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Minutes 01-07-99 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 7, 1999 AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT ALSO PRESENT Ronald Ehster Virginia Farace, Education Advisory David Fellows Board Liaison Revia Lee Margaret Newton Dawn Russell, Temporary Chairperson Guarn Sims Adriana Borgia, Alternate David Brownstein, Alternate Heidi DeVries, Student ABSENT Eddie Mitchell Markdaline St. Fort I. GREETINGS Temporary Chair Russell welcomed all the members to the first meeting of 1999. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Temporary Chair Russell called the meeting to order at 6:38 p.m. and led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. III. ROLL CALL Temporary Chair Russell asked the Recording Secretary to call the roll. A quorum was declared present. Ms. Shanna St. John, Chairperson of the Advisory Board on Children and Youth was also present. IV. MINUTES APPROVAL (December 3, 1998) Chairperson Russell asked if there were any comments or additions to the minutes of the December 3, 1998 meeting. Mr. David Fellows requested a change on Page 4 as follows: MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 The fourth sentence of the first full paragraph which states “After six weeks, there will be a follow up period with counseling sessions” should be changed to read: “There will be a period of six-week follow up counseling after the student has been in the program”. Mr. Fellows welcomed Ms. Adriana Borgia as the Board’s newest member from the City’s Hispanic community. Ms. Borgia thanked the Board for their support and stated she looked forward to representing the Spanish community on the Board. Motion Mr. Brownstein moved that the minutes of December 3, 1998 be accepted as written with the exception of the correction made by Mr. Fellows. Motion seconded by Ms. Lee. Motion unanimously carried. V. CHAIR’S REPORT Temporary Chair Russell stated that the December 1998 meeting was very successful and there was good participation by all those present. Hopefully, the committees will be able to come together to work towards achieving their goals and addressing the issues raised by the various principals and SAC committee members who were present at the meeting. Temporary Chair Russell mentioned a newspaper article regarding the most crowded schools in Palm Beach County and noted that 54 of the County schools are at more than 120% of their capacity. The schools in Boynton Beach in this category are: Manatee - 160% capacity ? Rolling Green- 153% capacity ? Citrus Cove - 153% capacity ? Galaxy - 139% capacity ? Atlantic High School - 137% capacity ? Santaluces High School - 123% capacity ? Questions were raised about the accuracy of the figures. It was felt among the Board members that the capacity percentages should be much higher. 2 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 VII. CITY LIAISON REPORT A. City Commission Action Ms. Farace distributed to members a copy of the agenda item and Ordinance pertaining to the City’s policy on board absences that was presented to the City Commission at their January 5, 1999 meeting. Also, Ms. Farace stated that the Ordinance is being revised and will be presented at the next City Commission meeting for second reading. Ms. Farace informed members that the City Clerk’s office follows a policy established by the City Commission in 1987. However, that policy conflicts with the Ordinance that established the Education Advisory Board. Therefore, a controversy arose regarding the number of absences permitted on this Board and whether or not a member was in compliance with attendance requirements. Ms. Farace explained to members the difference between this Board’s absentee policy and the absentee policy that pertains to all the other City Boards. The current policy is that after three absences a member is notified that after the fourth absence he/she is being removed from the Board. Ms. Farace explained that the new Ordinance would now read as follows: “When a member of the Board, with the exception of the Planning and Development Board, has missed three (3) regular monthly meetings for any reason within one annual board term, that member will be notified that one additional absence will cause his/her board membership to be terminated and a replacement will be appointed at the time of the next absence.” Ms. Farace briefed members on the definition of “annual board term”. Ms. Farace explained that this would now be the absentee policy for this Board upon approval at the second reading by the Commission. Ms. DeVries inquired if a member is removed from the Board because of absences, could that person reapply for appointment and Ms. Farace stated that a person could reapply. B. New High School Update Ms. Farace announced that the groundbreaking for the new high school is scheduled for Wednesday, January 