There was more people at this meeting than the last couple, at least when it started. It went on so long the crowd dwindled down pretty small by the time it was over. We covered many topics and I have to say I had a lot to say about some of them. I was at a dairy meeting in Boise until 2:00 yesterday and got home about an hour before the meeting. I started out being very tired and with a bad headache that got worse as the night went on. I didn't write this last night because I didn't get home until almost midnight.
Well here goes my version of the nights events after saying the pledge of elegance for the 3rd time in two days.
There was a discussion about the request to sell property to the Firth cemetery. The comment was made that another party might be willing to sell them the property, so with this idea in mind, not much more was said. I think we would prefer not to have to sell school property that is used by the school. Later Trevor Clayson presented a report about the work he did measuring out the field behind the elementary to see if it would work for a soccer field if we chose to start a high school soccer program. He basically determined there would be room for a practice and regulation size field. And also if we chose to sell ground to the cemetery, there would be room for that too.
Jeff Gee went over the athletic survey results update. Ninety four kids had participated in it so far. Some of the highlights. Ten kids said they don't participate because it is to expensive. I wish we didn't have to charge the kids so much, or there was a way to help them raise the money they need. Of any possible sport that could be offered that we don't have now soccer was at the top. Computer club was the most popular choice of non athletic activities. Other club type activities students would like are debate as the top choice, followed by chess and honor society and foreign language. Overall most kids are satisfied with their athletic experiences. Jeff said they would work on the idea of having more clubs, but the teachers don't get paid for them, so it is hard to expect them to take them on.
The boys and girls cross country teams were recognized for both being the academic state champions. The girls had the highest GPA in any classification. Firth has won 44 academic state championships since 2001. I think this accomplishment doesn't get the recognition it deserves.
Jeff Gee presented a report on the potential cost of starting a soccer team. He presented what you might call a worst case scenario. The potential travel cost would be about $1500 which could be covered by the student athletic participation fees of $100 each. Officials would be about $1144. If the coaches were paid like other sports it would be $3027. For soccer goals, field paint, uniforms, and basic equipment it would be $8000. Most of this cost would be one time expenses, and goals might be able to be made cheaper. So the total not considering any potential savings would be $13729.32. After he presented this information I expressed my concerns, of which I thought were very obvious. With a very tight school budget, and at some point in the future probably needing to try for another Levy, I don't feel like taking on more athletic expenses is a good idea. We already have such a tight athletic budget that some coaches are not being paid now, like the C team coaches, so I don't feel this would be fair to those who donate their time now. There was comments made that fundraising could be done, and receiving donations from sponsors, but things like this may not be dependable sources of funding. Another major concern I have is, I don't believe we have enough students to start a girls soccer team and still maintain a top caliber cross country team. This was tried in North Fremont, but soon the cross country team was all but dropped. They had no girl cross county athletes and only one boy this year.They also have a boys team, which might partly explain why their football team hasn't done very well the last few years. I wish we could have a team, some of my kids played AYSO and I enjoyed watching them play, but I just don't think it is a good idea. After some discussion, some of the other board members thought we needed more information and this decision was put off until next month.
Scott Jolley presented the district testing AYP results. The way this is done it is hard for me to understand. The state has goals for us in different categories which we try to achieve. The elementary and high school met their goals, but the middle school has problems in reading and math. The reading program is in the worst trouble. They have missed the goal for four years in a row now. If the goal is missed another year, the state steps in to try and force things to improve. I can't remember all the consequences mentioned, but it isn't good. We don't want them to fail to make AYP again. They have a plan to improve, I sure hope it works.
Sid Tubbs presented the results of a survey they did about the four day week. Most of the responses came from the elementary. So far a large majority of all surveyed like it. I asked after just having the talk about AYP scores, if he thought the students were doing as well academically. As far as he can tell so far they are, but it is early. I also asked if they had any idea yet if we were saving any money on four day. Some is surely being saved but it is hard to figure out how much yet. Time will tell as the year progresses.
The next topic that was discussed and we spent the most time on was the field trips. As those of you who read my blogs from last month know, I didn't like the direction the Superintendent chose to go on this issue. I was given the floor to express my thoughts. I stated how important I thought field trips were for the kids. We were given a break down of each field trip and the cost, and also how they were paid for last year. I stated I felt bad the 1st graders weren't able to go to the spud field this year, and that the cost of it last year was only $25 which was donated. I talked about how we spend so much on the older kids, and were even considering spending more for soccer. Last year the elementary field trips cost $1906.50 and the middle school cost was $1477. The high school went to mostly career fairs which was covered by grants and private donations which added up to $628. The elementary field trips were paid for with the combination of the PTO, the Education Foundation, private donations, and teacher night at McDonald's. Student fees covered the middle school. The PTO was very successful in raising money at a fundraiser early in the school year. They have about $3500 and would be willing to give most of it for the school field trips. I presented my ideas I wrote about last time. Like having the budget committee review the field trips, and go over the funding issues, or having the committee work with the PTO, teachers and parents. My ideas were shot down pretty quick. The board chairman thinks the administration should make these decisions. I just thought it would be a good purpose for the budget committee to do. They could spend the time and really go over all aspects of the field trips and bring back their ideas to the board. I requested the administration come back with their plan next time. Some unanswered questions. Is it okay to ask parents for a small volunteer donation for a field trip if necessary. How will it be decided what field trips are cancelled or changed. If the PTO is asked to help fund field trips, what limitations will they have in how they go about doing fundraisers or asking for donations. I would like to know the answers to these questions and wish this could have been resolved better last night. One idea that the PTO president talked about, and I would support. When it is determined what field trips each class will go on and the cost, they can apply for a grant from the PTO to fund it. If the PTO has the money and agrees with the proposal, because it is money they raised, they then would give the money to the school to provide funding. I hope this all gets resolved in a good way so these kids can have an opportunity to experience a fun memorable activity outside of the class room.
We finally approved the school board meeting procedure and board goals. We also went over some recommended policy changes from ISBA.
We had a little more public comment. Most comments were allowed during the board discussion time. It was mentioned how Kings in Shelley had donated some supplies to the school and was willing to do more. We then went into executive session and discussed some confidential issues and finally adjourned about 11:45.
I hope to see many of you at the big game Saturday. At the dairy board meeting, John Bilitz the state Idaho High School Activities Director spoke to us. He knows me, and knows I am from Firth. He talked about how he had once said you could probably rob about any home in Firth during a state playoff game because they all had to be at the game. That is one thing I like about Firth, we rally around our kids and support them, weather it is at a sporting event, or a Halloween bizarre, or a fundraiser. Have a good Thanksgiving, and let me know if you have any questions or comments. Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment