that the Principal of Atlantic High School would not allow a PTA to organize at the School. Ms. Roter said that she spoke with Mr. Scott, to whom Ms. Tedtmann had referred her and discussed the situation with him. The Principal feels since there is a SAC at the School, she sees no need for a PTA. Mr. Scott informed Ms. Roter that he has been trying to get a PTA in Atlantic High School for a long time and has not been successful. Ms. Farace suggested that some members attend a SAC meeting at Atlantic High School to determine what takes place at the meetings. Ms. Braswell suggested that before attending the SAC meeting, Ms. Roter obtain a copy of the School Improvement Plan to determine the objectives because one of the main functions of the SAC is to identify and meet the goals identified in the School Improvement Plan. Ms. Howard observed that during the meetings some topics are focused upon for a great length of time and other topics are briefly discussed and wondered what Meeting Minutes " .... Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December 14, 2000 the procedures were in addressing agenda items. Chairperson Tedtmann agreed with Ms. Howard's observation and for closure on this topic stated that the Board supports a science/ technology program at all levels for Poinciana Elementary School, Congress Middle School and the new High School. The Board format will be discussed later in the meeting. On Campus Intervention Program Ms. Fellows noted that Mr. Fellows had been present eadier to discuss the OCIP Program, but had to leave. Ms. Fellows reported that the program at Congress Middle School will be moving into a new location at the School at the beginning of the second semester. There have been staffing problems. The teacher had to be changed and the counselor was changed twice. This is the first year that the program is in both Middle Schools. Also, Mr. Fellows in conjunction with Senator Klein's Office, is working on legislation to expand the program with State funds. Mr. Fellows would like to know if the Education Advisory Board would like to pursue getting OCIP into the new High School. Chairperson Tedtmann asked about the success of the program at the two Middle Schools and Ms. Fellows reported the results at Christa McAuliffe have been very good. As a result of Congress Middle School going through so many changes, the program is off to a slow start. However, now that the teacher and counselor are in place, the program is starting to come together. Ms. Farace said it might be premature for the Board to go back to the City for funds for the program at the High School and that the Board should wait until more data is available. Also, it has been reported that the new High School will be having many needs and may have to come to the City for assistance. Ms. Farace suggested that the additional funding request be put off for this year and looked at again next year. VII. Public Audience VIII. Unfinished Business A. Boundaries Chairperson Tedtmann reported that two elementary schools are being considered for changes. However, the School Board ended up tabling the changing of SACs for the elementary schools for one year. With regard to the Middle School, a comprise plan was arrived at. Nothing will be final until January 22nd, but it was a good plan that the City supports. The School District is no longer interested in diversity, and the focus appears to be shifting to socio- economic issues. With regard to the new High School, the School District on November 27th exchanged 112 students from Rainbow Lakes where homes range from the $120,000 to $150,000 for SACs 240 and 241, which Meeting Minutes Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December '14, 2000 encompasses 309 students that come from homes that range from $35,000 to $65,000. Ms. Farace said that as far as the High School boundaries are concerned, the City does not feel it is a done deal until the final approval goes through on January 22nd. Ms. Farace encouraged all Board members to continue to attend the School Board Boundary meetings and to voice their opinions at the meetings. Ms. Fellows inquired if it was possible to hold telephone meetings and Ms. Farace stated that all meetings are conducted under the Sunshine Law, which would prohibit telephone meetings. Ms. Roter asked if it was possible to change the day of the meeting from Thursday to another day because she is attending classes at PBCC that night. Chairperson Tedtmann said this item would be added to next month's agenda for further discussion. Ms. Farace noted that the next FAB meeting in January will be very important because members will need to strategize to insure that the Congress boundaries don't get changed at the last minute and if possible, to work on changing the High School boundaries. Also, the elementary school boundaries are going to have to be addressed. Chairperson Tedtmann suggested that the January Board meeting be publicized and the public be invited for their input. B. Blue Ribbon School Ms. Fellows reported that the Proclamation was sent to the City Clerk's Office for Christa McAuliffe and the Blue Ribbon Celebration is scheduled for January 26th. Ms. Farace noted that the Proclamation is on the City agenda for next week's meeting. Ms. Fellows reported that the Mayor would be out of town on January 26th and that the Vice Mayor should be invited to make the presentation. Also, Ms. Farace said that a representative from this Board needs to be present. Ms. Greenberg said that she could attend since she is on the SAC at the Christa McAuliffe School. Also Ms. Greenberg announced that two astronauts would be attending the celebration. Ms. Farace inquired if the Principal from Christa McAuliffe has been contacted to accept the Proclamation on Tuesday, December 19th? Ms. Greenberg stated she would contact the Principal to determine her attendance. Chairperson Tedtmann requested that Ms. Greenberg, representing this Board, also be present to accept the Proclamation. 9 Meeting Minutes Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December 14, 2000 IX. New Business A. Coalition/COWBRA Chairperson Tedtmann noted that the boundary issue has united the Cities of Boynton Beach and Delray Beach. In the past there have been special meetings with the EAB Boards from Delray Beach, Boca Raton and Boynton Beach. Delray Beach would like to meet more often and as a group these cities represent a large portion in the South County and will wield more power if they were united. Delray Beach has proposed quarterly meetings to be attended by representatives from all three Boards. It is Boynton Beach's turn to host the next meeting. Chairperson Tedtmann reported that West Boynton has also asked to be part of the coalition in South County. Chairperson Tedtmann noted that a member of the Board will have to make the necessary arrangements and suggested that this also be added to the January agenda. B. Committees Chairperson Tedtmann pointed out that in the past the Board formed various committees to address certain issues. Some committees have been active, while others have not done much. Chairperson Tedtmann would like to review the committees at the next meeting and determine which committees are viable, which ones should be retained and which ones should be dispersed with. C. EAB Meeting Format In the past each Board member had selected a SAC to serve on and this was reported upon at the EAB meetings on a regular basis. Chairperson Tedtmann noted currently there are a great deal of issues that need to be addressed and asked whether the Board wants to continue with the old format or to address the current issues. The Board's format will also be re-examined at next month's meeting. Ms. Braswell felt it was important that members attend the SAC meetings in order to know what is happening in the various schools throughout the City and would like to see this continued. Ms. Farace pointed out that the Board previously held goal-setting sessions each year on a Saturday morning and spent several hours going over all the issues and prioritizing them. Chairperson Tedtmann said this is something the Board should consider. Ms. Farace reported that the pre-K program at Forest Park School may be discontinued and Ms. Farace would like the Board to determine what is happening at Forest Park. There was a consensus among the Board members to follow through on what is happening with the gifted program at Forest Park. 10 Meeting Minutes Education Advisory Board Boynton Beach, FL December 14, 2000 Chairperson Tedtmann reported that the School has been unable to hire a gifted teacher. X. Repo~s None XI. Announcements Chairperson Tedtmann announced that since Mr. Ehster has resigned and had been assigned the Forest Park School, a replacement will be needed for this school. School Board Boundaries Meeting' January 22, 2001 School Board Chambers- 6:30 p.m. After discussion due to vacation schedules, it was unanimously voted to change the date of the regularly scheduled January 4, 2001 meeting to January 11, 2001 to be held in the Library Program Room at 6:00 p.m. Xll. Adjournment There being no further business the meeting properly adjoumed at 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (3 tapes) 11