Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Approval of minutes: Mrs. Robledo called the meeting to order at 8:25 a.m. The minutes from August 26, 2008, were reviewed and approved.

Principal’s message: Mrs. Gonzalez said there are three matters of business to present today. First is the distribution of funds for the FCAT A+ money from the state. Next is the decision of how to spend the $4,402 currently in the EESAC account. Third are the adjustments in the School Improvement Plan.

As for spending the EESAC funds, one option is the sound system, which needs to be updated. Depending upon the cost, Mrs. Gonzalez said she might be able to use other funds for the sound system. Also, the gym renovation is nearing completion; a new floor has been installed and we need a covering to protect it during certain events such as socials. Mrs. Gonzalez said she wants to see if the alumni association can replace the sign on the gymnasium showing that it was dedicated to Frankie Rolle; when the building was painted, the dedication was not replaced. Mrs. Gonzalez needs an estimate of the cost of stenciling and painting. Mrs. Gonzalez said she plans to be able to report on the use of EESAC funds at the next meeting. A motion to allow Mrs. Gonzalez to use the funds for any of these projects was approved.

Mrs. Robledo said she is working on developing a plan for the distribution of the A+ money and would like use the same formula as was used in previous years. By Nov. 2, the plan must be submitted. The committee voted to approve a distribution plan based on those used in the past. Mrs. Plummer asked if everyone on the staff is included, and Mrs. Gonzalez and Mrs. Robledo explained that all employees from last year are included.

Mrs. Stroleny reviewed changes to the school improvement plan. The reading scores showed that seventh and eighth grade improved substantially last year and we will concentrate on sixth grade in this year’s reading goal. Also in math, we had great success in seventh and eighth grades and will focus on sixth grade in the math goal. Mrs. Gonzalez explained that sixth-graders come to Carver from all over the county with different backgrounds, “like a surprise box.” There is no leveling, but sixth grade teachers level them at an incredible rate and growth is incredible, although scores may not show it the same way as with seventh and eighth grades. Mrs. Stroleny said we are always reassessing and trying to improve our product. Also, documents that assist us in developing the School Improvement Plan recommended that we aim for a 10 percent increase resulting in 100 percent of our students passing the FCAT science test. Mrs. Gonzalez said the School Improvement Plan currently states 100 percent mastery in science as our goal, but we have requested permission to set the goal a little lower. “I like to be realistic,” she said. All schools with at least 50 percent passing last year are required to go for at least 10 percent growth this year. The committee approved the School Improvement Plan. Mrs. Gonzalez commended Mrs. Stroleny for her work with the School Improvement Plan because it changes every year. Mrs. Stroleny has stayed very late to compile all of the data and does the bulk of the work and the writing year after year.

Open forum: Mrs. Robledo informed that Mrs. Garcia, Mrs. Llewellyn-Jones, Mr. Hudson, Mrs. Gomez, Mrs. Fernandez, and Mrs. Rios-Cristancho are candidates for teacher of the year. Mrs. Vinat, Dr. Garcia, Mrs. Byrd, and Mrs. Robledo comprise the nominating committee.

Hispanic Heritage Month events will include poster, essay, and cooking contests. We are taking the essay contest from Tallahassee very seriously because its top prize is a four-year paid tuition to any college in the state. We are pushing for one of our students to be the winner, said Mrs. Robledo. The contest topic is honoring a legacy shaping Florida’s economic future.

Mrs. Gramling said that judging for Fairchild Challenge Option 1 will occur during period 2 on September 26. Students will present 14 eco-skits, but we can only choose one. The best skits also will be performed for Carver Elementary. “Earth” magazine published an article about green schools and an article is devoted to Carver. Mrs. Gramling said we made national news and that Mrs. Vazquez was featured but the article cited support at all levels.

Mr. Sands informed that the United Way Kickoff is on Thursday, when he takes four students to a program at Jungle Island. All students will view a video on Friday and other events will follow, culminating with the Halloween social. A presentation will be made to the faculty because last year we had the top employee United Way campaign in Region 4. Mrs. Gonzalez commended the generosity of the faculty.

Mrs. Gonzalez thanked Mrs. Basso for her work in coordinating the open house. The PTA had a successful bookfair with many hours of work by parent volunteers. “I could not be more pleased with the smoothness of open house,” said Mrs. Gonzalez, adding that she received many positive comments from parents. She also thanked all Carver teachers for making the parents feel welcome.

Mrs. Plummer asked about changes for magnet acceptance for next year. Mrs. Gonzalez confirmed that acceptance will not be based on groups but said she does not have details yet. Previously, the four groups were based on test scores and socioeconomic figures and these groups had to be represented in our IE program; it was difficult in the past to fill numbers from all groups. Mrs. Basso will visit all schools within a certain geographic area to speak to fourth graders from group 1 and 2 schools so they know about our program. We will focus on nearby schools because of transportation concerns. Mrs. Gonzalez urged diversity and said we are putting every effort that we can to get as many applicants as possible from Title I schools. We look at grades, conduct, and attendance from fourth grade and the first 9 weeks of fifth grade for IE admissions.

Adjournment: Mrs. Robledo adjourned the meeting at 8:54 a.m.