School Advisory Council
Meeting
October 19, 2005
In attendance: Dan Kennedy, CSM Mike Collis, Jim Young, Bob
Lechner, Ken Cowles, Madalyn Andrews, Jann Vasiloff, Vera McClaugherty, Robert
Graham, Col. Steve Cork, Cadets Whitney Vosick, Katherine Valdesuso, Kyle
Seeger, John Miericke, Kaitlin Jeffrey
Chair Ken Cowles called the
meeting to order at 11:00 a.m.; the minutes from the September meeting were
approved as written.
Headmaster’s Report: Mr. Kennedy stated that
enrollment stood at 451 and seemed to be stable at that point. Tuesday’s parent/perspective student tours
continue at a good rate. There are
approximately 60 on the list for next year; we will take about 100 and then go
to a waiting list. He anticipated that
we will reach that 100 mark by the end of the 1st semester. FCAT achievement certificates were passed out
at formation entitling those who received it to a “free” day off. FCAT training for this year is ongoing. The SIP was accepted by the district with a
few minor changes and he thanked Mr. Lechner for his efforts.
Commandant’s Report: Col. Cork reported that the
regimental campout went well and without incident; there were 250 cadets, the
largest number so far. A lot was learned
and improvements are made each year.
School’s finances are in good shape and the capital campaign is moving
forward for the new addition.
Old Business: Mr. Lechner reported that there were five
small changes made to the SIP as requested by the district. The most significant was the wording change
from “English skills course” to “intensive reading course” so that there would
be no confusion as to the number of credits awarded in English if a student
were to move to another school.
Mrs. Vasiloff asked if
everyone had received the State Equity Booklets that were distributed and
mailed to members; all replied they had received them.
Ken Cowles began the
discussion of the distribution of the FCAT award money with a prayer about
leadership, and stated that it was our job to work together, consider all ideas
and opinions and come to a consensus.
The deadline for making a decision is 11/04/05. Mr. Kennedy explained that it is the SAC’s
job to decide what percentage of the money should go toward staff bonuses and
what towards capital expenditures. If
any money was awarded to the staff it would be prorated between full-time and
adjunct staff, and would be given only to those who were still employed from
last year.
The suggestion was made that
100% of the money should go to the staff because of the significant
contribution that they made to the FCAT success and NCLB. Another suggestion was made that the money be
distributed to the departments so that it could be returned to the classroom to
be used to enhance the students’ education.
Vera McClaugherty, the faculty representative to SAC, stated that she
had only 2 suggestions from faculty-one from the science department for equipment
and the other from the foreign language department for equipment for power
point presentations. It was suggested
that the disbursement be split between staff and capital expenditures. The point was made that distribution to the
departments would be inequitable because of the differing number of staff and
students serviced from one department to the other, and that it could be a
breeding ground of discontent among departments. It was suggested that capital disbursements
could be decided by administration. All
those in attendance expressed their thoughts and ideas including all the
cadets. After significant discussion
with varying opinions and issues raised, Chairman Cowles made the motion that 100% of the money goes to
staff and faculty on a prorated basis, motion was seconded by CSM Collis. The motion passed 7 for, 4 against, 1
abstention.
New Business: A
motion was made and seconded and passed to move the time of the SAC meetings
from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Meeting was adjourned at 12:20 p.m.; next
meeting is November 16th at 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jann Vasiloff