13, 1999 at 1:00 p.m. at Quantum Park . Ms. Farace informed members that invitations have been mailed, but there are extras available for anyone 3 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 who did not receive their invitation. Ms. Farace also said the groundbreaking is open to the public and everyone is invited, but requested members who would be attending to contact Betty at her office. Mr. Brownstein inquired about the agenda for the groundbreaking. Ms. Farace said it is currently being prepared. The Mayor, the Superintendent of Schools and School Board members will be in attendance. Also, Publix Supermarkets is one of the sponsors and will be providing refreshments. Ms. Farace encouraged everyone to attend to show support for the new high school in the community. Ms. Farace stated the School Department was coordinating some type of participation by students from Congress Middle School, Santaluces and Atlantic High School. Ms. St. John suggested that Bob Borovy be contacted to arrange for the presence of a Boy Scout Troop for the flag raising ceremonies. VII. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Alternative to Suspension Program Mr. Fellows informed members that the Congress Middle School and Santaluces High School SAC Committees did not meet during the month of December. Mr. Fellows said the program is still on track to start up at the beginning of the second semester and portables are now on site. One teacher has been assigned at Santaluces, but he was uncertain if a teacher at Congress Middle School has been selected. Mr. Fellows said at the end of January he will be traveling to Pinellas County to make a report. There is a possibility that Mr. Alligood and other staff members may accompany him to visit Clearwater High School to observe the program in person. B. Raising Test Scores Ms. Newton had no report. Mr. Brownstein said that he attended a meeting at Poinciana regarding an aftercare program for tutorial purposes on Wednesday, December 14th. Mr. Brownstein said many representatives from aftercare programs throughout the City were present. Local churches along Seacrest will be contacted for their participation. Mr. Brownstein indicated that the program could involve parents teaching elementary math to help other parents help their children. 4 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 C. “Gathering Storm” Issues Mr. Mitchell was not present this evening. Temporary Chair Russell asked if any other member had any updates on the Gathering Storm. Mr. Sims informed members that he spoke with Jake Sello recently and that Mr. Sello would like to see another collaboration of school officials like the December meeting in the near future. Mr. Sello would appreciate the Board scheduling another such meeting. Temporary Chair Russell also felt that the December meeting was productive in exchanging ideas. Ms. Newton informed members that she had gone to Forest Park School and noted there were a number of Boynton Police at the School. Ms. Farace said that she had spoken with Chief Gage regarding the school safety problem that was raised at the December meeting. It was decided that this subject would be further discussed during the “Unfinished Business” portion of the agenda. D. Parental Involvement Temporary Chair Russell had nothing to report. Mr. Brownstein discussed the tutorial program being set up at Poinciana School, which he had previously mentioned. Hopefully, other schools will participate in this program because the same aftercare facilities take students from all Boynton Beach schools. E. School Concurrency Mr. Ehster updated members on the progress being made by Leo Noble on the concurrency effort. Mr. Ehster said that Mr. Noble has put the entire school district in zones and Boynton Beach is zone 19. Mr. Ehster said that the School Board and the County have concurred with Mr. Noble’s efforts and it looks very positive. Mr. Noble’s plan has to be agreed to by the 20 plus cities and towns who are involved. Mr. Ehster requested that when the City of Boynton Beach receives the concurrency plan for approval that this Board make a request to receive the plan as well. Secondly, Mr. Ehster would like to request that over 120% development would be curtailed, which would also apply to adjacent zones. Mr. Ehster also said that this Board should support the efforts of Leo Noble and should make a recommendation to the City Commission to adopt the plan. Temporary Chair Russell inquired when the plan would be ready. Mr. Ehster said it would be ready in approximately one month. 