The Toledo Blade School Advisory Council held its first meeting of the 2003/04 school year on September 9, 2003 at 4:00pm in the Media Center.

The first order of business was to elect officers for the new year. Elected were Aggie Harrison, chairperson; Dave Quackenbush, vice-chairperson; and Mary Scully, secretary.

The by-laws will be distributed to members. Parents are encouraged to participate on the SAC committee.

Strategic Plan for Excellence will have 10 goals. SAC will be looking at some of these during the coming months.

School Accountability Report (based on FCAT) – 99% of our children tested. 70% of students (grades 3 – 5) made learning gains in reading. 69% made learning gains in math.

Adequate Yearly Progress Report - adequate yearly progress was achieved in Reading, but not in writing nor math. Focus will be on math for students with disabilities and on writing for economically disadvantaged students.

All teachers at Toledo Blade are certified in their academic areas.

SAC will be looking at goals and recommending strategies needed.

Approved the expenditure of $14,000.00 of SIP funds to be used for professional development.

As decided in May, 2003 20% of the Florida School Recognition funds will be used for instructional equipment. SAC will look at needs and decided how money will be spent. 80% will go for staff bonuses.

The next meeting will be September 30, 2003 at 4:00 in the Media Center to start work on the SPE. The next regular meeting will be October 14, 2003.