Sarasota Military School

School Advisory Council Minutes

September 24, 2002

 

Present:  Anthony Vignocchi, Bill Watrous, Laura Kroll, Adrian Tilston, Dan Kennedy, Mike Collis, Joe Reynolds and Katie Vassiloff.

 

Absent:  Jim Young and Col. Petrucci

 

Guest:  Cindy Wallace

 

The meeting was called to order by Headmaster Kennedy at 11:30am at the Regimental Headquarters.  Mr. Kennedy congratulated everyone for being elected and generally went over the purpose of SAC. 

 

Mr. Kennedy entertained a motion for Chairman:

 

Adrian Tilston nominated Anthony Vignocchi, seconded by Bill Watrous.

Laura Kroll nominated Adrian Tilston, seconded by Dan Kennedy.

 

A discussion was had over qualifications and candidate’s time to do the job; Anthony Vignocchi was approved as Chairman.

 

Mr. Kennedy made a motion that Adrian Tilston be made Vice-Chairman, no discussion, approved.

 

Mr. Vignocchi presented an overview of the information given out at the PALS training on Sept. 19th for SAC members. Mr. Vignocchi, Laura Kroll and Bill Watrous all attended the training.

 

Mr. Kennedy talked of an immediate goal:

 

School Improvement Plan approval by Oct. 4, 2002 for submission to District School Board.  He has Bob Lechner working on it and will have it to Council members before the next meeting.  A rough draft has been submitted to the District to review for any glaring problems and then will be given to the council members.  Approval at the next meeting will keep SMA on the same timetable as all of the other school’s in the District and will not have the school accepting any exceptions.

 

Mr. Kennedy then nominated Bill Watrous as a community/business member; Adrian Tilston seconded, approved.

 

A discussion then was had on recruiting another community/business member to complete the council membership.  Mr. Watrous suggested Bill Race of Peninsula Bank, there was a short discussion and it was agreed the Mr. Watrous could approach him for the position.

 

Mr. Kennedy gave a Headmaster’s report:

 

1.      Open House, Oct. 8th, 6:30pm-8pm.

2.      Veteran’s Day Parade/Grand Opening on November 11th

  1. Grand Opening of School with ceremony first thing in the morning
  2. Marching over to Hollywood 20 for start of Parade with Parents invited to march with the students.
  3. Return to school for BBQ and Field Day for cadets

3.      Senior’s picked Class Ring Design; a Blue Stone with an Eagle on one side, and School logo on other.

4.      Yearbook on track and all the supplies are on their way.  Dr. Burns in charge.

5.      265 students enrolled plans to enroll 400 next year and let it settle in at 350.

6.      Gov. Jeb Bush has expressed an interest to visit the school, and waiting for details.

7.      Additional $50,000 grant for State received and possible another $150,000 grant on the way.

 

Mr. Vignocchi discussed standards for the school and Mr. Kennedy talked about FCAT, attendance, parent participation and the School Improvement Plan setting goals in four areas for this year.

 

Laura Kroll brought in an example of a school ‘report card/statistical brochure’ and asked if we needed to produce one this year for parents.  Mr. Kennedy stated that we would next year after the year is completed and statistics can be compiled.

 

There was discussion on having a regular person to take minutes at the meeting, and appreciation was expressed to Ms. Wallace for taking minutes today.  Mr. Kennedy stated that his secretary Linda D. could take minutes in the future.

 

Ms. Wallace initiated a discussion on the activities of the Parent Teacher Cadet Council (PTCC) and indicated that they were moving along ver well.  Also some discussion on the upcoming newsletter and the need for better communication with parents.

 

The next meeting was scheduled for a brown bag lunch meeting on Thursday, October 3, 2002 at 11:30am to 12:30pm, and every other Thursday after.

 

The meeting was moved for adjournment by Adrian Tilston and seconded by all at 12:30pm.