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Minutes 02-06-97 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1997, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Nellie Denahan, Chairwoman Wilfred Hawkins, Assistant to the Anne Centi, Vice Chairwoman City Manager Ronald Ehster David Weinstein Helena Fallon, Alternate Falechia Price, Student ABSENT Muslima Lewis Margaret Newton Dawn Russell I. GREETINGS A. Welcome Guests and New Member - Helena Fallon Chairwoman Denahan called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. and welcomed Maryann Leavitt, Jeff Perlman, and Commissioner Jamie Titcomb to the meeting. Commissioner Titcomb advised that the City Commission authorized Commissioner Matthew Bradley to attend a special School Board meeting on Tuesday to negotiate with the School Board. The City of Boynton Beach is willing to discuss and craft an interlocal agreement with the School board that will facilitate a math/science/technology magnet program at Congress Middle School. However, the City Commission did not authorize the expenditure of funds at this time. Before they commit the City’s funds and resources, they want a meeting of minds with the School Board that they will enter into such an agreement, and they want to know what commitments the School Board will make. Commissioner Titcomb also advised the board that Commissioner Bradley had a proposal to take the funds proposed for the hardware purchases out of the Poinciana School Land Acquisition Fund for this purpose. However, there is some concern from a legal standpoint whether or not we can do that at this point. At this time, Vice Chairperson Centi arrived. MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 6, 1997 Chairperson Denahan asked if the language in the ordinance that created this board was discussed by the City Commission. Commissioner Titcomb answered affirmatively. He advised that it was the consensus of the Commission to allow parents who have children attending Boynton Beach schools to be alternate members of this board. A workshop is scheduled in the near future regarding boards in generally, at which time they will discuss the criteria and eligibility for all City boards. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of allegiance was recited. At this time, Chairperson Denahan welcomed Ms. Fallon to the board, and Ms. Fallon told the board a little about herself. III. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary noted attendance. IV. MINUTES APPROVAL - DECEMBER 5, 1996 V. This item was not addressed. VI. GUEST SPEAKERS A. Steve Reiskind - Parent/Student Magazine Jeff Perlman, Mr. Reiskind’s partner, attended in Mr. Reiskind’s place. Mr. Perlman is co-owner and publisher of Student & Parent, which is a free monthly publication that deals with schools, youth, and education. The first issue of this newspaper was circulated in all public and private schools in Delray Beach in August. The first Boynton th Beach issue will be out on February 24. Messrs. Reiskind and Perlman work closely with the PTAs, the City’s education boards, police departments, and youth groups , such as the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Mr. Perlman is excited about starting this publication in Boynton Beach. His daughter attends Poinciana Elementary School. He is anxious to learn about Boynton Beach and will need some guidance and help to make sure the Boynton publication is relevant, accurate, and serves the needs of the parents, teachers, and volunteers. The goal of this publication is to promote the positive things and publicize the needs of the schools. The costs of this publication are covered by corporate sponsorships. 2 MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 6, 1997 Vice Chairperson Centi wished Mr. Perlman luck with his venture. She said if he is going to do an article on Poinciana Elementary School, he must mention the people who got this project off the ground, namely, former Mayor Arline Weiner, Wilfred Hawkins, and Commissioner Matthew Bradley. She said they worked very hard and the school would be closed today if it were not for them. Ms. Fallon asked if this newspaper is written in Creole also. Mr. Perlman said he is trying to figure out a cost effective way to do that. Mr. Perlman mentioned that he plans to cover these meetings. Therefore, this newspaper will be a good communication tool for this board. Chairperson Denahan wished Mr. Perlman luck with the Boynton edition. B. Maryann Leavitt - Bicycle Safety Ms. Leavitt advised that only 2 to 5 percent of the students who ride their bikes to school wear helmets. A committee was formed at Christa McAuliffe Middle School to see what could be done to make our students wear bike helmets. In addition, a Bike Helmet Awareness Week was held from December 2 through December 6. Ms. Leavitt showed a video regarding helmets and brain injury. She advised that Florida has three times the national average of bike fatalities because of its warm weather, flat terrain, and because we have a lot more riders. Over one million children ride their bikes more than once a week, many of them to school. Most fatalities and disabilities sustained in a bike accident are caused by a brain injury. Bike helmets reduce brain injury by 85 percent. The people who survive face a long rehabilitation of 5 to 10 years, and this is estimated to cost the taxpayers $4.5 million. In 1993, there were more than 100 brain injuries in the State of Florida that required rehabilitation. Even with rehab, a person many not live a normal life. Ms. Leavitt advised that bike helmets can be purchased through Head Strong Helmets for only $5.00. However, a minimum of 24 helmets must be purchased. Chairperson Denahan thanked Ms. Leavitt for her presentation. VI. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None. 3 MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 6, 1997 VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Committee Reports Ms. Fallon noticed that Lantana Elementary School and Starlight Cove Elementary School do not have liaisons. She pointed out that Boynton Beach children are bussed to these schools. She offered to report on these schools, as well as Hagen Road Elementary School. At this time, Mr. Ehster left the meeting. 1. Atlantic High School No report was given. 2. Christa McAuliffe Middle School No report was given. 3. Citrus Cove Elementary No report was given. 4. Congress Middle School Mr. Weinstein advised that he attended the Student Council ceremonies and they were impressive. At the last SAC meeting, they discussed the incorporation of a laser program, and a science fair. There are 151 students in the after school remediation program. They also discussed expanding their computer programs, and the need for space. They are trying to get the Palm Beach County School Board to expand the school. It was previously recommended that a full-time computer repair person be hired, and Mr. Weinstein suggested that this be recommended again. Mr. Weinstein advised that Congress Middle School is creating their own magnet school program to be able to facilitate the liaison between them and Poinciana Elementary School. Since they are receiving little or no help from Palm Beach County, they want to incorporate their own magnet program, limited to 60 students, and hope to convince the School Board to expand this program. Chairperson Denahan added that at Poinciana Elementary School, there was discussion about the need for a list of people who would be willing to attend the School 4 MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 6, 1997 Board meetings in support of the math/science/technology curriculum at Congress Middle School so that we can be seen in unison as often as possible. 5. Forest Park Elementary Chairperson Denahan reported that the playground is not completed yet. The target st date for the whole school to be completed is May 31 . The SAC is also working on strategies. 6. Galaxy Elementary No report was given. 7. Manatee Elementary No report was given. Crystal Lakes Elementary School At this time, Vice Chairperson Centi reported on Crystal Lakes Elementary School. She advised that the media wants to know how we feel about the tower that is being put here. Many parents are opposing this and would like us to take this on as an issue. Vice Chairperson Centi also reported that we are going to recognize Mrs. Shetler, the IB Program, and for sending students to us. Mr. Hawkins advised that the towers are very important to those who have cellular phones. The City has allowed these towers on City property. They hold public hearings before a tower is put up, and there has been very little public opposition. He also pointed out the benefits that the City receives by allowing these towers. 8. Poinciana Elementary School Chairperson Denahan reported that there was continued discussion on implementation of strategies. There is a waiting list for every grade level, and applications must be in by February 28, 1997. There will be a Magnet Expo this Saturday. A survey was drawn up by a subcommittee and evaluated by staff in December. It included how to improve parent participation, how to better service our volunteers, and uniforms. Next year there will be no more Title I funds; therefore, the School budget will be affected. A special planetarium program was shown and it was wonderful. A subcommittee was formed in support of a math/science/technology program at Congress Middle School. 5 MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 6, 1997 9. Rolling Green Elementary Chairperson Denahan reported that Rolling Green Elementary School placed second out of 30 schools in the Academic Excellence competition. They took home five trophies. Some of the School Improvement Plan strategies have been met. They are still working on parent involvement. 