SITE GOVERNANCE MEETING MINUTES - 2003/2004

1. The meeting was called to order at 5:25 pm, and those in attendance briefly introduced themselves.
   The members present were: James Adams, Janine Avner, Esperanza Caballero, Catherine Marsh, Amandala McWright, Steven McWright, Sara Milstein, Laura Simone, Joyce Smith, Debbie Soleymani, Brian Stecher, Ilene Straus, David Tillipman
   Members of the public present were: Amanda Amir, Margarita Gonzalez, Greg Runyon, and Tere Viramontes
   
   
2. Public Comment. Public comments were incorporated into two of the action items.
   
   
3. Action Items
   A. Minutes. The minutes from the February meeting were not available for approval, so they will be reviewed and approved at the April meeting.
   B. Barnum Hall seats. Caryn Marshall described the process that the Restore Barnum Hall committee wants to use to remove the antique wooden seats from the balcony. They want to sell the seats for $100 each (or four for $300) through ads in the Samohi alumni newsletter and other local papers. Brian Stecher made a motion to give the committee permission to dispose of the property in this manner. It was seconded by Janine Avner and passed unanimously.
   C. Security cameras. Greg Runyon made a presentation about the possible location and cost of security cameras on campus. He highlight the key issues that need to be resolved, including where they would be placed, how many cameras would be used, when they would operate, and how they would be used. The next step is to develop a set of specifications that can be taken to installation firms to obtain competitive bids. There was a lengthy discussion, and members of the committee were very interested in learning about the experience of other schools that were using similar systems. It was suggested that Glendale, Beverly Hills, and Mira Costa high school would be good sources of information. A subcommittee was formed to gather more information and report at the next meeting. The subcommittee members are Janine Avner, Sara Milstein, Greg Runyon and David Tillipman.
   D. Parent Advocate Mentors. Representatives from the Parent Advocate Mentor program presented a formal request for $5,200 to support the O.U.R. K.I.D.S. (Outreaching, Uniting, Restoring Kinship in a Diverse School) program for the remainder of the year. The funds would be used for training volunteers, instructional materials, and resources for the parent center. Dr. Strauss explained that Site Governance has no discretionary funds this year other than GATE funds, which would not be appropriate for this purpose. She also noted that it might be possible to reallocate funds from the Intervention component of the Small Learning Community grant, but that would have to be investigated further. A member suggested that the PTSA might have unallocated funds to support this effort, as well. Steven McWright made a motion that the Site Governance Council go on record in support of the Parent Advocate Mentor program and its goal of better parent participation and cooperation. Sara Milstein seconded the motion, which was passed unanimously.
   E. Amend By-Laws. Janine Avner explained that we needed to correct two typographical errors on page two of the By-laws and change the requirement that notice be given about future meetings to comply with the rules of the Brown Act, i.e., 72 hours in advance of a regular meeting and 24 hours in advance of a special meeting. A motion to that effect was made by Brian Stecher, seconded by Janine Avner, and passed unanimously.
   
   
4. Discussion Items
   
   
5. Principal’s Report. Dr. Straus discussed a number of topics. Main point were: redesign is settling in and all the room upgrades are being completed (e.g., white boards, screens, etc.); in anticipation of budget cuts for next year, lay-off notices were sent to about 20 Samohi teachers; there will probably be a cut in 9th grade class size reduction for next year; the administration of the high school exit examination went very smoothly; the Pep Rally was a great success, thanks to the excellent planning by the students.
   
   
6. Student Report. Sara Milstein reported that leadership class was going very well; the Hollywood Knights basketball game was a success; Samohi Idol will take place this spring along with Junior/Senior night.
   
   
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.