1. Call to Order

Minutes: 

Chairman Robert Jordan called the School Board meeting of January 20, 2009 at 5:30 p.m.

2. Roll Call

Minutes: Members Present:  Robert Jordan, Dr. Barbara Murray, Amy Kneessy, Karen Henderson, Andy Ziegler

6. Adoption of Agenda

Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri read the following changes into the agenda:

Consent Revisions:
F-16.    Student Expulsions
F-26.    Instructional Staff Recommendations

Consent Deletions:
2009-2010 and 2010-2011 School Year Calendar

Information Additions:
H-43.   Audit Committee Representative
H-44.   School Year Calendar Standards

 

 

 

 

Motions:
Adopt the published agenda for the January 20, 2009 School Board meeting and its revisions.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Amy Kneessy
Second: Barbara Murray
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

B. District Communications

7. Ira Lightsey, 2009 School Related Employee of the Year

Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri recognized Ira Lightsey, Instructional Assistant in grades 3-6 Self Contained ESE unit at Mims Elementary, for being chosen the 2009 Brevard County School Related Employee of the Year as announced at the Employee of the Year Breakfast on Friday, December 12, 2008. Dr. DiPatri highlighted the contributions of Mr. Lightsey which included the All Pro Dad's program which he started to get dads to contribute more to their children's lives. Chairman Robert Jordan presented Mr. Lightsey with an award along with Dr. DiPatri and Debra J. Crannell, Principal at Mims Elementary.

C. District Communications

8. Increased Transparency for Government Agencies

Attachment: LETTER BILL MCCOLLUM_20090106130633.pdf
Attachment: Transparency Resolution of Jan 20 2009.pdf
Minutes: 

Christine Davis, Acting Director of District Communications, read a  resolution to recognize Attorney General Bill McCollum's resolution of support for increased Transparency for Government Agencies.

Motions:
Recognize Attorney General, Bill McCollum's resolution of support for increased transparency for government agencies.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Amy Kneessy
Second: Karen Henderson
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

9. Proclamation: January National Mentoring Month

Attachment: 2009 National Mentoring Month.pdf
Minutes: Christine Davis, Acting Director of District Communications, read a resolution proclaiming the month of January as National Mentoring Month.

Motions:
Proclaim January as National Mentoring Month.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Barbara Murray
Second: Andrew Ziegler
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

C. Career & Technical Education

10. Career and Technical Education Month

Attachment: CTE Proclamation.pdf
Minutes: Christine Davis, Acting Director of District Communications, read a resolution proclaiming February as Career and Technical Education Month.

Motions:
To proclaim February 1-28, 2009, as Career and Technical Education Month and encourage all citizens to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by the Career and Technical Education programs in this community.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Amy Kneessy
Second: Karen Henderson
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

C. Student Services

11. Student Services Week, February 2 - 6, 2009

Attachment: Student Services Resolution 2009.pdf
Minutes: Christine Davis, Acting Director of District Communications, read a resolution proclaiming the week of February 2-6, 2009 as Student Services Week.

Motions:
Adopt the attached proclamation designating February 2 - 6, 2009 as Student Services Week in Brevard County.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Barbara Murray
Second: Amy Kneessy
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

12. Recognize February as Black History Month

Attachment: Black History RESOLUTION 2009.pdf
Minutes: Christine Davis, Acting Director of District Communications, read a resolution proclaiming February as Black History Month.

Motions:
Adopt the attached resolution proclaiming February as Black History Month.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Andrew Ziegler
Second: Barbara Murray
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

D. Board Office/ Superintendent

13. Superintendent Search Timeline

Attachment: Master Timeline.pdf
Attachment: Superintendent Search.pdf
Minutes: 

Dr. Jim Surratt, Consultant for Ray and Associates, Inc., gave a presentation to the Board in regard to the Superintendent Search. The areas covered were a review of the proposed timeline, the input process, review of the advertisements, and determination of the salary and benefits for the incoming superintendent.

Ms. Kneessy questioned whether the stakeholders would be filling out the Desired Qualities of the Superintendent and stated her concerns about the window of opportunity in regard to when the information was due to Ray and Associates.

Mr. Jordan stated that the district will have a designated area on the district website in order to be transparent and for the community to give its input on the incoming qualities of the next superintendent.

