School Advisory Council
Meeting
September 20, 2006
In attendance: Vera
McClaugherty, James Young, CSM Charles Thomas, Madalyn Andrews, Ken Cowles,
Bill Race, Jann Vasiloff, Pat
Pillot, Dan Kennedy, Hirra Dunn, Cadets Kyle Seeger, Ryan Thompson, John
Miericke, Kaitlin Jeffrey, Katherine Valdesuso
The meeting was called to
order by Chairman Ken Cowles at 11:00 a.m.
A motion to approve the minutes from the August meeting was made, seconded
and passed. Introductions were made for
new members of the SAC. Visitors to the
meeting included Prof. Lechner, Col. Cork, Mrs. Kelly Turner, and Joel Rozen,
staff writer for the “Weekly Planet.”
Mr. Pat Pillot presented
information from the PALS training session on SAC given September 7, 2006. He summarized what was presented and
highlighted that the committee should look at last year’s goals and assess how
they did in accomplishing those goals.
He talked about the relationship between SAC and Five Star.
Headmaster’s Report: Enrollment stands at 485. Progress reports were sent recently, but there
were inaccuracies due to a glitch in the system; a note was being sent home to
parents to that effect and a notice would be posted on the website. The property has been listed for 13.5 million
and the search for a new site continues.
Anticipated date for moving is in 3-4 years. Veterans’ Day parade and SMA celebration is
Saturday, 11/11/06 beginning with the volunteer appreciation breakfast at 8:00
a.m. Mr. Race complimented Mr. Kennedy
on the recent newspaper article about the cadets who went flying. Mr. Kennedy said that it was a great
opportunity for the cadets made possible with the donation of the aircraft by
Mr. Ron Ciaravella. Cadet Miericke was
asked to comment on a recent flight to Tallahassee with 2 other cadets for
Constitution Day that was made possible by the donation of an aircraft and
pilot by board member, Woody Wolverton.
The cadets, along with 60 other students from across the state, met with
the Supreme Court justices and discussed the Constitution and the Bill of
Rights.
Commandant’s Report: Col. Cork reminded everyone of
upcoming dates November 4, 2006 the SMA hosted Drill Meet at Booker High with
other schools from around the state competing; the Military Ball, December 9,
2006 which all cadets should plan to attend; and the Regimental Campout October
20th. Financially the school
is in good shape. Mr. Cowles inquired
whether the new facility will include an athletic field. Col. Cork responded that the planning of the
facility will be done with consideration given to many things and with much
input.
Old Business: None
New Business: Prof. Lechner gave an overview of the
continuing accreditation process for the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools, our accrediting body. There are
changes to the process and seven standards that will be worked on as part of
the process. See attachments. Prof.
Lechner explained that as the standards are finalized they will be presented to
SAC. The accreditation will culminate
with the onsite visit by the Quality Assurance Review Team in 2008-2009.
Mr. Cowles met with several
female cadets regarding the formation of a girls’ lacrosse team; he reported
that the formation of a team looks good.
Mrs. Vasiloff reminded
everyone that regular attendance at SAC meetings was necessary to attain Five
Star. She also told the committee that although
the meetings were public and all visitors were welcome at any time, when
members are unable to attend sending others in their place did not count
towards their own attendance.
Election of officers for SAC
for this year was held and is as follows:
Chair, Ken Cowles; Vice chair, Robert Graham, Secretary, Jann Vasiloff.
Meeting was adjourned at 11:50
a.m.; next meeting will be October 18th and 11:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Jann Vasiloff, Recording
Secretary