Site Council Minutes, December 7, 2009

Palo Alto High School Site Council
Monday, December 7, 2009

ITEM 1 - CALL TO ORDER

Lorraine Brown called the meeting to order at 3:30 P.M. in the ERC. Members present were Lorraine Brown, Ning Xu, Cherie Sopkin, Kathie Laurence, Kelli Hagan, Kathy Himmelberger, Kevin Sharp, Margo Wixsom, Gail Roby-Frazier, Emily Kenyon, Nabeel Sami, Jared Swezey-Gleason, Josh Madej, Principal Jacquie McEvoy, Cathy Fitzgerald (PTSA) and Coordinator Edie Miller. Not present were Faith Brigel, Jenny Stone, and Ashley Swendseid.  Guest: Scott Bowers

ITEM 2 - APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of November 9, 2009 were reviewed.  There was not a quorum present for approval vote.
           
ITEM 3 - PAUSD BUDGET

Scott Bowers, Assistant Superintendent, reviewed the current state of the budget.  He said there have been some positive changes and the Board hopes to have the deficit down below $3million for next school year if the parcel tax passes. The problem will continue for several years.  Scott explained that the lists of suggested cuts were the result of brainstorming efforts of about 60 people.  There is no priority ranking, no filtering of duplication or deletion of things that cannot be legally cut.  85% of the budget is personnel so avoiding layoffs may be difficult.  Members were asked to turn in their lists with 1,2,3 numbers on them before Dec. 17.  It is also acceptable to write a narrative. The Cabinet will address the tallies and a recommendation made to the School Board by the end of January.  PTA Council will be gathering parent input. Kelli asked if they had considered an efficiency audit.  Scott said yes, but it is too expensive.  Kathie L. asked about the reserve fund.  Scott said that is being preserved incase the state makes drastic midyear cuts or makes Basic Aid districts spend only what revenue districts do (we spend $12000 per student, districts receiving all their funds from state spend about $6500).  Site Council was encouraged to write a list of cuts specific to Paly in January. Members discussed their values.  Jared summarized the issue by noting that the School Board really wants the big picture.

ITEM 4 - OPEN FORUM             

Nabeel asked about the traffic lights at Embarcadero entrance. There was general agreement that the new lights are not working properly. Left turns are too limited.  Josh mentioned that bike traffic at Churchill has been extremely congested too.   Jacquie advised people to contact the Police Department or the City.  Cathy will get the word out to parents. Paly attendance has asked teachers to be lenient.  Cherie congratulated Kevin Sharp on his prize-winning story in the Weekly.  Nabeel reported that the “lake” in the parking lot is getting worse.

ITEM 5 - REPORTS

•  PTSA- Cathy reported that PTSA is still accepting proposals for funding – both Fast Track grants and Viking grants.  Those who have received grants need to save their receipts. 
• STUDENT COUNCIL- Leadership has formed some new committees for publicity, outreach, short and long-term events and the prom. They are setting goals and objectives.

 ITEM 6 - PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Jacquie said she appreciated the successful review of Spirit Week.
Immediately after Spirit Week, three school Principals from Brazil visited Paly.  Jacquie and the staff took them to see El Carmelo, Terman, Gunn, Half Moon Bay High School, Fremont High School, East Side Prep and Canada College. The Principals thoroughly enjoyed their visit.
Jacquie then gave an update on SASI/InClass.  The district will announce replacement for SASI before holiday break.  Kathie L. is on the committee and she described some of the plans under consideration.  Decisions about InClass must wait until this is completed.
Jacquie also reported that Ed Council is doing a review of homework expectations. Instructional Supervisors have been asked to talk to all departments to get an overall view.  The School Board has mandated no homework over winter break.  Cathy said ninth grade parents are concerned about homework requirements and testing.  .  Jacquie asked her to tell parents to communicate directly with the school.  Margo suggested that project due dates should be assigned on alternate days, like the testing schedule. Jacquie said they are also looking at four block days a week, which could address some of these issues.

ITEM 9 - FUTURE MEETING AGENDA and ADJOURNMENT

Josh moved for adjournment. Nabeel seconded the motion and it passed.  Meeting adjourned at 5:20 PM.  Next meeting- January 26, 2010.