SITE GOVERNANCE MEETING MINUTES - 2003/2004

1. The meeting was called to order at 5:15 pm, and those in attendance briefly introduced themselves.
   The members present were: James Adams, Janine Avner, Anette Bolan, Esperanza Caballero, Leslee McGee, Amandala McWright, Steven McWright, Sara Milstein, Kristie Perkins, Andrew Powers, Laura Simone, Joyce Smith, Debbie Soleymani, Brian Stecher, and Ilene Straus.
   Members of the public present were: Pamela Allen-Jones, Margarita Gonzalez, Manuel Gutierez, Marlene Herrera, Aurora Villa and Tere Viramontes
   
   
2. Public Comment. There was no additional public comment.
   
   
3. Action Items
   A. Minutes. The minutes from the January 20th meeting were read and corrections were made. A motion to approve was made by Brian Stecher and seconded by Laura Simone. It was passed unanimously.
   B. Community Member. President Avner reported that the PTSA Board had nominated Joyce Smith (currently the Parent alternate) to serve as the community representative on the Site Governance Council. There were no other nominations. The Council voted unanimously to select Ms. Smith as the community representative. The PTSA will appoint Trish Soodik to serve as the alternate member for the remainder of the term.
   C. Amending Bylaws. President Avner presented the revised bylaws incorporating changes that had been discussed at the previous meeting. The Council discussed the bylaws and suggested a number of changes to correct or clarify the wording and to reflect the current organization of the Associated Student Body/Leadership class. Joyce Smith moved to adopt the bylaws with the changes, and Debbie Soleymani seconded. Bylaw changes require a 2/3rds vote, and the motion was passed unanimously.
   
   
4. Discussion Items
   The Council agreed to modify the agenda and begin the meeting with the first discussion item concerning the Parent Advocate Mentor program. Tere Viramontes provided information about the role played by the Parent Advocate Mentors. She highlighted the past funding received by the group and the resources they provided to Samohi families. The council was provided with a list of events that occurred during the past year, and with evaluations from those who attended the events. The Parent Advocate Mentor group asked the council for three things: support for their efforts, a room on campus to use as a Parent Center, and funding to provide helpful resources in the parent center. In answer to a question, Ms. Viramontes said it would take only $2,000 or $3,000 to equip a Parent Center if space were provided. Many of the Mentors volunteer their time. The Council took the matter under advisement for discussion at the next meeting.
   
   
5. Principal’s Report. Dr. Strauss discussed the following topics:
   Athletic director: During the most recent PTSA meeting parents completed a survey concerning conditions in the athletic programs. Students will be given an opportunity to complete the survey, as well. At the same PTSA meeting, Mike Griswold, the current athletic director, and Catherine Baxter presented a detail overview of the athletic program, and parents were asked to help the school think about the qualities to look for in a new athletic director. Interviews will begin for the new direction soon after spring break.
   
   Redesign: There was a retreat for the teachers and administrators regarding redesign. Efforts are being made to ensure that Houses for the 9th and 10th graders have more integrity, i.e., that the students have more teachers within their respective Houses. Course offerings are also being reviewed with this goal in mind, particularly in Physical Education, Science, Math and the Freshman Seminar.
   
   Summer School: State budget cuts will probably restrict summer school to students who failed previous classes.
   
   
6. Student Report. Two topics were discussed by the student representatiaves:
   Security: There is concerns that too many students are roaming the halls and not getting to class on time, creating problems for those who are on time.
   District policy of donations: Students are concerned about the proposed 15% tax on funds raised by club, and they are thinking about organizing to protest this policy.
   
   
7. Old Business There was no additional old business.
   
   
8. New Business
   
   
9. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm.
   
   Respectfully submitted,
   
   
   Brian Stecher, Recording Secretary.