Minutes of Ray Local School Council
February 9, 2009
Staff Lounge

In attendance: Bernadette Butler, Heather Edelman, Christine Lancaster, Ray Lodato, Sean Murphy, David Myles, Ken Schug, Angela Williams-Walker, Willie Walter (arrived 8:04 a.m.), Jennifer Washington.

1. Ray Lodato called the meeting to order at 8:02 a.m.

2. Approval of agenda
On a motion by D. Myles (second: J. Washington) the LSC approved the agenda.

3. Approval of January minutes
On a motion by J. Washington (second: D. Myles) the LSC approved the January minutes.

4. Report from the principal - see attached
*Budget Transfer
Principal Butler explained that the new maintenance contract (which is in place for this calendar year) for the duplicating machines is a bit higher than last year, and she asked the LSC to transfer extra funds left over from the reading specialist position.
D. Myles made a motion (second: C. Lancaster) to allow a transfer of $1,500 from the excess salary of the reduced class size teacher position to pay for the maintenance contract for duplicating machines. The LSC approved the transfer.

5. Status of Friends of Ray
A. Williams-Walker explained that the PTA bylaws have been found, but not the FOR bylaws. FOR was formed in 1982. In 1994, the two organizations combined. In order to separate the two, the FOR board must first create new bylaws. A. Williams-Walker asked whether volunteers are ready to sit on the FOR board, and R. Lodato said he is working on a list of people.

6. Subcommittee reports
*Bylaws – no report
*Facilities – see attached
D. Myles reported that some money would help in dismantling the sandbox. He reported that it is not clear whether CPS has identified funds to fix the peeling paint. He reported that there have been complaints about cars speeding out of the parking lot. PE teacher Ms. Perez suggested a mirror placed on the fence might help drivers see pedestrians trying to cross the driveway.
*Vision and Priorities – no report
*Principal evaluation – R. Lodato explained a special meeting would be held to approve a survey that would be given to staff and parents.
*SIPAAA/Budget – J. Washington reported that S. Murphy, C. Lancaster and Librarian Ms. Travis would attend upcoming committee meetings.
*PPLC – C. Lancaster reported that the PPLC had been formed with C. Lancaster, W. Walter, Ms. Prasad-Heintz, Ms. Annorh, Ms. Sheridan, Mr. Salvato, Ms. Krecik, Ms. Webb, and Ms. McFarland. Topics to be discussed include math and Spanish curriculum.
*Bilingual education – W. Walter explained that a parent meeting will be held tomorrow.
*Special education – no report
*Technology – S. Murphy reported that Ray is waiting for a proposal from Sun about the costs of implementing the thin client model on 40, 80-100, or all computers. H. Edelman asked what CUIP founder Mr. York’s opinion was of the possible pilot. B. Butler explained that he was skeptical about Ray getting the outside support it would need, and said he wanted to know what the cost would be of implementing and maintaining the pilot. S. Murphy said Sun would provide the maintenance and support, not CPS.

7. January PTA meeting – H. Edelman reported that the PTA was working hard to prepare for the Black History Month gallery walk and evening celebration. The PTA’s nominating committee is continuing to look for volunteers to sit on the board next year.

8. Old business – none

9. New business – none

10. Public comments and discussion – Parent Blake Davis introduced himself

11. Election of Replacement LSC Member
Blake Davis said he is interested in being a member of the LSC because he would like to give back to the school. He moved back to Hyde Park after living in the suburbs for a while and has been very happy with the school. His daughter is in fourth grade.

On a motion by D. Myles (second: A. Williams-Walker) the LSC voted to go into closed session to discuss filling the LSC vacancy. The LSC entered into closed session at 8:52 a.m.

On a motion by D. Myles (second: S. Murphy) the LSC voted to return to open session. The LSC returned to open session at 9:04 a.m.

On a motion by S. Murphy (second: K. Schug) the LSC voted to ask Blake Davis to fill the parent representative vacancy.

On a motion by C. Lancaster (second: B. Butler) the LSC voted to adjourn. The meeting adjourned at 9:07 a.m.

Submitted by H. Edelman

Principal’s Report to the Local School Council
February 9, 2009
8:00am

Community Schools Initiative – Budget and Service Plan Submitted.  Children’s Home and Aid will provide compensation for teachers and assistants who wish to continue their after school programs until the end of the year.  There will be a one week break for ISAT testing.