Ms. Henderson questioned on who would be identifying the constituent groups. Dr. Surratt handed the Board an example list of constituent groups and stated that the Board would be submitting their input to Bill Hall by Friday, January 23, 2009.

The Board approved the advertisement and the timeline needed some slight modifications. The Board went on to discuss the salary range of the superintendent.  Dr. Murray requested salary information on counties that are more like the size of Brevard and in Florida. The Board did not make a decision on the salary range due to more information being requested.

Dr. Murray stated that when we establish salary that it should be in a range to give us flexibility and negotiation power. The Board agreed to have a workshop to discuss the timeline and the salary. Ray and Associates suggested a starting salary for the superintendent of $250,000.00.

Mr. Jordan requested an agenda item be placed on the February 10, 2009 Board meeting for the Superintendent Salary in regard to the search.

 

14. Superintendent's Budget Update for 2008-2009

Attachment: January 20 2009 Board Presentation.pdf
Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri updated the Board and the public on the Status of Budget Reductions and the additional recommended reductions for the 2008-2009 Operating Budget.

Ms. Henderson and Ms. Kneessy had a few questions for clarity purposes. Ms. Kneessy requested a budget sheet that showed the reductions from July 1, 2007 to January 20, 2009.

Dr. DiPatri stated that the Board set the criteria for this years budget which was not to touch this year's programs without disruptive cuts. With the stated recommendation, we will be able to get through this school year without any staff reductions or program reductions.

The estimated potential reductions for the 2009-2010 school year which is coming straight from the Legislature is in the range of 35-45 million dollars less next year than we currently have on top of that since we have recurring cuts.  If nothing changes, the district is looking at a 60 million dollar cut.

Dr. DiPatri stated to the community that the School Board is not engaged in this process at this point. We have to wait for the Legislature to act. The School Board will not address any of these recommendation until next May or June. At the February 10, 2009 School Board meeting, Dr. DiPatri will make a presentation on the 2009-2010 budget cut recommendations.

Mr. Jordan made a plea to the public to help fight for our kids and implored the community to write to the Legislators in regard to the financial crisis.

Ms. Kneessy questioned why the attendance of our Legislators are so poor when it is so important for the two groups to speak.

Dr. Murray explained how important it is for the community to attend the meetings that will be set up throughout the district and stated that if they wait until May when the cuts need to be made it will be to late. She implored parents and the community to write to the State Representatives and Senators during the Legislative Session to voice thier opinions pointedly in a loud voice.

15. Public Discussion

Minutes: 

Chairman Jordan stated that there are 22 speakers, as per our rules, we are will take the first ten speakers. Ms. Kneessy asked whether we could take as many speakers in a half hours time. The Board agreed.

Dr. Murray asked the Board to speak on Item H-45 on School Calendar Standards to address the concerns of the public that are requesting to speak on this issue as it pertains to Veterans Day.

Dr. Murray stated she was very concerned with the fact that Veterans Day was taken off the school calendar as a holiday and requested that the Veterans Day language be placed back on the calendar as a holiday since we owe so much to our Veterans.

Each of the Board Members stated their concerns about removing the wording in regard to Veterans Day from the calendar standards and asked them to be returned to the standards.

Dr. DiPatri stated that this was his recommendation. For clarity to the public, he stated that the programs that the school had this year to honor our Veterans and the moment of silence that occured in all schools and work sites on the eleventh day in the eleventh month were done in attempt to honor our Veterans more than in years past. It was the opinion of Dr. DiPatri that the students learned more this year of the true meaning of what our Veterans have truly done for our freedom and by no means was this meant to dishonor our Veterans.

The Chair reminded the public that there is a maximum allotted time of three minutes per speaker set aside for discussion. He also stated that the Board would not respond to issues this evening but the Superintendent would investigate the concerns and respond in a timely manner. The following person(s) addressed the Board:

1. Kwanya Sanders, Melbourne - School Counseling
2. William Hiestand, Melbourne - Veterans Day Schedule on School Calendar
3. James Grady, Palm Bay - Bus Drivers
4. Kathy Gulledge, Local 1010, Palm Bay - Bus Drivers
5. Brenda Chrieki, Palm Bay - Criteria for Balancing School Membership
6. *John Moale, Viera - Veterans Day Schedule on School Calendar
7. Don Mayer, Merritt Island - Athletics
8. Dan Bennett, BFT, Rockledge - Budget
9. Kevin Chancellor, Palm Bay - Negotiations
10. John Russo, BFT, Rockledge - Teacher Authority Act
11. Bob Brekke, Port St. John - Veterans Day on School Calendar.

