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Minutes 08-06-98 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAYAUGUST 6, 1998 PRESENT ALSO PRESENT Muslima Lewis, Chairperson Commissioner Nellie Denahan Eddie Mitchell Virginia Farace, Education Advisory Dawn Russell Board Staff Liaison David Fellows Commissioner Jamie Titcomb David Brownstein, Alternate (arrived later in evening) Heidi DeVries, Student ABSENT Ronald Ehster Revia Lee Stephanie Murray Herb Suss I. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Lewis called the meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. and led the members and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. II. ROLL CALL The Chairperson called the roll. A quorum was declared present. Chairperson Lewisasked the guests present to introduce themselves. Ms. Sandy Bland was present at the meeting, as an observer, at the suggestion of Sharon Golden. Also present was Steve Waldman, an alternate member of the Children and Youth Advisory Board, who was present this evening regarding the America's Promise Program. III. MINUTES APPROVAL Ms. Farace stated that the minutes from the June 25, 1998 wokshop would be available at the September meeting for approval. Chairperson Lewis asked for approval of the August 1, 1998 Workshop Minutes. Motion David Brownstein moved that the minutes of the August 1, 1998 Workshop be approved. Motion seconded by Dawn Russell. Motion carried unanimously. MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 6, 1998 V. PUBLIC AUDIENCE Commissioner Denahan stated that she had spoken to Ms. Bland on the telephone and Ms. Bland commended Ms. Golden for her assistance in attempting to find scholarships for private schooling in Boynton Beach for her children. Commissioner Denahan had referred Ms. Bland to the City Manager and is present this evening to observe. Commissioner Denahan stated she was meeting with Leo Noble tomorrow regarding the concurrency issue in Palm Beach County. Commissioner Denahan told the Board that Senate Bill 2424 has been enacted and that concurrency must be implemented among the School Board, the County and Municipalities. Commissioner Denahan informed the meeting that Leo Noble has been appointed by the Palm Beach County Commission to bring these three entities together on concurrency. Commissioner Denahan stated “We Change Foundation”, a not-for-profit foundation located at Ocean Avenue and Federal Highway was awarded a $2,000 grant at the last Commission meeting. This sum was available through Police Department seizure funds. Federal law mandates that 15% of seizure funds be allocated toward educational and other programs to keep children off drugs. This is an alternative high school and the School Board will be sending the Foundation 15 students. They are in dire need of a location for the school. Commissioner Denahan stated she has been seeking a location and asked if any member had any suggestions. Suggestions for locations were discussed. VI. CHAIR’S REPORT Chairperson Lewis stated she would present her report under the next item and would be limiting her report to “Gathering Storm”. VII. CITY LIAISON REPORT A. Informational Update: Triple III High School Ms. Farace informed the members that she met with the School Board architects at which the phase 1 site plan was presented and the School Board will review the plan to determine if it meets the Board’s educational specifications. Meetings will be arranged for forum participants within the next month to review any concerns. Ms. Farace stated that the RFQ’s for the construction manager are due now. A committee will appoint the construction manager within a month. The bids are still scheduled to go out by the end of the year (or the first of the year) with the contract to be finalized by February of 2 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 6, 1998 next year. Ms. Farace stated a few more wings have been added to the school design to accommodate 2,500 students. IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Gathering Storm Chairperson Lewis stated she attended a presentation on the report and has been invited to participate in a meeting involving a number of organizations that will be forming a coalition to address the issues in the Gathering Storm. The goal of the coalition is to set a grass roots, community-based initiative regarding the educational inequities in Palm Beach County. The name of the coalition is CARE (Community Alliance for Reform and Education). Public hearings will be held throughout the County in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, West Palm Beach, Belle Glade, and Lake Worth. One will be held specifically in the West Palm Beach Haitian community. A future public hearing will be held for the migrant worker community. Chairperson Lewis stated that the Boynton Beach public hearing would be held on th Saturday, September 19 at St. John’s Baptist Church from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Each