Garden Elementary SAC Minutes

March 18, 2008 @ 3:30 PM

Present: John McQueen - Principal

Gabrielle O’Berry – SAC Chairperson

Lauren Hunt - Data Coach

Theresa Butler, Aggie Harrison - Teachers

Lisa Saul – Classified

Gary Gray, Denise Mattmuller, Dot Moore – Community Members

Maria Clapp (absent), Terry Sochacki (absent), Victoria Stultz,

John Via (absent) - Parents

1) Welcome: Mrs. O’Berry welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2) Budget: Gabrielle O’Berry reported on budget items. Monies spent included: Terry Sochacki’s reimbursement funds totaling $40 and the Chairperson’s stipend ($120). The balance for the March 18, 2008 meeting was $5,974.45.

3) Request for Funds: Gabrielle O’Berry presented information so SAC members would consider the possibility of inviting children’s author, Michael Sterns, to our school. He reinforces every aspect of Character Education and encourages children to read and write through his high-energy storytelling. SAC members gave Mrs. O’Berry the green light to move forward on this project and attempt to schedule two assemblies in April or May.

The other request asked for support for the Wilma Hamilton Leadership Fund. The Education Foundation of Sarasota County and the Leadership Academy are holding its annual “Growing Our Own Leaders” event on April 12 to raise money. SAC members approved the donation request of $450. John McQueen, Lauren Hunt, and Gabrielle O’Berry will represent Garden Elementary at this event.

4) Garden School Budget Update: (John McQueen e-mailed and reminded all staff members that the SAC meeting was an open meeting and invited them to attend. Many staff members were present.) John McQueen discussed items concerning the Sarasota County Schools 2008 – 2009 budget. He reported that the Sarasota County School Board held a workshop today to discuss possible budget cuts. The Board meeting will be in session today as well. The Sarasota County School Board must find ways to cut 19 million dollars from the budget. Some items are tied to employees’ contracts which will require discussion with the SCTA. Other items such as school time changes and transportation of children are also being discussed. Mr. McQueen should have Garden’s school budget by April 7.

5) Student Remedial Services Update: Lauren Hunt reported that Garden is shifting its remedial resources from third – fifth grade students to kindergarten – second graders. Now that FCAT testing is complete, identified second grade students will have two remedial resource staff members and first and kindergarten each have one remedial resource person. The after school remedial program called YMCA Reads will continue through July 1.

6) Boy Scout Project: Scout Troop 1001 has completed its building of the safe area for parents who wish to park and wait for their children at dismissal. Congratulations to Josh Lovett, a senior at Venice High School, for earning Eagle Scout status! He and the other scouts did a great job of completing this project. This area will increase safety by separating vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

7) Other:

· On April 17, come join the fun during Family Night at Dairy Queen on Venice Avenue. Our school will receive 10% of the profits during the hours of 5 – 8 PM. We hope to see you there!

· Kindergarten Roundup will be held on April 24 at 6:00 PM. There will also be a Book Fair in the Media Center for incoming Kindergarten families right after the meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 4:30 PM.

Next Meeting:

Tuesday, April 22, 2008 @ 3:30 PM

Media Center