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Minutes 06-28-07 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION & YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD REGULAR MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, JUNE 28, 2007, AT 7:00 P.M. COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Steve Waldman, Chair Sherri Claude, City Employee Representative Mary Morera, Vice Chair Susan Buchanan Pamela Camel Loretta Wilkinson Robert Chiste, Student, Regular Voting Member ABSENT: Hattie Miller I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Waldman called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE/MOMENT OF SILENT REFLECTION The members recited the Pledge of Alliance to the Flag, followed by a moment of silent reflection on behalf of our men and women in the Armed Forces. III. Approval of Minutes of May 24, 2007 Motion Ms. Morera moved to approve the minutes as presented. Ms. Wilkinson seconded the motion that passed unanimously. IV. Approval of Agenda Motion Ms. Wilkinson moved to approve the Agenda as presented. Ms. Morera seconded the motion that passed unanimously. 1 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 28, 2007 V. Announcements / Presentations/ Correspondence Ms. Claude circulated a copy of an article that appeared in the June 6, 2007 Palm Beach Post, profiling former board member, student Alyssa Ewing. Mr. Waldman noted Ms. Ewing would be missed by the board. VI. Public Audience None. VII. Old Business A. Youth Volunteer Bank/ Bob Borovy Award At the request of Kathleen Perry, Principal of Boynton Beach Community High School, Chair Waldman announced he would be providing support to the Guidance Counselors at the school, as well as assisting with scholarships. During that time, he would bring in materials pertaining to the Education and Youth Advisory Board and Youth Volunteer Bank, in the hopes of enhancing enrollment of student volunteers. The board previously awarded Savings Bonds pertaining to the Borovy Award. Chair Waldman inquired whether there was any value in reverting to Savings Bonds for the Borovy Award, as well as for the Youth Volunteer Bank. Ms. Claude advised the board veered away from the Savings Bonds, as certain students attempted to accumulate hours merely to receive the Savings Bonds. The board had debated as to the criteria for the award, and prizes. Suggestions for prizes included tote or duffle bags, or pens and notepads containing the volunteer message. Ms. Claude suggested consideration be given to the direction of the program, and whether the students should volunteer independently or in conjunction with events organized by the board. She believed consideration should also be given to the development of incentives for the purpose of attracting new volunteers. Ms. Wilkinson believed it would be beneficial for the students to join with the board on various projects. She suggested revisiting the wording of the board's rules, to provide the board, at its discretion, double points or hours for certain services provided. This provision was originally in the board's rules, but was discontinued as it was viewed by a segment of the public as representing favoritism. She also suggested monitoring services or activities to ensure they met the board's criteria. 2 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 28, 2007 Ms. Buchanan advised she had not seen the document, but was of the opinion it should be revisited and possibly rewritten. She suggested the activities be specifically set forth and approved by the board. Chair Waldman wondered if it would be appropriate to require a student execute a form acknowledging awareness of the types of services approved by the board. Ms. Claude contended it would be at the board's discretion to determine how much "policing" they wanted, and whether the board desired to return to a philosophy wherein the number of hours accrued governed the kind of award made. Ms. Morera pointed out, in the past, the board recognized diversity of volunteerism in addition to the number of hours volunteered. Ms. Camel expressed an interest in revisiting the document and indicated she did not have a clear understanding of the Youth Volunteer Bank or the criteria for the Borovy Award. She requested the documents be brought back at the July 2007 meeting. Ms. Claude advised she would e-mail the document to the board prior to the July 2007 meeti ng. Ms. Camel inquired as to the manner in which the students were recognized, and the target goal for the hours expended and submitted for the Youth Volunteer Bank. Ms. Claude explained a banquet was held annually honoring the students, and certificates of recognition were presented. She advised the number of students submitting hours had declined over the past several years from approximately 40 or 50 to 20 or 25. This was due in part to the graduation of seniors. In order to counter this, Ms. Claude suggested increasing membership and making it more interactive for the students. Board discussion ensued regarding motivation of students; criteria for activities; volunteer hours; and communicating with Key Clubs and other school service clubs. Chair Waldman agreed the matter would be worth revisiting and requested a consensus of the board. Consensus The board agreed to revisit this item at the next meeting. 