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Minutes 01-24-96 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN THE MAIN OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM AT SANTALUCES COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL, LANTANA, FLORIDA, ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1996, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Anne Centi, Chairwoman Wilfred Hawkins, Asst. to the Margaret Newton, Vice Chairwoman City Manager Nellie Denahan Muslima Lewis Rhona Schneider Renee Stern David Weinstein Irene Mandel, Alternate Ben Demaline, Student I. GREETINGS Chairwoman Centi called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. She thanked Mr. Heyward, Principal of Santaluces Community High School, for the opportunity to conduct the Education Advisory Board meeting at the school. She presented him with a small plaque as a thank you gift from the board. Chairwoman Centi announced that Ms. Denahan has been moved up to a regular position on the board, and Mr. David Weinstein and Irene Mandel have recently been appointed as new members. Mr. Weinstein introduced himself and provided brief information on his educational background and qualifications. He is currently a law professor at Nova University. Ms. Mandel is a resident of Golfview Harbour and works as a teacher's aide. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE This item was dispensed with since there was no flag present in the conference room. III. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll. Ms. Lewis and Mr. Hawkins had not yet arrived. IV. MINUTES APPROVAL - December 20, 1995 Ms. Schneider moved to approve the minutes as presented. Ms. Denahan seconded the motion which carried unanimously. 1 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 V. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None VI. INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKERS A. Mr. Heyward, Principal - Santaluces Community High School Mr. Heyward reported that Santaluces now has an 18 classroom addition which was added last year. Current enrollment is 2,800 students. Santaluces is the second largest school in the County, with Wellington being number one. Santaluces is projected to have 3,000 students within the next two years. Because of a new school coming on line, Wellington's enrollment will be split; thereby making Santaluces the largest school in the County. Santaluces is a traditional high school; it offers no magnet programs. Student population consists of approximately 28 percent Black, 3-4 percent Other, 8-10 percent Hispanic, and the remainder White. Mr. Heyward requested the board's assistance in spreading the word about the excellent academic and sports programs at the school. He is very proud that two students from Santaluces won the State's award in Science and Social Studies. These awards are generally won by students from Suncoast and Atlantic since these schools get "the cream of the crop" when it comes to students. He urged members to telephone the school with any questions or concerns, and invited them to visit the school. In response to Chairwoman Centi's question, Mr. Heyward said the figures regarding class size are deceiving because the State includes special education classes (nine students per class) and PE classes (60 students per class). The figures indicate 28 students per class; however, the average class size at Santaluces is approximately 33 students. Ten portables were removed when the new addition opened. Mr. Heyward expects those portables to return within the next two years as enrollment grows. The facility is designed for 2,400 students. There are presently 2,800 and he expects 3,100 within the next two years. The facilities are cramped, and all schools in Palm Beach County are overcrowded. Ms. Schneider questioned why Atlantic and Suncoast get "the cream of the crop" as far as students are concerned. Mr. Heyward attributes that to the baccalaureate programs offered at those schools. Santaluces does not have such a program since there are not enough students to fill those classes. Mr. Heyward further pointed out that magnet programs are often used to racially balance a school. Santaluces is already racially balanced. 2 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 Mr. Weinstein questioned whether homogeneous or heterogeneous tracking is used at the school. Mr. Heyward advised that homogeneous tracking is used in elective courses, but heterogeneous tracking is used for upper level courses. In addition, Santaluces has been practicing inclusion for many years. Chairwoman Centi introduced Ben Demaline, a student board member from Atlantic Community High School. She requested Mr. Heyward's assistance in securing a student board member from Santaluces Community High School. In response to Ms. Mandel's question, Mr. Heyward advised that approximately 100+ students make up "the cream of the crop". These are the upper level students that are syphoned off. The students involved in the baccalaureate programs must maintain a certain grade point average to remain in the program. With respect to grade point average, Mr. Heyward advised that high school principals are requesting that the grade point average for graduation be increased from 1.5 to 2.0. Ms. Schneider inquired as to how the crime in Santaluces compares to other high schools in the County. Mr. Heyward said Santaluces is typical of most of the other schools in the County. Drugs and crime on campus exist; however, Santaluces has a very strict discipline code and a high suspension rate. Recently, eight students were arrested related to drugs. This was the result of very diligent efforts on the part of campus security. If a student is caught with drugs, it becomes a police and School Board matter. The student is expelled for one year. A workshop is being planned for teachers relative to drugs. Mr. Demaline advised that Atlantic Community High School offers alternatives to suspension and expulsion, and peer mediation. Mr. Heyward said Santaluces started the Conflict Resolution Program in Palm Beach County three years ago. They also have peer mediation which is