Minutes of the September 14^th, 2015 meeting of

The 19^th Ward Community Association Schools Committee

Attendees: Mary Adams, John Boutet, John Laing, Dan Ross, Jay Ross

Approval of August minutes

Accepted

Spelling Bee

RACF has asked the 19^th ward community association for an accounting of the funds it has provided for expenses of past spelling bees. RACF has a fund for the scholarships, and they have responsibility for tracking the winners until they have been granted their scholarship. The 19thWCA paid for shirts and trophies at the first Spelling Bee, but since that time the only expense has been for the Scripp’s word list. The committee agreed that the excess funds should be returned to RACF.

We considered both the RCSD and U of R schedules and recommended either April 9^th or 16^th as dates, and that the decision between those dates would be left to the fraternity brothers depending on availability of Hubbell Auditorium and Dean Burkett. John L was to contact the fraternity.

Volunteer recruitment/training process

Dan spoke with Ricky Frazier from RCSD and we can have them use their process (complete a Partnership Program application, agree to a background check and attend an orientation session) for new volunteers to our schools. Existing volunteers do not need additional screening. Dan was to invite him to the October 14^th meeting. Ideas from Diane and Sheila were to work with the BLACK group to solicit volunteers and retired teachers to provide answers to questions from volunteers. Dan’s notes are attached.

School 44 status

A PTO meeting was held Tuesday, September 8^th, the day after Labor Day. Future meetings will be held on the second Tuesday of the month and John B was to find out about the times. Their first request was for additional playground equipment.

School 44 improved its ELA and math scores on the 2015 state tests, and scored the highest in the ward. The results for all 4 19^th ward schools are attached. There is a link to the full data set on the RCSD website.

School 44 ended up with 47 kindergarteners.

School 16 Status

The contract with the FMP management company has been signed. Some concern was raised because of the 4-3 vote of Richard’s committee but we should hear shortly from the principal for involvement on the planning committee.

Old/New Business

There are three possibilities for LFLs which are being pursued. In the meantime at various venues we have given away over 1000 books.

Next Meeting Wednesday, October 14^th at 7 pm in the 19^th ward association office.