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Minutes 12-05-96 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD IN COMMISSION CHAMBERS, CITY HALL, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA, ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1996, AT 6:30 P.M. PRESENT Nellie Denahan, Chairwoman Anne Centi, Vice Chairwoman Ronald Ehster Muslima Lewis Margaret Newton Falechia Price, Student ABSENT Dawn Russell David Weinstein I. CALL TO ORDER Chairwoman Denahan called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m. She welcomed Commissioner Matt Bradley and Janet DeVries, member of the Library Board. Chairwoman Denahan led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. II. ROLL CALL The Recording Secretary called the roll. III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 14, 1996 Vice Chairwoman Centi moved to approve the November 14, 1996 meeting minutes. Mr. Ehster seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Chairwoman Denahan welcomed Billie Smith, a parent from Poinciana School. IV. PUBLIC AUDIENCE: Commissioner Bradley requested an opportunity to address the board briefly with regard to a notice from the Planning and Real Estate Office of the School District. They are prioritizing criteria for facility needs, summarizing a seven-year plan with, and without sales tax receipts, and they are including a detailed capital improvement plan. They are requesting responses and recommendations from all citizens relative to this list. Commissioner Bradley requested that the board send a letter addressing some of our concerns. He will provide some items he feels should be included in the letter. One of the two specific areas of concern involve the high school. It is of the utmost importance that 1 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 5, 1996 the high school be placed in the capital facilities budget immediately. He is encouraged that the high school shows up in the capital improvement plan prior to the West Boynton high school. They show III (Quantum Park high school) slatted for construction in 1998. This plan counts on passage of the one cent sales tax. We feel that construction should take place before 1998. Muslima Lewis arrived for the meeting at 6:38 p.m. Recently, environmental concerns arose about property a middle school in West Boca was slatted to be built on. That school is now on hold while they attempt to find another site. That leaves $11 million on hold. In addition, there is $19 million of kick-back in the PECO funds. That provides enough money to build the high school. We currently have three School Board votes supporting the building of this high school now. However, we need one more vote. The reason for the hold out was discussed by Jody Gleason. She explained that no additional new schools will be built until the one cent tax is passed. They are using that as a hammer to get the sales tax passed. The second item of concern is Congress Middle School. The budget includes a $5 million expenditure for improvements; however, those are standard upgrades slatted for 2001. This school needs a math/science program which includes curriculum and technology upgrades. This is very important because there are graduates from Poinciana School that have no middle school to go to. Commissioner Bradley urged the board to discuss this situation. The School Board will be meeting on December 18; therefore, they would need to receive a letter by December 15. The Math/Science Technology Committee is meeting on Friday, and those members are hoping Art Johnson, the new Area Director, will attend and provide support. Mr. Ehster asked whether there is enough support to get the one cent sales tax on the ballot in March. Commissioner Bradley is of the opinion that it is too late to gather the support necessary. It probably will be on the ballot in May or November. The details of the plan are close to completion. The Superintendent feels it will take one year to 16 months to gather enough support for this item. There is a very strong anti-tax sentiment. Vice Chairwoman Centi questioned whether the east and west are still divided on who should get the high school first. Commissioner Bradley does not believes there is the divisiveness that existed in the past. The plan outlines the fact that the eastern school will be built first. Unless there is some last-minute effort, he does not think that situation will change. He has met with Dagmar Brahs and Gene Sokoloff and they have asked how they could assist us. We were concerned that if they spoke publicly about this issue, they would stir up the people out west and raise the issue of divisiveness again. We told them 2 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 5, 1996 we would seek their assistance when the time was right. Ms. Newton questioned whether the Math/Science Technology Committee is only for Congress Middle School. Commissioner Bradley responded negatively and explained that it is for Poinciana, Congress Middle and the high school. This Committee deals with the entire feeder school concept. Ms. Newton questioned whether Boynton has a plan to lobby its citizens with regard to the one-cent sales tax. Commissioner Bradley explained that there is no plan in place, but this is part of what the Superintendent wants us to do. Ms. Newton feels it is important to get the word out about the tax. Commissioner Bradley is fearful that this tax may not pass either in May or November because of the anti-tax sentiment. Commissioner Bradley advised that the Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a day-long retreat to promote and formulate a model for business/education partnerships. Generally, when schools or business talk about partnerships, it involves schools holding out their hands and businesses reaching in their pockets. What the Chamber is trying to do is look at the benefits from both sides. Schools have a lot to give to the community and businesses have a benefit by giving to the schools. Commissioner Bradley will report back on what transpires at this retreat. In response to Chairwoman Denahan's question, Commissioner Bradley said he will speak at the School Board meeting on December 18 if this item is on the agenda. He is writing a letter, and the Chamber is writing a letter expressing concerns. He urged the board to address this issue. V. OLD BUSINESS A. Committee Reports Chairwoman Denahan thanked the members for attending the SAC meetings and providing timely reports. Santaluces High School - Falechia Price 1. During the SAC meeting, the duties of officers was reviewed. The committee also reviewed a plan which assists the student in working out discipline problems at home as well as in school. The objective was to reduce the number of out of school suspensions by offering an alternative to parents. Atlantic Community High School - Ronald Ehster 2. 