PTO ADVISORY COUNCIL

MINUTES

WED January 4, 2006

Attendees: Len Hamm, Jackie Mulhall, Sandi Carbonari Welsh, Liz Falconer Barbara Tzepos, Sue Isaacs, Michelle Alvord, Suzanne Kenishea, Janice Phillips-Robinson, Gale Morse, Karen Kirk, Fran Tepperman, Stefanie O’Connor, Nanette Dorsey, Carol Hubert. Glen Shipway, Frank Sippy.

I.                    Minutes of Dec Meeting approved.

II.                 Treasurer’s Report. Current balance is $2209.80

Not yet received check from Danbury News Times. Janice to follow up.

       III.       Dr. Frank Sippy

1. Snow Days.  We have had 3 so far. Up to 8 can be added to the end of the year, after that take away from April vacation. During March we may have to take more weather risks, as there are 2 days when the CMT writing prompt has to take place.
2. MMS:

Students are back in classrooms and using lockers, additional heating and ventilation work completed during Holiday break. Systems will be rebalanced during Feb and April Vacation. All carpeting removed. Clean Air grants are being applied for and working with town and state officials to help pay for this. Total final cost for this work will be $250,000-$300,000

Some concerns for May /June heat and humidity.  

3. Focus Groups for Budget

Randomly selected focus groups will be held at each school during January. First will be RMS on Jan 10^th. About 25 will participate in each and they will last about 90 minutes. Questions still being developed but may include open questions such as “ What can we do to better address your expectations fro excellent schools?” and “What are the things you are nervous about?”

4. Calendar

The school calendar is set for 06/07 but now considering future years. May want to consider using Columbus Day and Veterans Day for theme academic days. Also MLK day and possibly start a few days earlier in August. 

      IV Glen Shipway, Board of Education Rep.

              Commented that schools not closing on Veterans Day would not offend him.

               When looking at the budget we need to consider how much an item costs and if there is something that can be taken away to help pay? What could be eliminated? Teacher evaluations discussed. Dr Sippy will get back to us.

       V   Did You Knows

        These are due the 3^rd week of the previous month for timely distribution

Feb   PES     Synopsis of Focus groups

March   RMS    Budget Timeline

                            Absentee Ballots (stand alone)

April     LMES     Budget Facts (after BOE Vote on 10^th)

May PHS Technical Committees

 VI. Fran Tepperman/ Karen Kirk

Karen and Fran are forming a Budget Awareness Committee and looking for volunteers. Details will be emailed to all following the meeting.

We need to get people to the polls. In 2004 30% of parents voted and in 2005 50% voted in the first vote. This was due to efforts from various sources. Also each additional vote added over 300 voters. This year we need to get voters out the first time. 

Once again meetings will be held at Traditions and Brookside developments, 2 town talks and coffees in private houses. A bus is planned from Heritage Village to the Art Show April 28/29.

Public Hearing will be April 3^rd and BOE vote April 10^th.

VII Other Business

 Volunteers still needed for the reconsideration committee from RMS.

Need update on the PTO Insurance issue.

Also parents asking at MES about smart cards to pay for lunches.

Carol Hubert asked how many portables we now use in the region? Answer is 19.

Dr Chung will be revisiting enrollment forecasts in February.