 

*Denotes speakers that have signed up but left the meeting early.

F. Board Office/Superintendent

16. Student Expulsion(s)

Attachment: 1.20.09 Expulsions.pdf (Confidential Item)

17. Approval of Minutes

F. Budgeting, Cost Accounting & FTE

18. 2009-10 Budget Adoption Schedule

Attachment: TRIM.pdf

19. Budget Amendment#2 for the Operating Fund

Attachment: Budget Amendment #2, 2008-09.pdf

F. Accounting Services

20. Warrants Written for the Month of November 2008

Attachment: Warrants - 1108.pdf

21. Warrants Written for the Month of December 2008

Attachment: Warrants - 1208.pdf

22. Financial Statements for the Month of November, 2008

Attachment: November 2008 Financials.pdf

F. Purchasing & Warehouse

23. Purchasing Bids, RFPs, RFQs, Sales and Services Agreements

Attachment: ITB 09-015BP - Snack Drinks.pdf
Attachment: ITB 09-017JJ - Kitchen Equipment Parts.pdf
Attachment: ITB 09-019BP - Bulk Commodity Processing.pdf
Attachment: RFQ 0901LH - Continuing Contracts for MEP Professional Engineering Services.pdf
Attachment: ITB 09-023LH Packaged Chiller Plant, Cooling Towers, Ice Storage Tanks.pdf
Attachment: SSA 0905CH - Easy HRweb.pdf

F. Human Resources

24. Support Staff Recommendations

Attachment: Support Staff 01-20-09.pdf

25. Instructional Staff Recommendations

Attachment: Instructional Staff 01-20-09.pdf

F. Compensation & Benefits

26. 2009 Stop Loss Renewal

F. Curriculum & Instruction

27. Teaching American History Grant

F. Adult/Community Education

28. Approve the Proposed GED Testing Fee Increase

Attachment: GED Budget 2008 Board.pdf

F. Student Services

29. McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Grant

30. Safe Schools/Healthy Schools Grant

31. Agreement to Provide Mental Health Services

Attachment: Agreement to Provide Mental Health Services.pdf

F. Area I Superintendent

32. Central Middle School Trip to "America Sings" Chorus Festival in Washington, D.C.

Attachment: Central - America Sings - April 2009.pdf

F. Educational Technology

33. E-Rate Funding Year 12 (2009-2010) Request for Services

Attachment: E-Rate Eligible Services.pdf

F. Project Management

34. New Attendance Boundary Descriptions and Maps for Heritage (CCC), Bayside, Melbourne and Palm Bay High Schools

Attachment: Heritage Agenda Attachment.pdf

F. Plant Operation & Maintenance

35. Demolish 11 District Owned Portable Classrooms

F. Approval of Consent

36. Approval of Consent Agenda

Motions:
Approval of consent items with the exception of those pulled for discussion.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Amy Kneessy
Second: Karen Henderson
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

F. Purchasing & Warehouse

37. Surplus Property

Attachment: JAN_20_09.pdf
Attachment: Trade In Memo 1_20_09.pdf
Minutes: 

Dr. Murray requested this item to be pulled to inquire about the sedans and pickup trucks on the surplus property list. She wanted to know how these vehicles are assigned, where they are housed, whether they are driven back and forth to work or held somewhere, and if they are a part of someone's salary.

Ms. Kneessy stated that she received a response to her email and these vehicles would be auctioned off in a public auction.

Ms. Judy Preston, Associate Superintendent of Financial Services, stated that this is normal replacement of vehicles that have aged well beyond their usefulness. There are times that we keep these vehicles on the road long enough until the upkeep of the vehicles outweigh their value.

Mike Connors, Director of Transportation, stated that the vehicles in question have been turned in and are housed in the back of transportation and are waiting for resale.

Dr. Murray asked who has been driving these vehicles and are they going to be replaced.