3 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 5, 1996 Mr. Ehster did not attend the last meeting; therefore, no report was available. Christa McAuliffe Middle School - Margaret Newton 3. Ms. Newton advised that information about the one-cent sales tax was distributed. Parents asked many questions about why this increase in tax was needed and whether it should be supported. Ms. Newton publicly thanked the Macaroni Grille for their support. They are a very strong supporter of the school's Children's Excellence in Education program by donating certificates for meals for children who attain a certain grade point average. She is extremely pleased with the support they have provided. Vice Chairwoman Centi recommended that the board send them a thank you acknowledgement. Forest Park Elementary School - Nellie Denahan 3. The meeting was cancelled and rescheduled for Wednesday, December 11, at 2:30 p.m. Chairwoman Denahan advised that a teacher is the chairperson of the committee, and a teacher is the secretary of the committee. The principal asked Chairwoman Denahan to chair this committee again, but she felt it would be better for the chairperson of the committee to be someone who is on campus. Galaxy Elementary School - Ronald Ehster 4. Chairwoman Denahan advised that Mr. Ehster will be the liaison for this school. The meeting is scheduled for next week. Rolling Green Elementary School - Nellie Denahan 4. There was lengthy discussion related to mobility. Palm Beach County shows approximately 30% mobility in the schools. In response to some of the questions from the November meeting, there was a suggestion to look at mobility in another light. It was suggested that if children Grades 1-12 have attended six or more schools, they are 77% more likely to be involved in fights and to fail a grade. These children are considered at- risk. There are students at Rolling Green who are present at the beginning of the year, missing in the middle of the year, and then back in class at the end of the year. When they look at the critical list, it is important to realize that there are so many factors involved that testing alone is not accurate. Poinciana Elementary School - Nellie Denahan 5. 4 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 5, 1996 The topic of discussion was uniforms. A subcommittee was set up to discuss organizing parent concerns and decide if there is a need to pursue this issue. They will put together a survey. With regard to the School Improvement Plan, they wrote verbiage to be included in the indicators which will include volunteers because of the tremendous response for volunteers. The Open House was a complete success with a 90% turn out. There were waiting lines to get into the Planetarium. Manatee Elementary School - Anne Centi 6. No report was available. Resolution for Lottery Accountability Bill B. Under advisement by the City Attorney, only one resolution was prepared rather than three separate resolutions. He explained that if the Commission does not approve any portion of the resolution, they will remove the objectionable sections. Everyone was provided with a copy of the resolution for review. Vice Chairwoman Centi recommended that the board members bring this Resolution to the SAC meetings since they requested that a Resolution be prepared requesting a return to pre-lottery funding. She pointed out that the people feel misled by the promises that were made when the lottery was initiated. That will hurt the passage of the one-cent sales tax because the people will remember what happened with the lottery funds. Discussion ensued about the fact that the Lottery Accountability Act requires that information be available and easily understandable. We have very little information from the School Board. Motion Mr. Ehster moved to encourage the Commission to quickly sign the Resolution that is in front of the board this evening. Vice Chairwoman Centi seconded the motion which carried unanimously. Chairwoman Denahan asked the members if they would want to attend the City Commission meeting on December 17 to present the Resolution. A decision was made to present the Resolution to the Commission prior to that meeting in order to allow them an opportunity to review it before having to sign it. Chairwoman Denahan advised that she was hoping to have a group discussion in January 5 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 5, 1996 of this issue with members of different municipalities. Perhaps this can be arranged in January or February. Ordinance Language C. Chairwoman Denahan explained that she was concerned about the Ordinance language because when a high school student graduates, that student should not have to submit a letter of resignation before another student can be appointed. At the present time, the board has a vacancy for a student position because he was not automatically retired upon graduation. The City Attorney has clarified that the language of the Ordinance is interpreted to mean that automatically, upon graduation, the student is retired from the board and the position is open at that point. With regard to the board's desire to have residents who reside outside the City limits (students