3 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 28, 2007 B. Fundraising Ms. Claude advised she did not have the date for the next concert. However, she was advised it would be held in the fall. Chair Waldman suggested the board hold a fund raiser at that time. Ms. Buchanan inquired whether the board was participating in the CRA's Marina Summer Fest on August 4, 2007. Chair Waldman inquired whether the board was interested in participating and, if so, he would contact the CRA staff. Ms. Claude advised the person to contact would be Kathy Biscuiti, who was in charge of special events. The board indicated its desire for Chair Waldman to contact Ms. Biscuiti to determine whether the CRA staff would be interested in the board's participation. Chair Waldman advised he would contact Ms. Biscuiti with respect thereto. Thereafter, the board members could decide whether they indeed wished to participate in the summer celebration. C. Adopt a School No report. D. Sister Cities Chair Waldman advised the Sister Cities Committee did wish to partner with the board with regard to the Young Artists' competition. A representative of Sister Cities was to attend this evening, but did not. Chair Waldman commented he would contact someone from Sister Cities as to the date of the competition. He pointed out, while Dan DeCarlo was the point person, he traveled frequently to China. Ms. Wilkinson advised she received an e-mail from Mr. DeCarlo, in which he forwarded the Sister Cities Newsletter of June 25, 2007. Mr. DeCarlo advised he was planning another trip to Qufu, China and anyone interested in joining Mr. DeCarlo should contact him. Chair Waldman expressed an interest in attending the next event to be held by the Wheelchair Foundation, and advised he would contact the new President, or Jeanne Heavilin with respect thereto. 4 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 28, 2007 E. Bowling Tournament (July 15, 2007, AMF Lanes) Chair Waldman announced the Youth Adult Bowling Tournament would be held on July 15, 2007, at AMF Lanes. Registration would begin at 1:00 p.m. While the bowling shoes were free, the cost to participate would be $20 per team. Chair Waldman advised he would purchase the trophies for three divisions. Ms. Claude would provide flyers to Chair Waldman for distribution at St. John Missionary Baptist Church, as well as other facilities. Ms. Claude encouraged participating board members to pre-register. She advised she had already sent flyers to previous participants. VIII. New Business A. Elections Chair Waldman announced a Chair and Vice Chair were needed. Motion Ms. Buchanan moved to maintain the Chair and Vice Chair, as long as they were willing, for the next term. Ms. Wilkinson seconded the motion that passed unanimously. Mr. Waldman and Ms. Morera indicated their willingness to continue to serve as Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, for the ensuing term. The board congratulated the Chair and Vice Chair, and thanked them for their continued service. B. Violence Prevention Chair Waldman advised he was on the Steering Committee for the Youth Violence Prevention Project on behalf of the City. He noted members of the Executive Committee included Vice Mayor Rodriguez, who was serving as Chair of the Executive Committee, Wally Majors, and Regenia Scott, as the lead person. Chair Waldman announced the Intergenerational Gathering event, which would be held Saturday, July 28, 2007, at Sara Sims Park from 8:00 a.m until 4:00 p.m. The event would focus on the prevention of youth violence in the community. Upon the board's agreement, Chair Waldman would volunteer to set up a booth containing informational items representing the board and the various programs offered. The board indicated its 5 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 28, 2007 agreement. Members would also participate by volunteering their services. Chair Waldman advised he would contact the appropriate people and reserve a spot. Chair Waldman advised the Youth Violence Prevention Project, through Kathleen Perry, assembled a group of youngsters who had expressed a willingness to serve on a Teen Council. United Way conducted a meeting of the Teen Council, wherein the group discussed the various factors they believed contributed to youth violence. Boredom was cited as the primary factor. They believed a recreation or teen center would aid in countering violence, as would sports activities and educational and career opportunities. They noted their opposition to video games. One young lady expressed an interest in a dental internship. To that end, Chair Waldman contacted his dentist, who agreed to meet with the young woman to discuss possible opportunities in his practice. Chair Waldman noted the students were open and honest. Chair Waldman advised two young ladies expressed an interest in serving on the Education and Youth Advisory Board. One of the young women would serve as a voting member while the other would serve as a non-voting member. He provided the necessary paperwork to the potential applicants. It appeared, with the support of the City and United Way, this project would be moving forward. Chair Waldman advised, in the event a teen center did not come to fruition, other avenues would be explored. Several groups, including "Mad Dads," were lending support by providing the forms necessary to secure "seed" money for the Teen Council. Chair Waldman advised City employee Regenia Scott and her staff put the project together, with suggestions from Vice Mayor Rodriguez. Ms. Scott's staff is hoping to provide the Teen Council with a Youth Violence Project Coordinator. Chair Waldman commended Boynton Beach City employees for their talent and fine work. Chair Waldman assured he would keep the board apprised as to the Teen Council's progress. He suggested earmarking the sum of $100 for the Council at the appropriate time. C. Boynton Assembly: Education Sub-committee Ms. Camel, new Chair of the Education Sub-committee, proVided a report on the first meeting, which was held on June 7, 2007. The sub-committee was established to support and assist in improving the schools in Boynton Beach. This mission was reflective of the expectations for this sub-committee, as established by the Boynton Beach Assembly in 2006. 