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LA JOLLA HIGH SCHOOL GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE

Meeting Minutes – September 10, 2007

Members Present: Matt Rosenberg, Jerry Tellers, Judy Hubbard, Shauna Brammer (for Howard Tenenbaum), Michael Briggs, Linda Dowley, Tony Farwell, Bee Mittermiller, Betsy Klene, Pam Zuckerman and Dana Shelburne. Former member: Kerry Dill. Guests: Maryam Anvari and Amy Cheshire.

The meeting was called to order at 2:35 p.m. by Kerry Dill, former Governance vice-chair. She welcomed members and led the election for officers for the 2007-2008 school year. Michael Briggs was nominated as chairperson – his nomination was seconded and unanimously approved. Matt Rosenberg was nominated as vice-chair and again there was unanimous approval. Linda Dowley was nominated as secretary and approved. After the election, Ms. Dill turned the meeting over to Mr. Briggs and left.

1. First order of business was to calendar the meetings for the year. They will be held on the first Monday of each month, at 2:30 p.m., location to be announced. The dates are October 1, November 5, December 3, January 7, February 4, March 3, April 7, May 5 and June 2. Dates will be sent out to members, and posted on the school website.

2. Minutes of the June 4, 2007 meeting were distributed. Tony Farwell moved for approval. It was seconded, and the minutes were approved.

3. LJHS Testing Performance – Mr. Shelburne noted that he is beginning a longevity study, tracking a variety of student test scores from 1999 to the present. It would include API and AYP scores (although the areas weighted have changed between 1999 and 2007, so scores may be deceiving) along with CAHSEE scores, CSTs with subgroups disaggregated as the data allows. Also included would be graduation rates, SAT scores and AP scores broken down by subject – and looking at subgroups Asian, white, Hispanic and economically disadvantaged. Armed with this long-term data, the administration can examine trends and look for ways to improve learning. It was also discussed breaking down various scores by teacher, with Ms. Brammer noting that the science department did this and shared results intradepartmentally. While this information might not be something to be shared at a Governance meeting, it was noted that all tools to improve instruction should be examined and used. Mr. Shelburne noted that LJHS’s API score this year is 829, up from 812 last year.

He additionally let the group know that Ms. Behnke in the counseling department announced that LJHS has 16 National Merit Semi-finalists – compared to 15 in the entire rest of the district.

4. Yearbook distribution – Betsy Klene followed up on student complaints that the late distribution of yearbooks does not allow adequate yearbook signing time for students. It was noted that seniors receive yearbooks early at a signing party, to give them plenty of time. Action: Mr. Shelburne will ask Ms. LeCren what governs the dates of distribution. However, Governance teachers noted that having yearbooks in the classrooms prior to finals are extremely distracting – an argument for NOT distributing any earlier. Additionally, Ms. Klene asked about having team photos appear larger within the yearbook. Mr. Shelburne will ask Ms. LeCren about this as well.

5. Principal’s Goals and Objectives – Mr. Briggs gave background on the principal’s evaluation process, noting that it is the responsibility of Governance to evaluate the performance of the principal and help establish goals and objectives. This process was completed last spring. Mr. Briggs will circulate agree-upon goals to the Governance committee.

Mr. Briggs also noted that in keeping with SDUSD’s interest in pursuing quality tools, such as the Malcolm Baldridge Award principles, we will bring some “quality tools” into play in our Governance meetings. In the future, each agenda item will have a subject, and action and a time limit (by working with the person suggesting the item for the agenda). It is hoped that we can keep meetings streamlined and productive.

Old Business –

Mr. Shelburne suggested that we revisit old business from the June minutes.

Reading – The reading teacher did not feel that results of the reading program we put in place last spring were acceptable. Mr. Shelburne is looking into different options to improve students whose reading level is significantly below basic.

ALEKS – Some improvements has been seen with the computer-based program, ALEKS. The program is used at Mesa College and at other schools in the district, so we will be continuing to use it as well.

8^th Grade Retention – Funds were never allocated by the district to enact this program, so at this point, it does not exist. Students entering LJHS needing remediation are helped with existing programs at LJHS.

Chemistry – A new Chemistry teacher, Howard Tenenbaum, was hired last spring. He used to teach at University City High School, and is the husband of biology teacher, Rachel Tenenbaum.

College Counseling – The counseling department is holding an information evening one hour prior to the new parent dinner on September 18. Additionally, Ms. Behnke will meet with seniors throughout the school year in Mr. Mika’s room at lunch time, to offer help with essays and college application questions.

GPAs of Student Athletes – Mr. Shelburne will follow up and see why the Union/Tribune is allowed to publish GPA’s of outstanding student athletes without student permission.

The “Turf-It” group is still working to raise funds to refurbish the Muirlands athletic field. The new field will be covered with field turf, same as that at LJHS, and other improvements would be included. Representatives from all of the elementary schools, the middle school and LJHS are working together to make this happen.

Roundtable:

Tony Farwell brought up the objectives of the Governance committee and noted that in recent years, the group has not been entirely proactive (except for the College Handbook that was born from Governance discussions). He would like to see the Governance committee work with teachers and provide resources, including supplemental teachers to help reduce class sizes in various subjects – possibly through the Foundation.

Linda Dowley brought up the Culture of Civic Values group from Governance last year who hoped to see the information from the student information packet produced as a video to be shared will all students. Matt Rosenberg will follow up with Kathy Randa to see if this can be accomplished this school year. He noted that the student bulletin is being produced and shared with students.

Matt Rosenberg reported that our new scanning machine has arrived and new forms will soon be available. Teachers consider this money well spent (money came from a one-time grant received last year) as the new forms will allow teachers to analyze test results sooner and more completely.

Parent Concern –

Geometry – Parent Amy Cheshire brought anecdotal evidence that there were a large number of students who failed or did very poorly in Advanced Geometry last year. She requested that Governance review the grade distribution. It was noted that students who fail advanced classes cannot re-do their grades by taking summer school or participation in the Pride Program, as only failures from regular level classes can be redressed in this manner. It was noted that individual student/teacher concerns should be followed up first with the teacher, then with the Vice Principal, and Ms. Cheshire is currently undertaking that process. Broader curriculum issues, such as the algebra/ALEKS discussion engaged in by Governance last year are appropriate at this forum. Tony Farwell suggested supplemental help for the math department through Foundation assistance.

P.E. Injuries – Parent Maryam Anvari brought up the lack of policy about student injuries sustained during participation in P.E. She suggested that students injured should be automatically referred to the nurse for evaluation.

Announcements –

Ms. Brammer noted that the science department’s bi-annual open house will be taking place on October 11 at 6:30 p.m. in Parker Auditorium.

Mr. Briggs noted that the location for future Governance meetings will be emailed to all members.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Linda Dowley, Secretary.