Attendees:
Mary Phalon, Maria Kopf, Linda Law, Kathy Frattini, Gail Markham, Mike Mattos, Elaine Green, Mary Hain Rinehart, Pam Lundgren, Betsy Henderson, Amanda Ross, Linda Locke, Kim Harris, Nancianne Hglans, Ruth Carver, Lisa Lamm, Faye Mettler, Michele Ramia, Janet Sheehy, Teri Rie, Mary Privatera, Kim East, Lucy Chappell
Meeting was called to order at 7:06 by Mary Phalon, President of the PFA. Minutes from March 2010 meeting were reviewed and approved by motion initiated by Faye Mettler and seconded by Linda Locke. Same passed unanimously.
Vice-Principal’s Report: Mr. Mattos
Mr. Mattos reported that the Cleanup day on 5/24 was a success. There were over 100 students in attendance, and approximately 30/40 parents. Tasks completed include: planting in front, general clean up, windows, etc. However, the front office was notified by the district to “Cease & Desist installing mulch”. This issue is under further investigation.
Star testing was completed last week; make-ups would be done this week. Overall, there was 100% attendance for testing.
The entire 8th grade is looking forward to their upcoming graduation, and all the activities involved.
Mr. Mattos has been attending feeder pattern elementary school IEP meetings, for incoming 2010-2011 Foothill students. Based upon projected enrollment, and the current budget situation, there was the possibility that Foothill would lose two teachers. However, Foothill can accept additional transfer students which would decrease the number of teacher losses to one. Issue is pending. Projections were 104 transfers in, probably up to 142. (1004 total enrollment)
Entire staff and student population is preparing for the school Open House being held on Wednesday, May 26th.
Faculty Report: Mrs. Green
The end of the year is busy! Thanks to the PFA for the luncheon on May 6th. Some of our teachers attended a conference on how to do a “Poetry Slams”- and it is now an 8th grade program- which have been part of Foothill for some time. This year’s winner was a student who was in Sri Lanka during Tsunami, and she wrote about her personal experience. During the 8th grade Poetry unit, every student has to share a poem in the classroom, and some progress to the finals. There are 3 teachers that judge (not the student’s own). It is also judged by retired teachers and administrators. Foothill has a trophy to which it adds each year’s winner.
Mrs. Green recently attended the CJSF luncheon, where there is much teacher + student interaction- a great program. Finally, she reported that Progress reports would go home the week of 5/17/10.
PAC Update: Janet Sheehy
There was no set agenda for last meeting, but they did discuss the fact that all under-performing schools (under 700 API) are being required to write a plan, and state-identified and share plans with board (some eligible for grants). There will be consequences to the schools. One issue that arose was that overall, the underperforming schools have the highest majority of young teachers, and therefore, based on current budget crisis for past few years- they have the biggest turnover of staff, and are not getting the benefit of the longevity of teachers.
State set to expect additional cuts to education, as the Governor’s budget- $8billion was to be received from feds, but has not appeared to CA. Our new Superintendent, Mr. Lawrence is revising his staff & will present his proposed plan before year end.
School will most likely not end earlier than Monday June 14th; this would present contractual issues with teachers and facilities. Next year the school year will likely be shortened. He believes the Board will authorize sports for next year, but it will be up to the MDUSD Board @ June meeting. The new Superintendent is not a fan of coming up with a “Strategic Plan”- but is preparing overall goals & objectives. Mr. Lawrence is being prompted by CUES to come out and be a face for promoting Measure C.
Finally, the Homework policy was discussed in April and will be discussed @ next board meeting. Guidelines will be issued for levels of quantity. Each school will write their own plan, with a coordination of project due dates & equivalent amounts per teacher, so as to set more of a uniform process for all students.
Facilities Committee Report: Ruth Carver/Gail Markham
The day was a success, and they have continued plans to continue the program next year if possible (based on budget constraints).
Disaster Preparedness-Amanda Ross
The disaster packs at the school were overhauled during the Clean Up day, and materials that have expired will be replaced. There is quite a bit of Neosporin which will expire in August, 2010- ideas for donation were discussed.
Nominating Committee: Linda Law read for Susan Broehm
To date four positions remain unfilled, those include- Directory, Directory and positions for the Auction. The issue of whether we want the auction to return to the Social function is at hand. We will need less people to oversee the affair if it is not a fundraiser. This matter will be resolved prior to August meeting.
The proposed slate for the PFA Board for the 2010-2011 was distributed with the Minutes from April’s meeting.
Executive Committee Reports
President’s Report: Mary Phalon
Ms. Phalon commented that we are all aware of the current budgetary conditions and are hopeful that we can continue to count on our parent base to provide a consistent level of support. Motions pertaining to next year’s budget will be discussed below under New Business.
