Pennekamp PTA Meeting Minutes

For  February 15, 2005

 

Call to Order-7:15 p.m.

 

President’s Report-Beth Allen/Susan Warshaw

1. Welcomed parents/others.
2. Asked School Board member Bill Cooper to lead the Pledge of Allegiance

Secretary’s Report-Cathey Graves

1. MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE NOVEMBER 16, 2004 PTA GENERAL MEETING by Charmaine Nielsen, 2^nd by Penny Bordokas. All in favor, motion carries.

Parliamentarian Report - Cindy Ellenberg

1. MOTION THAT KAREN CHAN, TAMMY CHOY, MAE SINKOWITZ, CINDY ELLENBERG AND TAMI BROTHERS AS ALTERNATE BE APPOINTED TO SERVE ON THE NOMINATING COMMITTEE TO RECOMMEND A SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR 2005-2006 EXECUTIVE BOARD made by Debbie Zoppi, 2^nd by Charmaine Nielsen. All in favor, motion carries.

Superintendent's Remarks - Dr. Gwen Gross

1. Introduced news editor Calvin Cohen and Editor in Chief Dan Green of the Mira Costa school newspaper La Vista.
2. Noted this meeting marked her one and ½ year anniversary on the job and that her first budget presentation a year and ½ ago had been at Pennekamp.
3. Congratulated PTA and Education Foundation on successful fund drives.
4. Voiced concerns regarding funding for 2005-2006 school year. Advised Governor is attempting to permanently reduce funding to the schools, in direct contradiction of promises made to the schools last year. Noted he is additionally proposing to burden local districts to fund teacher pensions, a cost previously borne by the State. Pension costs, along with COLA adjustments, longevity and/or experience increases and mandated programs could result in an $1.9 million shortfall next year.
5. Assistant Superintendent Steve McMahon provided a mid-year budget review. Noted that the 2004-2005 budget was reduced from the prior year by $5 million. Subsequently, based on monies promised by MBEF and the Manhattan Beach Athletic Foundation, the budget was increased by $2 million. To date, the budget is on target with one exception, special education. In that area, costs have exceeded budgeted numbers by approximately $750,000. Noted all expenditures except for donation accounts have been frozen to deal with the projected overrun.
6. Advised the School District is evaluating possible solutions to the budget problems including making existing programs more efficient, enhancing revenue streams, especially from property owned by the District, and reducing costs and staffing. Additionally, a tremendous amount of lobbying is ongoing. The District has not filed a lawsuit against the federal government to compel funding.
7. Discussed sources of funding. Noted 75% of funds come from revenue limits, 8% from local sources and the balance from other sources.
8. Advised that between now and June the District will have to balance the budget. The District wants to avoid bankruptcy at all costs.
9. Discussed special education issues. Noted that last year the District budgeted an increase of 25-26% for special education but actual expenses greatly exceeded the projected increase. Discussed reasons for the shortfall. Noted 13% of Manhattan Beach students receive some special education compared with 10% statewide. Advised that reported cases of autism had increased significantly and that these cases were typically more costly. Finally, legal costs have increased significantly. Noted that while the district has only 37 disputes out of 800 students, fees from those cases are projected in the range of $300,000-500,000. Noted a significant portion of the fees is attributable to one case. Advised the District is exploring options regarding legal retainers. Noted insurance coverage is paying most fees. Emphasized special education students should not be the scapegoats. The students are entitled to certain services mandated by federal law. The problem is the federal and state governments are not providing the necessary funds to run the programs. Noted while the District does lobby the state, it has not lobbied at the federal level but that plans are being made with Congresswoman Jane Harman to expand efforts in that direction.
10. School Board member Bill Cooper noted that while legal fees are significant, significant costs are also incurred by students forced to go outside the District for services. When students go outside the District, among other costs, the District becomes responsible for transportation. The District is hiring consultants to train teachers to handle many special education needs within the District in order to reduce these costs in the future. Currently the District offers physical and occupational therapy, special day classes, learning centers, reading programs and after school programs.

President's Report - Beth Allen/Susan Warshaw

1. Reminded membership of Pride Day on March 19, Talent Show on March 11 and Family Dragon Day on May 21.
2. Advised Dale Keldrauk, Cindy Ellenberg and Susan Warshaw would be travelling to Sacramento to lobby legislative groups.
3. Noted Thursday is PTA State Budget Advocacy Day and reminded all to contact the Governor.

Principal’s Report-Dale Keldrauk

1. Thanked parents and other attendees for maintaining positive attitude. Reminded all that ultimately everyone was there for the kids.
2. Noted Pennekamp is watching expenditures and as far as the children are concerned it is business as usual.
3. Advised of exciting things coming up including 100 Days Celebration and Talent Show.
4. Noted next year Pennekamp would be celebrating its 50^th anniversary.

Treasurer’s Report-Tami Brothers

1. Noted budget looks great.
2. MOTION TO RATIFY CHECKS #1718-1785 FROM THE COMMERCIAL CAPITAL GENERAL ACCOUNT by Marlene Rich, 2^nd by Walt Young. All in favor, motion carries. MOTION TO RATIFY CHECKS #809-846 FROM THE COMMERCIAL CAPITAL SCRIP ACCOUNT by Kathy Basmajian, 2^nd by Marlene Rich. All in favor, motion carries.
3. Advised the Executive Board increased two budget items. Fieldtrip scholarships were increased $300 and special classroom funds were increased $500.

Other Business

1. Noted the Education Foundation promised $2 million to the District for 4^th and 5^th grade assistants, library, technology, etc. but to date the Foundation’s fundraising goals had fallen short. Noted some schools were holding additional fundraisers to benefit the Foundation. Advised the Executive Board would discuss whether Pennekamp should assist the Foundation further.
2. Reminded that lobbying efforts could not utilize children in any respect and accordingly form letters to legislatures could not be sent home in childrens’ backpacks. The letters are available on the website.

Time of Adjournment-8:48 p.m.

 

Minutes filed by Cathey Graves, Recording Secretary