forum will be given $1,500 for preparation expenses. Chairperson Lewis stated this Board should determine whether to continue involvement with the Gathering Storm coalition. Mr. Brownstein asked what are the goals of the forums? Chairperson Lewis stated that the testimonies at these forums would be used for a report for use by the Gathering Storm. Mr. Mitchell stressed concerns for the high number of suspensions at Santaluces High School. Mr. Mitchell suggested that this Board contact Nathan Collins, Principal of Palm Beach Lakes High School, whose high school has the lowest number of suspensions in Palm Beach County. It was suggested that Mr. Collins be invited to address the Board in the future on this issue. Discussion continued regarding this Board’s involvement with Gathering Storm. Mr. Mitchell feels that the School Board will not give priority to the Gathering Storm issues. Chairperson Lewis stated that the Gathering Storm is not only addressing racial issues, but also how race relates to socio-economic issues. Mr. Brownstein questioned if this would result in all students being tested in the County for their abilities. Chairperson Lewis stated that goals of the Gathering Storm are not to perpetuate the existing problems, but rather to alleviate these problems. It is important that each student’s 3 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 6, 1998 abilities are identified and every student is provided equal access to what is available within the school system. Ms. Farace inquired if this Board needed to take any action to become a community sponsor of the Gathering Storm. Chairperson Lewis stated that the endorsement by this Board could be deferred until the discussion on the Planning Workshop is reviewed since a mission statement was developed at the workshop. (Commissioner Titcomb joined the meeting) B. Planning Workshop Chairperson Lewis stated that the workshop was very productive and that a vision statement was decided upon. From the vision statement a mission statement was drafted, which needs to be adopted by the Board. Mr. Mitchell questioned whether the mission statement would be forwarded to the City Commission? Mr. Fellows stated the mission and vision statement was drawn up consistent with this Board’s City Ordinance. Mr. Mitchell questioned whether this Board could meet with the School Board without the approval of the City Commission? Chairperson Lewis stated this Board could communicate with the School Board and perhaps the City Attorney should be consulted on whether this Board can go to the School Board with recommendations. Discussion continued on whether this Board needed to seek approval of the City Commission regarding this Board’s participation with the School Board. Chairperson Lewis stated that specific goals were not set in the workshop. Ms. Farace stated that Boynton Beach would be known for having “exemplary schools”. The facilitator, Bob Pratt pointed out at the workshop that no one in the County has “exemplary schools”, which is stated in the vision and mission statement. Ms. Farace stated that the next issue would be to review and adopt the prioritized items of the Vision Statement drafted at the August 1, 1998 workshop. Ms. Farace said that the “Fist to Five” process was used in determining priorities. Heidi DeVries explained and demonstrated how the “Fist to Five” voting process works. Voting 3, 4 or 5, the item goes through with consensus; voting a 2 or 1, only the person voting has the opportunity to express his displeasure with the item and to state what needs to be changed in order for the item to attain at least a 3 rating. Discussion ensued regarding the definition of “exemplary education” and that is the standard by which all topics will be judged. 4 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 6, 1998 Motion David Fellows moved that the Vision Statement presented to the members and as outlined in the minutes of the Workshop of August 1, 1998 be adopted. Motion seconded by David Brownstein. Motion carried unanimously. Vision Statement Chairperson Lewis read the into the record: “The City of Boynton Beach Education Advisory Board is acknowledged as a community advocate for the evolution of exemplary education in Boynton Beach that meets the needs of all .” Mission Statement Chairperson Lewis read the into the record: “The Mission of the City of Boynton Beach Education Advisory Board is to serve as an advocate for exemplary education in Boynton Beach by facilitating communication, gathering facts, and developing recommendations that address the educational needs and concerns of our community.” Motion David Fellows moved that the Mission Statement presented to the members and as outlined in the minutes of the Workshop of August 1, 1998 be adopted. Motion seconded by David Brownstein. Motion carried unanimously. Chairperson Lewis stated that next item would be setting goals. The term “Delta” is applied to any item that needs to be changed pertaining to education in Boynton Beach and “Positives” are applied to all pluses in the education in Boynton Beach. Ms. Farace referred members to the minutes to determine the “Pluses” and “Deltas” that will be considered this evening. Discussion ensued regarding priority listings in the deltas and pluses. Ms. Farace stated the Board should readdress its goals on a yearly basis in order to determine if a goal has been completed or whether to continue with the goal. Mr. Brownstein questioned the timeframe involved in addressing the goals. Mr. Brownstein questioned if the Chairperson of a City Board has authority to act on behalf of the Board without Board approval. 