School Advisory Council
Meeting
May 11, 2005
In attendance: Robert Graham, Dan Kennedy, Madalyn Andrews, Ernie Forchetti, CSM Mike Collis,
Dick Petrucci, Anthony Vignocchi, Bill Race, Robert Lechner, Ken Cowles, Jim Young, Col. Stephen Cork, Jann Vasiloff, Cadets Katie Vasiloff, Whitney Vosick, and Katherine Valdesuso
The meeting was called to order at 11:40 a.m. by interim chair, Ken Cowles. The minutes of the April meeting were approved as written.
Guest, Ernie Forchetti, SMA Technology Coordinator, was introduced and gave an overview of our current technology and what is proposed for the future. Presently we have 65 computers on site, 25 secure access in the lab, and the remainder in the classrooms which the students have access to if their teachers allow it. We are ahead of the county in securing our computers with student passwords, but the county is looking at that system. We are adding 40 computers, 2 additional labs within classrooms which will help alleviate the demand on the current computer lab. The regimental headquarters room will be converted to a classroom/lab, the RH will move to a portable; portable 4 is being converted to a classroom/lab. All the classrooms in the ROTC wing will be fitted with ceiling mounted video projectors, DVD/VHS connected through the computers. This set-up will be put throughout the campus in the future. The school district is hooking up with the county’s fiber optic system so that the schools will have access to the county information through their computer system. Ernie will find out if that hook up includes SMA. Plans for the future include getting on a 5 year turn around plan on all computers so that we match the county (hardware and software), and comprehensive training for staff on use of the computers and their capabilities. Mr. Vignocchi asked if the hardware could be upgraded instead of replaced. Ernie said that the computers have 3 year warranties for upgrading, but beyond that they cannot be upgraded enough to keep up with the newer, faster software, and need to be replaced. Ken Cowles mentioned a software program that provides individual student profiles so that teachers can update parents as to student progress. Ernie mentioned that parents have access to teacher information through our SMA website, and that the county is actually moving away from the type of system that Ken mentioned. He also mentioned that any website is only as good as the data supplied, and the key is to have the teachers keep their information current.
Headmaster’s Report: Our enrollment for next year is around 440-450 which will decline by the start of the year. We still have a waiting list and will draw from that as necessary. New staff is being added for next year in math, science, and social studies. American Sign Language is being added, and through a joint project with School in the Park we will offer Mandarin Chinese. Campus building and expansion will be done in 2 phases (see last month’s minutes for details). Construction disruptions will be kept to a minimum while school is in session, but cannot be avoided all together. He reminded everyone of the awards night at 6:30 p.m. and the graduation on 5/18 at 7:00 p.m.
Commandant’s Report: The new construction will include a parade area done in pavers. This will be done at the end of the construction period as a fund raiser. Pavers will be sold for engraving. The summer plans for campus include: the renovation of the 6 remaining classrooms, ROTC wing, all bathrooms. We have a balance of $300,000 in the fund that will cover this.
Old Business: Our FCAT Writes results are in and we have an increase of .3% in all the components with an overall increase of 3.8%. The reading and math results are not back yet, and those are the ones that comprise the school grade. The ballot for the SAC election needs to be included in the next newsletter. Ken will contact Cindy for that.
New Business: Mr. Kennedy wanted to commend this SAC for their outstanding participation this year both as individuals and as a cohesive group.
Meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jann Vasiloff, Recording Secretary