 

 

Motions:
Authorize removal from inventory and disposal of surplus property according to prescribed procedures in Florida Statutes 274.05 and 274.06.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Barbara Murray
Second: Andrew Ziegler
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

Motion Minutes: Ms. Kneessy concurred with Dr. Murray and questioned where the funds go when items go for auction. Ms. Preston stated that the funds go back to the district.

F. Curriculum & Instruction

38. Challenge Grant for Gifted Collaborative Curriculum Projects

Minutes: 

Ms. Henderson requested that this item be pulled to question who had the opportunity to put in for this grant. Brenda Blackburn, Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, clarified the grant process.

Ms. Henderson stated that she wanted to make sure that there was fairness and equity in all programs across the board.

Motions:
Request for board approval to write and submit a proposal.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Karen Henderson
Second: Barbara Murray
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

39. K-8 Virtual Instruction Program Contract With K12, Inc.

Minutes: 

Dr. Murray pulled this item to question the funding. Ms. Blackburn responded to Dr. Murray's concern in regard to the funding and FTE. This is a no risk opportunity for the district.She also responded to other questions from Ms. Henderson, Ms. Kneessy and Mr. Ziegler.

 

Motions:
Approve the contract with K12, Inc. for the period of January 2009 - June 2009, to provide virtual instruction to the twenty-two Brevard students currently enrolled in the Florida Virtual Academy.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Barbara Murray
Second: Andrew Ziegler
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

F. Title I/Early Childhood Education

40. Contract with The 95 Percent Group

Minutes: Ms. Henderson pulled this item in regard to the cost. Teresa Wright, Director of Early Childhood and Title 1, stated that this was a continuing contract that began last year. There will be a total of sixty teachers that will receive this intensive launch training at 11 schools. New online training and web conferencing with specific grade levels that are conducted by The 95 Percent Group will impact about 198 teachers, and include training for twenty administrators and fifteen reading coaches.

Motions:
Approve the contract between the Title I Office and Dr. Susan Hall of The 95% Group for professional development services.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Karen Henderson
Second: Amy Kneessy
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Nay
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

F. Facilities Services

41. Emergency Power Generator for Sunrise E.S.

Attachment: Attachment I.pdf
Attachment: Attachment II.pdf
Minutes: Ms. Henderson pulled this item to question whether Sunrise Elementary School was receiving this emergency power generator because it is a shelter. Ed Curry, Assistant Superintendent of Facility Services, stated the Emergency Management Folks had an extra generator and asked the district if we could place it at Sunrise because it is a special needs shelter. There is no cost to the district.

Motions:
Execute modification one to Sub-Grant Agreement between the Division of Emergency Management and Brevard Public Schools non financial agreement (contract number 07HM-NF-06-15-03-010 dated January 24, 2007 -"The Agreement"). Reference Attachment I.	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Barbara Murray
Second: Andrew Ziegler
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

Motion Minutes: 

Dr. DiPatri took this opportunity to congratulate the instructional personnel listed under Item F-26.

------------------------------------------
Chairman Jordan called for a video break regarding the Employee of the Year event at 8:15 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:29 p.m.
------------------------------------------

G. Project Management

42. Naming of High School "CCC"

Attachment: Naming Committee Minutes 10-29-08.pdf
Attachment: Naming Committee (Names) 10-29-08.pdf
Attachment: Naming Committee Minutes 10-6-08-Revised.pdf
Attachment: Naming Committee Minutes 10-23-08-Revised.pdf
Attachment: Naming Committee Agenda 10-6-08.pdf
Attachment: Naming Committee Agenda 10-29-08.pdf
Attachment: Naming Committee Agenda 10-16-08.pdf
Attachment: Naming Committee Minutes 10-16-08.pdf
Attachment: Naming Committee Agenda 10-23-08.pdf
Minutes: 

Chairman Jordan called the public hearing to order.

1. Samuel Lopez, Melbourne - Naming of High School "CCC"
2. Ray Rodriguez, Newark, CA - Roberto Clemente sports Complex
3. *Crystal Colon, Melbourne - Naming of High School "CCC"

*Denotes public speaker that left before speaking.

Chairman Jordan declared the public hearing closed.

