Orchard Ridge Elementary
PTO Board Meeting
April 8, 2003
Lisa Kornetsky
Catherine McKenzie
Mike Hertting
Heather Renken
Kris Ellingson
Loriana Zanotti
Don Crary
Michele Hughes
Claudia Blum
Mike Stone
Lisa Stec
Additionally, 20 parents participated in the program meeting regarding the budget.
March Minutes
The Board approved the March minutes with one amendment. Claudia Blum requested it be noted that Loriana Zanotti has been very involved in TV Turn-off Week.
Budget Report (Carnival)
The Board felt that PTO went very well. Kris Ellingson reported that the current net proceeds from the carnival came to $2,125.24. There are likely additional outstanding expenses to be deducted approximating $300.00. Additionally, the Target card is doing very well, with income now at $514.00. Our total cash balance is $16,866.24.
The PTO would like to organize a Parent Volunteer Day. Lisa Kornetsky asked if anyone had suggestions for activities. Claudia Blum indicated that the teachers could use assistance in putting together the new Book Room. The Book Room will be a resource area to will hold materials that teachers can sign out for the children in their classrooms. Tasks parents could help with include binding and organizing materials. Dr. Hertting indicated that the playground could use raking, paint touching up, etc. The Board agreed that these two suggested activities work well for Parent Volunteer Day. The date for the parent volunteer day is still to be decided.
The PTO discussed whether or not we should hold a pledge drive this spring asking parents to donate money to ORE. Matt Silvern and Lisa Kornetsky discussed some initial concerns as to whether now is a good time to ask parents for donations. It is tax time and some people will owe taxes. Additionally, parents will be asked to spend money on their school in a referendum. After discussion, we decided that we would push ahead with the drive to see if it successful. There are likely not to be significant costs associated with the drive. Dr. Hertting indicated that the school copier could be used to print the materials. Lisa Kornetsky thought that there would be no mailing costs associated with the drive, since the flyer could be sent home with the children. The flyer will reflect that the money parents donate will be earmarked for educational software and Book Room materials.
Lisa Kornetsky and Matt Silvern will work together on the spring pledge drive and Heather Renken will spearhead the fall pledge drive.
Lisa Stec indicated that Troy and Sara Gugliani would like to put together a fundraiser. The children can make tiles from printed decals. The tiles can be used to decorate the school and can be sold to family members as well, with proceeds benefiting ORE. The Board thought this was a good idea, and will take it up again either in spring or early Fall.
The Board briefly discussed Board officers. Lisa Kornetsky, Michele Hughes and Heather Renken agreed to meet after the meeting to further discuss how to fill open positions.
Mike Stone asked what the status of the PTO’s purchasing additional fans for ORE was. After some discussion, we decided that we had sufficient funds to purchase fans for the remaining classrooms. The cost of the fans will be $1,500.00.
Mike Stone reported that he was unfortunately unable to publish the Rainbow Review on the Web due to format problems. He does not have Acrobat Publisher on his system. On a positive note, Mike agreed to continue to work as the Web Board Member next year.
sThe business meeting was closeds
Dr. Hertting discussed the impact proposed budget plans may have on ORE. Between 7 and 15 million dollars in cuts may be made.
If the referendum is passed the cuts will not need to be as drastic. However, if the worst-case scenario comes to pass, 205 FTE will be cut from the school district. During the current proposed budget ORE is down to 3/10’s of a psychologist. If the worst-case scenario comes to pass, the psychologists will be based downtown and sent out on an as needed basis. They will then mainly do evaluations. This would be a difficult cut for the school.
Also at risk is funding for supplementary materials and textbooks for students. As much as $7,000 could be cut in this area. Funding for special programs such as music, art, physical education and strings has not been decided yet.
Dr. Hertting also reported that although we will not be a SAGE school, we would be given the extra staffing consistent with other Sage schools. With this additional funding we will be able to have three classes in both Kindergarten and first grade. This is an excellent result for our school, and means that the Kindergarten and First grade classes will now only have around 15 students. Other good news for the school in the budget allocation process so far is:
· Reading Recovery has been maintained
· Our Title 1 funds will increase based on the number of reduced lunch children in the neighborhood.
· Don Crary, our librarian, will add Reach classes to his responsibilities
Dr. Hertting encouraged parents to contact legislators and school board members with their concerns about the budget cuts.
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