| Members:
Theresa Cantu*
Pamela Cole
Maria Galvan
Cindy Garcia
Orlando Garcia*
Tory Garcia
Mary Garnet
Mercedes Garza
Luis Gonzlaes
Ricardo Gonzales
Luis Gutierrez
Monica Ibarra
James Kohn
Maria Leos
Stanley Leshner*
Antonio G. Limon
Noemi Martinez
Jeannie McMillin
Tim Moon
Karen Moore
Rosalinda Peralez*
Dolores Ramirez
Ray Saldana
Henry Sanchez
Jesse Sauceda
Veronica Varner
Heriberto Villarreal*
Linda Villarreal
Delia Weaver
Bertha Wilson*
Reference
Individuals:
Theresa
Christensen
Ruben Franco
Celia Longoria*
Emma McCall
Celeste Sanchez
* Unable to Attend
New members in
italics
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September 15, 2005
Welcome & Introduction of Newly-Elected Council Members
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Celeste Sanchez
welcomed council members, including newly-elected members to the meeting.
She explained that Superintendent of Schools Antonio Limón would
join the group later. She expressed the importance of the council, stating
that the council will have a busy year. Council members will serve in
an advisory role and are encouraged to think “districtwide”
instead of per individual campus. The council is the voice of the superintendent
and is allowed to vote only on Staff Development issues and serve in an
advisory role at all other times.
Policies BQA (Legal) & BQA (Local) Reviewed
JCouncil members reviewed the policies pertaining to district-level planning
and decision making process in an effort to see the importance of the
council. The council will know the big picture behind major decisions.
Tax increase studied
Council members were informed that the district is looking at a tax increase
in an effort to maximize state funding. With the tax increase, approximately
$57,000 would come from local funds, while the state would send the district
six times that amount. Revenue sources were explained. Most of the federal
money is designated for the Child Nutrition Program. A breakdown of salaries
and non-salaried amounts were provided. A question was raised on whether
salary letters would be issued with this month’s checks, and the
response was that they would be.
It was explained that the district receives $12 million (listed as “Special
Revenue”) in grants, with the majority of the grant money going
towards students and teachers. The priority is hiring San Benito graduates
to work with the Afterschool Program. Ricardo Gonzales asked whether any
in-kind money is factored in. Sanchez responded stating only $15 thousand
per Communities In School (CIS) counselor is provided. She explained that
CIS pays for social workers to work with the district. This year, there
will be seven total, with one working with local judges on tough cases
to alleviate the burden on district counselors.
Gonzales asked about the 65 percent rule for instruction. Emma McCall,
Business Manager, explained four administrative positions were eliminated
and the district is being more fiscally responsible. Planner/Evaluator
Ruben Franco said the 65 percent rule is still being defined. McCall explained
that the definition includes Athletics, but not bus drivers.
New Initiatives Introduced
Sanchez explained the district is working on new initiatives, including
science labs and the Growing Readers Early Literacy Curriculum. The program
will prepare pre-k students with essential phonics. She explained the
board approved the Science lab program. She stated the district was devastated
with the fifth grade Science scores. She said she and other curriculum
directors evaluated that the principals were doing. Science software programs
were purchased; however there was no consistency on the vocabulary and
critical thinking methods. The lowest scores were in the area of Earth
Science. All grade levels will be receiving Bilingual software for immediate
implementation.
Superintendent discusses proposed tax increase
Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón explained that an open
letter to the community would be published (San Benito News, Sept. 17
issue) explaining a proposed three cent increase. It has been proposed
that one cent of that be applied towards building a new stadium. The local
tax would pay 16 percent of the cost, while the state assistance would
cover 84 percent of the cost. The district is the eighth poorest district
in the state, Limón explained. He explained the district lost approximately
$3 million because the district would not implement the $1.50 rate recommended
by the state. He said if five percent of the registered voters sign a
petition against the increase, then an election would be held to determine
the outcome.
