PTO Advisory Board Minutes

November 26, 2008

The process began on Nov. 15. The committee consists of staff from CFE, PE, and HE as well as Central Administration members. Meetings are being held in the Transportation Office Conference Room
Research includes looking at the location of land trusts that will probably not be developed as well as areas that are more likely to be developed in the future.
Meeting dates and information from these meetings will be posted on the district web site. There will be contact information available on the website so parents can comment about redistricting.
Probably will not be feasible to “exempt) 5th graders from the process, but need to look at the data.
The work of the Redistricting Committee as well as an Administration recommendation will be publicly presented at the January School Board Work Session.
Staff changes will not be announced at the same time the redistricting plan is presented. More time will be needed to sort this out. (This process will be between the teachers, principals and Sharon Allen-Spam.)

Sharon continues to be aware that there is an issue with overcrowding in busses. Drivers are tracking how many students actually ride. Bob Cochran will be presenting a mid-year rider-ship report. Additionally, there will be on online survey for parents regarding rider-ship. The district recently purchased 81-person buses. This will help. We will follow-up with this again at the next meeting (2/4/08)

1. Faculty Issues at UHS

If a parent has a concern about a teacher, do not go to the guidance office. Speak to the teacher first, then one of the assistant principals. You should receive follow-up. If not, you should follow-up. You can also go to Central Administration

4. Safety and Oversight Committee

The district does have a safety/emergency plan as required by state law. The local police approve this plan. This plan is not, however, for “Health and Safety”
At the building level, there are regular walk-throughs of the building and quarterly meetings with the principals.
Many PTO members suggested forming “Safety Oversight Committees” for each building, which would include staff and parents.
Sharon wants to think about this and discuss it further. We will follow-up with this at the next meeting (2/4/08).

6. Sharon’s Top 5 - Sharon would like to share the “Top 5” issues that are on her desk. These are –

Bullying – This is much improved from last year based on the number of reports/complaints
Athletics/student activities – Administration is reviewing co-curricular activities – who’s paying, what are the scope and substance of the activities.
Strategic Planning – This is Annual Goal #6 – to initiate and complete the PDE-mandated Strategic Planning process.
Study of Guidance office practices and college admissions process –
Reviewing communication challenges that emerged through the referendum process

7. Other

On Martin Luther King Day there will be a “Martin Luther King Service Opportunity” hosted by the district. It will be Monday morning (either from 8-10am or 8am-noon). Details to follow.
Please continue to think about graduates of UCF who you would like to nominate for the “Wall of Honor”
Sharon will be starting a “Food for Thought” program with the students in all the buildings (during their lunch period).