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Minutes 12-03-98 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN LIBRARY PROGRAM ROOM, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1998 at 6:30 P.M. PRESENT ALSO PRESENT Ronald Ehster Virginia Farace, Education Advisory David Fellows Board Staff Liaison Revia Lee Eddie Mitchell Margaret Newton Dawn Russell, Temporary Chairperson Guarn Sims Heidi DeVries, Student David Brownstein, Alternate (arrived at 7:10 p.m.) The following persons were present representing Boynton Beach Schools, SAC Committees and the Palm Beach County School Department: Jay Alligood Palm Beach Schools, Director of Alternative Education Janice Andrews Manatee Elementary Principal Norman Bleshman South Technical SAC Chair Leona Burgess Galaxy Elementary SAC Chair Elizabeth Decker Area 2 Executive Director Peggy Egan Atlantic High School Improvement Co-Chair Theresa Floyd Atlantic High School Improvement Co-Chair Garfield Hamilton Santaluces High School SAC Chair Sherry Jones Galaxy Elementary Principal Phyllis Kabinoff Christa McAuliffe Assistant Principal Nancy McKirchy Forest Park SAC Chair Ethelene Powell Forest Park Principal Mary Powers Forest Park Administrative Assistant Jim Rasco South Technical Principal Jake Sello Area 1 Executive Director Steve Sills Congress Middle School Principal Susan Slanina Manatee Elementary SAC Chair Jean-Ann Thurber Atlantic High School Assistant Principal MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 I. GREETINGS Temporary Chair Russell called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. and welcomed everyone to the meeting. Temporary Chair Russell stated that the intent of the meeting was to bring all the various schools and SAC committees together to determine how the Education Advisory Board can assist the schools in Boynton Beach. Members of the Board were introduced to the audience. Temporary Chair Russell stated there were refreshments available for everyone throughout the evening. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Temporary Chair Russell led the members and audience 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. Farace noted that Ms. Stephanie Murray was also in attendance and stated she did not receive any notification of her removal from the Board. Ms. Farace requested that the record reflect that Ms. Murray does not feel she has been removed from the Board, since she has not received notification of her removal. The Recording Secretary indicated if this were the case, there were too many members on the Board.) IV. MINUTES APPROVAL – November 5, 1998 Temporary Chair Russell asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the November 5, 1998 meeting. Motion Mr. Ehster moved that the minutes of November 5, 1998 meeting be approved. Motion seconded by Ms. Newton. Motion unanimously carried. V. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION – Board Members and Principals Temporary Chair Russell referred participants to the Agenda and indicated that the timetable on the back of the Agenda would be adhered to as much as possible and that 2 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 Ms. Heidi DeVries will be the timekeeper this evening. Temporary Chair Russell turned the meeting over the David Fellows. Mr. Fellows stated that the Education Advisory Board has been working hard in determining its purposes and goals and the letter that was sent to all invitees tonight set forth the mission statement and goals of the Board. Also, Mr. Fellows indicated that a copy of the City Code establishing the Board and setting forth its purposes was included with the invitation letter. Four primary areas of concern have been established which are directly related to student achievement. These four areas are – ? School Suspensions/ Alternative to Suspensions ? Raising Test Scores ? Gathering Storm ? Parental Involvement These are universal areas of concern and this Board, as an advocacy board, can work with the schools to develop positive strategies to impact the outcome in these areas. Mr. Fellows stated that the program this evening should be viewed positively and as a means to find ways for everyone to work together. Each area of concern has been given to an education improvement team chaired by a Board member and anyone present this evening that would like to participate on one of these committees would be welcomed. Mr. Fellows stated that each team leader will give a five-minute presentation on their committee and ten minutes of roundtable discussion will follow. Ms. Farace will be writing down the salient thoughts of the participants as they are expressed tonight. At the conclusion of the four presentations, there will be fifteen minutes for general discussion. Mr. Fellows asked if anyone had any questions before the presentations began. School Suspensions- David Fellows Mr. Fellows said that over the past three years 25% of arrests in the City have been juveniles. In order to change outcomes, behavior needs to be changed. Last year Chief of Police Gage began a program at Congress Middle School to address the high number of suspensions. The program was headed by a police officer. A teacher was provided by the School Board and the youngsters were kept in school. This particular police officer is no longer with the City. Beginning in the second semester of this school year, an alternative to suspension program will be instituted at Congress Middle School 3 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 and Santaluces High School with the assistance of Mr. Alligood. Other schools may also be included in the program. Mr. Fellows stated that there are even suspensions in elementary schools. Hopefully, issues at this level can also be addressed. Mr. Fellows explained how the program would work. Students will be sent to an isolated location within the school for a minimum period of five days. A teacher will be present as well as a Master’s level counselor who will evaluate the students and their behavior.. Deleted: After six weeks, there will be a follow up period with counseling “There will be a period of six-week follow up counseling after the