PTO ADVISORY COUNCIL MINUTES--WED March 1^st 2006 

Attendees: Len Hamm, Sandi Carbonari Welsh, Liz Falconer Barbara Tzepos, Sue Isaacs, Janice Phillips-Robinson, Karen Kirk, Fran Tepperman, Nanette Dorsey, Nancy Paul, Amy Von Culin, Juan Rodriguez-Torrent, Michelle Alvord, Carol Hubert, Frank Sippy, Glen Shipway.

 I.                    Minutes of Feb Meeting approved.

II.                 Treasurer’s Report. Current balance is $2009.80

      III.       Dr. Frank Sippy

1.      Weds 21^st June current last day of school.

2.      Budget

Still looking at an increase of 4.74%. Board presentation went well. Budget workshops continue this month (open to the Public).

3.      Graduations will probably be 19^th 20^th and 21^st June.

4.      State Funding of Education

Dr Sippy is the only Superintendent sitting on the Governor’s commission examining this. Hopefully within a year the funding will be more fair and equitable. The goal is to have a recommendation to the state senate next year. Methods of funding in other states are being studied.

III.               Glen Shipway, Board of Education.

                Citizens are being asked to sign a petition regarding the funding of education to be sent to Sen. DeLuca. There is a copy in every school office. We cannot use students to convey paperwork due to election laws etc.

                The issues regarding PTO’s liability insurance have been conveyed to the board. Tax ID numbers will be issued. Board has agreed to fund inauguration costs of about $2000.

IV.              Carol Hubert, Southbury Selectman

Southbury’s budget increase is 8.76% but looks like no increase in taxes because of an increase to the Grand List. Increases include a 5-year road plan, 2 additional policeman, purchase open space.

V.                 Karen Kirk and Fran Tepperman

Aiming for increased use of the Region 15 website as a communication tool. Karen is working on additional links for pre-school parents. Budget link to be more prominent.

VI.              Other Business

1. ID Systems for students. Looking at different options e.g. identikit Also smart cards for lunches, hopefully by next school year.

2. 500 dictionaries will be donated to all 3^rd grade students by the local Rotary Club.

3. Wellness Committee meeting. Sandi will be on this committee. Please forward any feedback to her.

4. TV program being planned for channel16, 17. Anna Teardo will host the show. High School students are working on a set.

Next Meeting (Note: we have 2 meetings in April due to the budget vote)

Weds April 5^th 9.30am   Weds April 26th