successful. In-school suspension and peer deprivation are also options. Any student who uses vulgarity to a teacher is suspended for three days. Fighting results in ten days of suspension. Extenuating circumstances might result in a student being placed in in-school suspension. Ms. Stern questioned whether or not there is good parent involvement in school. Mr. Heyward responded negatively. Mr. Heyward repeated a quote he recently heard. "The schools are expected to do what people used to pray to God to do." Although there are some concerned parents, there is not enough involvement. Ms. Denahan announced that the Chamber of Commerce is trying to get businesses more involved with education. They are concerned about what the schools are doing to get youth ready for jobs. Mr. Heyward feels the schools are not doing enough, but some things are being done. Santaluces has a Career Center, and teachers are encouraged to channel students who are not going to college into life skills. This is not a course; 3 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 however, it is incorporated into regular lessons. In response to Chairwoman Centi's question, Mr. Heyward said Santaluces had a Junior Achievement Program in place last year. There is no program in place this year. Ms. Newton questioned whether or not all students have an opportunity to use computers. Mr. Heyward advised that all students have access to computer knowledge, but not all students have hands-on experience. Ms. Newton hopes the School Board will encourage that every child become computer literate prior to graduation from high school. Chairwoman Centi thanked Mr. Heyward for his presentation. B. Arline Weiner - Former Mayor of Boynton Beach Mrs. Weiner explained that her interest in the School Board stemmed from problems she encountered as a Commissioner and Mayor of Boynton Beach with respect to their plans for some of the schools within the City. The establishment of the Education Advisory Board was a way to address the problems that were encountered. Mrs. Weiner referred to the previous discussion about computers. There has been a program put in place to put computers into the schools. Not all of the schools are wired to handle the computers. The costs associated with that wiring are $800,000 per school. There are many schools that have already received shipments of the computers, but because of the lack of funding for wiring, the computers remain unused. Representative Bill Andrews, who is also a State Representative from Delray, is the only person on the Palm Beach County Legislative Delegation who sits on the K-12 committee. He appeared before the School Board and proposed that a school be made into a military school to handle those disruptive students who require another form of alternative education. This proposal was met with silence. Bob Hayes, although not in favor of military schools, thought this was a proposal worthy of investigation. He offered to be the School Board's liaison with Representative Andrews. During his presentation, Representative Andrews told the School Board not to worry about the funding because his committee would take care of it. Mrs. Weiner pointed out that there are obviously funds available, which are desperately needed; however, they are only being offered for this one purpose. When Mrs. Weiner first became a City Commissioner, she solicited input from community leaders relative to their wish lists for the City. Although answers were varied, everyone wished for a high school within the City limits to provide the children with the sense of community that was lacking. A window of opportunity presented itself, and the City was able to prove a need for this high school. The School Board agreed. The western 4 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 community then expressed its need for a high school. The School Board agreed there would be two new high schools. As of the last meeting, there will be zero construction for next year. Currently, the district is 30,000 student seats behind and that number will increase 5,000 each year. This is known as catch up. The second issue involves keep up. Mrs. Weiner sits as a member of the Education Concurrency Task Force. The County Commission finally decided that what happens to education is of paramount importance because they are unable to attract businesses to the County because of the school situation. In addition, the School Board decided that autonomy is not a "hot" concept. When there is very little, you must make friends and include them to help. After approximately six months into the committee, the Municipal League joined. Thirty-eight cities within the County belong to the Municipal League. While each of the cities has its problems, the coastal cities are experiencing problems with renovation and repair. The most important group at the table, however, is the Economic Committee. They decided that they cannot sell houses, get businesses or do anything they want to do unless they improve the quality of education in the County. Starting from diametric positions, over the course of a year, the committee came together to say that schools must be built, and must be built small. The committee recommends elementary schools have 600 students, middle schools have 1,000 students, and high schools have 1,500 students. The reason for this decision is that there is less control and friendship, and more discipline is required in larger schools. The School Board denied this request. Mrs. Weiner believes there will be compromise figures of approximately 972 students in elementary schools, 1,250 in middle schools, and 1,800 in high schools. The County Commission plans to draft a resolution to put on a ballot which might read as follows: "Future schools will be paid for, or put in place, before development is allowed, or they will be paid for by the developer". This is for the future, and everything that is platted now will be grandfathered. Therefore, in order to catch up, the County could decide that new school construction can be paid for by an increased millage rate. The chances of that happening are not good. However, they could institute an