TECH HIGH SCHOOL SITE COUNCIL
Meeting Minutes
September 24, 2007
Members Present: Roger Ziemann, Bruce Hentges, Jean Sonsteby, Lowell Haagenson, Nancy Farb, Glenna Soenneker, Ruth O’Donnell, Les Green, Kelly Bates, Rodney Schindelle, Deb Bednark, Mary Wyman-Goenner, Mary Klis, Gary Loch
Introductions - Roger started introductions for everyone present. Introduced Bruce and thanked him for coming out of retirement. He also gave a brief introduction of Lori Lockhart who was not present.
Enrollment 07-08 - Roger handed out
enrollment report with numbers as of 9-21-07.
Tech currently has 1556 students compared to 1626 in 06-07. He explained how
projections work and that we are over staffed .7fte. We will have to make this
up or carry it over to next year and make up that .7 in 2008. He explained the
projection when the 7th grade arrive with their numbers as low as
they are we will have to adjust staffing. The overall district enrollment is:
K-12 9272 last year to 9237 currently. With SPED added in we are up 4 students:
9592 compared to 9588 in 06-07. Glenna asked if this is reflective of the state
as a whole. Bruce explained that 60% of the state is experiencing declining
enrollment. District is working to stop exits to open enrollment. Les explained
some of this is just location. Clearview is 7 miles from Becker High School vs.
12 miles to Tech.
Gary spoke of working at the Welcome Center this summer and explained how students were coming back to 742 from Kimball. Roger explained this is a very complex issue that the school board and superintendent are working one. Apollo and Tech have one of the best AP programs in the state. Ruth explained how she hears people say Tech is ghetto/unsafe. Roger spoke of the St. Cloud Times to help better the image and fair reporting. He spoke of Gary Loch our Diversity coordinator and Gary described his role here at Tech.
Levy Information - Roger distributed a draft of the Levy Resolution. 742 has an old levy and the 2003 levy that are finished this year. This one would be about the same as the 2 combined. Items include: Work on improving fund balance; Teacher/student ratio; Conduct Board approved efficiency studies or reviews; Maintain transportation for ˝ day kindergarten and students who live 1-2 miles from school; Maintain the student activities and fine arts programming restored by the 2003 levy; Improve technology for student achievement and mandated testing. Les spoke on how the board decided on our levy questions and how they plan to keep us moving forward. Nothing will be changing with student/teacher ratio. We are only working on wording. Nancy, Mary, and Glenna are working at football games handing out operation levy flyers. Roger handed out a sample. Tax impact is on the back of the flyer. Glenna shared her experience at handing them out. 3 out of 4 had not heard about the levy at all. Mary shared the negative comment she received. Oct 12th Tech/Apollo game will have more flyers going out. Bruce explained the positive focus on the levy. Les expressed that questions are good they generate answers. People are talking. October 29th Site Council will focus on the Neighborhood for Excellence. We will be inviting parents and community members. Roger shared the information regarding phone banks and how to volunteer.
SmartWeb
Communication Bruce covered the new SmartWeb program and our hope for
more communication through technology. Covered how to access SmartWeb and where
it is located on our website. Bruce and Jean went over our web site and what is
available.
Other
Mary Klis would like an update on Tiger Eye on Success Roger explained
that they are meeting every Monday and Lori Lockhart is taking this on. We are
working very hard to promote this. We have had one Matrix day allowing teachers
to work with students. Lowell explained how our Link Crew worked with the ninth
grade homerooms and how wonderful these two programs are and how well they are
working together. Rodney shared how our students have grown in their school
spirit. Homecoming week and pepfest was very successful.
Ruth O’Donnell would like to discuss the tornado warning. Ruth shared her concern with us not going into storm shelters or moving students away from the windows. Roger explained that he was out ill and Bruce explained how we were in continuous contact with the police department and we had been told it was “not a threat to the City of St. Cloud” Roger explained that the district is working on communicating better with our buildings when this threat arises in the future. Les Green explained that St. Cloud State was also in contact with the Police department and did not go into storm shelters. Roger and Bruce shared that our shelters are in the tunnels and locker rooms. Rodney shared how students were not allowed to leave the building during the storm. They were turned back by door monitors.
Mary Wyman-Goenner questioned busing for sports. We do not have busing for event in the metro area. Bruce explained how we have cut coaches and advisors. Teams are paying for their own transportation if the coaches want to play a full schedule. Teams are purchasing their own equipment, uniforms and necessary items. We did element metro travel to balance the budget.
Glenna would like homecoming attendants voting clarification. Bruce explained the weighted system for homecoming. Roger will bring back information back at next meeting. Les asked what percentage vote for the candidates.
Deb Bednark’s daughter has concerns with restrooms. Roger explained that we have a few issues. Our custodial staff has been severely cut. Some of our Somali students wash before praying which can cause water splashing and complaints. Roger explained that there are numerous rumors out there about the religious washing. Roger asked that any student with concerns to please feel free to come and see him.
Respectfully Submitted,
Barbie Schoenleben
Next Site Council Meeting: Monday, October 29th