in Boynton Beach school) has been brought to the attention to the City Manager who is working with the City Attorney. Multi-Cultural Festival D. Vice Chairwoman Centi pointed out that the Community Relations Board worked long and hard to put together this festival. The entertainment was excellent and quite educational. Several ethnic groups were represented. There was a group of Native Americans from the Heritage Foundation that provided the history of Native Americans. Next year, the location will be changed. Chairwoman Denahan feels the Education Advisory Board members can act as a liaison to the SACs to pass on information from the Community Relations Board. VI. NEW BUSINESS Discussion on ideas to improve agendas to Education Advisory Board A. meetings - Community Involvement Chairwoman Denahan spoke with Mayor Taylor who provided a few ideas. The utility bills will be going out in envelopes soon. This is a vehicle for the members to use a stuffer announcing the board meetings. In addition, Mayor Taylor suggested that Ms. Bailey be asked to do an article for inclusion in Funfare Magazine which might serve to recruit additional volunteers to attend SAC meetings. Janet DeVries suggested asking a school to submit posters to be hung in the City Hall 6 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 5, 1996 Lobby which would be visible by the public and serve as notice of an upcoming board meeting. She also suggested having an education rally which would be a fun event. This is a way to promote information including the one-cent sales tax information. Ms. DeVries is very happy with what the board has been doing. Until a year ago, she did not know what a SAC committee was. She is now a member of the Forest Park Elementary School SAC and realizes that most parents know nothing about SACs. She feels the media is a good vehicle for bringing forward information. Ms. DeVries advised that as a member of the Library Board, she has an interest in education. The Library has a The Great Children's Book Exchange that promotes literacy with children and adults. She is looking for an outlet to donate used books. She urged members to offer input regarding schools that might need these books. The Library Board will soon be implementing a Read/Write Program which is a tutoring program conducted by volunteers. Elementary and middle school students will be offered tutoring at the Library. Chairwoman Denahan advised that Rolling Green Elementary School is one of the schools on Mr. Brogan's critical list. It is highly mobile, and many of the children do not see a newspaper or a book in their homes. There are 904 children enrolled in this school and they are in need of books. Ms. Lewis suggested that the poster program be expanded to include displaying them in the schools one week prior to the board's meeting. She pointed out that Forest Park Elementary prepares a calendar. Chairwoman Denahan will work with the school to see if she can get the board's meeting date listed on the school's calendar each month. Ms. DeVries advised that if the information is FAXED to the school each month, it is a good possibility that it will be included. VII. CORRESPONDENCE AND ANNOUNCEMENTS Chairwoman Denahan requested assistance from the members in putting together the letter to the School Board. Ms. Lewis and Mr. Ehster agreed to provide some ideas to Chairwoman Denahan. Chairwoman Denahan appreciated the fact that Commission Bradley took time to come forward with this suggestion for the high school. At this point, she feels the high school is at a standstill and does not want to see it become a dead issue. 7 MEETING MINUTES EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA DECEMBER 5, 1996 Chairwoman Denahan reminded the members that Representative Andrews addressed the board in September. He has also made a donation to the board in terms of a book for each member. The book is titled, "Keepers of the Dream". Each member was issued a copy of the book. The copy with remain with that member during his/her service, but is to be returned to the chairperson of the board upon retirement or resignation of the member. Chairwoman Denahan advised that some concerned parents contacted her when they received a flier from the school. She invited Chris Nick to attend the meeting to speak to the board about his concerns. Chairwoman Denahan held up an article which she was able to secure from the Sun-Sentinel which deals with AIDS. He was unable to attend this meeting because his father is very ill. Perhaps he will be able to attend next month's meeting. Vice Chairwoman Centi questioned whether Representative Andrews will remain as the chair of the Education Board for the Governor. Chairwoman Denahan advised that she sent a letter to Daniel Webster, Speaker of the House, requesting a list of the names and addresses of the committee members. Vice Chairwoman Centi feels this board should have an opportunity to meet with Dorothy Montgomery. Ms. Newton is concerned about the new bike helmet law. She feels the board should write an article to be placed in "Funfare" advising people of this new law. In addition, there is a very good seven-minute video available which educates people about the law. With the board's permission, she would like to show the video at the board meeting in January. Chairwoman Denahan will contact the presenters of the video to invite them to the meeting. This will encourage community involvement in the board meeting if it is advertised at the schools. Ms. Newton also requested input from the members regarding promoting Holocaust education and African American history. Chairwoman Denahan advised that this might be a curriculum issue, and this is exactly the issue that is raised by Chris Nick in the Sun- Sentinel article. She suggested that Ms. Newton read the article and then contact her about pursuing this issue. VIII. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the board, the meeting properly adjourned at 7:34 p.m. Janet M. Prainito Recording Secretary (Two Tapes) 8