student has sessions been in the program”. Students will be allowed to participate three times. The intent of the program is to create a better learning environment in the classroom and at the same time remove the disruptive student from the classroom for five days. Mr. Fellows asked for comments from the participants. Mr. Norman Bleshman stated that there is a program in Palm Beach County established since 1987 called SECME, which is designed to keep students interested in school. Teachers and industry partners come into the school system and set up programs. Mr. Bleshman further stated that Atlantic High School has a wonderful program that keeps students interested in school and stated that funding is available for this program. Ms. Phyllis Kabinoff stated that the Christa McAuliffe School offers tutorial programs to assist students who are having problems. Mr. Jake Sello felt the alternative to suspension is an excellent idea, but for the program to be effective parental involvement is necessary. Mr. Sello would like to see a mandatory component of the program for parental involvement and that training for the parents in learning to help their children be available. Mr. Fellows stated that when the program was first started up, parental visits were included for every student in the program. That component was dropped because of the limited number of staff. Ms. Sherry Jones asked if a student is recommended for the program and the program is full, does that student have to wait. Mr. Fellows stated that this occurrence does not happen very often and the program should be able to accommodate all the students. Ms. Jones also stated she has disruptive children in her elementary school who upset the class and keep the other children from learning and there is a need for this program at the elementary level as well. 4 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 Ms. Ethelene Powell stated that the SAC at the Forest Park School developed an “alternative room” for disruptive students and has been staffed using Title 1 funds for a teacher and an assistant. Ms. Powell concurred that there is a big need for this program at the elementary school level and requested that her school be included in the program. Ms. Steve Sills said that the community needs to address the great number of students that appear to be disconnected from school and the school experience. Raising Test Scores – Margaret Newton Ms. Newton acknowledged that the major focus of the schools in Boynton Beach are reading, writing, mathematics and producing a safe and positive learning environment and this Board is present to enhance these areas. Ms. Newton stated that 95% of the students were tested this year for basic skills, as well as other State required testing. Ms. Newton noted that testing has a great value in determining where the children will be placed and how they fit in. Ms. Newton informed the participants that this Board would like to work with the schools in these areas and suggested ways to accomplish this goal. There could be achievement breakfasts and parents must be encouraged to participate. Also, Ms. Newton suggested that the atmosphere that the students are learning in could be further enhanced towards achievement. Also, Ms. Newton suggested that incentives for teachers should be encouraged. Ms. Newton suggested that the students could visit City Hall to see how the City works. Ms. Newton also stated there is a disparity of resources among the schools and that all elementary schools should have equal resources. Ms. Newton noted there are two Title 1 Schools in Boynton Beach. Also, this Board could assist the schools with mentoring and to help schools develop mentoring systems. The City of Boynton Beach is aware that student achievement is at the top of the County’s list and this Board wants to be involved in these goals. Mr. Bleshman stated that teachers should be able to determine if a child is doing well in school within the first nine weeks of school, especially in elementary grades. Mr. Bleshman stated that students at that time should receive mentoring so that the child can reach the next grade level. Every child should be prepared for the next grade and not promoted socially or for some other reason. Mr. Fellows said that this Board is an advocacy Board and can approach the City Commission for resources and assistance, as well as providing tutors for students. 5 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 Mr. Sello stated that offering incentives at any grade level would be beneficial with the children and said that a means should be in place for principals to access these services. Ms. Newton stated that the City used to offer student awareness days through the social studies department, but no one has approached the City recently regarding participation in the program. Also, Ms. Newton stated that Atlantic High School has requested financial aid for children to attend various events and at times the City Commission has granted some requests. Ms. Newton suggested that the principals could make requests to the Chair of this Committee. Ms. Newton stated that mentoring is now taking place at the Hester Center and Ms. Farace stated the Library is starting mentoring programs. Also, Ms. Newton suggested that there are civic groups in the City like the Chamber of Commerce that could assist. Ms. Farace as the City’s Liaison to the Education Advisory Board stressed that the City does not have funds set aside to assist schools, but can offer assistance in other ways. Ms. Mary Powers stated that Mr. Fellows is the first person she knew of from this Committee that contacted her school and requested the name and telephone numbers of the Board members. Mr. Fellows informed participants that the Education Advisory Board meets the first Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. in the Library and everyone is welcome to bring their issues to the Board. Also, Mr. Fellows said that one of the goals of this Board is that every SAC will have a member from this Board as an active participant. Ms. Decker complimented the City and its Library and the accessibility that the Library offers