Minutes - February 20, 2013
Certified Staff Advisory
Meeting NOTES
February 20, 2013
I. Welcome/Introductions
II. Budget Update
III. Policy Update – Student Uniform & Student Drug Testing
IV. Politics of Education
V. Testing Update – Ben Grindstaff
VI. Question and Answer Session
Next Meeting: Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Dr. Ellis welcomed everyone.
Budget – Gov says there will be no new money – no tax increases or fees. From the state standpoint, everything is dependent upon the economy recovering, people spending more, and more tax revenue. Therefore, we will not be getting a lot of relief from the state. Dr. Ellis talked with the county – we need significant work done at the high schools – QSCB has taken care of the short term needs (flooring, roofs, etc.) and some work will be finished during the summer. However, we still have the long range plans (high schools, new wing at East Middle, etc.) Also, we’re working to increase the supplements: certified – 6% and classified 2% -- not sure when that will happen, but we are working on it – it will take $500,000 to do that. We are committed to doing this whenever that time comes. County doesn’t see any significant increase in the county budget – would require a direct tax increase; not likely. If we can attract businesses here, that could possibly help increase revenues. This year we will use about $500,000 of fund balance. Without cuts, we can maintain what we have for about two more years. It is has always been Dr. Ellis’ goal to keep employees who are performing to expectation and if they want to work here, we want to have a job for them.
Update on Policies:
Student uniform policy – Based upon feedback, there is no plan to move the uniform policies to other schools. We will continue to require uniforms at middle schools with some changes – to be effective next school year. For example, small logos on shirts and other caveats may be changed to be more accommodating for parents and students.
Student drug test policy – For extracurricular activities only (athletics, clubs, etc.). We will be developing the policy for the next school year. It will be a random process. It is common throughout the state. Will be discussed more at the next community advisory meeting.
Politics of Education – The politics have changed. There are some people in our General Assembly who have been in the minority for a long time, but now are in key positions of leadership in the majority…and some want to destroy public schools. Due to the majority in place – Gov, House, Senate – 50 new charter schools are opening in the fall, over 140 applications have been submitted. We’re at a very tenuous time for public education. There are still people in our schools who don’t understand that change is going to happen, and we need to be on the cutting edge of those changes. We must be the best choice. Standard six – every teacher has to show that their teaching positively impacts learning. So, using PDSA is ultimately to help teachers and students. A charter school is opening in Randolph…If they take 50 children, that is $400,000. That is about 3-4 teachers who would lose their jobs. They are proposing to give tax credits, vouchers, etc. (“opportunity scholarships”) for children to go from public schools to private schools – every child that leaves MCS, it would be $6800 – 7200. How many children have to leave for it to affect a job? We have to be the best choice! And when people make unwise choices, it could cause parents to leave. Therefore, when employees talk negatively about the system, they are basically kissing money goodbye. We need our employees to take pride in their jobs and our school system. All indications say, teacher tenure will be a thing of the past.
Testing Update – Ben Grindstaff
Mr. Grindstaff distributed an MSL timeline to help clarify some things. Middle schools will be giving MSLs this spring, not elementary. Everything from the MSLs go straight into EVVAS.
Will the EOGs have constructive response? No.
Will not get scores back until October.
The new law about 3rd graders – is for the 2013-14 school year. We’re still working on that. They’ll have to figure out a way to get us results quicker. The state says they are going to fund the summer school piece. Need a little more info.
Certified Advisory Questions for 2/20/2013
1. East Middle School: One issue expressed from faculty members pertains to getting phones in every classroom. Is this something that will ever come to fruition? We will ask Bill and possibly use some of the QSCB funds allotted to schools.
2. East Montgomery High: Is it possible at the end of the semester, if students who are not testing (MSL, EOC, Vocats), may stay home? This would be especially helpful now that teachers are grading MSL's. This may be done at each principal’s discretion.
3. East Montgomery High: With recent inclement weather issues, our faculty would like to know if cancellation or delay decisions are going to be made, can they be made the night before instead of waiting until the morning of? We try to make those earlier, but we can never get it exactly right. Best of our ability will call the night before.
4. West Montgomery High: The only response I received was could the 15 minutes a day be cumulative meaning if they work an hour extra one day could it be used for the extra 15 a day? No, the 15 minutes need to be worked each day. For doctors appointments and other things where a teacher may have to leave occasionally, it is up to the principal’s discretion.