5 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 Motion Ron Ehster moved that when the City Commission receives the School Concurrency Plan for approval, the Education Advisory Board respectfully requests that it also receive a copy of the Plan for its review and that the Education Advisory Board be given an opportunity to make recommendations. Mr. Ehster informed members that he had requested a copy from Mr. Noble, but was not certain if one would be sent to him. Mr. Fellows suggested that the Board send a letter to Mr. Noble requesting a copy. Ms. Farace noted that the intent of the motion was not only to have the Education Advisory Board receive a copy, but also to be afforded an opportunity to make recommendations prior to the City Commission making any decisions. Motion seconded by Mr. Sims, which carried unanimously. F. Administrative Area Issue Temporary Chair Russell informed members that she determined that Forest Park and Rolling Green are the only Title 1 schools in Boynton Beach. Ms. Newton stated that in order for a school to be designated a Title 1 school, 60% or more of the students must receive a free or reduced lunch. Mr. Brownstein noted that Title 1 schools receive a great deal of money which could be as much as $130,000 yearly. Ms. Newton noted that the sign that had been previously posted at the Galaxy School which indicated it was a “drug free school zone” is no longer present. Mr. Brownstein was not sure if this program is still being funded. Ms. Newton indicated that the drug trafficking in her area has significantly decreased. Ms. Farace indicated she would ask Chief Gage why the signs are no longer present. G. Legislative Issues Ms. Farace informed members that the local legislative delegation would be holding its third and final local hearing on Wednesday, January 13, 1999 at the School Board Offices. The hearings will be dealing only with education issues. Ms. DeVries asked if loitering was illegal on school grounds. Temporary Chair Russell said this was an item for the School Police to deal with. Ms. DeVries said that after 6 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 school today at the Forest Park School, a young friend of hers and her little sister were jumped by a gang of boys and the school counselor who witnessed the incident did not intervene to help. Ms. DeVries said that the students were in aftercare at the school. Ms. DeVries thought that the Police Department had been notified. H. SAC Representatives Ms. Farace asked if any members had any reports on their schools. Citrus Cove – Dawn Russell Temporary Chair Russell said she attended the December SAC meeting and that Citrus Cove will be applying for the 5-Star Award in May which is a symbol of achievement for schools that exhibit exemplary involvement in community service, business partnership, family, volunteer students and school advisory. Also Citrus Cove is working on their SIP amendment. The School is still working with the Boynton Beach Police Department regarding traffic concerns and there seems to be some improvement. The school improvement funds increased to $10 per student this year. Therefore, the school will be receiving $12,380, which will be used to hire consultants for workshops for the teachers. Temporary Chair Russell said she did not attend January’s meeting. Hagen Ranch School, Ron Ehster Mr. Ehster stated the meeting is scheduled for Monday and at that meeting the SIP Plan will be approved. Also, the school is focusing on the Gathering Storm. Mr. Ehster noted that the school is heavily attended by Hispanic students. Rolling Green, Margaret Newton Ms. Newton indicated she has not attended any SAC meetings to date. Ms. Newton noted that the School Board has hired Ms. Alicia Almashy as a Hispanic resource person to work with the schools. Ms. Almashy can be contacted at 434-8955. Poinciana, Revia Lee Ms. Lee said she did not attend December’s meeting and January’s meeting is scheduled for Monday. 7 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 Congress Middle School and Santaluces High School, David Fellows Mr. Fellows said that neither school had any meetings. Mr. Fellows said he attended a SAC meeting at Forest Park and stated that the Police Department responded to the comments made at the last meeting regarding the lack of police participation for traffic supervision at the school. Mr. Fellows said that cars were ticketed and curbing changes are being considered for the drop-off loop for students so that the only entranceway would be northbound. Mr. Fellows said this would be done by the School Board. Also, other modifications are being considered for traffic flow. Mr. Fellows noted that 70% to 80% of students arrive at the school either on foot or by car, which means this is a high percentage neighborhood school. With regard to the lack of sidewalks, this is an area, which will be studied for community improvement funds. Also, the need for crossing guards is being looked at. Mr. Fellows felt that a great deal of positive action transpired from the December meeting. Mr. Fellows stated that Commissioner Denahan is a member of the Forest Park SAC and she is following up on many of the issues