School Advisory Council
Meeting
August 17, 2004
In attendance: Headmaster Dan Kennedy, Prof. Robert Lechner,
Ken Cowles, Cadet Kyle Seeger, Bill Race, Cadet Whitney Vosick, Cadet Kate
Vasiloff, Bridget Jones, Cadet Katherine Valdesuso, Jann Vasiloff, Cynthia
Wallace, Jim Young, MSG Matt Collis, Col. Steve Cork
Cindy Wallace opened the
meeting at 11:35 a.m.. An attendance
roster was circulated; she explained the importance of attendance at the
meetings especially as it pertains to the Five Star requirements. She stated that the meetings would remain the
third Wednesday of the month unless circumstances dictate it be rescheduled. Mr. Race said that he would be unable to
attend the 9/15/04 meeting.
Introductions were made. Mr. Lechner welcomed the students and
emphasized their importance to the council.
Cadet Vasiloff referenced the new SMA drug testing policy as evidence of
student input.
Mrs. Wallace explained that
there are three positions on the council to fill and three parents who are
willing to fill them. Ballots will go
home to parents through the ROTC classes
She requested that if members have issues for the agenda that they
notify her prior to the meeting so that they can be included on the agenda, and
if necessary any prep work can be done ahead of time.
Minutes from the May 2004
meeting were approved as written.
Jann Vasiloff was nominated
as secretary; unanimous approval.
Headmaster’s Report: Mr. Kennedy remarked on the
very smooth opening of school. Current
enrollment stands at 430; he anticipates that it will drop to 420. He said that thanks should be given to Fran
Marx (guidance counselor) for the class size and placement of students. She worked very diligently over the summer
and this year’s start was the best ever.
Mr. Race asked about enrollment if we dip below 420. Mr. Kennedy responded that we have a waiting
list; Jann Vasiloff said that we are already getting calls from parents who are
interested in moving their children to SMA.
We have seven new teachers. Drug
testing will begin shortly. The Board of
Directors is scheduled to meet to select the lending institution that will
finance the purchase of the school. The
Board approved the expansion of SMA to include a branch in south county and the
opening of a middle school. SMA is the
leading contender for the old Sarasota High building. Not all students who attend the SMA middle
school will be able to continue on at the high school, but it is hoped that
they will take the skills, respect and deportment they learn to the high
schools they go to. There is a meeting
scheduled with the district superintendent to discuss matters further. There is a friendly competition going on
between ROTC companies for aid to the hurricane victims. All Sarasota schools have been instructed by
the district to enroll students from Charlotte and DeSoto counties if
necessary.
Col. Cork’s Report: Col. Cork explained his duties as Assistant Headmaster and Chief Financial Officer. He also oversees all the classified and support personnel and facility improvements. He mentioned that there were a lot of improvements made to the campus over the summer including roof repairs, science lab and music room renovations, increased parking. He mentioned that he has actively been involved with the banks in the efforts to purchase the property.
Old Business: Mr. Kennedy mentioned that we were given a C rating by the DOE which is marginally acceptable after two years of operation. He is striving for an A rating this year. He explained that the school achieved an 87% rating for the No Child Left Behind Act which is good. In order to achieve a higher rating in that category at least 50% of those students previously identified as poorly performing must show improvement. Last year we improved by 42%. Many resources will be put towards FCAT improvement. FCAT instruction will be done in the ROTC classes. Each department will have 20 minutes of reading, one day a week. Mr. Cowles suggested that the students be asked what would interest them in terms of reading material. Stating that students are more likely to read if they like what they are reading. Mr. Kennedy stated that he would discuss that with the faculty. Cindy touched on the AR (Accelerated Reader) program that is used in many elementary schools where children are rewarded for reading and passing tests on the material read. Cadet Vasiloff mentioned the need to assess reading comprehension not just the number of books read. Mr. Lechner stated that research shows that reading in and of itself is important; he asked how success would be measured if everyone is reading something different. MSG Matt Collis said that the ROTC classes have tied reading and book reports to promotions. Selections are made from an approved list, newspapers and magazines articles.
Prof. Lechner’s Report on Strategic Plan for Excellence: See attached report. This document, previously known as SIP, became a cumbersome document to adhere to and produce; the criteria to be met being very arduous and redundant. Mr. Lechner reported that he attended a meeting and that a new person at the district level is in charge of this area, and that the document is being streamlined and should be easier to comply with. The first portion of the document is due 8/1/04, however, that deadline was put on hold until later. A consultant to the district has emphasized the importance of schools setting 2-3 goals, maximum. Mr. Lechner expects a training session to be announced on the new format for this document.
Cindy suggested that everyone think about goals and priorities for the school to be discussed at the September meeting. Members were encouraged to email their ideas to Cindy or Mr. Lechner. District goals will most likely include reading, writing and possibly science. Mr. Race stated that in his experience successful documents are those that have a clear and concise vision with attainable goals.
New Business: Bill Race nominated Cindy Wallace as chair of this year’s SAC; Dan Kennedy seconded; unanimously approved.
The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for September 15, 2004.
Respectfully submitted,
Jann Vasiloff, Recording Secretary