Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Recording Secretary: Dee Orgaz

Location of meeting: Coral Gables Senior High Media Center

Was a quorum established? Yes

Was the meeting advertised? Yes, 04/21/2006

Attendance

Topics Covered

The Coral Gables Senior High School Educational Excellence School Advisory Committee meeting was called to order at 2:50pm, by Stephanie Hofmann, Chairman.
A quorum was established. Ms. Watson made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 18, 2006 EESAC meeting with the correction of the date of the meeting. The motion was approved. By consensus, EESAC approved the minutes of the April 18, 2006 EESAC meeting as corrected.

Ms. Otero stated that issue of school uniforms passed and students will be wearing uniforms next year. Dr. Martinez stated that Ms. Carey has the results of the vote and that she is the chairman of the uniform committee. Teachers, parents, and students are on this committee. Ms. Watson and Mr. R. Gonzalez, EESAC members, are on this committee. Ms. Carey also has the information concerning waivers to the uniform policy.

Ms. Otero stated that the faculty voted against the waiver for the eight period day for the next school year. Mr. Blackmon, the UTD steward, left the meeting and Ms. Munnerlyn stated, as per Mr. Blackmon, that 186 faculty were eligible to vote. The results of the vote are as follows:
98 votes in the affirmative
67 votes in the negative
8 eligible voters were absent
12 faculty abstained from voting, which counted as “no” votes
Considerable discussion ensued, especially as to those who abstained from voting and being counted as “no” votes. Also, there was much discussion concerning the amount of time, 48 hours, that was given as notice that the vote would be taken; the manner in which the vote was taken—some less experienced teachers may have been intimidated by some to vote against the eight period day; EESAC was not notified prior to when the vote would be taken; two faculty members were out of the county and were not given the opportunity to vote; one or two faculty were on field trips and returned too late to vote; the total of 98+67+8+12=185—where is the one remaining vote of the 186 faculty eligible to vote. Ms. Orgaz made a motion that EESAC ask the District and the UTD for a clarification of the voting process for the eight period day, why those who abstained from voting were counted as “no” votes, if this process is consistent with all other schools concerning waivers, and that the District and the UTD conduct a re-vote on the eight period day prior to the end of this school year. The motion was seconded. By consensus, EESAC agreed to the above stated motion. The EESAC chairman and Mr. Zoller were directed to draft a letter concerning these issues to be addressed to Superintendent Rudy Crew, with copies to Dr. Essie Pace (Region IV), Mr. Freddie Woodson (School Operations), Mr. Agustin Barrera (School Board Chairman and our District Representative), Ms. Karen Aronowitz (UTD President), Mr. Blackmon (Gables UTD steward), and Ms. Milne (Gables alternate UTD steward). Parent EESAC members suggested that all School Board members be copied and that parents call Mr. Barrera’s aide, Barbara Miranda to voice their concerns. It was also stated that anyone can attend the next School Board meeting this Wednesday, and sign up to speak concerning this issue. Ms. Hofmann will distribute this letter prior to the next School Board meeting, which will be held this Wednesday, May 10th, beginning at 1:00pm in the School Board Auditorium.

OPEN FORUM

The issue of police presence and student safety was discussed. Dr. Martinez suggested that the concern about having a Coral Gables police officer assigned to the school be brought to the attention of the City of Coral Gables Community Relations Board. He stated that Mr. Cole and Mr. Miret are school representatives and that Ms. Watson is a permanent guest on this committee.

Mr. Gonzalez thanked Ms. Reitsma for bringing cookies to EESAC meetings. Dr. Martinez thanked EESAC members for their participation this year. Ms. Hofmann thanked EESAC members for their attendance and participation throughout the school year. Ms. Hofmann stated that all EESAC members will be properly contacted if another EESAC meeting is to be scheduled prior to the end of the school year.

Ms. Hofmann adjourned the EESAC meeting at 4:10pm.