raised. Mr. Fellows inquired about the neighborhood associations in that area. Ms. St. John informed members that the area was not very organized since it is divided into several sections and there are many different ethnic groups in this neighborhood. Also, Ms. St. John noted that this is one of the City areas that does not have a City park. Mr. Fellows said there was a large park area at Forest Park and the school principal and the area superintendent are open to having an agreement with the City so that the community could access the facilities. Ms. Farace stated that the City has an ongoing interlocal agreement with the School Board for use of school facilities and that usage of the Forest Park facilities would be covered under that agreement. Ms. Farace said she would obtain a copy of the interlocal agreement. Mr. Sims stated he would contact Forest Park School to determine when their SAC meetings are held. If he were able to attend the meetings, he would participate as the Education Advisory Board’s representative for Forest Park. Temporary Chair Russell indicated that if Mr. Sims could not speak to the school about the interlocal agreement, she would be able to. Galaxy School, David Brownstein Mr. Brownstein said that Galaxy School did not have a December meeting and the January meeting is next Monday. 8 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 Poinciana School, David Brownstein Mr. Brownstein attended the December meeting and informed members that Poinciana last year adopted a three-year plan, therefore they will not be writing a new plan. The school will update the progress of the three-year plan. Mr. Brownstein announced that the School’s first math and literacy night would be held th on Wednesday, January 20. There will be separate nights for K through 2 and 3 through 5. VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS Ms. Farace noted that “follow up to last month’s meeting” be added as Item E. A. Election of Chair and Vice Chair Ms. Farace stated that the election of Chair and Vice Chair has been postponed for several months and that there are only two meetings left for the current Board term. Ms. Farace informed members that there might be new members on the Board or the current Board members who want to be reappointed will be reappointed. At that time, the Chair and Vice Chair would have to be reelected. Therefore, Ms. Farace suggested that the Board could consider having Ms. Russell continue to serve as Temporary Chair for the remainder of this term or the Board can elect a new Chair. Also, Ms. Farace suggested that the Board might wish to consider other positions on the Board, which can be discussed with the bylaws. Mr. Brownstein inquired if the City Commission adopted the ordinance, which prohibited alternates on Boards from serving as Chair and Vice-Chair. Ms. Farace informed members that the City Commission did adopt the ordinance. Motion Mr. Fellows moved that Dawn Russell continue to serve as Chair of the Education Deleted: Temporary Advisory Board until the end of this Board term. Motion seconded by Ms. Newton, which carried unanimously. Motion Ms. Newton moved that David Fellows be appointed Vice Chair of the Education Advisory Board until the end of this Board term. Motion seconded by Ms. Lee, which carried unanimously. 9 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 Ms. Farace said she is very impressed with the Board and the progress and decisions that have been made. Ms. Farace also noted how closely the Board is now working together. B. Bylaws Ms. Farace said that now that the City Commission has determined that members of the Education Advisory Board must be City residents, alternates must have children within the school City limits and attendance requirements have been determined, this Board can now move forward with adopting bylaws. Ms. Farace suggested drafting bylaws for review at the next Board meeting. Ms. Newton inquired if there were generic bylaws that all boards were required to follow. Ms. Farace said that each Board could have their own bylaws, but that each Board is governed by an Ordinance. Ms. Newton questioned if bylaws were necessary since an Ordinance is already in affect. Ms. Farace said the bylaws would adopt rules of procedure, which are not set forth in the Ordinance. Ms. Farace informed members that the City Commission has adopted Robert’s Rules for procedures. Ms. Farace inquired if any member would be interested in working with her in writing the bylaws, which could be presented at the next meeting. Temporary Chair Russell, Mr. Brownstein and Mr. Fellows indicated they would assist Ms. Farace with the bylaws. Mr. Ehster said that he was informed that the Board was to follow Robert’s Rules and there is material available on the subject. Mr. Ehster noted that in prior years there were no goals or objectives for this Board and today cohesiveness