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Minutes 01-28-10 MINUTES OF THE EDUCATION AND YOUTH ADVISORY BOARD MEETING HELD ON JANUARY 28, 2010, AT 7:00 P.M. AT THE SENIOR CENTER, BOYNTON BEACH, FLORIDA PRESENT: Steve Waldman, Chair Sherri Claude, Board Liaison Mary Morera, Vice Chair Myra Jones Carol Lundquist Hattie Miller Lori Wilkinson Robert Chiste, Student – Regular voting member Jose De La Torre, III, Alternate Tiffany North, Alternate ABSENT" Paulette Ford I. Call to Order Chair Waldman called the meeting to order at 6:55 p.m. II. Pledge of Allegiance/Moment of Silent Reflection The members recited the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, followed by a moment of silent reflection for our men and women in the Armed Forces. Self-introductions were made. It was established that Mr. De La Torre would vote, as Ms. Ford was not present and if Vice Chair Morera had to leave, Ms. North would vote in her place. III. Approval of Minutes of December 17, 2009 Motion Vice Chair Morera moved to approve the minutes. Ms. Lundquist seconded the motion that passed unanimously. (Ms. Miller arrived at 6:59 p.m.) IV. Approval of Agenda Chair Waldman requested an addition to VII. New Business entitled "Miscellaneous." 1 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 28, 2010 Additionally, it was requested a donation request form received from Boynton Beach Sister Cities would be addressed under VIII. Old Business, Item B "Sister Cities Young Artists Showcase." Motion Vice Chair Morera moved to approve the agenda. Mr. Chiste seconded the motion that passed unanimously. V. Announcements I Presentations I Correspondence Ms. Claude noted a letter was received from the Sicrr~ SEAR Foundation thanking the Board for its support and generous donation of $500. Ms. Claude announced that Chair Waldman had attended Poinciana Elementary School's Scientist of the Month/Mathematician of the Month breakfast sponsored by the Board with a donation of $300. Chair Waldman had spoken to Ms. Gibson of Poinciana's Odyssey of the Mind and First Lego League programs. She advised that the students had entered the Lego contest. While they did not win the overall award, they did win the "Gracious Professionalism" award for exuberance and had entered the State competition with 50 other schools. Adrienne Bledsoe, a teacher at Poinciana Elementary School, commented the Lego program was usually aimed at students in middle and high school. Thus, for an elementary school to place at all was commendable. VI. Public Audience Lorraine Michaelis, of the Boynton Beach Mental Health Initiative (BBMHI), requested feedback from the Board on the material provided, as well as resources and support to further the mission of the BBMHI. The BBMHI was a recently-created community grass- roots effort comprised of mental health professionals and community advocates. Their focus was on increasing education and awareness of the mental and emotional needs of the greater Boynton Beach community and helping to combat the stigma and fear of discrimination. The BBMHI provided needs and resources for youth and families working in the Boynton Beach communities and promoted dialogue in the community, schools, workplace and home regarding mental health. Commissioner Ross became involved with the BBMHI, and a proclamation had been issued by Mayor Taylor declaring May 2009 as Mental Health Month. 2 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 28, 2010 The following contacts, which were out of the City limits but in the greater Boynton Beach area, were suggested: ?Jeff Industries Charter School and Amigos on Hypoluxo and Federal, which serviced high-school age individuals and young adults. The school-age students attended EdVenture Charter School which serviced students with mental health issues. The students could remain at EdVenture until age 18 or possibly 22. Individuals able to enter the vocational rehabilitation sector and find employment transitioned from EdVenture to Jeff Industries. Jeff Industries then attempted to find employment in the community for these individuals. The client-run "Amigos" was a place where the individuals spent time in a relaxed atmosphere while learning how to travel by Palm Tran, stay at a job, and dress for an interview. ?Ron Washam, President of the Lantana Chamber of Commerce, who was also with Jeff Industries. ?The Center for Information and Crisis in Lantana, which provided presentations at various high schools relating to suicide, depression, problem solving and decision making. They also manned suicide and teen hot lines. ?The 211 collaborative organizations and the Family Almanac of Palm Beach County. Ms. Michaelis noted the Boynton Beach Mental Health Initiative (BBMHI) served families but mainly children at this time, since it was a relatively new agency. The BBMHI was not a referring agency but rather an informational agency. Ms. Michaelis, whose late son suffered from mental illness, was introduced to Gerda Klein, whose son committed suicide. After meeting, they wished to do something for the mentally ill and BBMHI was started. It was suggested that a center for families was needed in Boynton Beach so that residents did not have to travel to Lake Worth, Delray or Lantana for help. An informational pamphlet was distributed for the Board's review. The members provided contact information, as did Ms. Michaelis. VII. New Business A. Donation Request from Poinciana Elementary School Ms. Bledsoe advised she taught fifth grade in the morning, third grade in the afternoon and math, science and writing at Poinciana Elementary School. She commented that "Mr. Ira," a Volunteer Coordinator had established the Stamp Club for the School. Ten 3 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 28, 2010 students participated in a "lunch bunch" and