Sarasota Military Academy

School Advisory Council Meeting

November 13, 2002

The meeting was called to order at 11:30am.

Present were Anthony Vignocchi, Chairman, Adrian Tilston, Vice-Chairman, Dan Kennedy, Bill Watrous, Joe Reynolds, Jim Young, Capt. Petrucci, Laura Kroll, Katie Vasiloff and Cynthia Wallace, Secretary.

Guest: Robert Lechner and Col. McClellan

Excused: CSM Mike Collis

Absent: Bill Race

Minutes were presented and approved.

Mr. Kennedy presented a climate survey to the council. It is a tool to help the council meet the needs of the parents and students. There was discussion. It was moved that we would design our own survey to address the special needs of our school by Bill Watrous, seconded by Adrian Tilston, approved. Adrian Tilston agreed to chair the committee, with Mr. Kennedy, Joe Reynolds and Katie Vasiloff as members.

Mr. Vignocchi discussed the decline of the MAST program as SHS, and suggested that we might want to fill the void. Mr. Kennedy discussed the program in detail and suggested that we might want to look at offering something with a focus on advanced science and math. Concerns were expressed over cost and the possible need for more staff. It was suggested that we look at modifying it to the programs already underway at the school, like the Aeronautical Program. Adrian Tilston moved that we explore the possibility of having an advanced science and math program with a focus on aviation at SMA, seconded by Bill Watrous, approved. Capt. Petrucci agreed to chair the committee to look into the program.

Mrs. Kroll brought up the increased calls received about enrollment since Veterans Day publicity. She asked about establishing policy. Mr. Kennedy discussed that we would enroll 400 students next fall, with it stabilizing at approx. 350. There is currently approx. 40 on the waiting list. There was a lengthy discussion on the topic. Currently, everyone is filling out a full packet, and it was discussed that this is probably only necessary for those seeking enrollment this year. Laura Kroll agreed to bring to the next meeting the current enrollment numbers per grade, and the council can look at the need to establish limits to the enrollments per grade. Example, currently the freshman class is full, therefore next years sophomore class may not be able to take anymore students. Also, how big should the freshman class for next year be? Discussion was tabled until next months meeting.

There was discussion about Mr. Race’s absence, and Bill Watrous will contact him about any problems with attendance.

Old Business:

Laura Kroll asked about Guidance office space. Mr. Kennedy stated that we might be obtaining two portables form the Catholic Diocese for $1.00 a piece. Also, CSM Mike Collis is looking at other alternatives for portable space.

Dec. 4^th in the morning there will be VFW and American Legion breakfast. Also, Dec. 4^th there will be a Rotary luncheon.

Dec. 6^th there will be a Parents/Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast.

Mr. Robert Lechner will be attending the next meeting and presenting information on the Southern Association for Colleges and Schools (SACS).

The next meeting is scheduled for Wed. Dec 18^th, 2002 at 11:30am.

A motion was made to adjourn by A. Tilston and seconded by all, meeting adjourned at 12:30pm.