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Minutes 06-04-98 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN THE LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 1998 AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Muslima Lewis, Acting Chairperson Virginia Farace, Library Director Ronald Ehster Eddie Mitchell Stephanie Murray Revia Lee David Fellows, Alternate Heidi DeVries, Student ABSENT Herb Suss David Brownstein, Alternate I. GREETINGS Ms. Lewis agreed to act as Chairperson for this meeting, and called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited. III. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll. Messrs. Brownstein and Suss were not present. IV. MINUTES APPROVAL – MAY 7, 1998 Mr. Ehster moved to approve the minutes as presented to us. Mr. Mitchell seconded the motion that carried unanimously. V. PUBLIC AUDIENCE (three minute limit per person) Shanna St. John, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board on Children & Youth, advised that authorization has been provided for the advisory boards to include a column in the City’s quarterly Visions, Views and City News newsletter. The first column will appear in the July edition of the newsletter, and it will be a joint effort on the part of the Advisory Board on Children & Youth and the Education Advisory Board. A brief synopsis of each board should be provided. Ms. St. John will be the contact person for the advisory boards. She requested that th the Education Advisory Board provide her with the information to be included by June 15. 1 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 4, 1998 ? At the last regular meeting of the Advisory Board on Children & Youth, there was discussion about conducting a child safety program. Speakers will be invited to discuss issues such as guns, drugs, and suicides. The board will publicize this meeting. No decision was made regarding whether to have this program at an open forum or during a regular board meeting. She urged the Education Advisory Board members to provide ideas or to work in concert with the Advisory Board on Children & Youth to bring this program to the public. The Advisory Board on Children & Youth will discuss this program at their next regular th meeting on Thursday, June 25. ? Ms. St. John reminded the Education Advisory Board members that they are scheduled to host the next Advisory Board Open Forum in July. For the edification of new members, she explained that the Open Forum consists of the Advisory Board on Children & Youth, the Education Advisory Board, the Senior Advisory Board and the Community Relations Board. The Open Forum is held quarterly and each board takes a turn in hosting it. Ms. St. John said she has the agenda format and meeting notice for the Open Forum on her computer and is willing to prepare both if she is provided with the necessary information. ? The Advisory Board on Children & Youth will hold its annual Youth Expo at the Boynton th Beach Mall in November. The workshop to discuss the event will be on Saturday, June 27. Ms. St. John is hoping to conduct that meeting in the Library Program Room. Ms. Farace explained that the Library is contemplating holding a computer club in the Library Program Room on Saturday mornings. However, no decision has been made on this program. In response to Ms. Farace’s question regarding the role of the Education Advisory Board in the Youth Expo, Ms. St. John advised that all of the schools in the area are notified of the event and the contests involved. One of the major problems the Advisory Board on Children & Youth has encountered over the past two years has been in making the proper contacts in the schools. Since the Education Advisory Board members are involved with the schools as members of their SACs, the Advisory Board on Children & Youth requested their assistance to facilitate making the right contacts, picking up the contest entries and bringing those entries to the Advisory Board on Children & Youth. ? Ms. St. John reported that Bob Hayes has been ill. She advised that she has the address where cards could be sent. Ms. Lewis did not wish to commit the Education Advisory Board to any project until a new chairperson has been elected and the mission, goals and objectives of this board are addressed to determine the board’s focus for the upcoming year. VI. SPECIAL PRESENTATION A. Police Department – Juvenile Community Education Program Scott Dean used to be in charge of the Community Education Team in the Police Department. He introduced Lt. Chip Kuss. He explained that the Police Chief wants to become familiar with 2 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 4, 1998 the City’s advisory boards and has encouraged representation at these meetings whenever possible. He distributed a list of the juvenile programs that include D.A.R.E. (Druge Abuse Resistance Education), I.S.S. (In-School Suspension), J.F.O. (Juvenile First Offender), G.R.E.A.T. (Gang Resistance Education and Training), Police Explorer Program, and P.A.L. (Police Athletic League), and provided a brief overview of each program. (A copy of this material is attached.) VII. CHAIR’S REPORT None VIII. CITY LIAISON REPORT: A. Informational Update: At Ms. Farace’s request, the members introduced themselves and provided brief backgrounds. In addition to the board members, Mr. Ron Washam, Chairman of the Community Relations Board, Shanna St. John, Chairwoman of the Advisory Board on Children & Youth, and Lannette Seabrook were present. In Ms. Farace’s opinion, the Education Advisory Board has briefly lost direction but has the potential to be a very good board. She recommended that the board consider reviewing its mission, goals and bylaws at a future board meeting or workshop meeting to discuss the board’s role. She advised that she was unable to locate a board mission statement or bylaws. Ms. Farace explained that by developing bylaws, a structure would be in place to accomplish goals. The board could also develop objectives for achieving the goals and with a structure in place, committees can be appointed and they can be charged with responsibilities. In addition, people not involved with the board could be appointed to serve on the committees. Ms. Lewis felt a workshop meeting to discuss all of the issues mentioned should be held. She recommended securing copies of bylaws from other boards to use as the backbone for the Education Advisory Board bylaws. Mr. Lewis agreed that the Education Advisory Board needs focus and direction. When discussion ensued about advisory boards adopting bylaws, Mr. Washam explained that the Community Relations Board operates under the charter that founded the board. That charter was revised in the late 1970s or early 1980s. Ms. Farace pointed out that bylaws provide operational structure. ? Triple III High School Ms. Farace reported that the architect, BRPH, was hired last evening during the School Board meeting, and she met with the architect this afternoon. BRPH has an office in West Palm Beach and the main office is in Melbourne. 