Minutes for May 8, 2006
Attendees:
Allyson Downing, Lynne Baechle, Sheila Royer, Allyson Yandow, Ellen Erdmann,
Frank Geier, Dora Sudarsky, Connie Keetle, Elizabeth Fitzgerald, JoAn Canning,
Donna Macdonald, Mo Genzlinger, Rick Ebel, Megan Pigeon, Louise Gagnon, Jane
Jevons, Carol Caldwell-Edmonds, David Young
Co-President Allyson Yandow welcomed everyone to the
final PTO meeting of the school year.
Secretary Lynne Baechle read the minutes from the April
PTO meeting for approval. Frank
Geier motioned to approve the minutes, Mo Genzlinger seconded the motion. The
minutes were approved as read.
School’s Out
Fundraiser: Megan Pigeon
Megan Pigeon, director of the
Orchard School’s Out program asked the PTO to do a Car Wash and Bake Sale
during the Slimy Tag Sale. The fundraising will go to support a trip to Great
Escape in June. Mrs. Pigeon spoke with Carol McQuillen (Slimy Chair) and she
supports the idea. The PTO officers approved the fundraiser.
General
Announcements: Rick Ebel
Principal Ebel had two announcements for the PTO.
Orchard School was recognized for the children’s efforts by the Trick or Treat
for UNICEF. The school received a
letter of recognition and a plaque which will be hung in the school.
Principal Ebel would like to organize a Safe Routes to
School program for the 2006-07 school year.
The program encourages kids to walk or ride bikes to school along
established, safe routes. Principal Ebel is looking for volunteers for next
year. It was pointed out that the
school would need a new bike rack to support additional bike riders.
School District
Budget: JoAn Canning and Carol Caldwell-Edmonds
JoAn Canning, Co-Superintendent, volunteered to return
to the school in the fall to with a NECAP presentation. Ms. Canning also
introduced Elizabeth Fitzgerald, a candidate for the school board. Ms. Canning
announced there would be a Strategic Planning meeting on May 22, 2006 from
6pm-8pm at the middle school. Please contact her with any unanswered questions
at: jcanning@sbschools.net.
Allyson Downing asked Ms. Canning to summarize why a
voter should support the school budget. In
reviewing the literature, it would appear the high school has the most to lose
with a no vote. The only thing left to cut out of the elementary school’s
budgets are teacher’s salaries and classroom supplies. The elementary schools
would be affected by the cuts in technology and English as a Second language
program. The middle school would lose the after school activity bus.
Currently the high school and middles school share some staff and
curriculum planning, which could be lost as the result of a no vote.
The High School has the largest budget and most to lose.
The transition and planning program would be cut. Currently, all freshmen
are required to take this best practices course. It helps freshmen set goals for
their learning, gets them thinking about colleges and the working world after
high school.
Parts of positions in world languages, technologies, and
health would be cut resulting in larger class sizes. Facilities operations would be another area of deferred
maintenance. The administration’s goal is to keep the budget cuts as far away
from the students as possible.
Ms. Louise Gagnon asked what was the budget plan for 2
years from now? Ms. Canning stated
the school board is taking a risk to take the school budget to the community.
The administration has started to think about long range planning despite
charter limits and Act 68. There
also is a need to start thinking about “planned abandonment” of
underutilized programs.
School Board member Carol Caldwell-Edmonds shared the
results of her analysis of her own tax bill situation, if the school budget were
to pass. Approximately: a $200,000 home’s taxes would increase $86. If the
budget vote fails, Ms. Caldwell-Edmonds education tax bill would decrease $84.
Those on a fixed income would not see much change in their bills. Allyson
Downing complained about the poor timing of the school budget vote and the
mailing of the reappraisal values (a week after the vote). Co-Superintendent
Canning reported that the 2007 school budget looks better because the storm
water permitting which has held up much development has eased, and the school
board expects to see an expansion of the grand list.
South Burlington demographics and types of homes are changing.
Ellen Erdmann asked if the $80,000 for Transition and
Planning represent a salary? The
answer is yes, it is 1 ½ FTE positions. Freshmen, juniors and seniors take
these classes to planning for college admissions, and the courses provide a
structured focus time for the school as a whole. This program helps kids figure
out high school.
Allyson Downing asked if the South Burlington Education
Fund was a source of funds for a program like Transitions? Co-Superintendent indicated that grants aren’t used for on
going programs. Grants are great for one shot deals, like computers.
Frank Geier asked if the school board has done any
polling on the budget? Ms. Canning
said no; school board members usually meet with friendly groups. The
administration is trying to reach those who don’t have children in the schools
(retirement communities). Parent
Louise Gagnon would like to see the return of world languages returned to the
elementary schools.
Ellen Erdmann asked why the discussions about the school
budget have come at a hurried pace, so close to the vote?
Act 68 budget went up 26% or $1.2 million which is about what South
Burlington school board cut from their budget, they are asking for half that
amount back in the vote.
Principal Ebel noted that there would be an impact at
Orchard, should the budget vote fail. Orchard
would not be able to expand the Foundation program to 2nd and 3rd
grades.
Donna Macdonald
Librarian Donna Macdonald thanked the Drama Club for the
donation to the library. She has purchased all the DCF books with the donation.
Parent Sara Webber has asked IBM for the donation of a
laptop based on her volunteer efforts at the school.
There will be another Orchard Night at the Lake Monsters
on July 31, 2006. Mrs. Macdonald is looking for 6 volunteers to help with the
50/50 raffle.
Enrichment: Dora
Sudarsky
Ms. Sudarsky reported that the faculty was supportive of
an African Dance/Drumming Troupe as an artist in residence for spring 2007.
Teacher Mo Genzlinger reported that Chad Hollister as
been well received by the kindergartens and 1st graders. The K/1
house is hoping to include their songs in the Spring K/1 concert. This residence
is 3 days. The staff thanked the PTO for pursuing.
Consultant
Survey: Rick Ebel
250 surveys were mailed with 120 returned.
Results have just been received. Mr. Ebel will have a Principal’s
Meeting on June 5th at 6pm. Several parents present expressed
concerns that the survey only had 1 question on looping and requested an open
forum with parents to discuss. Principal Ebel shared the parent comments from the January
PTO meeting with the faculty and there has been an increase in contact between
classes.
2006-2007 PTO
Events Calendar: Allyson Yandow
This item was removed from the meeting agenda and will
be discussed at the next PTO Officers meeting.
Vacant Committee
Chairs and Officer Elections: Allyson Yandow
There are several vacant positions available. The
officers have been brainstorming ideas to get new parents involved in the PTO. A
separate document will be published and signs hung in the lobby.
The following officer positions will be open in 2006/07
year: Co Vice President, Treasurer,
and Secretary
Pizzeria Uno’s
Night: Lynne Baechle
Uno’s Night raised $355.28.
Candidate for
School Board: Elizabeth Fitzgerald
Ms. Fitzgerald introduced herself and gave a brief review of her background, explanation on why she is running for the school board, and her position on the proposed school budget.
Dora Sudarsky motioned that the meeting be adjourned.
Allyson Downing seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Page created by PTO Secretary Lynne Baechle and Orchard Library/Media Specialist Donna Macdonald.
This page last updated: 09/13/06.