SARASOTA COUNTY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE

School Advisory Council

Minutes

December 9, 2002

 

MEMBERS Present: Gene Witt, Alice Higgins, Regina Stinson, Mickey Anderson, Norm Stockton, Roland Piccone, David Winterrowd, Harriette Laronge, George McGonagill, Ron Turner, Judith Ferrell

 

MEMBERS Absent: Peter Straw, Tim White, Jenna Mitchell, Paige Eastman, Jerome Greenstein

 

GUESTS Present: Ken DeVeau, Eddy Boynton, Jeffri Durrance, Mary Ribaudo, and Carol Darling

 

I.          Welcome by Chairperson

Roland Piccone called the meeting to order and welcomed the group.  He welcomed Gene Witt to SCTI.  He introduced a new student representative, Judith Ferrell.  Norm moved that Judith be accepted as a SAC representative and George seconded the motion. The motion was passed unanimously.

 

II.            Minutes of the last meeting

Norm made a motion that the minutes be accepted without changes and George McGonagill seconded it.  The motion was passed unanimously.

 

III.        Bylaw Distribution and Search for Business Member                     

Jerry and Mickey developed a final document of the SAC bylaws that reflects the state-mandated revisions. The group thanked Jerry and Mickey for their work.  The document was signed by Barbara Chomko, as acting Director, and Roland, as acting Chairperson.   George reminded the group that the SAC needs a parent and two more instructors, preferably female and Hispanic.  Roland and Peter have not found a candidate.  Carol Darling suggested the parents who attended the “Bring Your Parent/Guardian to School Day” list as a source of interested parties.  David suggested that all members should recruit new members and send nominee information to the chairperson.  The goal was refined to a minority female in the health industry.

 

IV.        Budget

Ken DeVeau reported that Peter sent the letter from SAC last week.  Ken will report in January with information on the sweep accounts, contingencies, etc.  The state will make an announcement to clarify issues with districts regarding workforce development funds.  The law regarding class size is forthcoming.  . 

 

V.            Director’s Report

Gene Witt has been appointed Interim Director.  Bruce Andersen has been appointed by the Board and will start full time on June 23, 2003.  He will be at SCTI from January 6 through January 10, 2003.  Thereafter, he will be here twice per month, for 3-5 days, except for April.

 

Mr. Witt complemented the Assistant Directors and the staff for a job well done.

 

VI.        School Calendar Status

Jeffri reported that he recalculated the schedule of the current 2002-2003 school year on the 5-quarter system.   SAC accepted the change to the 5-quarter system in November.  The 2nd quarter ends before the holiday break and the 4th quarter ends before the end of May. All of the quarters have 45 or 46 days.  The advantages of the 5-quarter system are:

·         Students can make smaller quarterly payments versus the larger trimester payment for tuition.

·         The 5-quarter system fits the school district calendar for 10-month staff.

·         It standardizes the secondary and post-secondary calendars and grading periods.

·         It eliminates the need for calculating fees for third trimester when the 10-month school year ends.

 

VII.       SDMT Report

The minutes of the SDMT meeting were distributed.  Harriette discussed the student uniform issue with the members.  Norm suggested that the uniform shirts were a marketing opportunity.  The prices should be set to the need.

 

VIII.            COE/SACS/ Strategic Plan for Excellence

Carol reported that the annual report for SACS is due in February and it appears that we are in good shape.  The School Improvement Plan for SACS is not.  It needs more data driven decisions and goals.  The staff and students did a technology survey and an institutional effectiveness survey in the last two weeks.  They have been sent off for scoring.

 

Carol explained the progress of programs for the COE/SACS accreditation visits in February and April.  Three programs are ready and 3 are due are Friday.  Five booklets are going to be produced for 47 programs, 11 standards, and 1 set of conditions.  Gene Witt reminded the group that he wants SCTI to be ready and to pass the review, not to be put on the “watch” list.

 

DISCUSSION

The group discussed the technical high school concept.  Gene Witt reported that he had visited technical high schools and the issue is what the technical high school will look like.  It may be freestanding or side-by-side with the adult vocational school.  It could start with one grade and build every year, by adding a grade.  Roland reminded the group of the charter school initiative.  The initiative was set-aside in the summer until the administration stabilized.  Benefits of all alternatives should be weighed.  George reminded the group of the importance of long range planning and facility planning. 

 

Kathy Olliver will distribute Gene Witt’s email address to the members.

 

 

George made a motion for adjournment and Norm seconded it.

Next meeting: January 6, 2003 at 6 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Regina Stinson

 

 

 

Mission Statement: The Sarasota County Technical Institute provides quality education to meet workforce development and community needs.