MSTU (Municipal Service Taxing Unit). It would be another line on the tax bill which is dedicated only to the construction of schools. Unless something like this is done, the problems will increase. Mrs. Weiner reported that a recent article in USA Today stated that education has topped crime as the #1 concern of people in this country. Parents and school boards have begun to face down the State Legislators to come up with money for education and schools. This is a hopeful trend. In Mr. Weinstein's opinion, we have a tendency to paint ourselves with the balm of lack of money and attribute all of our woes to that course. He believes there are fundamental attitudes that must be developed. Certain concepts do not exist in schools today. The 5 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 parental concern is lacking and there is a lack of dignity. The only real benefit of a military school is that they wear uniforms. They have a consistency of attire and the staff arrives properly attired. If he were a principal of a school, no teacher would wear jeans and a t- shirt. No teacher would come to work who did not set an example of dignity. The teachers are reaching down to the student's level, instead of elevating the students to the teacher's level. Ms. Mandel disagreed with these remarks and feels the teachers show a great deal of dignity. Mr. Weinstein reported that while he attended the University of Pennsylvania, they stressed that teachers should approach students at their level. He feels, however, that there should be a gap which is not bridgeable in ascertaining the dignity of the teacher. Fundamental to this is dress code. Statistics have shown that there are less problems in schools with a dress code. In addition, making parents responsible for the behavior of the students is primary. Ms. Mandel has met many wonderful children who wear jeans and t-shirts. She and the teachers she works with have a dress code; however, on dress-down days, they should be able to wear jeans and a shirt. She believes behavior starts at home. Ms. Stern believes self-discipline is important. We do not have that and we do not have parent involvement. She feels we must deal with reality, and people have freedom of dress. You cannot force people to do things to create a certain discipline. She does not disagree with Mr. Weinstein's points, but she is not certain they are realistic. Ms. Lewis and Ken Blair arrived for the meeting. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Final review of draft of letter to be presented to Mayor and City Commissioners supporting high school and Lottery Accountability Bill - House Bill #107 by Chairwoman Anne Centi Chairwoman Centi advised that Ms. Lewis organized the draft and she made corrections. She asked the members to review it. After reviewing the draft, Mr. Hawkins questioned the meaning of Item b, "Solicit the community's input on the two proposed high school sites". Ms. Lewis recalled that there was a great deal of controversy regarding the selection of the site for the new high school. Mr. Hawkins advised that sites are no longer an issue. The major issue at this time is whether or not the school will be built. Ms. Lewis suggested that the item be changed to read, "Solicit community to see which of the sites should be built first". Mr. Hawkins 6 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 advised that the Commission most probably will say they want the school in Quantum Park built first. He reminded everyone that the second high school location is not within the City's corporate limits. Mr. Demaline feels Boynton Beach students will go to either school; therefore, he feels the citizens should decide which school is built first. Ms. Lewis does not feel she has enough information to make a decision for the community unless she is sure about what is being done and why it is being done. As community representatives, she feels more input is necessary from the community. Mr. Blair explained that some of the members have been involved with this project for a long time. We expressed support for coastal schools to be built rather than western schools so that children within the City limits can develop a sense of community. The City Commission is in favor of the school within the City. In response to Ms. Schneider's question, Mr. Blair advised that the City of Boynton Beach has never had an identity. Atlantic Community High School does a great deal with the City of Delray Beach. Boynton Beach would like to have the same type of relationship with a school within the City limits. Ms. Lewis feels there was a great deal that went on and unless she feels fully informed, she cannot make a decision. Ms. Stern advised that the board must take a position on this issue and perhaps should change Item b to read, "Select the location that would be most appropriate for the needs of the community". Vice Chairwoman Newton explained that COBWRA is a very powerful interest group. They are the group that favored the western site. She does not feel the sports fields are going to be as important as they were in the past. Although she wants to see the school in the Boynton area, she feels it should be placed in a location which is as neutral as possible. The bulk of the activity, including economic activity, is not to the east. It is to the west. She is not comfortable supporting the Quantum Park site at this point. Mrs. Weiner explained that when this issue first arose, it began with Poinciana School. There were plans to close that school, and the City fought to get it rebuilt in order to make it a viable school with a math/science technology. Part of the thought process had to do with a new school based within the City limits. The site in Quantum Park came into play due to the role Motorola consented to play in the building of a new high school. Congress Middle School is also part of this plan. Poinciana School has the magnet program in place, and Congress Middle School is coming on line. This K-12 math/science technology program in one city would be unique in the County. When this came about, there was no question that the population out west would need a high