Site Council Minutes, October 5, 2009
Palo Alto High School Site Council
Monday, October 5, 2009
ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER
Cherie Sopkin called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M. in the ERC. Everyone introduced him/herself. Members present were, Ning Xu, Cherie Sopkin, Faith Brigel, Kathie Laurence, Kathy Himmelberger, Kevin Sharp, Margo Wixsom, Kelli Hagan, Jenny Stone, Gail Roby-Frazier, Nabeel Sami, Ashley Swendseid, Jared Swezey-Gleason, Josh Madej, Cathy Fitzgerald (PTSA), Principal Jacquie McEvoy and Coordinator Edie Miller. Not present were Lorraine Brown and Emily Kenyon.
ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The minutes of Sept. 14, 2009 were approved.
ITEM 3 - OPEN FORUM
There were no open forum issues.
ITEM 4 - - ELECTION
Edie announced the slate, thus far, as:
Co presidents: Lorraine Brown and Kelli Hagen (first semester) and Margo Wixsom (second semester)
Secretary; Cherie Sopkin
Student; Emily KenyonThere were no additional nominations. It was moved and seconded that the slate as presented by accepted. Vote was unanimous.
ITEM 5 - CAMP EVERYTOWN
Jacquie gave a quick update. Paly students will attend Camp in the spring. Teachers Ms. Launer and Ms.Burton will soon be asking for student volunteers. The organization that runs the Camp is also available to do follow up activities with clubs on campus. Margo said she had been four times and found it extremely valuable. Jared said his sister said the same thing. Margo suggested that there is a need for parents and community members to attend. Site Council will have future reports on this.
ITEM 6 - SITE COUNCIL BUDGET
Jacquie handed out a listing of all the funds that Paly receives. Site Council has received about $48000 from the state via the district for this year. We then reviewed the funds already committed for 2009-2010x. Jacquie said the Principals are meeting on Oct. 6 to decide how to make necessary budget reductions. In an annual budget of $150 million, it will be necessary to cut $5 million next year. Jacquie will be meeting with PTSA, Students, Site Council, and staff to discuss options.
Site Council can fund personnel and other things. Site Council has a carryover of slightly more than $28000. Paly has a discretionary budget of $1 million but even so, Site Council’s small amount can often make a difference. After discussion, the Council decided to table the issue until Jacquie reports back at the Oct 16 meeting before deciding what to do with the carryover. It may be necessary to wait until December when the district must finalize its plans.
Jacquie reminded everyone that Palo Alto is a basic aid district o it is funded by property taxes. This means that school funds are negatively impacted when home sales go down or property in Palo Alto or in Santa Clara County is reappraised downward.
ITEM 7 - TIMELINE
Edie presented a timeline of Site Council responsibilities. She explained each item and asked members to save the dates for meetings. If possible, one meeting may be cancelled in the future.
ITEM 8 - WASC-SCHOOLWIDE ACTION PLANS
Jacquie introduced everyone to the WASC report. The Council reviewed Chapter V, Schoolwide Action Plans with an eye to areas that Site Council could be involved, either with funding or other support: After reviewing the WASC plan, chapter V- all school action plans, everyone got a first choice and a second choice dot marker which they used to "vote" for areas in which Site Council should be active. Here are the results:
Goal 1a - Horizontal Alignment
for whole goal - 2 second choice votes, 1 first choice vote
Goal 1b - Vertical Alignment
no votes
Goal 2a - College Readiness and Post Secondary Planning
for the whole goal-1 first choice vote ,
for item #2 (refine college/career planning…) - 5 first place votes and 1 second place vote, for item 3 (schoolwide consensus of strategies…) - 1 first place voteGoal 2b - Character and Citizenship
for item #2, (time management-student..) - one first place vote
for item #5 (informed decisions/balance…) - 2 first place votes, 3 second place votes
Goal 3a - Support for Each and Every Student/Academic Support
for item #1 (refine early warning systems) - three second place votes,
for item #3 (support programs beyond school…) 1 first place vote
Goal 3b - Support for Each/Every Student/Social and Emotional Health
for the whole goal - 3 second place votes ,
for item #1 (develop definition of social and emotional …) - 2 second place votes,
for item #3 (develop types of intervention and prevention... - 2 first place votes, 1 second place vote.
Jacquie plans to consider possible ways this information can be used.
ITEM 9 - REPORTS
- PTSA- Kathy Fitzgerald reported that PTSA reviewed its budget and grant procedures. It was also recognized that national PTA insurance does not cover mechanical bull riding at Grad Night so no repeat of that activity this year.
- STUDENT COUNCIL- Nabeel said LinkCrew will need some funds for an event for freshmen before the homecoming game. Jared said that they talked to Mr. Berkson about the fences on Embarcadero and have made safety maps and rules for responsible crossing. This will go up on the website. There was much concern about T and C- new crossing? Etc. It is not possible to bring food vendors onto campus or to expand food service.
ITEM 10 - PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
Jacquie presented two options for location of portable classrooms during construction. She has asked the architect for additional ideas. Council members will take the proposals to their constituencies and we will discuss it at the next meeting.
ITEM 11 - - FUTURE MEETING AGENDA and ADJOURNMENT
- Budget
- Camp Everytown
- Location of portables
Josh moved for adjournment. It was seconded and passed. Meeting adjourned at 5:30 PM.