Verified EESAC Meeting Minutes

Recording Secretary: Sarah Russell

Location of meeting: Dorothy M. Wallace COPE Center

Was a quorum established? Yes

Was the meeting advertised? Yes, 04/08/2003

Attendance

Topics Covered

OLD BUSINESS:

Mrs. Goins stated that when Ms. Helen Maguire (Office of Performance Improvement) met with the administration and department heads she explained how we should approach the Sterling Criteria. We should brainstorm on documenting what we already do. This is quite an undertaking.

Mrs. Ames said that Ms. Maguire believes we’re well on our way with our self-assessment. All members need to know what everyone is doing.

Ms. Kane said Ms. Maguire felt we’re doing well – overall high average.

Mrs. King said it is important what the Sterling Criteria team sees – not what we say in our self-assessment. The important thing is “How do we show what we do? We must have documentation. Informing everyone is important so that all are on the same accord. Everyone (teachers, paraprofessionals, office staff, custodians) must be familiar with school programs.

Mrs. King continued by saying, “We determine when we want to apply for the Sterling. We can use early release days to prepare for the process.” There are seven (7) criteria – perhaps we can set up sub-committees for each one. Then we can plan on how we’re going to improve. For example, currently there is no opportunity for feedback from clinic clients.

Mrs. King also said, “We should make a list of things we need to do and look at a timeline to determine the amount of time subcommittees will be given to work.”

Ms. Ames said, “We need to identify areas where documentation should be provided,” and that “the host school is responsible for all expenses for the Sterling Committee”.

All members in attendance took a Feedback Report to review and select committees based upon the Sterling criteria at our next meeting.

Ms. Ames suggested we share the “report findings” with other teachers and get their feedback.

Members voted on the School Performance Excellence Plan Waiver. All voted they don’t want a waiver this year.

NEW BUSINESS:

Ms. Ames informed us that a Parent Involvement Conference is being held on Saturday, May 17, 2003 at Booker T. Washington School. Highlights of Educational Success brochures are available for guests.

Mrs. King said we can look at grants for tutoring students and parents for next year.

We’ve discussed the Pace Ware Language Module. Ms. Kane said we must purchase additional licenses for Language, Math and Employability Skills. The price is $100.00 per machine for Language and Math. She said Social Studies will be coming on board soon. We need to purchase five (5) additional licenses for Reading Pace Ware.

Ms. King said she is willing to spend $2,500.00 on Language Pace Ware -- if members think we
can use it.

Ms. Ames asked if anyone can use the program. Several members answered in the affirmative. This subject will be revisited on Tuesday in the Department Heads meeting.

Holding Open House on Saturday next school year instead of in the evening was presented in a proposal by Ms. Pratt. The proposal included the idea of having an Open House and Language Writing Inservice together. Some members voiced a concern regarding parents’ ability to attend on a Saturday. It was the consensus of the council to keep the Open House and workshop separate.

The next meeting will be May 14, 2003 at 4:10 p.m.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.