WBSS SBIT Meeting:  December 19, 2006

 

Members in Attendance: Claudia Albert, Terry Jordan, Kelli Hebert, Ginny Fabianski, Lori Taylor, Ed Haberek, Elyse Stewart

 

Call to Order:  5:09 p.m.

 

Business Items

 

Community Member Vacancy:  Filled! Elyse Stewart, former WBSS student and current SHS student.

 

Parent Involvement Opportunities:

• January 31^st-Math Night (6:30-7:30).  “Mad Science” program for the students for approximately 45 minutes in order to free up parents to explore centers in classrooms.  Terry suggested finding volunteers from the high school in addition to looking for senior volunteers.  Elyse volunteered to work on finding students to help out.
• Read Across America Week: Lori volunteered to continue investigating possible author’s for a Family Literacy Night held this week. Emily also suggested (via e-mail) a few suggestions for activities for a WBSS “spirit week” to may coincide with Read Across America week (dressing as your favorite character, making “Cat in the Hat” hats and writing the titles of your favorite books in the stripes, etc).  She also stated that she has a friend who is a teacher in Connecticut who has just finished writing a children’s book and may be available for a visit.  Terry suggested having the week of activities occur the week proceeding Dr. Seuss’ Birthday.  (last week of February).
• EcoPhones:  Ginny volunteered to be the point of contact between the school and the program.  Funds raised will be contributed to student enrichment programs.  DHL will pick up phones for no charge to us.  ONLY cell phones with batteries intact.  Components (power cords, hands-free devices, etc) will not be accepted due to a $25 charge to handle the components.  Terry made a motion to have Ginny go through with getting the fundraiser underway.  Ed seconded the motion. The decision was unanimous.

 

2007-2008 Budget:

• Meeting 12/14/06-Budget will focus on technology and at-risk student population.  Claudia mentioned the Board of Ed is also interested in maintaining support for last year’s goals that focused on Early Childhood Education and special education.
• Ed shared information with the SBIT members that the Board of Ed discussed at their meeting.  He explained that although the enrollment at each school has increased over the last few years, the foundation budget each school has to use to fund programs has consistently been declining.  Last year, the operating budget was cut by 10% which hindered the purchasing of instructional supplies as well as professional development opportunities.
• Ed explained that the administration was directed to add 3% to the operating budget as they prepared next year’s, however, he pointed out that this is still down approximately 7% from the 2005-2006 school year.

 

BOE Self-Evaluation (Compilation of results and discussion):

• The first 30 minutes of the meeting was spent discussing individual comments on the Board of Ed’s Self-Evaluation.  It was decided that the results will be compiled and submitted to the Superintendent prior to the Board’s February meeting.

 

 

Discussion Items

 

Board of Education Updates: (Ed Haberek)

• Board held an Open Forum to hear from parents about their budget concerns/suggestions for the 2007-2008 budget.
• 2007-2008 Budget discussions underway.
•  

District Updates: (Claudia Albert)

• Literacy Night-Stonington High School.  January 23^rd (snow date 24^th) 6:00.  Language Arts team leaders will plan and manage all presentations and activities.

 

School Updates: (Terry Jordan)

• Mileage Club will end soon for the winter ($650 in pledges!).  We will try to organize “reading miles” to temporarily replace walking.  Walking will continue in the spring.
• $5000 donation made by the Trayner Group for the new playscape in honor of Lee Stepanishen!
• Funds continue to roll in for the Playscape Fund. The Westerly Track Club made a $500 donation and we received a $500 grant from Pfizer for the playscape.  (The school also received a $1,000 Pfizer grant for student enrichment.)
• Technology Update:  Hand-Held Project - After school training has occurred.  Emily Noyes and Sheila Adams have volunteered to begin the pilot project with the two class sets we have.  Teachers continue to feel the strain of not having a computer lab in the school.  Donna O’Connell only has twelve hours per week to work on getting necessary programs up and running and to trouble-shoot and Roger Maxson is spread between all five schools, 3 elementary and 2 middle schools. Claudia explained that there are no certified technology staff positions at the elementary level, which places schools in “crisis mode” when there is an issue with technology.  We have also not received new computers at WBSS for four years and this is becoming a critical issue for the school.  Terry hopes that launching the hand-held program will alleviate some of the issues we have with computers and technology.
• It was decided that Friday Folders would remain in place for now.

 

Parent Updates/Questions/Concerns/Feedback:  None

 

Comments by Citizens:

No community members in attendance

 

Possible Agenda Items for January Meeting:  January 30^th at 5:00 p.m.

• Literacy Night
• Budget 2006-2007
• Playscape Fund
• Other

 

Decision Items

 

None

 

Adjourn:  6:40 p.m.