Motions:
Hold a public hearing and approve the naming of High School "CCC" as Heritage High School and its sports complex as the "Roberto W. Clemente Sports Complex".	- PASS
Vote Results
Motion: Amy Kneessy
Second: Karen Henderson
Karen Henderson	- Aye
Robert Jordan	- Aye
Amy Kneessy	- Aye
Barbara Murray	- Aye
Andrew Ziegler	- Aye

Motion Minutes: Mr. Ziegler made a comment to give credit to Dr. DiPatri for the recommendation for the naming of Heritage High School. Dr. DiPatri thanked John Tuttle, Principal for Heritage High School, for implementing the process. Mr. Ziegler stated that he attended the community input meeting and that there were many students that were a part of this process which was a great learning experience.

H. Board Office/Superintendent

43. Audit Committee Respresentative

Minutes: Ms. Kneessy took this opportunity to recognize Frank Montelione who has been her appointment to this committee. He is stepping down to become a substitute teacher. She welcomed her new member, Neil Kent.

H. Educational Leadership & Professional Development

44. School Year Calendar Standards

Attachment: CALSTAND - draft for January 2009 - 14 day start exemption.pdf

H. Curriculum & Instruction

45. Criteria for 2009-10 Budget Reductions

Attachment: Tracked Changes.pdf
Attachment: Final Budget.pdf
Minutes: 

Ms. Henderson questioned whether there are subcategories within the criteria (ie: different levels of personnel). Dr. DiPatri explained.

Ms. Kneessy read to the public several statements on the attached memo in regard to salary cuts if the budget cuts cannot be met by other means.

H. Elementary Programs

46. Consultant Agreement:Growing Up Writing

Attachment: Contracted Services #44AA26.pdf

H. Secondary Programs

47. High School and Middle School Instructional Program Course Lists for 2009-2010

Attachment: High School Course List 2009-2010 A.pdf
Attachment: Middle Course List 2009-10 A.pdf

48. Contract for 11th Grade Students to see 1776 at the King Center

Attachment: Maxwell King Center #456C17.pdf

H. Exceptional Education

49. Amendment #1 and Amendment #2 to Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B and PreK

Attachment: 151.pdf
Attachment: 150-FY2008.pdf
Attachment: 150-FY2008PreK.pdf
Attachment: 151PreK.pdf

H. Area I Superintendent

50. Sabal Elementary School - 6th Grade Field Trip to Washington, DC and Philadelphia, PA

Attachment: Sabal Field Trip - Washington, DC.pdf

51. Palm Bay High School MCJROTC Rifle Team Trip to Camp Perry, Ohio

Attachment: PBHS - USMCServiceChampProgram.pdf
Attachment: PBHS - USMC Qualifiers2009.pdf

H. Area III Superintendent

52. Field Trip: Rockledge High, Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High and Viera High Schools FIRST Robotics Team; Regional Competition in Denver, Colorado

H. Area IV Superintendent

53. Astronaut High School Robotics Field Trip

H. Project Management

54. High School "CCC" Water and Wastewater System Agreement

Attachment: High School CCC Water and Wastewater System Agreement.pdf
Minutes: 

Ms. Kneessy questioned why are we paying for water and wastewater. She also asked Mr. Ziegler if he could restate some of his concerns about this agenda item. Mr. Curry stated there are a few legal issues that Attorney Bistline is currently handling. Mr. Bistline stated that we will get all of our money and the City of Palm Bay is obligated to assure us of that.

55. "Administrative" Attendance Boundary Changes

Attachment: Development Patterns.pdf
Attachment: AdministrativeAttendance Boundary Changes.pdf
Attachment: Gaps and Overlaps.pdf
Attachment: Clarifications.pdf
Attachment: Attendance Patterns.pdf
Minutes: 

Ms. Henderson pulled this item to make a comment to the public to take a close look at this agenda item. She also mentioned satellite areas be looked at as a district when considering budget cuts.

Dane Theodore, Director of Planning and Project Management, stated that many of those satellite areas are legacies from the desegregation era but will be looked at next year by Board direction.

56. Close the Astronaut High School Additions and Renovations Project

Attachment: Astronaut Amendment No 2.pdf

57. Amendment #1 to Agreement for Design/Build Services for Additions and Renovations at Cocoa High School

Attachment: Cocoa Amendment 1.pdf
Minutes: 

Ms. Henderson questioned why are we doing these additions and renovations at Cocoa High School. Mr. Theodore stated that due to interest carry forward, the district was able to fund the entire project that would have been originally delayed due to the budget cuts.

