Maria Agado
  Diana Atkinson
  Ernesto Balli  
  Maria Teresa Bazan
  Luis Cantu
  Arnold Castillo
  Fred Cavazos
  Pamela Cole
  Dolores De La
  Fuente
  Marina De Leon
  Sylvia Espinoza
  *Carol Evans
  Normalinda Garcia
  Rene Garcia
  Isabel Gomez
  *Carlos Gonzales
  Dr. Margarita Greer
  Roberta Kelly
  Jana Landrum
  Stan Leshner
  Antonio G. Limon
  *Sam Mendez
  *Jose L. Morales
  Monica Pulido
  Eddie Ramirez
  Dee Dee Reza
  *Rene Rivas
  Victor Rosas
  Nancy Thompson
  *Joe Villarreal



  Reference
  Individuals:
  Ruben Franco
  Celia Longoria
  Emma McCall
  *Celeste Sanchez


  * Unable to Attend

  Next meeting date:
  Thurs. Nov. 8, 2007
  at 3 pm
  John F. Barron
  Administration
  Building
 

October 11, 2007

Fall Staff Development
Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón welcomed committee members and introduced Staff Development Coordinator Melonie Flores who presented information on the Fall/Winter Staff Development sessions. SAC members approved the sessions as presented by Flores.
 
Chess Guideline Review
Afterschool Program Director Jack Garcia provided SAC members with information outlining the chess guidelines.  He said chess has been integrated into the schools and has helped students sharpen their critical thinking and math skills.  He announced that San Benito CISD, in conjunction with the City of McAllen, have secured the state chess tournament for 2009. The event will take place at the convention center in McAllen and is expected to attract thousands of participants.
 
Child Nutrition Program pricing guidelines
Jana Landrum, director of Child Nutrition Program, addressed food pricing changes for this school year.  Landrum said the Child Nutrition Program is a federally-funded program.  Last year the department was cited after an audit revealed that adult meal prices were not in compliance according to federal guidelines.   As a result, the department has had to increase pricing from $2.25 to $3.25.  The Child Nutrition Program is a self-funded program.  The department utilizes the funds for labor costs, food costs and improvements to the cafeterias, including upgrading the décor in the dining areas.  Landrum expressed her appreciation for the support the department has received from trustees and administration.
 
IFA Monies Available
Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón announced that bond election monies are available from the state.  The state agrees to pay 84 cents out of every dollar, Limón said.  This year, the state legislature has set aside $86 million dollars earmarked as IFA (Instructional Facilities Allotment) monies.  Limón said that because the district is considered the 18th poorest district in the state, the district would qualify for the monies.  Limón said trustees have to approve calling for a bond election.  Once that happens, the bond election would be voted on by voters in May, 2008. Limón explained that within the next two to three years the district will need additional elementary schools.  He also discussed the need to upgrade the A/C system at San Benito High School and Miller Jordan Middle School.  Limón said the taxpayers have been supportive of previous bond elections. The district needs to follow the necessary timeline.  He added that the school district lowered its tax rate by 22 cents based on legislation that was passed.
 
Board Members’ Terms
Limón announced changes in trustee elections, where board members Joe G. Gonzalez and Hector Leal, who were just re-elected, will serve one additional term based on the changes.
 

Open Forum

• Free First Clinic-suggestions were made to include more evening hours, and possibly open 1/2 day on Saturdays.  Concerns were also raised over not being able to get an appointment until one or two weeks later. The clinic also accepts limited walk-ins. 
• Rezoning-a remark was made about the positive outcome regarding rezoning.
• Half-day assignment-A concern was raised over a teacher who is assigned to the Ed Downs Elementary campus for half a day and receives pay for a full-day’s work.  (It was clarified that the teacher spends the remainder of the day at another campus.)  
• Student Attire-A suggestion was made on whether the district could require middle school students to wear khaki pants instead of blue jeans with their polo-style shirts. If this happens, then it would not be considered “a mode of dress” and the district would then be required to provide uniforms for students who could not afford them. 
• C-Scope Curriculum-Concerns regarding C-Scope were raised regarding assessments, materials and instruction.  Limón explained that the area superintendents met with Region I officials to register concerns recently.  Limón explained the C-Scope lessons are optional.  
• Weather Bug-Afterschool Program Director Jack Garcia announced that through federal funds, the district was able to purchase a weather bug station which was installed at Berta Cabaza Middle School.  The weather bug features a live camera and shows vegetation, birds, etc. in the pond located behind the school.  Students will utilize this project for instructional purposes in the area of math and science.
• Safety/security-Concerns were raised about the safety and security of the campuses in light of the incident in Ohio.  Limón addressed the concern, explaining that the district just received a security audit which will be presented to campus principals and the board of trustees.  The audit contains recommendations and steps that the district should take to further enhance its existing security measures.  The district has several measures in place, including the use of the Raptor Trace equipment and has recently received grant monies towards the purchase of security equipment for San Benito High School.
• PRC-teachers have been cooperative with assignments and the communication is good between the home campus teachers and the teachers at the PRC.
• Child Nutrition Program-The Child Nutrition Program received praise for providing nutrition classes through the cooperation of Cameron County.

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