3 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 4, 1998 During the community forum process, the group developed ideas about how the high school should look. At a public forum held later, six committees were formed to investigate the initial recommendations and develop firm recommendations for the design of the high school. One of the recommendations involved using the Indian River County design for Sebastian River High School for the III High School. Since BRPH owns that plan and it has been perfected throughout the State of Florida, the School Board was able to hire them through a piggyback process. BRPH is beginning their work. During the process, all of the recommendations were reviewed in detail to determine how they would impact the design. Some areas need additional work. Ms. Farace has requested that BRPH meet with the committees as they go through the design phase. BRPH has a cafeteria designer, and they have promised to involve the people who were concerned about this issue. Much of the school design is mandated by the State; however, there is some leeway. Another concern was the theater. BRPH will hire a theater consultant and try to accommodate the wishes of this community. Mr. Fellows questioned whether a principal has been assigned to this school. Ms. Farace responded negatively and expressed concern since we would prefer to have the principal involved in this process. We are trying to encourage the School Board to place the principal, th and they are willing to listen. On June 17, Ms. Farace will make a presentation to the School Board where she will transmit the recommendations to them. She urged the members to attend. She will contact the members when she knows where she will appear on the agenda. Ms. St. John questioned how the changing of the Tech Center is going to change seating capacities. Ms. Farace advised that when she served on one of the committees, they only identified the programs that would be adult education programs. Many of the other programs will remain in place for high school students. There may still be some busing. Mr. Ehster expressed concern about this issue and feels the board needs to make recommendations regarding the kind of steps that need to be taken to have a community college in this area. Mr. Fellows felt this was an item that should be discussed during a workshop meeting. Ms. Farace distributed copies of a Sun-Sentinel article that was not positive in nature. This article appeared a few days after the release of the School Board’s five-year plan. Ms. Farace explained that she spent approximately 30 minutes talking with reporter, Doug Brown, about the forum process that was used. He never asked any questions about the western school and although she believed the article was going to be very positive, the opposite occurred and she was very disappointed. Mr. Mitchell felt one of the things that was not mentioned was the fact that we were scheduled for a high school in the 1986 bond issue. The western community was not part of that schedule. Mr. Ehster agreed that the newspaper article was negative. He feels the board can influence the School Board because of the fact that we need a second high school in Boynton Beach. We 4 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 4, 1998 should not allow them to drop the need for the second high school. We should support the City of Boynton Beach high school and a nearby high school. Mr. Ehster expressed disappointment with the five-year plan. Ms. Lewis is excited that our school was included in the five-year plan and feels it is a tremendous coup for those who worked hard for this coastal school. She is very pleased the first school will be in the City of Boynton Beach. Ms. Farace referred to the rough time line that was submitted with the contracts. She believes groundbreaking will be in February of 1999. The first group of students should be attending classes in the new high school in 2001. A boundaries committee will determine how the students will be moved to this school. Ms. Farace will provide updates as they become available. She reminded the members of the Sunshine Law requirements. She explained that if only one member of the board met in committee with others who are not members of the board, there would be no violation of the Sunshine Law. Committees could be established so that meetings with the architects and consultants will not violate the Sunshine Law. ? School District Five-Year Work Plan (Possible Presentation?) Ms. Farace reported that Linda Hines explained the five-year plan to her and agreed to make a presentation to the Education Advisory Board. Ms. Farace said the board could decide to hold a public presentation for the community. Ms. Lewis suggested having the presentation during a regular board meeting. This would generate a public audience and provide the board with an opportunity for exposure. Ms. DeVries suggested doing a public presentation at the July Board Forum. Ms. St. John and Mr. Washam agreed with this suggestion. Motion Mr. Fellows moved that we adopt Heidi’s suggestion and have the presentation on the new five- year plan for our joint ventures and do it at the Library on June 30th. Mr. Ehster feels the presentation of the five-year plan will draw a large crowd. He believes the board needs to sit down in a workshop setting to see what is missing from the plan. Ms. Lewis recommended having an Education Advisory Board workshop meeting first to set the goals and mission so that the Education Advisory Board can move into other areas. Discussion ensued about how to present the plan. Ms. Farace explained that she would not be comfortable having someone make a presentation and then be “attacked” by the audience. The purpose of the presentation is to explain the process. The members would then be free to ask questions. 