school. The question was when that high school would be needed. Part of the 7 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 reason the land was purchased out west was related to another agreement with the County so that there would be park land attached to the future high school. This became another complicated, but worthwhile project. Mr. Hawkins said the City Commission has an economic development future and vision which is coming about for this City. There are several components involved in a successful economic development plan, and the education angle is one of those components. As developers, if the education component does not exist, people will not buy homes in the area. In order to make the future economic development plans viable, the education component must exist within the City limits of Boynton Beach. The Commission is relying on the education math/science triangle to develop in Boynton Beach as the answer to the education component of the economic development plan. Motorola has not pulled away from this project; however, they have not said exactly what they are going to do. Motorola did not disagree on the location of the school. In addition, they thought the math/science triangle of training would be a supplement to future employment. They were supportive of the idea of this magnet and felt they would be able to facilitate training with the school located in Quantum Park. The program is in place at Poinciana, and Congress Middle School is completing the application for a magnet. The timetable is now being put into place. The next component is the high school. The principal of Congress Middle School has promised a program to begin with, and hopefully, a full-scale magnet is in the future. Mr. Heyward supports the addition of a community school, especially one in Boynton Beach. He pointed out, however, that the School Board is strong willed. He recommends charging the Commission with the task of working with the School Board on the placement of the high school. The School Board looks at the total district. Unless Motorola is going to provide the funding, the School Board will not put it in Quantum Park. In response to Ms. Mandel's question, Mr. Hawkins explained that the students who live in Boynton Beach City limits are used to racially balance other schools. We have enough students within the City limits to support a racially balanced high school within the City. This will cause a problem for Atlantic and Santaluces; however, that is not our problem. The School Board will have to work that out. Motion Ms. Stern moved to eliminate Item b. Mr. Demaline seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Motion 8 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 Ms. Schneider moved to change Item c to Item b. Ms. Stern seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Motion Ms. Stern moved to delete the letter "s" from the word "remains" in the second paragraph of the letter. Ms. Schneider seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Motion Ms. Schneider moved to approve the letter as corrected to the Commission, to be orally presented at the next meeting on February 6, 1996. Ms. Stern seconded the motion which carried unanimously. B. Review draft of letter supporting seven period day by student Ben Demaline Mr. Demaline reported that a week after the School Advisory Committee meeting which was held on January 9, 1996, the School Board held a meeting to deal with the seven period day. Mr. Demaline was to present a letter on this issue; however, he was approached at the meeting by Elizabeth Flynn to write a letter on behalf of all of the students. She advised that she worked for The Palm Beach Post, and offered to have it printed in the paper as the students' voice. Mr. Demaline will present the article at the next board meeting. C. Change meeting day. Vote for 4th Tuesday, or 1st Thursday of the month. Chairwoman Centi advised that discussion took place at last month's meeting relative to changing the regular board meeting day so as not to conflict with School Board meetings. She asked for a consensus from the board on a meeting day. Consensus There was a consensus of the board to change the meeting day to the first Thursday of every month. The next regular meeting of the board will be on Thursday, March 7, 1996, at 6:30 p.m., in Commission Chambers at City Hall. 9 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 D. Committee Reports Lake Worth Community High School - No report Congress Middle School - No report Lake Worth Christian School - No report Santaluces High School - No report Atlantic High School - Ben Demaline Mr. Demaline reported that the main topic of discussion has been the seventh period. If the seventh period is eliminated, twelve teachers would lose jobs and the IB program would be severely hurt because there would be no time for electives. Mrs. Weiner reported that as of the last School Board meeting, this issue was off the table. With regard to peer mediation, Atlantic is interested in initiating a program on smoking. Mr. Heyward explained that students caught smoking on campus are suspended for 10 days. However, seven of the ten days are waived if the student attends a County class. Mrs. Weiner reported that Logger's Run has this type of program in place. She recommended that the principal be contacted for more information. Ms. Lewis advised that Ms. Shetler has already made contact and presented information at the last meeting. Christa McAuliffe - Margaret Newton Vice Chairwoman Newton advised that discussions relative to block scheduling are coming up on Friday. The entire school now has computers in all academic classes and two in related arts classrooms. Not all of the computers are on line. They will be working with ideas for the children from the Hester Center region who attend Christa McAuliffe and are having tremendous discipline problems. Staff will attempt to come up with programs and ideas to involve the parents in the area. Forest Park Elementary School - Nellie Denahan At the January 17th School Board meeting, Forest Park Elementary School was approved for $4.154 million. Construction will begin next