Diana Atkinson
  *Ernesto Balli
  Eva Bisaillon
  Theresa Cantu
  Manuel Cruz
  Dolores De La Fuente
  *Marina De Leon
  Carol Evans
  Rene Garcia
  Silvia Garcia
  *Carlos Gonzales
  Juan M. Gonzales
  Lupita C. Gonzalez
  Dr. Margarita Greer
  Lisa Gutierrez
  Rick Hernandez
  Roberta Kelly
  Elizabeth Leos
  Stanley Leshner
  Antonio G. Limón
  David Alex Mendoza
  Albert Mosqueda
  Zeke Padilla
  *Eddie Ramirez
  Dee Dee Reza
  Rico Rodriguez
  *Tony Rodriguez
  Michael Salinas
  Janie Silva
  Dallas Ray Smetter
  Nancy Thompson
  Patricia Vela



  Resource
  Personnel:
  Ruben Franco
  Celia Longoria
  Emma McCall
  Celeste Sanchez

  Others Present
  Melonie Flores


  * Unable to Attend

  Next meeting date:
  Thurs. Oct. 9, 2008 at
  3 p.m. at the John F.
  Barron
  Administration
  Building
 

September 11, 2008

Welcome/Introduction of Newly-Elected Council Members

Superintendent of Schools Antonio G. Limón provided a welcome and committee members provided self-introductions.  New committee members serving a two-year term include the following:

Classroom Teachers 

Janie Silva, Berta Cabaza Middle School

Albert Mosqueda, Fred Booth Elementary
Michael Salinas, La Paloma Elementary
Elizabeth Leos, La Encantada Elementary
Patricia Vela, Landrum Elementary
Dr. Silvia Garcia, Sullivan Elementary

Campus-level non-teaching professionals
Eva Bisaillon, San Benito High School
Manuel Cruz, Fred Booth Elementary
Rico Rodriguez, San Benito High School

District level professionals
Theresa Cantu
Rick Hernandez
Dallas Smetter

Community Representative
Lupita C. Gonzalez

Parent Representative
David Alex Mendoza

Business Representative
Zeke Padilla


Presentation of 2008-09 Budget/FIRST Rating
Business Manager Emma McCall discussed the Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas and announced that the district earned a “superior” rating–the highest rating awarded.   McCall also presented a brief report related to the 2008-09 budget.  The estimated general revenue for the year ending Aug. 31, 2009 is $87,996,880.  Three major sources of revenue-state ($71,016,460), local ($9,386,984) and federal ($7,593,436) monies-will finance proposed expenditures.  The district will also receive grant monies (“Special Revenue”) totaling over $11 million this year.  McCall reported that the district has approximately $8.6 million in the fund balance.

Review of District-level Planning and Decision-making Process: Board Policies BQA(Legal) and BQA(Local)
District-level Planning & Decision Making Process (Board Policies BQA Legal & Local) Review Committee members reviewed Board Policies BQA Legal & BQA Local.  The policy outlines information related to the Superintendent’s Advisory Council, duties, meetings and committee composition.

Approval of Fall/Winter Staff Development
Staff Development Coordinator Melonie Flores presented information related to the Fall/Winter Staff Development.  After the brief presentation, SAC members voted to approve the staff development sessions for fall/winter. 

District Goals & Initiatives
Limón and Sánchez reviewed goals and initiatives for the school year.  They stated that tutors for Algebra I classes worked well.  At the elementary level, reading interventionists were provided last year, and state monies are available to continue providing assistance.  The district continues on its quest for the use of technology, including providing white boards for every math and science teacher at the secondary level, thanks to monies obtained through the STAR grant.  Thanks to another grant, Vision 2020, fourth and fifth graders at Fred Booth Elementary will be receiving a laptop computer.  Limón said the district’s goal is to become a “state recognized” district at the end of the year.  Limón encouraged everyone to work together as a team with the following thought in mind, “Performance With A Purpose.”

District Awards for Teacher Excellence (DATE)
Federal Programs Director Dr. Margarita Greer and Staff Development Coordinator Melonie Flores presented information outlining criteria related to the District Awards for Teacher Excellence. The district received a grant totaling $690,954.  All teachers in the district are eligible to participate.  It was noted that fine arts teachers and athletic coaches (provided they provide four hours of instruction during the day) are eligible.  The district will attempt to reward every teacher that goes above and beyond, provided they meet the criteria set forth by a committee.  More details about the DATE Grant can be found on the district’s website.   

Open Forum

• A question was raised by Janie Silva of Berta Cabaza Middle School regarding a stipend for team leaders. Limón said that team leaders receive a $1,000 stipend.  Limón explained that the district earmarked $500,000 to cover teacher and employee pay raises and stated that stipends for country teachers was decreased by $500 this school year.   He explained San Benito is the 8th poorest district in the state and that this year, there are no new monies coming in from the state.  Limón explained that a first-year teacher in San Benito earns $37,000, compared to $39,500 for a first-year teacher from Harlingen and $35,000 for a first-year teacher from Rio Hondo.  Limón further explained that the maximum salary for San Benito teachers in $58,688, while the maximum salary is $55,000 for Harlingen teachers.  Limón explained that the district cannot utilize monies from the fund balance for raises, etc.  
• A question related to special education was raised by Robbie Kelly from Miller Jordan Middle School. Director of Special Education Theresa Cantu explained that handicapping condition does not determine placement (if ED doesn’t mean Behavior Unit, MR doesn’t necessarily constitute “self contained, LD – Resource etc).  She stated that the ARD committee must always look at a full continuum of services, however, the committee first considers the Least Restrictive Environment---keeping in mind that students must always be considered on an individual basis and avoiding blanket statements and placements. 
• Fred Booth Elementary Principal Manuel Cruz expressed concerns regarding the district’s decision on first grade teacher assistants assigned to help teachers in the classroom. Members were informed that other neighboring districts do not have teacher assistants in first grade.  This process is being handled through attrition.    
  
  

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