5 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 4, 1998 Motion Mr. Fellows moved to host, with the Community Relations Board, the Advisory Board on Children & Youth and the Senior Advisory Board, the opportunity for the School Board to come to the Library to present their five-year plan in an open forum with feedback from the public. Mr. Ehster felt the plan contains nothing that will benefit Boynton Beach; therefore, he questioned the need for a presentation. The members explained that the board would host a presentation from the School Board on the five-year plan for the future of education in Boynton Beach on June 30th or early July, depending on the School Board representative’s schedule. Ms. Lee seconded the motion that carried 5-1. (Mr. Ehster dissented.) Mr. Ehster said he has been very involved with the plan and he feels we got “the shaft”. As a taxpayer, he knows that COPs affect us forever. Ms. Farace suggested that the presentation take place so that the board will fully understand the plan. Once that is accomplished, it would be appropriate to react as a board. Ms. Farace further stated that the board has until September to make its feelings known. Once the presentation has been made, the board can formulate a recommendation to the School Board. Ms. Lee reminded the members that we are requesting the School Board to present the plan. The board has no power over that plan. ? Controlled Open Enrollment Plan (District’s Choice Plan) (Possible Presentation?) Ms. Farace advised that as part of SMART schools, the Legislature has required every district to have a plan in place for school choice. The plan does not have to be implemented immediately; however, at some point in the future, a decision might be made for its implementation. She presented copies of the plan. It will be divided by areas and eliminates all of the magnet schools. The plan indicates how students can select the school of their choice. This plan splits Boynton Beach in two areas. Ms. Farace suggested having Dr. Pino address the board’s concerns with regard to this issue or have a committee review it and come back to the board with comments. ? “A Gathering Storm: How Palm Beach County Schools Fail Poor th and Minority Children” (Possible Presentation to EAB on June 25?) Ms. Farace contacted the company that reviewed the Palm Beach County schools. Santaluces is mentioned in the report. This is a very important report and this board should have someone present it to the board. Ms. Farace spoke with Lisa Carmona who is an attorney with the Rural th Farm League. She is willing to meet with this board on June 25 to discuss this report. In 6 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 4, 1998 addition, they are looking for places to do full-scale presentations; however, she would like to meet with the board first. Mr. Fellows feels this report is very comprehensive and many of the ideas could have a bearing on the direction the board. Motion th Mr. Fellows moved to arrange time on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library for a presentation from the attorney (Lisa Carmona) on A Gathering Storm. Ms. Lee seconded the motion that carried unanimously. Ms. Lewis designated Ms. Farace to negotiate the date of the presentation with Ms. Linda Heinz. ? New Life Church Missions – Boynton Beach Reading and Tutoring Center Hank Ackermann received a letter from a gentleman associated with the New Life Missions in Coral Springs. He is very interested in education and youth involvement. He is planning to establish a family counseling, reading and tutoring center in Boynton Beach. B. Board Missions and Goals C. Board Structure/Bylaws These items will be addressed at an upcoming workshop meeting. IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: A. Committee Reports: Lake Worth Community High School Congress Middle School Lake Worth Christian School Santaluces High School Atlantic Community High School Christa McAuliffe Middle School Forest Park Elementary School Galaxy Elementary School Rolling Green Elementary School Poinciana Elementary School Citrus Cove Elementary School Hagen Road Elementary School Crystal Lakes Elementary School Mr. Mitchell recommended that Royal Palm School be added to the list of schools covered under Committee Reports. 7 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA JUNE 4, 1998 There was a consensus of the board to postpone Committee Reports at this time. X. NEW BUSINESS: A. Youth Council The Commission has charged three boards with reviewing the proposal made by the Advisory Board on Children & Youth to establish a Youth Council. This will be discussed at a future meeting. B. Promise for Youth The Commission has charged the boards with reviewing the proposal made by the Advisory Board on Children & Youth for the City of Boynton Beach to become a “Community of Promise”. Ms. Farace recommended that the members review the information she distributed for discussion at an upcoming meeting. XI. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS: A. Correspondence None B. Announcements th Next Meeting: June 25? Location: Library Program Room? Ms. Farace reminded the members that there would be discussion on June 25th about setting a date for a future workshop meeting of the Education Advisory Board. Ms. Lewis agreed to act as chairperson of the board for the next meeting. Once the board’s mission statement is developed, an election will be held for chairperson and vice chairperson. th The next regular meeting of the board will be on June 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library. XII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Education Advisory Board, Mr. Mitchell moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Fellows seconded the motion that carried unanimously. The meeting properly adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Janet M. Prainito Deputy City Clerk (Three Tapes) 8