exists on the Board and felt that rules could result in loss of vision when considering goals and objectives. Ms. Farace felt that good bylaws would result in fewer stumbling blocks and that bylaws would also be helpful for new members. Mr. Brownstein said he would fax Ms. Farace a set of bylaws that he had and asked for her fax number. Ms. Farace’s fax number is 742-6381. C. Youth Council Ms. Farace asked Ms. St. John to give an update on the Youth Council. Ms. St. John informed members that the Advisory Board on Children and Youth meets the fourth Thursday of the month. This month the Board will be reviewing all their projects. Ms. Farace suggested that a member from this Board who has not been assigned to a Committee could participate on the Youth Council and America’s Promise. Ms. St. John 10 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 stated that there was an America’s Promise meeting scheduled for City Hall in the Mall this month, but was not sure of the date. D. America’s Promise Ms. St. John informed members that America’s Promise is a national program originated by Colin Powell. Ms. St. John said that to date there are four persons on the Executive Board. Ms. St. John also said there are commitments from several business leaders and they are in the planning process. Everyone is welcomed to participate. Ms. Farace stated that the City Commission asked the Children and Youth Board and the Education Advisory Board to set up a youth council and to work on America’s Promise. Mr. Sims indicated his willingness to attend a meeting and would like to read more information on America’s Promise. Ms. Farace requested that the City Clerk’s office send a notice to all members of the Education Advisory Board advising them of the time and date of America’s Promise meeting. Mr. Ehster inquired if there were other cities in Florida in approximate size of Boynton Beach that are involved in America’s Promise. Ms. St. John stated that most communities in America’s Promise are actually counties and that the State of Florida itself is a Community of Promise, as well as Boca Raton. Because Palm Beach County did not become involved, the cities within the County are participating on an individual basis. Ms. Farace also suggested that information on America’s Promise is available on the Internet. Ms. Farace asked Ms. St. John to introduce herself as some members were unaware of her affiliation. Ms. St. John informed members that she is the Chairperson of the Advisory Board on Children and Youth. Ms. St. John informed members that the City of Boynton Beach is working towards the All America City award and there is a tie-in with the Youth Council because the City has to demonstrate there are programs that relate to youth. Ms. Farace indicated that her Youth Services Librarian could serve on the Youth Council. Ms. DeVries inquired what the minimum age was in order to serve on the Youth Council. Ms. St. John said the age begins at 13. E. Follow up to December Meeting Mr. Fellows reminded members that it was mentioned at that meeting that consideration should be given to reviewing School Improvement Plans. The idea was well received and a time and date was going to be set for sometime in mid-April. Mr. Fellows inquired if a date could be established for the end of the school year, since all the new board 11 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 members would be in place at that time. Also, since Mr. Sello indicated he would like to have another roundtable meeting, this could be done at the May meeting. Temporary Chair Russell inquired if this meeting would be for school improvement plan presentations or another roundtable meeting. Mr. Fellows questioned if a roundtable meeting should be held at the beginning of the new Board term or wait until the next school year. Mr. Sims felt that this should take place before the next school year and that this could be done sometime in April. Mr. Fellows suggested that the school improvement plan presentations take place prior to having another roundtable discussion meeting. Mr. Sims said the school improvement plan presentations could set the tone for the roundtable discussion meeting. Ms. Farace inquired when the Education Advisory Board would be hosting the next four- board forum. Ms. St. John stated the Advisory Board on Children and Youth is hosting (Saturday, the next board forum, which is scheduled for the first Saturday in February February 6, 1999 at 10:00 a.m.) . It was determined that this Board would be hosting the next forum, which is scheduled for April. Also, Ms. St. John informed the Board that the Recreation and Parks Board would like to be included in the forum. Ms. Farace suggested that at the regular April Board meeting the Board could plan the format for the board forum meeting which would include the presentation of the school improvement plans. All the boards