The VHS School Advisory Council meeting was called to order on November 18, 2002, by Chairperson Cheryl Bolton at 6:30 p.m. The following members were present: Cheryl Bolton, Kim Kindell, Greg B. Miller, Claudine Anderson, Bob Hirter, Anne McClellan, Peter Lear, Gary Mitchell, Suzanne Krill, Lisa Callaghan and Candy Millington.

The first order of business was a presentation by Anne McClellan of an FCAT testing update. This report, which was prepared by Assistant Principal, Mary Puleo, depicted the number of students who had to repeat the FCAT and the number of students who were currently taking FCAT remedial courses. This report was prepared as an update for SAC member Claudine Anderson who wished to know what strategies were in place for assisting FCAT failures to meet their graduation requirements.

The report indicated that Level I failures were offered “Intensive English and Intensive Math” classes which are designed to concentrate on those areas which are deficient. Proactive strategies such as double English and math courses for all ninth graders were also discussed as strategies which are currently in place to head off potential failure problems.

Seniors who have failed the October 2002 FCAT test, will be offered further remediation through classes at the New Deal complex. It was also mentioned by Mrs. Millington that the VHS administration will be exploring the possibility of offering a three-week remediation course in June, prior to the summer testing dates.

This overall discussion was aided by insight from the Language Arts department chairperson, Suzanne Krill. She clarified reasons that contribute to the problem of failing students. Ms. Krill commented upon the number of unprepared students that we receive from both our middle schools and from out of county locations. This, together with students choosing to neglect their reading practice, creates a difficult task for English teachers to overcome. The VHS faculty is taking part in a campus-wide reading and writing campaign which hopefully, will help to ameliorate the problem to some degree.

Gary Mitchell and MaryKay Mack gave an update on the SLC plan of action and the progress of the 9^th grade Cornerstone project. Several site visits have been arranged which will be allowing approximately thirty staff members to glean valuable insight from schools who have successful “academy” programs in place. The Venice High SLC steering committee is currently investigating potential 10^th grade organizational designs as well as preferred vertical academy structures for the future. Continuing updates will be provided at succeeding SAC meeting times.

Principal, Candy Millington, announced that seven finalists will be interviewed for the vacant assistant principal position on December 3^rd. Greg Miller will represent the SAC at the interview sessions.

Ms. Millington introduced the topic that given the recent retirements of School Board members, Janice Mee and Gina Taylor coupled with the reassignment of Principal Dan Parrett that the VHS School Advisory Committee might wish to recognize their years of valuable service to our school. It was agreed that a committee chaired by Cheryl Bolton would consider the matter and report to the SAC at the next meeting.

Greg Miller gave an update that the Dan Parrett Roast netted $16,000 which was matched by the Venice Foundation. The total amount of $32,000 will be utilized to establish a Dan Parrett Scholarship fund which will be instrumental in funding educational plans of deserving Venice High students.

Ms. Millington announced that the current conference room will be completely renovated and remodeled beginning in December. This news was greeted with enthusiasm by SAC members.

Chairperson Cheryl Bolton adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gary E. Mitchell