Call to Order
Jenny Taylor called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Members Present:
Diana Armstrong, Carrie Basher, Lisa Bruce, Andrea Conley, Jerry Davis, Kristy Ewell, Melinda Gallo, Pedro Gonzales, Diane Kirchner-Scott, Anita Kulper, Wendy McClure, Ruth Milner, Danielle Osting, Kari Pendray, Jeanna Rard, Christine Serica and Jenny Taylor
Members Absent
: Wes Bailey, Heather Brown, Mixie Deeter, Sue Krause, Dr. Kristine McDuffy, Kimberly Meno, Mike Ray, Tanyia Stehl and Voni Walker.
Approval of Minutes
: Jerry Davis moved to approve the April 9, 2012 minutes. Danielle Osting seconded the motion, and the minutes were unanimously approved by voice vote.
Conversation with Our Board Members:
Board members Dr. Jeff Huleatt and Mr. Bob McClure attended the meeting to have a conversation with ACE members. Mr. McClure expressed the important role of ACE to be a bigger sounding board and interface with the community. ACE is representative of a broader cross section of the community. Dr. Huleatt said ACE provides a good connection to the community and is a consistent group who can lay the groundwork for the issues the Board follows up on. Input from a variety of sources is really important. Providing feedback to the Board is an important role as well.
Questions:
How do you hear about what is being discussed in ACE meetings?
The Board receives minutes, agendas and in-person reports that help the Board know what is going on in the district. ACE is able to have open discussions whereas Board meetings are structured and specific to the agenda. ACE can be used by Board members as a sounding board.
Are there ways for ACE members to get out to the community through booths at fairs, etc.?
Dr. Huleatt suggested having one or more ACE members write the monthly column for the Times/Globe about ACE. He also said Kris brings students to Rotary Club and reads what staff has written about the students. Mr. McClure mentioned the importance to market the district to prospective families. Enrollment is declining so marketing the district is becoming more important.
If a person has access to information on family engagement how does that person present these opportunities to the district?
There was discussion about why people leave or come to the community causing enrollment changes. Kari Pendray spoke about changing the culture of a community.
What are the biggest challenges facing the district?
Declining enrollment: Enrollment causes difficulty with the revenue since the formula is based on student FTE. The district can create the right environment and support for students, but there is a challenge in reaching students who aren't interested in learning. Helping students understand that when they graduate, they have become adults and are responsible citizens. We need to encourage them to become life-long learners. There was discussion about creating a culture in the district and our community where students are encouraged to learn. Providing support for families and establishing early childhood education are ways to create this culture. Keeping parents connected through the P-12 experience is important. Dr. Huleatt brought up lunch buddies and parents on campus as important ways for our community to support students.
Suggestions for creating a culture of family involvement included a campaign to promote families eating dinner together or offering school-based dinner programs during the year for families. Trying to motivate families to come out to school events is challenging. Mr. McClure shared that creating relevance in student coursework is vital. Showing students the different career paths and exciting career opportunities helps them think of the possibilities for jobs. Actively engaging students helps them to be more focused. Additional discussion about engaging boys took place.
Kari Pendray spoke about community mobilization programs, including back-to-school events, read-in for the community and making education/schools available to the community.
What is the goal of the Board for the district?
One underlying goal is to get students through the 12th grade with a meaningful education. We are doing a good job of helping students get through high school, but they don't always understand what is needed for college and career tracks. It is important to provide opportunities for students and their families to learn more about colleges. There was discussion about the High School and Beyond Plan to help students navigate their way through high school and beyond.
Dr. Huleatt sees creating a positive culture in the schools as a goal so there is an atmosphere of respect.
Curriculum Coordinating Committee
Diane reviewed the Board policy and procedure regarding curriculum adoption. She showed the flow chart indicating the way curriculum/courses are proposed and progress to Board adoption. She passed around the proposal packets staff complete for CCC and the Board. Review of the recent CCC agenda revealed new courses proposed. When we approve a high school course, it can be offered at either campus.
District Updates
The principal position for Eagle Creek was filled by Kari Henderson-Burke and Diane reviewed her work experience. Voni Walker is leaving AHS to take the principal position at Post Middle. Dave McKellar will become the principal at Presidents Elementary. Terri Bookey and Denise Putnam will share coordinator for Special Programs, including the early learning initiatives. Terri will cover grades Preschool-6th and Denise will handle 7th-12th. The position of Assistant Principal at AHS is being posted.
There being no further business, Lisa Bruce moved to adjourn. Carrie Basher seconded the motion, which passed unanimously and the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by,
Andrea Conley
Next Meeting: September