5 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 6, 1998 The question was raised why “Boynton schools split into two administrative areas” was the highest “Delta”. Ms. Farace stated that under the Annenberg Grant the schools need to be under the same area superintendent. Ms. Russell did not think that having different area superintendents had any bearing upon the education of the students. Chairperson Lewis inquired if any member wished to discuss any other item before voting on the priorities? Ms. Farace stated the Board questioned its ability to make any impact on class size. “ Commissioner Titcomb asked to address the Board on the issue of Elected officials should be more supportive of education” and inquired as to the Board’s anticipated outcome of this issue. Ms. Farace stated this question was addressed to the state officials elected at the state level and not at the local level. Mr. Fellows requested that he be given time to make his presentation on“Alternative to Suspensions” at this time, since this subject is one of the Deltas to be voted upon. Mr. Fellows referred to the material that he had furnished the members previously. Mr. Fellows stated he had been involved in the development of an alternative program for Clearwater High School. After the adoption of the new alternative program, Clearwater High School went from having the highest suspension rate to the lowest suspension rate of any high school in Pinellas County and the program is now being duplicated in other municipalities. The program is a turnkey program, which involves the participation of a not-for-profit corporation, which administers the various programs. Mr. Fellows further explained what alternatives are offered in the program. The program usually involves the student attending for three to five days. Mr. Fellows stated that the program also addresses all the issues raised in Gathering Storm with regard to suspension problems in Palm Beach County. Congress Middle School and Santaluces have two of the highest suspension rates in the County. This program also addresses a lot of the concerns that are raised in the community at the present time. Mr. Fellows suggested a daylong workshop be held in order that the program could be fully explained. Mr. Mitchell inquired who would fund this program? Mr. Fellows said this could be done through a 501.C.3 organization, or by the school board or through a grant. Mr. Fellows stated that the current program at the Congress Middle School does not work and that the police officer that was in charge of the program is no longer with the police department. There is no program in place at Santaluces High School. Further Mr. Fellows said that the program is not only for suspended students, but the objective of the program is to improve the learning environment in the classroom. 6 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 6, 1998 Mr. Brownstein inquired what role this Board would play in this program? Mr. Fellows stated that in accordance with this Board’s vision statement, we are an advocate for the evolution of exemplary education in Boynton Beach. This program, if implemented, could move towards that goal. Before voting on the priorities, Ms. Farace inquired if anyone had any issues they wished to add to the list. Ms. Farace stated that everyone would be voting. All members voted. Motion Ms. Russell moved to accept the top seven priorities as goals for 1998/1999 for the Education Advisory Board. Motion seconded by David Brownstein. Mr. Brownstein stated that it will have to be determined how many of these issues can be accomplished. Chairperson Lewis said this should be addressed at a future meeting. There being no further discussion, the motion carried unanimously. The following goals have been adopted as priority goals: Alternatives to Suspension Raising Test Scores Gathering Storm Parental Involvement Concurrency Boynton Schools in the Same District Legislation Chairperson Lewis stated that the Gathering Storm issue should be re-addressed at this time in order to determine if this Board should become a formal member in Gathering Storm and whether the Board should become an acknowledged participant in the public forum. Mr. Fellows stated he felt this Board should become participants in the Gathering Storm. Mr. Brownstein questioned what “participant” encumbered? Discussion continued as to the role this Board would play with involvement in Gathering Storm and the wording of the motion. Also, Mr. Brownstein questioned whether Commission approval would be necessary for involvement. 