Fall/Winter Staff Development Approved
Staff Development Coordinator Theresa Christensen presented the Fall/Winter
Staff Development Calendar, which received SAC approval. An early childhood
section has been added. Sessions will be held on Saturdays, except the
Science inquiry sessions, which will be held after school during a four-day
period. Dolores Ramirez asked about the six-hour GT update and was told
something would be scheduled. Karen Moore asked whether non-teachers can
attend. Christensen responded they could. To place an item on the staff
development calendar, contact Christensen with ideas.
Student Enrollment/Attendance Report Presented
Planner/Evaluator Ruben Franco reported that enrollment has exploded,
with 350 new students this year. Franco reported enrollment figures for
today totaled 10,489. He said the district peaked at 10,302 last year.
The district petitioned to the state regarding the 22:1 student-teacher
ratio, requesting that they waive the ratio requirement for the first
12 weeks instead of the last 12 weeks of the year. He reported two new
campuses will be opening next year and that the district should consider
building more schools or resort to portables in order to deal with the
increase in enrollments. Also, a new elementary school is being built
on South Sam Houston and Ramsey Road.
According to accountability ratings, one school in the district is recognized.
Another was rated unacceptable, pending an appeal that looks favorable.
He reported the good news is that all schools this year “Meet Adequate
Yearly Progress.” The goal–R2E4–issued by Limón
is that the district merit a recognized rating in two years and an exemplary
rating in four. Sanchez explained again that the Science scores cost the
district the recognized status. During the course of the discussion, Luis
Gutierrez asked whether pre-K could be included in the science program.
Sanchez explained the district is looking into special information and
related items. Dolores Ramirez inquired whether the daily attendance report
could be placed on the web pages. Franco responded the district will look
into placing it on the web.
A question was raised by Veronica Varner on how the district abides by
the 22:1 ratio after 12 weeks. Franco responded the district deals with
the issue by balancing teachers and students in order to meet that ratio.
Monica Ibarra inquired whether the district’s enrollment would be
affected by Hurricane Katrina. Sanchez responded five families out of
150 that are coming to the Rio Grande Valley are coming to San Benito.
Limón explained Hurricane Katrina survivors may not be counted
for testing purposes.
Open Forum
•Dolores Ramirez asked about the district school supply list for
fourth graders versus other grades. The list requires paper; however,
folders/binders (to hold papers) were not included on the list. Sanchez
explained the lists were derived from all lists as per the instruction
of the former superintendent. She said all other supplies are to be purchased
by each individual campus.
•Maria Galvan stated core teachers teaching six periods versus elective
teachers teaching seven periods. This means more students, more grading.
She raised a question on whether the high school could add one more teacher
for electives. Limón explained he is working with San Benito High
School Principal Tony Rodriguez. He said elective teachers have always
taught an extra class. This issue was corrected at the campus after the
discrepancy by the previous administration. Voicing concerns over high
school teachers being overloaded, she stated middle school teachers do
not have the the work load that high school teachers have. Limón
stated that there is only so much money in the pot.
•Luis Gutierrez asked about offering less Physical Education classes
to devote more time to other events and classes (health, library, etc.)
It was explained that the rule is 350 minutes of P.E. per week. SAC members
were told the issue will be discussed at a Principal’s Meeting.
•Pam Cole asked for an explanation of exchange hours and why it
is not an even exchange. (24 hours for two days off at daily rate). Exchange
dates are Jan. 6 and April 13. Cole also voiced concerns over elementary
Special Education students not transitioning with minutes for content
mastery (science, social studies) as for math, etc. Mercedes Garza said
every student is different. Sanchez said she would direct concerns to
the district’s new Special Education Director Teresa Cantu, so that
she could prepare a summary sheet for fifth graders.
•Cole also asked about PTO/PTA fundraisers at the elementary level.
•Mercedes Garza inquired whether the Perfect Attendance stipend
was changed, and she was told it was not.
•Cindy Garcia aired concerns over electronic grade book problems.
Limón explained the upgrade of the program was not compatible and
has since been resolved. Other districts experienced the same problems.
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