month, and the traffic concerns will be taken care of before school begins. Work is continuing on the School Improvement Plan. Galaxy Elementary School - No report 10 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 Rolling Green Elementary School - No report Poinciana Elementary School - Nellie Denahan Ms. Denahan reported that the minutes of the Poinciana Elementary School SAC meeting were sent to her. They discussed what is adequate progress. They are achieving adequate progress on every objective. Mark Baron will attend the SAC meeting in February. Vice Chairwoman Newton reminded the members of the discussion that was held last month relative to the concern of a parent that Poinciana was pushing some Black children from the district out of the school. She contacted Ms. Denahan and a meeting was set up with the principal and Mrs. Jenkins. He assured everyone this allegation was not true. All children within the area are given first choice of attending the school. He was concerned that this rumor had gotten out because he has been diligent in getting parents involved. Vice Chairwoman Newton suggested that he send the SAC minutes to Chairwoman Centi so that if questions are raised in the future, we will be able to use those SAC minutes as a reference. In response to Ms. Schneider's question, Ms. Denahan confirmed that the concerned parent's fears were allayed. Citrus Cove Elementary School - No report Hagen Road Elementary School - Renee Stern Ms. Stern attended the SAC meeting where a questionnaire was presented relative to the effectiveness of the school. This questionnaire was sent to all of the teachers and parents of children attending Hagen Road. The response was good and there was positive input. In addition, they are reaching many of their goals on their School Improvement Plan. They want an improved means of identifying children with learning disabilities being placed in 1st Grade. Ms. Stern was able to supply information from New York District relative to the testing being done in that area. Ms. Stern realizes that an early intervention program is needed. Mrs. Weiner reported that part of the Governor's budget called for expansion of early intervention programs. Ms. Stern pointed out that early intervention eliminates some of the future budget needs. Ms. Mandel said child study teams are available in the schools she works in. She stated that children with learning and reading problems are part of the inclusion classes. Ms. Stern pointed out that the inclusion classes have these children participating with the 11 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 regular students. A learning disability is not a low IQ. Early intervention programs identify the cause of the learning disability and then working with the child to get him/her to the point where he/she can be mainstreamed. Chairwoman Centi announced that there are schools without board representation on their SACS. Mr. Weinstein will be the board's representative on the Congress Middle School SAC. Ms. Mandel will check to see if it is possible for her to participate on a school SAC. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Plan a trip with City officials to School Board Meeting to present requests and introduce new School Superintendent to Boynton Beach Chairwoman Centi reminded the members of the board's intention to attend a future School Board meeting with City officials. No date has been set yet. Crystal Lakes Elementary School will be added to the list of schools for which board representation is necessary. Ms. Schneider normally represents the board at their SAC meeting; however, Chairwoman Centi will cover this responsibility during the time Ms. Schneider cannot attend. IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairwoman Centi announced that a Special City Commission meeting will be held on Thursday, February 15, at 4:00 p.m., in Commission Chambers, to discuss the General Election and City advisory boards. Mr. Hawkins explained that the purpose of the meeting is to look at the function of the boards, filling vacancies on the board, and educating new board members. Vice Chairwoman Newton requested that the absence policy be revised to allow more than three absences before removing a member from a board. Mr. Hawkins explained that the boards meet between 10 and 12 times a month. The rule allows three absences. On the fourth absence, the member is replaced. The Commissioners have given consideration to a member who can demonstrate extenuating circumstances. Ms. Denahan announced that she was privileged to hear Shelley Peppard, Volunteer Coordinator for The School Board of Palm Beach County, speak on behalf of Partnership Agreements. Through the Chamber of Commerce, there will be a brainstorming meeting on Monday, February 5, 1996, at 12 noon. Ms. Mandel reported that Wellington Regional opened a sick unit for The School Board of 12 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JANUARY 24, 1996 Palm Beach County. This unit allows a working parent to drop a sick child off at the hospital to be cared for while the parent goes to work. Ms. Mandel would like to see this practice started in Boynton Beach and Delray, and requested input on how to get the ball rolling. Mr. Heyward explained that this is a practice which is expanding around the County. However, it takes time. Mrs. Weiner said some cities have made arrangements with local hospitals to provide nurses at the schools. She urged the board to make this a focal point of a future agenda. She recommended that Mr. Hill or Mr. Peltzie of Bethesda Hospital be invited to a future meeting to discuss this. Ms. Denahan added that Bethesda wants to be more involved, but no one goes to them with a great need. They are being asked for small things such as tours. Mr. Heyward feels that if something can be worked out with Bethesda, we will have additional clout with the School Board. Mr. Hawkins will research this issue and work with Ms. Denahan. Information will be brought back at a future meeting. X. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:32 p.m. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary (Three Tapes) 13