6 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 28, 2007 Ms. Camel advised the sub-committee had communicated with Boynton Beach Area Superintendents Carole Shetler and Dr. Montgomery. Ms. Shetler was able to provide information to sub-committee members as to the School District's organizational structure, funding, and the manner in which the State heard from the School District as a local bOdy. The sub-committee anticipated inviting key people to meetings to discuss educational issues affecting Boynton Beach Schools. Ms. Camel discussed various issues to be explored by the sub-committee. One issue pertained to the Quantum Foundation's opposition to the use or development of sidewalks by Boynton Beach Community High School students to gain access to the school. Other items to be explored included the vision of the City with regard to education; the City's role in supporting its schools; and the City's participation in selecting the curriculum for magnet programs. Ms. Camel advised the sub-committee had met every week for the last three or four weeks, and anticipated making a recommendation to the City Commission in August 2007 for the selection of a liaison between the City of Boynton Beach and the School District of Palm Beach County. She pointed out the sub-committee had achieved a global position with regard to education in the State of Florida and specifically for the City of Boynton Beach. Chair Waldman noted Ms. Shetler had been invited to a July 2007 meeting of his sub- committee. As this would be a public meeting, Chair Waldman suggested members of the board could attend and submit any questions they might have for Ms. Shetler. Ms. Camel pointed out Ms. Shetler preferred questions were submitted to her in advance. Chair Waldman advised he would notify the board as to the exact date of the meeting. Chair Waldman commented Ms. Camel submitted questions to Ms. Shetler which pertained to the placement of magnet and choice schools; how to participate in an interview panel for Boynton Beach schools in need of principals; and measures to be taken by various industries interested in providing employment opportunities. One of the questions pertained to the role the District wished the City of Boynton Beach to pursue in supporting its schools. In response, Ms. Shetler suggested an ongoing community-based person from the City serve as a contact for the District. Chair Waldman contacted the City Manager's office and was advised there was a possibility someone from City staff could serve as the contact person. Ms. Shetler also suggested a member of the sub-committee or other board or committee serve on the School Advisory Council at schools in Boynton Beach. Chair Waldman believed this could be something the members of the Education and Youth Advisory Board might wish to consider. 7 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 28, 2007 Ms. Shetler also suggested grant funding be sought for teachers for the purpose of offsetting classroom expenses. Carisse Lejeune, of the City Manager's office, indicated the City's grant writer, Debbie Majors, could probably assist interested parties in obtaining funding. Chair Waldman was advised by the City Manager's office that Quintus Greene and Jeff Livergood would contact him with regard to the Quantum Foundation issue. Ms. Camel commented the sub-committee had generated questions pertaining to biotechnology and the School District's response to the relocation of Scripps Research Center, and other industries, to Palm Beach County. She advised FAU announced it would be developing chemistry and biology programs, thereby preparing the graduates to tap into industrial employment opportunities. She suggested the City of Boynton Beach continue the momentum. D. Assisting Boynton Beach Community High School In order to provide assistance to Boynton Beach Community High School, Chair Waldman hoped the board would agree to expend monies to purchase equipment for the school's use. Chair Waldman commented he would also request discretionary funds from the City Commission to help finance the purchases. Chair Waldman distributed information on the following equipment: "Lumens DC153," an overhead color projector, $511.29; the "Interwrite SchooIPad," which should be purchased in conjunction with the Lumens DC 153; $544; "eInstruction CPS RF, a plug- in receiver which provided immediate feedback, $2,260 for a 24-pad set for the first 20 sets; and a "Panasonic PT-LB50U Projector," $729. Board discussion included the sources for funding, and why the purchases were being considered. Chair Waldman pointed out a portion of the sum of $4,500 would be available if the board did not present the Youth Expo, or presented a shortened version. He added one of the elements of the vision for the City established by the Boynton Beach Assembly, pertained to the support of, and commitment to, the schools within Boynton Beach. Chair Waldman suggested the board expend monies for one of the items in order to reflect the board's commitment to Boynton Beach Community High School. He reiterated his desire to request discretionary funding from the City Commission to finance additional items which would reflect the City's commitment to the school. Board discussion ensued as to the items that would provide the highest usage and be most beneficial to the school. 8 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida June 28, 2007 Motion Ms. Buchanan moved that the board's purchase be for at least one projector versus the other items. Ms. Wilkinson seconded the motion for discussion purposes. Board discussion included concerns that the funds be earmarked specifically for the items to be purchased. Chair Waldman noted he advised Kathleen Perry that any check cut would be made payable to Boynton Beach Community High School, and would set forth the specific items to be purchased. He would then request discretionary funds from the City Commission to help finance the purchase of the other items. Ms. Camel added the prices set forth were District prices and if purchased independently, would be greater. Chair Waldman clarified for the record, the board would purchase one "Panasonic PT- LB50U Projector," at a cost of $729. Chair Waldman called for a vote on the motion. Vote The motion passed unanimously. IX. Future Meeting Dates: July 26, 2007 August 23, 2007 Chair Waldman advised he would not be in town for the August 23, 2007 meeting and inquired whether the board wished to preserve that date. The board replied affirmatively. X. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:24 p.m. ~gl Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 9