Bernheim Middle School

SBDM Council

Regular Meeting

April 11, 2006

Minutes

Approved 5/9/2006

1. Convene: Meeting convened at 4:55p.m. Members present were Julie Buckner, Beverly Shaner, Jennifer Harrison, Kimberly Newton, and Julia Barker.
2. Opening Business
1. Agenda Approval: Council in agreement to reverse order of agenda items three (Planning) and four (Committee Reports). Added to the agenda under item five (Review) was a review of the retention policy and under item six (New Business) a discussion of a portfolio analysis policy. Motion made by Jennifer Harrison and seconded by Kimberly Newton. There was consensus among the Council.
2. March Minutes: The Council reviewed the March minutes. With minor corrections a motion was made by Beverly Shaner and seconded by Kimberly Newton. There was consensus among the Council to approve minutes with minor corrections.
3. Good News Reports: Julie Buckner shared with the Council the recent good news from the school. The Second Annual Art Show had taken place involving approximately 2/3 of the student body. Additionally, the Bullitt County Arts Council attended the show as did Charles Main with Kentucky Education Association and the Pioneer News. Kimberly Newton reports that teacher teamwork and involvement was an outstanding part of making the show a success. Julie Buckner reported that Mr. Hart and Ms. Conley had met with teams to discuss last year’s test results and the upcoming spring testing and what was necessary to raise our school scores. Lowell Shank had presented an assembly "Chemistry in the Community" to the seventh graders. The 7^th/8^th grade team had taken a successful field trip to the Civil War Museum in Bardstown, and the regional band concert was outstanding. The ILEAP field trip to Stage One was a success and an incentive trip is planned for late April. Recently 52 students were invited to join our Junior Beta Club and the induction ceremony is planned for May 22. Track season has gotten off to a good start, and five of our students were recognized for their contribution to the Patriot’s Pen Essay Contest.
4. Public Comment: There was no public comment at this time.

 

3. Committee Reports
1. Scheduling Committee: Kimberly Newton presented to the Council the recommendations of the Scheduling Committee for the 2006-2007 school year. After discussion the recommendations of the committee were approved by the council based upon a motion from Beverly Shaner and seconded by Kimberly Newton. There was consensus among the Council. For the 06-07 school year, there will be one sixth grade team of six (6) teachers, one 7^th/8^th team of four (4) teachers, one 7^th/8^th team of six (6) teachers, and the Unified Arts Team. In addition, the Committee recommended the return to a six period day and an alternating schedule.
2. Textbook Committee: Johnda Conley reported to the Council the choices of the textbook committee. Four options were presented, all of which are more than the allocated budget for textbooks. Committee will explore any carryover funds and be prepared with a final textbook recommendation at the next meeting. No action taken.
3. Discipline Committee: Johnda Conley reported to the Council that the Discipline Committee has begun work on a Pyramid of Interventions for at-risk students. This work is based on the work of Alan Blankstein and his book Failure is Not an Option. No action taken.
4. Planning
1. 2006-2007 Tentative Budget Review: Julie Buckner provided with the Council a copy of the 06-07 tentative budget that was approved at the March meeting. No action taken.
2. 2006-2007 Title I Budget Review: Julie Buckner shared with the Council the tentative Title I allocation for the 2006-2007 school year. The tentative allocation is a significant decrease from the current operating budget. Given that ten percent must be allocated for professional development as we are a Tier 2 school and given the increase in salary and fringes, it will no longer be possible to fund a certified position using Title I funds. After lengthy discussion by the Council, a motion was made by Jennifer Harrison and seconded by Beverly Shaner that we no longer continue a certified position due to lack of funds. Julia Barker requested that the minutes reflect her concern that funding cuts have caused the elimination of a certified person in an area where test scores are low.