*Eva Bisaillon
  *Theresa Cantu
  Manuel Cruz
  Lourdes De La Cruz
  Ron Diaz
  Rudy Diaz
  Josefina Espinoza
  Dr. Silvia Garcia
  *Juan M. Gonzales
  *Rosa M. Gonzales
  *Lupita C. Gonzalez
  Yvonne Gonzalez
  Rick Hernandez
  Antonio G. Limón
  Leticia Lopez
  Rosy McMichael
  *David Alex Mendoza
  Albert Mosqueda
  Rene Muñoz
  *Zeke Padilla
  Minnie Quintanilla
  Dolores Ramirez
  Rico Rodriguez
  *Ron Rogers
  Beverly Salinas
  *Michael Salinas
  Thelma Sanchez
  *Julio Santana
  Arturo Serrata
  Ermelinda Silva
  Janie Silva
  Dallas Ray Smetter
  Pat Thomas
  Patricia Vela


  Resource
  Personnel:
  Ruben Franco
  Celia Longoria
  Emma McCall
  Celeste Sanchez


  * Unable to Attend

  Next meeting date:
  Thursday, Feb. 11@
  6 p.m
  at the John F.
  Barron
  Administration
  Building
 

January 21, 2010

SAC Public Meeting Date Set

Members of the Superintendent’s Advisory Council set the Public Meeting for Thursday, Feb. 11 at 6 p.m. at the John F. Barron Administration Building.  The meeting is held annually to allow the public an opportunity to attend.    

 

Spring Staff Development

Staff Development Coordinator Melonie Flores requested input for the course offerings for the upcoming Spring Staff Development. SAC members requested more math course offerings and workshops related to Technology Performance Assessments.

 

School Calendar Update

Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Celeste Sanchez reported that members of the sub calendar committee have met to determine the school calendar for the 2010-2011 school year.  The committee is discussing various options for Calendars A, B and C at this time.

 

Open Forum

• A question was raised on the possibility of allowing teaching assistants to work extra hours in order to have certain days off. It was explained that this practice is not allowed due to the fact that overtime issues come into play.
• A question was posed on whether paraprofessionals can get paid twice a month. Administrators explained that if this occurs, then they will not get a paycheck during the summer months due to their 10-month employment basis.
• A question was raised regarding stipends for perfect attendance. Administrators explained that the practice was discontinued because it was not cost effective, as the district was spending a large amount of money to hire substitutes.
• A discussion related to early release times took place.  Administrators explained that at certain times during the school year the secondary students are released before the elementary students in order to avoid discipline problems.
• A suggestion was made to revisit summer school criteria.
• A question regarding disparities in attendance at inservice sessions was raised. It was noted that some sessions had few participants, while others had too many.
• Questions regarding the offering of four staff development days for two exchange days were raised.  The district pays $75 per day for inservice and employees receive two days off at their daily rate.
• A request regarding the use of payroll codes was made. The use of certain codes would serve to provide the employee with a detailed explanation regarding what the extra money is for, such as tutoring, afterschool, workshop attendance, etc.
• A suggestion was made on whether teachers that plan on retiring would be able to donate extra days to employees in need due to illness, etc.  The district would need to look into guidelines and look at establishing a “bank pool.”
• A question was raised on whether there is a specific program for students with dyslexia.  Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Celeste Sanchez explained that Virginia May has become a trainer of trainers, and that the district currently uses the Scottish Rite curriculum for students with dyslexia.  In a separate matter related to Special Education, it was noted that autism training should be offered to all pre-kindergarten teachers, especially those teaching early childhood levels.  Sanchez noted that Amelia Mendoza leads the autism team in the district.
• A suggestion was made regarding the implementation of an online system that would allow teachers to select substitutes. While on the topic, it was suggested that there be an internal pool system for teachers wishing to transfer from one campus to another.
• Discussion on the Pre-k Early Start Program, made possible as part of the Governor’s Initiative, took place. It was noted that it has taken two years to get certified. Schools will soon earn recognition.
• A question was raised regarding the process of paycheck distribution. It was noted that the principals are usually the designated individuals assigned to pick up paychecks.
• A question was raised regarding whether a new test to replace the old TAKS test. It was noted that in grades 3-8 the new test will replace TAKS in several years.
• A question regarding technical issue with the San Benito High School grade book was addressed. Administrators noted that technicians are working on the server, which should be functioning at normal speed.
  

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