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Minutes 12-17-09 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2009, AT 7:00 P.M. COMMISSION CHAMBERS, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA Present: Stephen Waldman, Chair Sherri Claude, Board Liaison Jose De la Torre III Paulette Ford Carol Lundquist Hattie Miller Myra Jones, Alternate Robert Chiste, Student, Reg. Voting Member Absent: Mary Morera, Vice Chair Loretta Wilkinson I. Call to Order Chair Waldman called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. II.Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silent Reflection The board recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and observed a moment of silent reflection for the men and women in the Armed Forces. III. Approval of Minutes of September 24, 2009 Motion Ms. Lundquist moved to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. Chiste seconded the motion that unanimously passed. IV. Approval of Minutes of October 17, 2009 Motion Mr. Chiste moved to approve the minutes as presented. Mr. De la Torre seconded the motion that unanimously passed. V. Approval of Agenda Chair Waldman requested the addition of three items to New Business: YVPP (Youth Violence Prevention Program), Boynton Beach High School Culinary Program and Presidential Classrooms. 1 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 17, 2009 Motion Mr. Chiste moved to approve the agenda as amended. Ms. Lundquist seconded the motion that passed unanimously. VI. Announcements/Presentations/Correspondence Chair Waldman announced that Mr. Chiste received a scholarship to attend Florida State University. Thank you letters from Poinciana and Galaxy Elementary Schools, thanking the Board for recent donations, were circulated for review. Chair Waldman announced that a representative from the Boynton Beach Mental Health Initiative will likely attend a future meeting. Their goal is to educate the community about teen depression. VII. Public Audience None VIII. New Business A. Sister Cities Young Artists Showcase Jeanne Heavilin of Sister Cities asked the Board to again partner with them on the Young Artists Showcase. There were 144 entries last year, and this year they are adding a young authors component for high school students. Funding will be tight and they will eliminate some of the monetary awards. The paperwork will go to the schools after winter break, and the entry deadline is March 26. The reception will again be at the Boynton Beach Library. Motion Mr. De la Torre moved to co-sponsor this activity. Ms. Ford seconded the motion. Ms. Heavilin clarified that it is really a partnership because the Board is not being asked to donate funds, but rather assistance in the form of preparing the certificates and assisting with the mailing and reception. Vote The motion passed unanimously. 2 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 17, 2009 B. YVPP – Youth Violence Prevention Program Commissioner Jose Rodriguez , who is chair of the executive board, gave an update on the program. He explained there will be some changes due to the departure of Stacey Robinson who took another job. The program will shift from the Police Department to Recreation & Parks and will be run by Mary DeGraffenreidt at Sims Center. A vote to approve this will take place in January. There is approximately $300,000 funding for next year. Funding is on an annual basis and must be reapplied for each year. An upcoming project includes the kids restoring a 1950’s car which is being donated by a police officer; it may be kept in the Police Department for special events. He also noted that the mural at Sara Sims Park on the racquetball court was done by the kids in the program in conjunction with a local artist. Chair Waldman said he would like to see more publicity for this great program, and offered the Board’s assistance with whatever may be needed. C. Boynton Beach High School Culinary Arts Program Dennis Baumeyer is the chef and instructor for the culinary arts academy at Boynton Beach High School. He provided information on his background and about the program. There are currently 200 students enrolled with 150 on a waiting list. They supplement the $600 per semester funding that they receive by catering different events such as for the Sun Sentinel and PBC School District. They have been asked to work with the caterers at the tennis championship event in Delray Beach in February. He requested a donation from the Board to help with the purchase of chef jackets for the students to wear at these events to better represent the program and school. The cost would be approximately $900 to purchase jackets for 30 students. By consensus the Board decided to discuss and vote on this request at the January meeting. D. Presidential Classrooms Chair Waldman read a request from teacher Linda Friedman at Boynton Beach High School asking the Board for a $1,000 donation for the Presidential Classrooms program. Ms. Miller expressed concerns about giving to the same organizations each year. She felt that the Board has a different purpose than donating money. It was confirmed that there was approximately $4,000 in the account for contributions to schools and other organizations. Motion Ms. Ford moved to donate $500. Mr. De la Torre seconded the motion. There was discussion regarding donations to groups – who has benefitted and how much has been given. Ms. Ford noted that she wants to see the money directly benefit the students and their learning experiences. Ms. Miller requested information on the 3 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida December 17,2009 budget, what has been brought in and spent. Ms. Claude will provide the information at the next meeting. Ms. Lundquist expressed that all the groups to whom they have given money are important in their own way. Ms. Miller said that it seemed that the last two or three years a lot of groups have come to the Board looking for money. Vote The motion passed 5-2 with Ms. Jones and Ms. Miller dissenting. Chair Waldman stated that he offers an opportunity to those he speaks with at schools to request donations from the Board. Ms. Ford suggested alternating who they give to. Ms. Miller suggested budgeting a certain amount each year to be given. IX. Old Business A. Tennis Carnival Ms. Claude announced that the Tennis Carnival will be held on April 17, 2010, and is advertised in the Funfare! Magazine. She will also prepare a flyer. B. Youth Volunteer Bank Ms. Claude advised there were approximately 75 members. She clarified that hours are due by April 1 sl each year, although they can be submitted any time. She reminded the Board about the changes made to the program months ago whereby it was decided that rewards would be given three times per year rather than just a banquet at the end of the year. This item will be discussed further at the January meeting. C. Fundraising This will be discussed at the January meeting. X. Future Meeting Dates: January 28, 2010 (Senior Center) February 25, 2010 X. Adjournment The meeting properly adjourned at 8:45 p.m. ~~a~ '" Sherri Claude Assistant to the Recreation & Parks Director 12-23-09 4