Staff Development – Friday, February 13.  The agenda includes continuing work on PBIS with Dr. Van Acker, the Spanish language teachers will give a workshop on integrating Spanish language and cultural activities in the regular classroom, Ms McFarland will give ideas on reading strategies that facilitate ISAT readiness.

ESL Parent Meeting will take place on Tuesday February 10 in the cafeteria at 9:15.  The discussion will focus on the upcoming testing for ESL students.  Parents will be given information on the Bilingual committee.  A Valentine Literacy Craft session will follow the meeting.

New Reading Teacher
Kindergarten:  Support:   reading 10   math, 10     Accelerated Reading:  11
First Grade:     Support:  lang. arts 11 math, 12      Accelerated Reading:  14
Second Grade: Support:  lang. arts 8    math,   6      Accelerated Reading :  10

Lego Robotics
On Saturday December 13th, 2008 Ms. Webb and one of her students, Justin Hardiman from Science club went to the Lego League Competition at McDade Classical School.  They spent the day observing the competition, with the knowledge that next year Ray School would be competing.  Ms. Webb and Justin Hardiman saw how other teams found solutions to our Lego League Challenges.  In addition, Ms. Webb brought Ray School’s research report, and Justin was able to present our findings to the Lego League judges.  The judges gave us advice that our team will use during next year’s competition.  It was a very informative day, and fun filled day.  Next year, Ray school will once again participate in the Lego League.   Ms. Webb proposes allocating funds to purchase the Lego League package in 2009 as well as purchasing a second robot.
Inauguration Assembly Hosted by Gianna Clark our student Council President.  Children wrote their reflections on the election, letters to the president, poems and even a rap song.  Letters and pictures are posted on the first floor bulletin board. Letters to Barack Obama were published in USA Today.
Discipline Referrals (See Enclosure)
Budget for FY 2009-2010:  Although this is not a SIPAAA year, we do need to meet to decide on the 2nd year budget for this SIPAAA.  All budget items must be entered into the system before Spring break in April.
Budget transfer:  I am requesting a budget transfer in the amount of $1500.00.  We need to move this amount out of the excess teacher salary line and into maintenance and repair for our duplicating machines.  This is due to an increase in cost.  (Budget lines will be named).

RAY SCHOOL
Facilities &amp; Safety Committee
Minutes
February 5, 2009

Present: Bernadette Butler, Ralph Mirro, Antonia Perez, Therese Wasik, Star Breit and David Myles.

•    Floor tiles in corridors – 2nd and 3rd floor corridors completed.  Awaiting final walk through with the contractor.

•    Peeling paint –Awarded (and funded) Environmental assessment of the peeling paint preformed.   No further information known at this time.

•    UPS back up system – No up-dated information at this time.

•    School cleaning concerns -  Discussed lack of custodian substitutions with the Operations coordinator.  Need to tighten up several areas of cleaning with the afternoon staff.

•    Technology/Equipment –Principal to have a meeting with Mr. Runcie to discuss specifics for schools Pilot Program.

•    School Emergency Management Plan (EMP) – On-going - Some evacuation drills have occurred and more will be conducted in future months.   Principal to create “emergency procedures script” for assemblies in auditorium.

•    Sand box –Discussed covering and the possibility of eliminating the sandbox altogether.  The Principal to discuss with the PTA if any funds are available to see what other options might exist before we seriously consider eliminating.

•    Recycling – No discussion.

•    Art Room -  Art Room has become cluttered with play furniture and projects not being properly put away.  Art Room coordinator will be contacted.

•    Parking Lot – Discussed drivers speeding and non-staff vehicles parking and blocking staff cars from exiting.  Letters drafted as a reminder to parents/staff but first,the principal will discuss problem with corner neighbor before taking further action.

•    Courtyard repairs – Have one proposal for $13,490 in ‘05.  Suggest that this committee look into making phased repairs over several years.

•    Fluorescent light fixture lens covers are needed throughout old building.  Ralph has 3rd &amp; 2nd floor survey and approximately $5,000 needed to fund replacement lens covers.

•    Window air conditioners – Prices ($32,235 in ‘05) obtained but there is a City moratorium on installing these window units in CPS properties.

57th Street Business Association – No update at this time.

Next Meeting:  March 5, 2009,  8:00 am

Summary by:  David Myles