Southwest Middle School

School Advisory Council

August 28, 2007 Meeting Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 4:28 PM. In attendance were: Dr. Anne Carcara, Gwendolyn Johnson, Desiree Butler, Rosemary Maladecki, Dolly Ramos, Charlotte Moody, Shirley Nesmith, Louis Olivares, and Natalie Bartimac.

The minutes from the April 17, 2007 meeting were approved as written.

Principal’s Report:

Dr. Carcara mentioned a mandatory technology upgrade needed in order to provide the network to complete classroom visits. In addition, she discussed other technology needs at the school, which include a wireless access cart with (30) laptops for student use, and new printers for the teachers.

Old Business:

Natalie Bartimac gave a Power Point presentation to explain the results of last year’s FCAT, discuss this year’s goals, and changes for this year. She also went over a draft of the 2007-08 School Improvement Plan, indicating that she had just received information on the achievement gap. The plan will need to be signed and sent in soon.

New Business:

SAC Member/Officer Election

In the beginning of the school year we have elections for SAC members and officers. Beyond the requirements for membership written in the statute, we strive to have representation for each grade level. Please encourage other parents to attend and participate in SAC. Our election will take place in September.

Goals for SAC

Dolly Ramos briefly informed us about the purpose of SAC. In addition, she reviewed the requirements associated with achieving the 5-Star School Award as it pertains to SAC, as follows:

- Minimum of eight (8) meetings per year;

- Each meeting must have at least 80 % of members in attendance;

- Each member must attend 80 % of the meetings;

- Annual Presentation of School Improvement Plan to the Community;

- Evidence of ongoing training of SAC;

- One new idea in School Improvement Plan that involves the community;

- SAC participation in Needs Assessment; and

- Evidence of training on collaborative partnering and shared decision-making.

All SAC members will receive a SAC notebook that will have a copy of the School Improvement Plan and other pertinent information.

SAC Sub-Committees / School Recognition Funds (A+ Money)

We discussed sub-committees that will be formed throughout the year. Volunteers were solicited to serve on the School Recognition Funds Subcommittee. Shirley Nesmith, Rosemary Maladecki, and Dolly Ramos will serve on this committee. They will meet with the Faculty Advisory Council to determine various options for distributing the School Recognition Funds (A Money). We also discussed meeting with the Dr. Phillips Rotary to seek assistance for technology needs once a Technology Plan is established.

Announcements:

The next SAC Meeting will be on September 18, 2007 @ 4:15.

Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 5:30 p.m.