to the youngsters in the City. Mr. Hamilton stated that the alternative to suspension program would certainly be utilized at Santaluces due to its large student enrollment. Mr. Hamilton stressed that new ways must be discovered to keep students in school and that community involvement with various businesses should prove beneficial in improving student performance and keeping students in school. Mr. Fellows informed participants of the Visions 20/20 Program that emphasizes education in attracting businesses to the City and the quality of the education offered in the schools is important. Gathering Storm – Eddie Mitchell Mr. Mitchell stated that the report of the Gathering Storm revealed a great deal of inequities exist across the district in terms of minority students. After the Gathering Storm, another group formed called CARE that held hearings across the district in the 6 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 Afro-American Communities. This committee is in the process of preparing a report of the results that they obtained throughout the district, which will be presented to the School Board. It is intended that the School District will disseminate the information to the various principals. Mr. Mitchell stated that this Board was here to assist in making the corrections that exist in the schools and inquired if any schools present this evening were in the process of addressing the inequities. Mr. Mitchell stated as a result of the Gathering Storm a working relationship between the School Board and the minority groups is taking place. Congressman Alcee Hastings met with the School Board. The School Board acknowledged there are problems that need to be solved and will be working closely with Rep. Hastings’ office to make some of these improvements. Mr. Mitchell stated many minority students are lagging behind in terms of test scores and achievements and this is a big concern. Mr. Mitchell noted that it is not uncommon for teachers to allow African-American students to sleep in class. If a child is suspended from school they cannot learn and students must be kept in school in order to learn. Mr. Bleshman noted that there is a program in Congress Middle School called “Star Maker” which was initiated by Ms. Farace and the Boynton Beach Chamber of Commerce Education Committee. Mentors from Motorola have been coming into the school and have been very successful. Mr. Bleshman suggested that this program could be expanded. Mr. Bleshman noted that Black students performed much better when the mentor was Black. Ms. Janice Andrews stated that all the schools are going back and looking at their School Improvement Plans and the Gathering Storm to determine if some actions can be taken this year and not wait until next year’s plan. Ms. Andrews informed the participants of some of the programs that that school has initiated this year, such as increasing after school tutoring and providing transportation for students to allow them to remain after school. Also, the after care school program has been expanded. Ms. Jean-Ann Thurber stated that Atlantic High School has expanded its mentoring program for its African-American and Hispanic students, particularly the male students, in order for these students to have constant contact with a positive role model. Ms. Farace indicated that Mr. Hamilton is a member of the Citizens Concerned for our Children. Mr. Hamilton stated that with large class sizes it is difficult to accelerate a student. The program is designed to get people in the community involved in tutoring in a setting outside of school. 7 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 Also, Ms. Newton suggested contacting Pyramid Books that is located in this area. They may have names of persons who would be interested in coming out to the schools to help. Mr. Sims said that the sense of community schools no longer exists as it relates to minorities. Mr. Sims noted that some students travel 15 miles to get to school and even though there are tutorial programs for elementary schools, it does not cover transportation. These are the students in need of these services. Mr. Sims suggested that a satellite school could be used to serve the students who travel far to their assigned school. The possibility exists that these satellite schools could be partnered with the local churches. Ms. Lee informed participants that St. John’s Baptist Church has a tutorial program, which is offered at least four nights a week, and there is a wealth of human resources available. Ms. Lee stated that a great number of high achieving students are present who are there to offer help. Ms. Lee stated test scores are the most important item that must be dealt with now. Mr. Sims stated that the program that he is involved in deals with students who have been suspended from school. Mr. Sims felt that assigning a youngster to a church in the neighborhood would be a good idea to get that student the help they need and that parents would be more likely to agree to this alternative. Mr. Fellows pointed out that the Gathering Storm noted the disproportionate number of minority faculty in the schools. Mr. Fellows said that the Education Advisory Board has no Hispanic or Haitian representation. Mr. Fellows stated that members of the Board are appointed by the City Commission and that at every meeting minutes are taken and transcribed which are read by the City Commission. Ms. Powell said that they have a partnership with the Palm Beach County Literacy Coalition that provides volunteers after school. Ms. Powell stated that the Forest Park School serves students in Boynton Beach and Delray Beach and also provides transportation. Ms. Powell stressed male role models for her classrooms are desperately needed. Parental Involvement – Dawn Russell Temporary Chair Russell noted that in the community there are businesses and churches available to work with the students to serve as role models for the students. Temporary Chair Russell stated many students are from one-parent families and that parent usually is working two or three jobs and is not available. Methods must be 8 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 