Minutes
Emergency PTSA Meeting: Nov. 7, l999
In
attendance were: Carol Weston, Bill Hettler, Judy Pflugardt, Mary Bredlau,
Jack Allgier, Randy
Peelen, Julie Schneider, Michele Bjella, Marilyn Cornwall, Susan Zach,
Trish Cal-Baker and Ray Cal
1) The group discussed aspects
of the budget projection for the Stevens Point public schools for 2000 -
2001 year. Carol Weston and Judy Flugardt attended the Nov. 4th
Administrative meeting as Advisory members. Carol and Judy reported that
at that meeting many members voiced frustrations regarding the now
necessary budget cuts. Some administrators would rather see athletics cut;
some wanted the junior high schedule changed to a 7 period day.
This change would be for 7th, 8th, and 9th
graders. Electives would be jeopardized. Fully funding academics, while
putting all extra-curricular on a referenda was also mentioned, making
such cuts very visible, it was noted.
2) PTSA members delineated upcoming meetings we
should be in attendance at. These include the upcoming Nov. 8 Board of
Education meeting at Bliss, future finance committee meetings, and the
following Board meetings of Nov.22 and Dec. 13.
3)
A lengthy discussion of various members' reactions to and interpretations
of the voter response to the referenda and it's campaign process followed.
Carol provided a copy of the current budget from the district. The
following ideas for meaningful involvement by parents in future budget
issues were proposed:
1)
that we request a workshop by Bill Palmer/administrators to help us
understand line item areas delineated in this budget. Jack offered that only after informed study can parents join together
with administration as partners. 2)that
a variety of parents and community members be involved in meetings like
the one in which the "Proposed budget cuts" were developed.
(Note: that
meetings of Nov & Dec. l998 no parents were invited). Randy
suggested we focus on the power of parent volunteerism. 3) Carol
and Bill felt it was time to have a list serve in order to make
interchange easier among members of the group.
4) The group agreed to a position to be announced at the Nov.8 Board meeting,
stating that we feel the district should work to preserve academic
programs. Despite the benefits of other activities and programs such as
extra-curricular, any budget areas outside of the Academic areas would be fair game. Carol agreed to
present that statement on Nov.8. Bill and Julie offered to speak and Michele offered to talk about
parent volunteerism efforts and future participation at the upcoming
meeting.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Submitted by Michele Bjella
|
