|
La Jolla High School Governance Committee Members present: Valerie Benito, Kerry Dill, Zane Friberg, Michael Palm, Aaron Quesnell, Tim Rush, Dana Shelburne, Pat Spire, Claire Summer, Joanne Wainscott, Linda Dowley, Susanna Flaster, Jamie Ginsberg, Jackie Helm, Joan Hiser, Liz Lindenfeld, Abi Bock and Ryan Reif. The meeting was called to order by Liz Lindenfeld. Susanna Flaster moved to approve February minutes with minor changes. It was seconded and approved. Approved minutes will be posted to the school website. 1. College Application Protocol Committee – No report at this time. 2. College Admission Letter – Susanna Flaster reported on mid-year letters sent to various private colleges explaining why mie-year transcripts were delayed. Those colleges she researched said that sending a report card is adequate, and that a transcript is not needed with the class rank. Dana mentioned that the district believes this will not be such an issue next year, as the district feels they will be able to turn things around sooner next year. Jamie Ginsberg will follow up with one of the district’s Assistant Superintendents, and report back. 3. Principal’s Evaluation – Jamie Ginsberg passed out copies of the evaluation survey and described the process used by the committee to refine the survey from previous years’ iterations. She explained that members of the various school groups (teachers, staff, students, parents) will be asked to fill out the surveys evaluating the principal and how those surveys will be tallied and weighted. If any Governance members have questions or problems with the process, they should contact on of the members of the principal’s evaluation subcommittee. 4. Grading Consistency – Staff development time has been dedicated to discussion of this topic. The goal is to have consistency between like classes (10 th Grade English, for example, where an “A” paper in one class would be given an “A” in another teacher’s class). Teachers are working on curriculum and pacing so that classes are at the same approximate point at the 9-week period. They are also working to align percentages ascribed to tests, quizzes, homework and whether or not extra credit is allowed. All departments have discussed these issues and continue working on horizontal teaming. 5. Budget – Mr. Shelburne passed out materials, outlining numbers for the proposed 2.5% cut in funding, and reviewed budget situation. An evening custodial position which is becoming available will not be filled; the library clerk will not be rehired and an hour per day will be cut from the financial secretary position. Foundation funding will be more important than ever. 6. Campus Security and Lighting for School Events – Some lights and some timers controlling the lights around campus are not working. Repairs have been requested from the district. Additionally, the Foundation is continuing work toward replacement of our security camera system. When new security cameras are installed, motion sensor lights could accompany them. The importance of installing a security system that the district would support was discussed. It was discussed hiring security for evening campus events, but was decided it was not financially feasible. The first step in improving campus security would be repair of lighting. 7. Hiring Waiver Status – Mr. Shelburne reported that the school is not currently pursuing a hiring waiver from the SDEA. It was noted that the original hiring waiver was not part of our autonomy agreement, but was an attachment. 8. Review of Governance’s Role in Decision Making – A philosophical discussion took place about the role of Governance at LJHS. The history of LJHS’s Instructional Autonomy Agreement was reviewed, and the role of Governance as it outlined in that Agreement was discussed. It was noted that this team was not well attended by teachers in the past, but is currently seen by all stakeholders as a forum to bring issues for discussion. Currently the agenda appears to be parent driven. Teachers often discuss issues at staff meetings, but Governance can be a resource for airing issues and brainstorming solutions. It was noted that a separate committee was formed to draft the school’s Universal Tardy Policy, and it was questioned why that was never brought to Governance. Foundation members said they would like to present their budget at a Governance meeting so that teachers can be aware where money is spent. It was suggested that departments rotate brining a “state of the department” report to Governance as well as ASB bringing updates to this group. Joan Hiser moved to extend the meeting by 15 minutes. It was seconded and approved. 9. Is Continuation of Instructional Autonomy Necessary? – Dana spoke strongly in favor of continued autonomy. It was noted that it allows us flexibility as far as class offerings, and in designing curriculum and choosing texts. It was noted that various departments have chosen alternative texts (other than those used by the district). Some discussion ensued – general agreement that the school still benefits from being autonomous. 10. Military recruitment on campus – it was clarified that recruiters are allowed on campus, but not in classrooms. Linda Dowley moved to extend the meeting 15 minutes - it was seconded and approved. Roundtable – Jamie Ginsberg reported that at the GATE DAC meetings, it was noted that vertical teaming has been identified by the DAC as the most important item to improve student achievement. There is a GATE seminar this summer on vertical teaming sponsored by the district GATE office, and they are looking for four teachers from LJHS and MMS to attend. Dana noted that he will discuss with teachers and find some who are willing to attend. ASB Ball – It was again reiterated that students do not have to have a date in order to attend. Dana noted that we will have a breath-a-lizer at the ASB ball, and the administrators have the right to randomly test students. Joanne Wainscott reported that next year Math 252 will be offered by Mesa College at LJHS. Ryan Reif asked about break-ins at the school over the course of the school year, and what is being done. Mr. Shelburne reported that both the school police and the administration are following up and that active efforts are ongoing to find the culprits, and prevent future break-ins. The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 p.m. Minutes submitted by Linda Dowley
|