Pennekamp PTA Meeting Minutes

For  March 21, 2005

 

Call to Order-9:10 a.m.

 

President’s Report-Beth Allen/Susan Warshaw

1. Thanked everyone for a successful Pennekamp Pride Day.
2. Noted that preparations are ongoing for Family Dragon Day.

Treasurer’s Report-Tami Brothers

1. Noted line 59 of the budget should be increased by $250 to reflect approved donation to Grad Night at Mira Costa High School.

Motion for MBEF Donation-Susan Warshaw/Beth Allen

1. Discussed MBEF sources of funding and expenses. Noted MBEF has netted $1,788,400 for the year but that it needs to raise $1,900,000 to fund the programs promised to the District.
2. Advised MBEF is soliciting other sources of funds to cover the shortfall. Meadows has agreed to contribute $30,000 of its reserves. Pacific will contribute its Jog-A-Thon proceeds. The Middle School contributed $50,000 from its reserves. Robinson will not contribute additional funds as they produced a 98% participation rate during the annual appeal campaign and averaged donations to MBEF of $900 per family. In addition they gave a substantial amount from their reserves last year and they have committed significant funds from their PTA budget for on site technology improvements. They will provide manpower for a pledge follow-up.
3. Proposed Pennekamp contribute $30,000 to the MBEF with the stipulation that if MBEF reaches its goal the money is applied towards next year’s fund drive.
4. Analyzed Pennekamp PTA reserves. Noted beginning equity was $133,177 and that ending equity less the scrip reserve is $140,827. If Pennekamp PTA donates $30,000, the PTA will end the year with $110,827 in reserves.
5. Noted Pennekamp parents contributed $175,000 to date to MBEF and that Pennekamp received $265,000 in grants from the Education Foundation. Advised that 80% of families contributed.
6. Agreed that the money should only be donated with the stipulation that the Education Foundation must work to become self-sufficient in its annual appeal campaign.
7. Discussed whether the money from Pennekamp should come from a fundraiser or the reserves. The Board noted it felt safer gifting money PTA already has in its coffers.
8. Noted that if there is still a shortfall in funds at the end of the year MBEF will continue to follow up on pledges and have more fundraisers.
9. Voiced concern parents who contributed to the PTA this year may not give as readily next year to the PTA if they see the money channeled to the Education Foundation. Noted reserves were built up over several years with many gifts donated by families who have left Pennekamp. By making a donation to the Education Foundation those families can still get a benefit from the funds. Noted also Pennekamp PTA reserves are higher than recommended by the State Association of PTAs.
10. Agreed on the need to communicate the fact that the money paid to the Education Foundation will be coming back to Pennekamp. Noted the PTA cannot pay for PE, library, and other things. These things must be funded by the Education Foundation.
11. Discussed dividing MBEF into elementary, middle school and high school divisions. Noted that until Pennekamp contributes more than it receives we don’t want to make this argument. Also if the community works together the high school will be much improved when our kids get there.
12. Voiced concerns the Education Foundation money will be used to pay for lawsuits. Reiterated that the money is protected and will not be used for this purpose.
13. Reminded parents that PTA wants families to give the majority of their contributions to the Education Foundation and not to PTA.
14. MOTION TO GIVE $30,000 TO THE MANHATTAN BEACH EDUCATION FOUNDATION WITH THE STIPULATION THAT ANY AMOUNTS IN EXCESS OF THE 2005-2006 ANNUAL APPEAL GOAL WILL BE CARRIED OVER TO THE 2006-2007 FUND DRIVE made by Debbie Zoppi, 2^nd by Janine Madrid. All in favor, motion carries.

Principal’s Report-Dale Keldrauk

1. Noted condolences to Shirley Lawver and her family. Her husband passed away Friday night. Advised the ceremony will take place on Thursday at 1 p.m. at the La Venta Inn in Palos Verdes.
2. Congratulated all on an incredible School Beautification Day. Noted 105 kids received gold cards for participating. May explore having another day before the end of the school year.
3. Advised Robin Cleland has the tiles for last year’s 5^th grade wall and has reviewed for content in light of content issues on tiles at Pacific School and the High School.
4. Proposed having breakfast for last year’s 5^th grade class and having the tile wall up by then. Noted have ok from the District for Jeff Wilson to install the wall.
5. Noted Gail Hayes went to the Computer Educators Users Conference and has submitted a proposal for speed skin covers and an Image Blender, which is a sophisticated art program.
6. Noted the Artists in Residence program now has a musical component. Emphasized will continue to encourage more uniformity by grade level. Agreed the 4^th grade is under utilizing the program.
7. Advised next week, Dale Keldrauk, Susan Warshaw and Cindy Ellenberg will go on a political advocacy trip to convince legislators, among other things, to fully fund Prop 98. Noted orientation for the event is scheduled for tomorrow at Mira Costa.
8. Advised Pennekamp has registered 78 kindergarten students to date. Noted excessive registration at Grandview and Robinson and indicated those schools may have to send some of their students elsewhere within the District. Noted 2^nd grade at Pennekamp continues to be full and that only 1 or 2 openings is expected for next year.
9. Advised that the staff will have a development day on Friday. In the morning they will attend meetings at Mira Costa regarding the writing program. In the afternoon, they will attend grade level meetings.

Nominating Committee - Karen Chan

1. Thanked all that participated in the process.
2. Presented the slate of proposed officers for the PTA Executive Board for the 2005-2006 School year as follows:

   Position	Name
   President	Beth Allen Susan Warshaw
   VP Fundraising	Christine Dillon Holly Kropschot
   VP Student Services	Karen Cavallo Charmaine Nielsen
   VP Operations	Cathey Graves
   VP Membership	Tammy Choy Mae Sinkowitz
   Recording Secretary	Darren Sepanek
   Treasurer	Tami Brothers
   Financial Secretary	Debbie Zoppi
   Safety Officer	Walt Young

Other Business

1. Vice Presidents note nothing to report.

Time of Adjournment- 10:10 a.m.

 

Minutes filed by Cathey Graves, Recording Secretary