Minutes
Stonewall Traditional Elementary School
School-Based Decision Making Council
Meeting of Tuesday, October 19, 2004

Members present:  David Ewen, Janie Griggs, Andrea Guise, Leslie LeBlanc and Ty Sturdivant.  Also in attendance were Mr. Ed McCaw and Bill Gatliff.

The meeting was called to order at 5:50PM in the Stonewall Library.

  1. Agenda Item 1 – Review of Agenda

Mr. McCaw distributed corrected monthly topics in addition to bylaws and policies.  The council was agreement with the agenda.

  1. Agenda Item 2 – Review of Minutes

Janie Griggs referred to Item #13 and it was noted that “ed” should be added to “address.”

Action:  David Ewen moved to approve the minutes as corrected.  Janie Griggs seconded the motion, which was approved by consensus.

  1. Agenda Item 3  - Financial Report

Mr. McCaw explained to the council the line item listed as “Perkins donation.”  The line item 10E4, listed as “Helping Teachers” had appeared in the past, has since disappeared.  Line Item 1404, is last year’s Professional Development.

Action:  Janie Griggs moved to accept the financial report as presented.  Leslie LeBlanc seconded the motion, which was approved by consensus.

  1. Agenda Item 4 – Committee Reports
    1. Climate, Equity, and Guidance

Regarding the survey, Mr. McCaw will check with the committee regarding the survey results.  He will also suggest to the committee the inclusion of parents and how the results will be presented.

    1. Curriculum

   -Mr. Studivant requested demographics on the students who are served in ESS.  Mr. McCaw will investigate and return to the council with the information.

   -Field Trips – The procedure for requests to take a field trip has changed, and is follows:

-The teacher will submit the request electronically.

-The committee will recommend approval or disapproval to the council at the meeting prior to the field trip.  This information will be communicated through the minutes.

-If the field trip requires a charter bus, then the cost of the bus shall be prorated between chaperones riding on the bus and the students.  Requesting teachers may request a waiver of this to the committee.  If granted the committee will report to the council the reasons.

                                   -Mr. McCaw will retype and send out the policy to the council.  Andrea brought it to the council’s attention that two forms are needed, the extended and the school field trip form.  The form needs to list the core content relationship.

    1. Professional Development
    2. Public Relations
    3. Social
    4. Technology
    5. Writing
  1. Agenda Item 5 - Personnel

Mr. McCaw referred to “available funds” report and the prior staffing sheet in August.  Mr. McCaw explained that an unfilled .5 assistant was listed on the staffing sheet, but the position was not there due to changes in these positions made over the summer.  The monies that he thought were there, are not.  The amount of $9000 can be pulled from other sources to cover the costs.  The following options were discussed in an effort to hire another assistant:

                                -do not fill the position

                                -fill now at $13,144 (full-time), and then find $4400 to pay entire amount

                                -wait until January to hire at around $8000

                                -hire at half time now at around $6000

Amount available to spend:

                6C funds

                Parks and Recreation donation (pending)

                Contingency – after SCIF adjustment in November

If necessary, Mr. McCaw will need the council’s approval to submit a budget transfer.

Action:  Janie Griggs moved to hire Margaret Wilson as a .8 intermediate teaching assistant, which will be paid for with available funds plus remaining balance due from the contingency funds.  Andrea Guise seconded the motion, which was approved by consensus.  A personnel action form will be submitted.

  1. Agenda Item 6 – Review of CSIP

Page 4 was reviewed.  Mr. McCaw is meeting with grade levels currently.

“On demand” pieces – Mr. McCaw and Mr. Gatliff are meeting with grade levels regarding this.

  1. Agenda Item 7 - Request for Transfer of Funds

Action:  Janie Griggs moved to transfer funds, from 11180739 to 11210610, as listed in the packet.  Ty Sturdivant seconded the motion, which was approved by consensus.

  1. Agenda Item 8 – Eagle Scout Project Update

Brian Weinberger provided an overview of the work he’s completed and will complete on the school grounds.  He was encouraged to send the council updates as he continues to complete projects.

  1. Agenda Item 9 – SBDM Forum – October 28, 2004

The PTA will be providing the childcare as needed.  Topics have been chosen and the forum will be presented as a general PTA meeting.  In an effort to publicize the meeting and to get an idea on who will need childcare, Mr. McCaw will ask Mrs. Surbaugh to send a flyer home with the students.

  1. Agenda Item 10 – Needed Policies to be Developed by the Council

Mr. McCaw will develop policies and bring them to the council for approval.

  1. Agenda Item 11 - Review of Test Scores

Summaries of the SRI, STAR and CATS were reviewed.  Mr. McCaw will suggest integrating writing into all areas, which will give students preparation for CATS testing.

  1. Agenda Item 12 – Future Agenda Items

Presentation to the board was addressed.  Mr. McCaw has contacted Karen Acar regarding the specifics, but she’s not responded.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:03 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Beth Roseland

SBDM Secretary