devised to get the parent more involved. Also it is important that the SAC Committees and School Improvement Committees have minority representation. If the parents are involved, the students will learn. Temporary Chair Russell concurred that the training parents will be given through the Alternative to Suspension Program is important. Also, Temporary Chair Russell suggested that parents could be offered counseling through the churches. Mr. Bleshman said that the businesses, as well as the City, should give time off to allow parents time to come to school and speak with the teachers. This policy should begin first with the City so those parents can come to the school. Ms. Andrews noted that students during the first 18 years of their life spend 80% of their time outside of the school setting. Mr. Sills questioned whether a “didn’t care” attitude exists merely because a parent didn’t come to open house and it is not always fair to make suppositions about people. Mr. Sills said that a reaching out needs to take place to bring these parents into school. Also, Mr. Sills felt there is a level of trust lacking between the schools and the parents. Mr. Sills stated he met with parents at the Hester Center, which he felt was a way to show parents the schools are willing to listen to their concerns by going to where the parents are. Mr. Sills said a large gap exists, which will require a great deal of work. Temporary Chair Russell felt that this is particularly true in the Haitian community and that parents don’t come to school unless there is something terribly wrong and that there is a certain amount of lack of trust. Ms. Decker stated by getting the youngsters more involved in extracurricular activities, it would draw the parent out who will come to see their child participate in these activities. Ms. Thurber informed participants that the Haitian-American churches and the ministers are very anxious to help and support the schools. Also they can provide translation when needed for school announcements. Mr. Fellows noted that portions of the Santaluces High School paper are now being printed in languages other than English. Ms. Jones stated that her school has recently purchased software that will automatically translate English to another language. Temporary Chair Russell indicated that this software is also available in Spanish. Ms. Jones also noted that Haitian parents tend to be very intimidated by the schools. 9 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 General Discussion Mr. Bleshman noted that there is a new high school going up in Quantum Park, and now there is another new high school in Boynton Beach, which was formerly South Tech and is now a technical high school. This will be the first career academy for home construction and there are 37 students enrolled. th Ms. Farace announced that on Monday, December 14 in the Library Program Room the architects would be presenting the plans for the new high school. Mr. Rasco also informed participants that South Tech next year will have an automotive program, as well as a nursing program. Students in the nursing program, who complete grades 9 through 12, will become Licensed Practical Nurses. Ms. Farace inquired if there were any areas that were not covered that could be addressed tonight. Ms. Powell stated she recently attended a workshop at Palm Beach Community College covering children ages birth to three years. Cities are being asked to re-examine their childcare programs for younger children since so much learning and development takes place before a child enters public schools. It should not be looked at as daycare, but childcare. Ms. Jones said there was a great deal of research and literature from the workshop that is available to anyone who would be interested. Mr. Sello asked Ms. Powell to address the Board regarding her school’s need for assistance from the Police Department. Ms. Powell informed participants that one of the greatest concerns at Forest Park School is the safety of the students. There are students who walk to school from all different directions and there are parents with automobiles who drive their students to school from all different directions. Ms. Powell said that repeated requests have been made to the Police Department to assist with the flow of the traffic pattern and there are no sidewalks on the streets leading up to the school. Children leaving school from the north must enter the traffic pattern three times and that two staff members were hit by automobiles being operated by parents. Ms. Powell stated they have received no support from the Police Department that have informed her that this is not an issue that the Police Department needs to address. Also, there are not enough crossing guards for students who have to cross both Woolbright and Seacrest. There is only one crossing guard on Seacrest. There are also students crossing Boynton Beach Boulevard and these are safety issues that the City needs to support. 10 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 Temporary Chair Russell said that these same traffic problems also were present at Manatee, but it does seem to be getting better. It was noted that the Sheriff’s Department is the Department that responds to the Manatee School and they have been to the school on numerous occasions and have been very helpful. Mr. Fellows inquired who employs the school guards and was informed it was the City’s responsibility. Also, Mr. Fellows inquired about the sidewalks to the Forest Park School th and was informed that 10 Avenue is about the only road that has something for students to walk on. The other streets have no sidewalks for the children to walk on. There is a sidewalk in front of the School. Ms. Newton indicated this should be an issue that this Board addresses. Ms. Farace indicated she was not aware that this existed and thought the problem had been resolved in prior years with Chief Gage. Ms. Jones said that Galaxy School has been very successful with Police Department cooperation and received good response whenever she has called for assistance. Ms. Jones stated that members of the Police Department participates