would be present to hear the presentations. Mr. Fellows did not think there would be enough time for the four boards to make their presentations and then have the school improvement plan presentations. Mr. Brownstein did not think the school presentations could be accommodated at the board forum. Ms. Farace stated that the boards in attendance at the forum could prepare a handout setting forth their goals, objectives and meeting dates. Ms. St. John suggested that there be only one handout on all the Boards. Ms. Newton thought that the Boards should be given an opportunity to make a short presentation and that the schools would enjoy meeting the various Boards. Ms. Newton suggested that each Board be given three minutes for a presentation and did not think people would read a handout on the Boards. Ms. Lee said that guidelines would have to be established for the presentations. Mr. Brownstein suggested that each school could have ten minutes for their presentation and also have handouts available. Ms. Newton suggested that planning take place because school improvement plan presentations can be quite lengthy and there are 16 schools involved. Mr. Brownstein suggested only having the schools within the City limits make presentations. 12 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 Mr. Fellows suggested a planning meeting take place to determine which schools should participate. Ms. Farace stated that Ms. Decker was going to inform her what the time period was between presentation and adoption of the school improvement plans. Mr. Brownstein indicated that school presentations are public presentations and this presentation would meet the requirements for a public presentation. Ms. Newton suggested that a committee be formed. Mr. Brownstein, Mr. Sims, Ms. Newton and Ms. Lee, together with Ms. Farace will meet to formulate plans for the meeting. Recommendations will be presented to the Board at the February meeting. Ms. Newton mentioned that if a member attended a subcommittee meeting it does not count towards attendance at a regular meeting. Ms. Farace stated that was correct. X. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Ms. St. John stated she was a member of the GALA Executive Committee and that last year the four boards were located in the non-profit area. Ms. St. John suggested that the Boards petition to have a location near the children’s section at the GALA. It was thst noted that GALA is scheduled for March 19 through the 21. Ms. St. John said it was important that all boards be represented at the GALA. Ms. St. John said that all members would be receiving a letter for the open forum in February. The subject matter for the forum will be the goals for each board, their plans and how the boards can help each other. Mr. Fellows said that he has discussed with Mayor Taylor the idea of holding a board summit with the City Commission where it could be discussed how the city advisory boards could better work in concert with the City Commission as well as each other. Mr. Fellows said that he suggested to one of the City Commissioners that some type of music presentation be made at the City Commission meetings, such as a choral group or a soloist from an area school offering a patriotic song. This could be done in conjunction with the invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Mr. Fellows said he spoke to some of the music directors at area schools and they thought it was a very good idea. Mr. Fellows thought that this would be a good project for the student members of the Board. Ms. Farace inquired if the students would be offered an honorarium. Mr. Fellows said this was not discussed. Mr. Fellows stated that student Board member, Heidi DeVries was the winner of the essay contest on the “1901 House” which was sponsored by Mr. Bob Katz. Ms. DeVries said that Mr. Katz has offered her an extended research project on the house 13 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 7, 1999 and that she received a prize of $1,000. Also, Ms. St. John noted that Ms. DeVries’ school received $1,000. Ms. DeVries said she would coordinate the music for the City Commission meetings. Ms. Newton suggested that the music presentations be multi-cultural. Ms. DeVries was referred to Commissioner Denahan for further direction. X. ANNOUNCEMENTS Next Regular Board Meeting: February 4, 1999, 6:30 p.m. at the Library ? New High School Groundbreaking: January 13, 1999, Quantum ? Corporate Park, 1:00 p.m. School Improvement Plan Committee meeting: Wednesday, January 20, ? 1999, 5:00 p.m., at the Library Bylaw Committee Meeting, Thursday, January 21, 1999, 3:30 p.m., at the ? Library XI. ADJOURNMENT Motion Mr. Ehster moved that the meeting adjourn. Motion seconded by Ms. Newton. The meeting properly adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _____________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 14