South Eugene High School
Parent Council Minutes
October 6, 2010
1.0 The meeting was called to order at 6:30 pm by Rebecca Kovach.
2.0 Minutes from September 7, 2010, meeting were approved.
3.0 Standing Reports
A. Treasurer’s Report: Kathy showed the budget report. We sold over $1200 in paper scrip at the Open House. Rebecca, Helen and Kathy Ruggles are looking for a group to step up to take over leadership of this biggest source of income for Parent Council. See Attachment for Financials.
B. Principal’s Report: Randy Bernstein reported that there was a 4% increase in class size on average for each section. Clerical staff in the office has been reduced. Enrollment is at 1,500 and pretty even from grade level to grade level. We had a successful Club Day. We are planning an event on October 19th , 6-8 pm, to reach out to families of color. South Fork will provide food. It is an opportunity to hear concerns, ideas and engage with minority groups.
4.0 Old Business
A. Social Open House: Shelley Singell was the chair of this successful event. Many parents came to enjoy snacks and beverages from South Fork. They bought scrip, signed up for scrip on computers provided by Parent Council, and obtained information from a wide variety of interest groups, including Parent Council. See attached written report by Helen Beardsworth dated 10/06/2010.
B. Bike Rack: Rebecca Kovach reported that John Wayland, Assistant Principal, submitted a work order for a bike rack in front of the building by the office, and the work will be done soon.
5.0 New Business
A. Budget Cuts: On Oct. 12, each school will have a team of 5 persons attend the Budget Development Process. They will be brainstorming for solutions that the community will support. South Eugene’s team will consist of Principal Randy Bernstein, two parents (Joy Marshall and Chris Ramey), and two staff members. The 4j district is $30 million short due to higher costs for PERS, depleted reserves and the state of the economy. Those persons attending the meeting will be looking for ways to get parents aligned behind a plan for good schools.
The following comments and suggestions were made by parents:
Bethel and Springfield school districts are experiencing many of the same problems. Parents should consider the possibility of school districts merging. Bethel is really small and it may benefit by economy of scale. There are 198 districts in Oregon. 4j could possibly merge with South Lane or Cottage Grove.
Have people considered that it seems that only a small amount of money is saved by increasing class size – are there people looking at this? Current contract has a staffing ratio of 25.38 students per teacher. By increasing it to 28 saves about $1 million. 85% of our budget is payroll. We spend just under $18,000 for each class.
Is there pressure on South to change its schedule? Add more periods a day? What percent of teachers’ time is spent with kids?
There has been a change in education over time. It’s not the same as it was. We are going to need unpaid people to teach, students will have to learn on-line.
What could we do with the furlough days? Can we get parents to do something with those days? (There will be certification issues and union issues.) Random days off is not good for learning. It may be better to bunch them together.
Some classes may have to be more lecture style. One teacher may need help with grading or have an instructional aide.
Cutting days may have less impact than having large classes.
Core classes have to be taught by certified teachers. Can parents teach electives, such as photography?
Some volunteer parents may be qualified to teach even core classes.
Is there a way to plug seniors as teaching assistants to the 9th and 10th grade classes?
Cutting more budget days is not good. We should have a shorter school day, start later in the day.
Do we look at minimum requirements and just do that well. We require 24 credits to graduate, but we could focus on just core classes.
Mitigate what’s already happening. Look at blocks of time.
Athletics and Arts are so much a part of high school, but they are not required. Are these things untouchable?
How many students will we lose to private schools if we don’t offer these things?
Schools are a natural gathering place where you can put on a play, etc.
Some colleges are looking at more than just GPA.
There are ways we can get more funding. We have to look at what is going to help.
What do they mean by “excellent” schools? We have to look at the criteria.
6.0 Announcements
A. West Side Story Gala: Parent Council was treated to a preview of the play by Dyland Stasack and Audrey Hudson, the two lead characters of the cast. The West Side Story Gala is Friday, Nov. 5. Gwyn O’Connell’s art classes have an art show starting at 6pm in the theater lobby in addition to some drink and snacks. The play starts at 7:30 and a party with food and dancing is in the cafeteria. This year there is a bigger raffle with tickets costing $5 per ticket.
Tickets for the Gala (art show, play, party) cost $25 for adults, $15 for students and $11 for Staff. From these ticket prices, Parent Council receives $11 per adult and $5 per student. After paying expenses the Gala Committee is hoping to raise as much as $18,000. It is important to get the word out to friends and neighbors to support this community builder and Parent Council fundraiser.
7.0 The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.
