Fernwood School Governance Council

Feb 7, 2011 Meeting

Attendees: Mr. Sanchez, Amy, Sharon, Carrie, Shey, Lisa, Sally

Absent: Paula, Nick, Judy, Wendy

Open Agenda Items

Stephanie & Jessica - School Board Budget Meeting

- Strategic Planning and Budget Meeting this Thursday at 6:30 pm

- We would like to have parents and students attend to testify on behalf of Fernwood and Montessori Schools.

- Would like to meet at Fernwood at 5 pm to get talking points, make signs and carpool over. Or just meet at Central Services for the meeting.

- Jessica and Stephanie worked on a letter to send to parents in today’s newsletter.

- Stephanie is going to send it to Paula tonight. Lisa will also send it to Valerie Nelson to post on the PTO Yahoo Group and FB page.

Advocacy Letters

- Letters are coming in from students. The deadline was extended to Thursday due to the snow days.

- Parents are also encouraged to write and send in their letters – either to Fernwood or mailed directly.

Valentine’s Day

- Jessica will get teachers to sign up to send out Valentine’s from their students.

- Amy will coordinate printing of Valentine’s.

- Lisa will check with PTO about paying for postage. Or we will seek parent donations.

Upcoming Meetings/Events

- Feb 8 – District 8 Candidate Forum at Bay View Library from 6-8 pm

- Feb 15 – VOTE!

- Feb 22 – Montessori Parent Meeting

- Feb 23 – Parents for Bay View Schools at Sugar Maple from 7-9 pm

FY12 Budget Review and Discussion

- Discussion and review of the budget and changes necessary to hit the budget numbers.

- Making changes/recommendations based on current budget. If additional funds come in the budget can then be re-visited and positions added back.

- Literacy Coach is in the Central Budget. At this time they do not have the Math Coach funded.

- Review and discussion about steps for Budget Review Protocol.

- Meeting is Feb 17 for review.

Submission of parent/student/staff concerns

- Earlier notice of events and dates in the newsletter.

- Budget concerns (of course).

Parent Education Group

- Math Literacy Night on Feb 17 from 5:30 – 7 pm. Childcare will be available. Different classrooms will be open.

Communication Group

- No updates.

Advocacy and Bylaws Group

- Advocacy letters went out to parents via the newsletter list.

- Child letters are being collected by 2.11.11.

- Parent letters can be collected at Fernwood or mailed directly by the parents to the representatives.

- Montessori Parent Group – this is the first time for a Montessori Parent Group to form. Parents and teachers were in attendance from Fernwood and each Montessori school. People stressed that we need to stay positive in all communications to our contacts.

- Make sure you send your letter to the appropriate representative. Check the link to find your State Rep and School Board member.

- Next step – Host a Parent Meeting. Invite Director Falk, School Board candidates and Superintendent Thorton to discuss the issues.