Lawton Chiles Elementary School
School Advisory Council Meeting Minutes
October 16, 2007

Call to Order
Robert Hutson called the meeting to order at 2:18 p.m.

Attendance
Those in attendance included:  Judy Black, Robert Hutson, Susan Bowles, Shelley Warm, Polly Esther MacKay, and Donna Bridwell.

Recess Input Meeting
Since the last S.A.C. meeting the change in student recess has become an issue of some concern for parents.  Mrs. Black explained that the addition of five classes this year necessitated a change in the lunch schedule.  In the past each grade level was allotted 15 minutes from their scheduled lunch time for recess on the playground, three staff members were charged with their supervision during this time.  The change in the lunch schedule caused grade levels to overlap resulting in many more children out on the playground and only the three staff members to supervise, since we didn’t have additional staff available to monitor the students.  Since this situation was unsafe, Mrs. Black decided to rotate recess days between the grade levels.  This resulted in a reduction of recess days for each grade level.  Parents expressed concern that their children would not have unstructured free time for their children to exercise and socialize.  Mrs. Black arranged two parent meetings to explain the situation and gave parents an opportunity to ask questions and give input into possible alternative solutions.  The meetings were productive and informative.

Parking
Mr. Hutson asked if the parking issue has improved since the last meeting.  Mrs. Black told the committee that the bus loop has been opened after buses leave, around 7:30 a.m. each morning and this has helped to alleviate some of the waiting time in the drop off line.  Mr. Hutson asked if the suggestion proposed by Mr. White in the last meeting had been implemented.  He reminded the committee that Mr. White’s proposal was to ask the parents of mature second grade students and parents of students in the third, fourth and fifth grade not to walk their children into school unless they were bringing in items, meeting with the teacher or volunteering.  This would allow parents of kindergarten and first grade students to park and walk their children into class.  Mrs. Black said that we have not implemented the suggestion yet.  Mr. Hutson made a motion that the S.A.C. endorse the proposal and recommend the implementation of the suggestion to parents.  He suggested that the information would go home to parents in the Communicator.  The motion was unanimously passed.

Recognition Money
Mrs. Black informed the committee that Lawton Chiles was awarded about $79,000.00 from the State of Florida for the 2007 School Recognition Program (SRP).  This money was awarded to our school because of our “A” grade last year.  Mrs. Black stated that the staff was polled and have voted to use 20% of the money for purchasing supplies and equipment for the school; 80% will be set aside for staff bonuses.  Mr. Hutson made a motion that was seconded by Ms. MacKay that the staff vote would stand with an amendment.  His motion clarified those bonuses would be given in proportion to staff members FTE status as of last school year.  The S.A.C. approved by a majority this use of the funds.

Fourth Grade Teacher
Mrs. Black informed the committee that a fourth grade teacher resigned yesterday.  She sent a note home to the fourth grade parents explaining the situation.  She is looking for a teacher with experience in the fourth grade to fill this position. 

Member Input
Mr. Hutson suggested that notice be given a week before the next S.A.C. meeting to remind members of the meeting.  The secretary will be responsible for emailing everyone a reminder

Next Meeting
The next meeting will be held on December 11, 2007 at 2:15 p.m. in the Planning Room.