learned about the history and geography of stamps while eating lunch. Mr. Ira sought assistance in helping the students purchase albums for the stamps. The students were currently inserting the stamps in sleeves that were not secure, and many times the stamps were lost. The cost for an album with secure sleeves was $50, and the albums could be kept over time. Ms. Bledsoe could not estimate how many stamps would fit on a page, as the stamps were different sizes and from many countries. Ms. Bledsoe noted Mr. Ira was asking for $500 to support the program. (Chair Waldman passed the gavel to Vice Chair Morera and left the dais at 7:09 p.m.). It was suggested more creative ways be devised by the students to secure the stamps. Additionally, photograph albums could be purchased for $12 to $15 at CVS, Walgreens, Target and WalMart's. (Chair Waldman returned to the dais at 7:15 p.m. and assumed the position of Chair.) Ms. Beldsoe pointed out the amount requested was for the entire program which included second, third, fourth and fifth-graders, or 70 students. Vice Chair Morera suggested donating some funds toward the program. She did not believe it would be feasible to purchase $500 worth of albums each year for 10 students. She commented the Board had been approached by many organizations and they would have to determine how much the Board could afford and how the requests would be handled going forward. Motion Vice Chair Morera moved to give $100 to the stamp collection program. Ms. Miller seconded the motion. Discussion ensued and the following questions or comments were offered: ?Was an alternate plan for the books, or another type of source available that could be donated to the 10 participating students? ?The $100 could be donated with the comment that the best use of the funds be made. ?The form did not specify whether the funding would go towards the 10 children or for Mr. Ira's overall program. 4 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 28, 2010 ?Remain with the $100 donation, with the proviso that the Board would consider donating more monies in the future if more feedback were provided. ?The request was not clear and it was not known whether 60 or 80 children would be accommodated. Vote The motion passed unanimously. It was suggested the Board ensure the requesters fully answered the questions on the form. It was also suggested the form be reviewed and possibly revamped. This would be discussed at the next meeting. VIII. Old Business A. Donation to Culinary Arts Program at Boynton Beach Community High School Chair Waldman noted the head of the Culinary Department had a previous engagement and could not attend. He requested the Board donate $900-$1,000 for uniforms. There were 200 students in the program, with 150 students on a waiting list. In order to determine the Board's income and ability to donate, it was agreed that a budget should be developed at the next meeting. In fiscal year 2008-2009, the Board donated $1,200 for Presidential Classrooms, $50 for the Theater Department, $200 for a student that had a medical issue, and another $600 to the Theater Department. In addition, the Board took action recently to donate another $500 to Presidential Classrooms. (Vice Chair Morera left the meeting at 7:55 p.m.) Ms. North assumed Ms. Morera's seat. It was noted 30 jackets were requested, and the Board would not be funding all 200 students. The uniforms would remain with the Department and it was believed the program would still be functioning next year. While reading, writing or math was not required, it was believed the program was a magnet curriculum created to draw students to the School, and not an elective class. Board discussion included the following: ?Rather than donating $900, the Board could donate five jackets at a cost of $150. 5 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 28, 2010 . The School should hold a banquet and raise the funds. . The students were earning funds by catering and could probably do more catering if they "looked the part." . The Board could consider contributing on a smaller scale. . Black slacks and a white shirt would make a nice catering outfit if all the students were wearing the same clothes. (Ms. Wilkinson arrived at 7:36 p.m.) Motion Ms. Wilkinson moved that the Board deny the request for the jackets for Boynton Beach High School for this year, with the understanding that the Board will revisit it at the beginning of the school year next year. Mr. Chiste seconded the motion that passed unanimously. B. Sister Cities Young Artists Showcase Jeanne Heavilin, 734 NE 9th Avenue, provided an overview of the Greater Boynton Beach Sister Cities Committee, the goal of which was to promote cooperation and understanding between cultures. The Board had partnered with Sister Cities for several years on the Young Artists Showcase, a program of Sister Cities International. The goal of the program was to encourage youth to express their views of the world through art, and this year's program was expanded to include young authors. Packets had been sent to six schools and the deadline for entries would be the end of March. The art exhibit would again be held at the Library and Ms. Heavilin had been working with the Arts Commission regarding how to display the artwork. Ms. Heavilin requested the Board donate $1,000 but would appreciate whatever the Board could offer. In the past the Board had provided refreshments for the reception. Additionally, a number of companies had each contributed between $100 and $250, but that funding was no longer available. Up until two years ago, the City of Boynton Beach provided financial assistance for the program and for annual membership dues of $800. Discretionary monies had been used, but were no longer available. The Sister Cities Committee maintained approximately $2,000 in its treasury and anticipated receiving another $700-$1,000 from the sale of poinsettias. A fundraiser was planned, but it would not help this year's program. Approximately 30 letters had been sent to people who had donated in the past, asking for only $100. However, no responses had 6 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 28, 2010 been received. All schools in the greater Boynton Beach could participate, and 144 students participated in the program last year. Ms. Heavilin related success stories resulting from the program. The Sister Cities Committee provided students with cash prizes, and $250 was given to the Art Department of the high school attended by the winning student. Other expenses for the program included costs to display the artwork. South Tech Academy staff might be able to assist with the installation of the exhibit, if there were no liability issues. Fire hazards would have to be checked. Suggestions were offered with regard to the display which included the use off folding boards and possibly assistance from the City's Art Center. Motion Vice Chair Morera moved for the Board to give $250 now, which coincided with the 20%-25% feasible amount. Mr. Chiste seconded the motion. Chair Waldman suggested the Board help with manpower. He would also communicate with contacts in the art community who might be able to assist. Ms. Wilkinson noted she would probably be able to donate water. th Ms. Heavilin noted the reception would be held on April 15. Vote The motion passed unanimously. C. Tennis Carnival The Tennis Carnival sponsored by the Hunters Run community would be held April 17, 2010. Ten youngsters had registered to date. Space was limited to 30 youngsters, 6 to 17 years of age. Chair Waldman encouraged the Board to get the word out by speaking to youngsters at churches, schools and youth groups. The event was also featured in FunFare magazine. In the past, tennis rackets and balls had been provided to the attendees by Hunters Run, and prizes and trophies had been awarded. D. Youth Volunteer Bank Approximately 80 students had registered to date. In addition to discussing the Board's budget at the next meeting, the banquet would also be discussed. The Board had previously discussed incremental rewards and promoting the event in the schools. 7 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 28, 2010 E. Fundraising The Borovy Award information had been sent to all the schools. Applications were available only on the City's website. F. Miscellaneous Ms. Wilkinson and Chair Waldman currently served on a steering committee for the Greater Boynton Beach Foundation, Inc. for the advancement of recreation, education, and culture. The purpose of the group was to establish a long-term foundation that would help to raise funds for projects within the greater Boynton Beach area that were related to recreation, education and culture. The City had been developing a barrier- free park project that had been ongoing for approximately five years. The park could not be completed since funding was not available. The park was intended to serve people of all ages, abilities and disabilities, and it was the Foundation's desire to be able to provide funding for the completion of the park. The Foundation wanted to incorporate and have strong members serving on its original Board that would be capable of linking the board with people who could provide endowments for the development of the park, as well as to support the Children's Museum and arts in the high schools. A good deal of progress had been made since the committee began meeting in August. While a dollar amount was not required of anyone wishing to serve on the Foundation's Board, people interested in recreation, education and culture in the greater Boynton Beach area were sought. The Foundation's new board would be unrelated to the City, completely apolitical and self-sustaining, similar in nature to the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin County. The above information was provided to the Education and Youth Advisory Board for informational purposes. Chair Waldman noted the Palm Beach League of Cities was creating a Youth Delegate Program for Palm Beach County. Youngsters aged 13 to 18 or 19 were sought to serve on a committee to discuss and make recommendations on issues involving the County's youth. Recommendations would be made within the individual municipalities to host special events and to allow youth representatives to travel to recognized state and national conferences to learn and to network. The program was the brainchild of Commissioner Isaac "Ike" Robinson of West Palm Beach, the incoming president of the Palm Beach League of Cities. Chair Waldman provided the Board with a draft relating to this matter in order for the Board to be aware of the program. He would keep the Board apprised of any progress made. 8 Meeting Minutes Education and Youth Advisory Board Boynton Beach, Florida January 28, 2010 Chair Waldman advised that the Principal at Galaxy Elementary School had given thought to taking students reaching the highest level of FCAT to Disney World. Chair Waldman was not asking the Board for a contribution at this point, but just wanted to make the Board aware of the Principal's idea. It was noted a program had been developed this year by the people at Disney World whereby volunteers with eight hours of service in an approved organization would be given a free ticket into Disney World. The volunteer organization would have to be registered. It was suggested the Board look into partnering with a group on the list. IX. Future Meeting Dates A. February 25, 2010 B. March 25, 2010 X. Adjournment There being no further business to discuss, the meeting properly adjourned at 8:45 p.m. ~~-- Stephanie D. Kahn Recording Secretary 022310 9