Mrs. Phalon re-emphasized to the parents to use the e-gazette as a means of getting information out about their respective committees. The remaining deadlines for the e-gazettes are: May 28 and June 11.
Treasurer’s Report: Kathy Frattini
Ms. Frattini distributed proposed 2010-2011 budget for discussion and vote. Discussion and questions ensued. This was Kathy’s final report as her position is ending. Thanks to her for all her hard work over the past years!
Vice President Report: Maria Kopf
Nothing to report.
2nd Vice President Report: Gail Markham
Discussed the Clean up Day and its future. Also, the needs of our teachers and the possibility of spending additional funding through teacher’s wish lists. This subject will be investigated further and put forth for the Strategic Planning Committee to discuss and act upon for early 2010-11 school year.
Secretary’s Report/ Report from Site Council: Linda Law
Mrs. Law was unable to attend the Site Council meeting held on 5/13, but discussion disclosed that one teacher (Mr. Monroe) and one local retired resident were put forth as potential School Closing Council Representatives from Foothill (for advisory council to MDUSD from 9/10-12/10)
Mrs. Law also reported that the Daphne’s fundraiser was a success and we raised over $390.00 for Foothill programs in one night, with no incurred cost to the PFA. The next fundraiser will be held on May 20th at Rubio’s in Pleasant Hill, with 20% again being donated to Foothill. If that one is successful as well, we will investigate continuing these types of programs for the 2010-2011 school year. Many families eat out or on the run due to busy schedules, so we should try to maximize the benefit for Foothill if possible.
NEW BUSINESS
Motion 1-
The new slate of the 2010-2011 PFA Board was distributed and reviewed. Only two minor changes were necessary-change one of the Smart Start coordinators from Monica Collard to Linda Law, and add Lori Abele as additional Orientation Day Coordinator. Also date needed changed from 2008-2009 to present 2010-2011. Faye Mettler made a motion to accept as written, and motion was seconded by Kim Harris. Passed unanimously.
Motion 2, 3- Support for Measure C
Faye Mettler discussed that she is the regional campaign representative for Measure C. They are looking for phone-banking assistance to prepare for the vote on Tuesday June 8th. There monies supplied by this measure would update bathrooms, labs, upgrade the kitchen, potentially supply air conditioning, etc. A full list can be found on the website, with school-specific lists. Yard Signs are available if you would like to put one up to show support.
This measure would extend the existing bond measure and would add an assessment of an additional approximately $11 per $100K assessed value of home. It can pass with a 55% vote. There will be a walking campaign to drop leaflets on Saturday June 5th, commencing at 8 a.m. from Foothill. The flyers will be community specific.
The Solar facility tax credit issue has been tabled due to the potential of MDUSD closing some schools and relocating those students.
Faye made a motion (2) for the PFA to verbally endorse Measure C. Linda Locke seconded the motions. It passed.
Motion 3- was put forth by Faye Mettler requesting that the PFA donate $999 toward the Measure C cause. (the tax code allows up to $999 for support of lobbying). Motion was seconded by Kim Harris. These monies would come from the Miscellaneous/Non-recurring budget line. Motion passed with 17 supporting, 3 oppositions and 1 abstention.
Motion 4-
Motion was made by Maria Kopf and seconded by Gail Markham, to accept the 2010-2011 budget as presented by Kathy Frattini. Discussion on the carryover was an issues. Many parents want the teacher’s wish lists revisited, rather than having funds sitting aside while monies get carried over. Motion passed Unanimously.
Motion 5-
Kathy Frattini made a motion to take $37K from the carryover/unassigned fund to pay for the 2010-2011 computer instructional assistant, librarian assistant and a librarian for an extra day. Motion was seconded by Linda Locke. There are additional monies left due to the delayed started date of this year’s employees in these positions. With passing of this motion, positions can be filled earlier next year. Motion passed with only 1 opposition.
Motion 6-
Gail Markham made a motion to allow for the allocation of $3,000 to the facilities clean up day that had just passed and to cover the remaining work for Phase 1 (3 benches around flagpole area that was just cleaned, replanted and mulched & additional benches in front of MUR and drive-thru area). There are no places for students to sit while waiting for rides. Motion was seconded by Linda Locke. Motion passed unanimously.
Motion 7-
Mary Phalon made a motion to cancel the June PFA meeting. Motion was seconded by Kathy Frattini. Motion passed with 3 abstentions.
*NOTE: Discussion regarding expenditures toward the math program and proposals for next year’s Strategic Planning committee were tabled until the August meeting, unless another agreed upon date/time for a final meeting could be determined. If no information could be obtained prior to the end of the school year regarding these issues, a meeting would be unnecessary and tabled until August.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:20.
Next scheduled PFA meeting: TBD