7 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 6, 1998 Commissioner Titcomb informed the Board that they were within the parameters of the charter to be proactive and to be involved in these types of issues. Commissioner Titcomb stated that if there were a policy decision and the Board represents itself as representing the City of Boynton Beach that could become a problem. If a policy decision were needed, the Board would have to approach the Commission for ratification. Commissioner Titcomb further stated that the Commission and the Community as a whole expect all Boards to be very proactive. Motion Mr. Brownstein moved that this Committee support Gathering Storm as an independent committee within the City of Boynton Beach. Mr. Fellows stated he would like for this Board to become a co-sponsor or co-host of Gathering Storm at least in Boynton Beach. Discussion ensued regarding the type of involvement this Board would play in Gathering Storm. Motion Mr. Brownstein moved that this Committee support Gathering Storm, as part of but not limited to, this Board becoming a co-sponsor of whatever events transpire within the City of Boynton Beach and as may develop from time to time in future. David Fellows seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously. C. America’s Promise and Youth Council Chairperson Lewis introduced Mr. Waldman to the members for his presentation. Mr. Advisory BoardonChildren and Youth Waldman announced that the would be forum on child safety in the schoolsonAugust 27, 1998 in the Library presenting a Program Room at 6:30 p.m. Heidi DeVries inquired if students could attend? Mr. Police Waldman stated they were certainly welcomed and encouraged to attend. Chief Marshall Gage and Chief of School Police, Jim Kelly will be making . presentations Mr. Waldman stated he had 36 years of teaching experience and offered his assistance to this Board. He would be glad to offer his services and furnished his telephone number (369-5553). Mr. Waldman stated he was present tonight to determine this Board’s position on the Youth Council and involvement in the America’s Promise Program, as well as to answer 8 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 6, 1998 any questions this Board may have. Also, Mr. Waldman asked if any member of the Board would like to act as a liaison to the Advisory Board on Children and Youth to attend their meetings? Heidi DeVries stated she would be glad to be a liaison, since her sister, Amy DeVries, is a member of that Board. Ms. Farace stated that America’s Promise and Youth Council were listed on the agenda under “Unfinished Business” because these were items that were referred to the Education Advisory Board and the Advisory Board on Children and Youth by the City Commission. The City Commission directed both Boards to research, analyze and give a recommendation. Chairperson Lewis inquired if the Board members have had an opportunity to review the material furnished them on these two programs. Mr. Waldman stated that if the members have not had an opportunity to review the material, he would be glad to return to another meeting for this Board’s input. After discussion it was determined to table this item until the next meeting. Motion Mr. Brownstein moved that the America’s Promise and Youth Council issues be tabled until the next Education Advisory Board Meeting and that Heidi DeVries be appointed this Board’s liaison to the Advisory Board on Children and Youth. Motion seconded by Ms. Russell. Motion carried unanimously. E. SAC Reports None X. NEW BUSINESS Alternative to Suspension Program Motion Mr. Brownstein moved that this Board support unrestricted the Alternative to Suspension Program as presented by David Fellows to this Board this evening. Motion seconded by Mr. Russell. Motion carried unanimously. 9 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA AUGUST 6, 1998 XI. ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairperson Lewis stated that the City Commission would be meeting on Wednesday, September 3, 1998 and therefore this Board’s September meeting date needs to be changed. After discussion, it was determined that the September meeting will be held Thursday, September 10, 1998 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library Program on Room. Advisory Board onChildren and Youth Ms. Farace announced that the would be Workshop on the Youth ExpoLibrary Program Room on Saturday, holding a in the th August 8 from 9:00 a.m. to 12 noon. Motion There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Fellows moved that the meeting adjourn. Mr. Brownstein seconded the motion. Meeting properly adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, __________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (two tapes) 10