in various programs with the children at the school and come to school to have lunch with the children and serve as role models. This program is called “COPS”, Children Observing Peer Successes. Ms. Heidi DeVries inquired if the School Improvement Plans are being formulated. Ms. Decker asked if Ms. DeVries was referring to this year or next year. Ms. Decker stated that many schools are in the process of working on f/y 2000 School Improvement Plans. Also, Ms. Decker noted that every school is re-examining their current Plans for further refinement. Ms. DeVries also noted that the Education Advisory Board was giving consideration to inviting all schools to give presentations on their School Improvement Plans and questioned if this would be an agreeable process to the participants. Ms. Decker stated that the City of Delray Beach invites representatives from the schools to give a ten-minute presentation and this has been very well received. Mr. Sello stated that a major obstacle to the presentations is getting parents to come out to listen to the School Improvement Plans. This needs to be publicized to attract the parents. Ms. Farace also noted that members of the community, as well as parents should attend. Ms. Decker stated that City Committee members, Chamber of Commerce members, School Board members, City political leaders and other interested parties commonly attend the presentation and that each year attendance increases. Temporary Chair Russell said this had been tried in the past, but was not very successful. 11 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 Ms. Decker suggested that if the Board would like to arrange for the presentation of School Improvement Plans, it should be done soon, since the Schools will be submitting their public hearing date. Ms. Decker suggested she work with Ms. Farace in formulating a date, place and time. The place for holding the presentation was discussed and either the Library or the Commission Chambers could be utilized for that purpose. It could probably take place in the latter part of April. Announcement Ms. Newton announced that the Black Community of Boynton Beach has a Community Forum that meets every month on the last Tuesday of the month and invited everyone to attend. Community concerns are discussed at the Forum. Ms. Newton indicated that the Police Department is always present to assist. The meetings are held at the Church of God on Seacrest Boulevard and the contact person is Sarah Williams. Temporary Chair Russell thanked everyone for their attendance and their participation. It was a consensus among the attendees that the meeting was productive. Many good ideas have come forth and everyone exhibited great camaraderie. Recess was called at 8:17 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:32 p.m. VI. PUBLIC AUDIENCE None VII. BOARD DISCUSSION/WRAP UP It was agreed that the following issues need to be addressed: ? The need for sidewalks and crossing guards must be brought to the attention of the City Commission and that automobiles have struck two staff members. Ms. Farace stated she would present these issues to Chief Gage. Mr. Brownstein indicated that Poinciana has the same problems and the police have not been very helpful. Mr. Brownstein stated that the Police Department indicated that this was a problem that should be dealt with by the School Department. 12 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 Ms. Farace stated that if this were a problem that needs to be dealt with by the Schools, she would contact Chief Jim Kelly. Ms. Lewis stated that the number one issue is the safety of the children. Mr. Fellows said that the City’s Neighborhood Summit Meeting will be held Monday night and that he will bring this issue up as part of the safety committee. ? That this Board prepare a letter to be sent to all businesses to encourage them to allow parents to come to school in order to participate in parent conferences or when specifically requested by the School (without loss of pay). Also, businesses should encourage their employees to volunteer at the schools for mentoring and providing role models. Also, the word should be sent out to all the retirees in the City asking them to volunteer a little of their time at the schools. Ms. Farace stated that the City’s Chamber of Commerce is very active with the business community and any requests should be made through the Chamber’s Business Education Committee. Ms. Farace noted that the cost of the postage alone to all businesses would be prohibitive. Ms. Farace suggested that a Board Member prepare an article that could be included in the Chamber’s newsletter that would be sent out to the Community. ? That once a year, usually in November, forums like tonight should take place. Discussion ensued on whether or not the Board wished to address the remainder of the agenda due to the time or whether the remaining items should be tabled until the next meeting. Motion Ms. Newton moved that the all remaining items on the agenda be tabled until the next meeting in January. Motion seconded by David Fellows and was unanimously carried. Mr. Fellows suggested inviting the School Area Superintendents to the next Advisory Board Meeting to determine if there are one or two schools that this Board can assist with developing programs. Mr. Brownstein suggested contacting the schools to determine what they are doing in terms of parent involvement. Discussion ensued on whether to invite the Area Superintendents to the next meeting or if the Board members should now become more actively involved with the goals of their individual committees. Temporary Chair Russell 13 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 3, 1998 indicated she would prepare an article for review by this Board for inclusion in the Chamber of Commerce newsletter. ITEMS VIII. THROUGH XIII. WERE TABLED. XIV. ADJOURNMENT Thursday, January 7, 1999 at The next regularly scheduled meeting will be 6:30 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting properly adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, ____________________________ Barbara M. Madden Recording Secretary (three tapes) 14