Ms. Kneessy questioned the cost of the multi-purpose room and would like to know if this is the best use of the money received from the interest carry forward. She also requested a facility workshop to address where the district stands in regard to the facility plan.

58. Recommendations to Address Schools Over 100% Utilization

Attachment: Southwest Recommendations.pdf
Attachment: Roy Allen Recommendations.pdf
Minutes: 

Ms. Henderson wanted to make sure that this agenda does not go off the radar for next year since there are several schools that are over 100% utilization that are not being addressed at this time.

Ms. Kneessy agreed with Ms. Henderson and requested hard copies of this agenda item as well as the Administrative Boundaries agenda item.

59. Staff Reports

Minutes: There are no staff reports.

60. Additional Public Presentations

Minutes: 

1. Thomas Hart, Melbourne - Veterans Day /School Calendar
2. Laurie Pinckney, Palm Bay - Address Schools over 100% Utilization
3. Debra Anderson, Palm Bay -Adress Schools over 100% Utilization
4. *Helme V. Walter, Merritt Island - School Calendar
5. *Gary Stern, Viera - School Calendar
6. *Charlie Donovan, Cocoa Beach - Veterans Day/ School Calendar
7. Brian Clark, Palm Bay - Address Schools over 100% Utilization
8. Christina Spychalsky, Palm Bay - Address Schools over 100% Utilization
9. *Jerry Abrams, Merritt Island - Veterans Day /School Calendar
10. *Ray Rodriguez, Newark

*Denotes public that did not speak due to leaving early.

61. Board Member Reports

Minutes: 

Ms. Henderson noted that she attended the Endeavour Garden Party and it was a very nice experience.

Ms. Henderson noted that she attended the holiday party at Apollo which was quite the show and a lot of fun.

Ms. Henderson reminded everyone that there is an art show at the Merritt Square Mall for the middle and high school students. There are some really good artists in our community and if you have the opportunity, please stop by and support them.

Ms. Henderson also congratulated all the Teacher of the Year finalists.

Ms. Kneessy noted that she and Mr. Jordan attended a luncheon in December sponsored by Habitat for Humanity called Youth Build. The program is geared for students who have not finished high school which gets them involved in the community, they help build a house which gives them life skills, as they work towards their GED.

Ms. Kneessy noted that we have some wonderful upcoming programs like County Orchestra, School Building dedications, and the Art Programs. She mentioned these because with the upcoming cuts from the Legislature she fears that these programs will not be available much longer and encourages the community to tell the Legislature that we need these types of programs for our students.

Ms. Kneessy stated her concerns about the sibling preference and that its intent is for students in a family to stay together, not for the siblings to get a leg up in the lottery process.

Ms. Kneessy brought up a concern of families that have lost their homes due to the tough economic times. She requested the schools be sensitive to this and not uproot the students if they are having to move out of area to live with other relatives. Dr. DiPatri agreed with Ms. Kneessy that these students should be allowed to finish out the school year and make a change in the following school year.

Ms. Kneessy stated her concern about teachers not giving students projects over the Christmas break and other vacation days. She also mentioned that she is adamantly opposed to students grading tests and does not feel it is good for kids.

Dr. Murray learned that over the holidays there were teachers that got together to help fund some of their students' families that would not get a lot for the holidays otherwise. It just shows what kind of teachers we have here in this school district.

Dr. Murray stated that she has a conflict with her attendance to the National School Board Association (NSBA) Conference and that Ms. Henderson would attend in her place.

Mr. Ziegler noted that he attended the First Robotic Kickoff in the district. He wanted to make a point about fewer students in the country are looking into engineering and this program shows them different opportunities.

Mr. Jordan stated that there are many extra-curricular activities and implored the parents of the community to get in touch with the Legislature. All these programs that we talk about will be gone if we do not get support from the parents and the community.

62. Superintendent's Report

Minutes: Dr. DiPatri  stated that Senator Haridopolos will be in attendance at the Legislative Delegation meeting on January 22, 2009 but will be a little late. He is working on arranging his schedule to attend on February 23, 2009 Town Hall Educational Meeting.

63. Adjournment

Minutes: The School Board meeting of January 20, 2009 was adjourned at 9:25 p.m.