10. Santaluces High School Ms. Price reported that Santaluces has televisions in each classroom and every morning the students watch the news. After the news, they are given a quiz. Mr. Weinstein recommended that every school in the Boynton Beach area have such a program so that the students can learn about what is going on in the world. If televisions are not available, the home room teachers could disseminate the news every morning. Chairperson Denahan suggested that each member of this board bring this up at the SAC meetings so that it can be incorporated into the School Improvement Plans. Motion Mr. Weinstein moved to recommend at the SAC meetings that there be a period of time designated each day for the dissemination of newsworthy items. Vice Chairperson Centi seconded the motion, which carried unanimously. B. Assignments Open 1. Crystal Lakes Elementary 2. Hagen Road Elementary 3. Lake Worth Christian School 4. Lake Worth community High School 5. Plumosa Elementary Chairperson Denahan advised that liaisons are needed for the above schools. Ms. Fallon volunteered to be the liaison for Hagen Road Elementary School. C. Lottery Accountability Act Resolution R96-24 Chairperson Denahan advised that this resolution was unanimously passed on th December 18. 6 MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 6, 1997 D. Education Advisory Board Ordinance Language This item was discussed earlier in the meeting. Mr. Hawkins added that when this board was first formed, it was opened to residents outside of the City. However, this caused some conflict with regard to some issues, such as where the new high school should be located. Therefore, it was very hard for the board to come to a consensus regarding certain issues. He cautioned the board that if citizens outside of the City are allowed on the board, there could be some conflict regarding location of schools, dollar allocations, etc. In addition, there is no clear-cut definition of “Boynton area schools” in the current language. Chairperson Denahan said this is why she suggested that nonresidents be placed in alternate positions only. She urged every member of the board to call each member of the Commission and let them know how they feel about the ordinance language. E. Multi-Cultural Diversity Seminar Chairperson Denahan and Ms. Price gave a brief synopsis of this seminar, which was conducted by Dr. Samuel Betances at St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church on January 30, 1997. F. Board of Education Prioritization List Chairperson Denahan distributed this list of capital improvements and pointed out that our high school and the West Boynton High School are slated for 1998, contingent upon concurrency. Therefore, we have to encourage concurrency. In addition, Congress Middle School is slated for the year 2001. G. Chris Nick - Update on Changing Curriculum Requirements Mr. Nick was not able to attend this meeting. Chairperson Denahan advised that Mr. Nick is concerned about some of the literature contained in the health education curriculum. He has been before the Board and plans to go again because they have determined that the literature is fine as it stands. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Board Members Terms Expire in April 1. Nellie Denahan 2. Ron Ehster 3. Helen Fallon 7 MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 6, 1997 4. Margaret Newton 5. Falechia Price Chairperson Denahan reminded the above members that their terms expire in April and to submit a Talent Bank Form if they desire to remain on the board. B. American Association of Women - Educational Equity for Women th Chairperson Denahan advised that this seminar was held at the library on January 9, however, she was unable to attend. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Joan Kowal, Capt. Kristen Brook, and Sally Robison, a professor from FAU, were guest speakers. IX. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS A. Representative William F. Andrews 1. Response to Todd Kotas’ questions from October 3, 1996 meeting at Congress Middle School 2. School Board Recommendations Report Copies of this correspondence were provided to each member of the board. B. Daniel Webster, Speaker of the House Chairperson Denahan advised that Mr. Webster sent her the names of the members of the three committees that pertain to education. C. Building a Nation of Learners - National Education Goals Reports This report was provided to the members of the board. D. Next Meeting - Thursday, March 6, 1997 - Christa McAuliffe Middle School Chairperson Denahan made this announcement. E. School Board Reform Committee Mr. Hawkins advised that he has been appointed by School Board member Jody Gleason to the School Board Reform Committee which is a committee mandated under Blue Print 2000 and the Accountability Act. The first meeting was held on Wednesday to set parameters and goals. The Committee will be focusing on how well the School 8 MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA FEBRUARY 6, 1997 District is adhering to Blue Print 2000 and the Accountability Act, and also how we can bring some uniformity to how it is applied throughout the District. This Committee will be seeking feedback from the SACs and boards like this board. Mr. Hawkins will bring this board’s concern about bringing global information into the schools, whether through advanced technology or through personal responsibility of the instructors, to the attention of the Committee. XI. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m. Eve Eubanks Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) 9