Lawton Chiles Elementary School
School Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
September 25, 2007

Call to Order
Judy Black called the meeting to order at 2:18 p.m.

Attendance
Those in attendance included:  Judy Black, Robert Hutson, Kimberly Shaw Allen, Darryl Washington, Marcia Eubank, Lisa Baker, Susan Bowles, Shelley Warm, Joyce Lizwelicha, John Wesley White, Annie Harris, Donna Bridwell, Deirdre Warner, Mary Brandenburg, Arthur Seabrooks, Sr., and Kelly Brill.

Introductions
Mrs. Black introduced herself and welcomed everyone to the meeting.  She asked the each member to introduce themselves and share how they were affiliated with the school.

Elections
Mrs. Black asked the committee for nominations/volunteers for the position of Chairperson and Secretary.  Robert Hutson volunteered to Chair the committee this year and was unanimously approved of by the committee.  Donna Bridwell was nominated to serve as Secretary; the vote was unanimous to accept her as well.

Handouts
Each committee member received a packet of information which included the 2007-2008 School Improvement Plan (SIP), the Superintendent’s “Budget Update” newsletter and an informational sheet explaining the purpose of School Advisory Council’s. 

Mrs. Black briefly went through the SIP to highlight areas that are new this year.  One such item, listed under the Technology heading, was the placement of Mrs. Resczenski as a facilitator in the computer lab.  Also, Mrs. Black noted that the PTA’s goal this year was to purchase more Smart Board units (board, projector, cart and lap tops).  Three staff members were trained on the use of the Smart Boards during the summer.  These teachers will provide training for the staff that receives the PTA purchased boards.

The committee reviewed the “Budget Update”.  One of the committee members asked what the current enrollment was, Mrs. Black stated that we have 805 children; this number includes our walk-in students.  Our class size average in the primary grades is 16.7 students per teacher and at the intermediate level the average is 18 students per teacher.

Concerns/Input
There were several grade level teacher changes that occurred in the beginning of the school year.  Mrs. Black explained that due to teacher allocations being changed by the county office in several grade levels it was necessary to move existing staff members to new positions. 

It was noted that there are several new staff members this year.  Mrs. Allen asked what mechanisms were in place to help these teachers adjust to teaching at Chiles elementary.  Mrs. Black explained that the Team Leaders at each grade level help the new teachers get acclimated and that each beginning year teacher has a mentor to meet with on a weekly basis.  Mrs. Allen also asked about the correct procedure for parents to address issues of concern.  Mrs. Black explained that talking with the teacher is the first thing to do, then the grade level team leader.  If issues are not resolved at this point then parents should feel free to speak with Mrs. Black, Mrs. Brandenburg, or a counselor in the guidance department.

Mrs. Black spoke about the parking issue and some ways that we are trying to alleviate the issues of bike rider and pedestrian safety.  She has asked the county facilities department to send out someone to evaluate the situation and make suggestions for improvement.

Next Meeting
It was agreed that the next meeting would be held Tuesday, October 16, 2007, 2:15 p.m. in the planning room.

The meeting was adjourned at 3:05 p.m.