Meeting was called to order by President, Mary Jane Grauso at 7:40 at the Department of Education Building. Quorum was met. Delegates read the purpose of PTA. Introductions of guests and school officials were made.
Department of Education (DOE)-Patti Caplan reported that Governor O’Malley and Howard County officials toured Worthington ES to see how construction dollars are being spent for renovations. The state has budget $233 million for construction this year compared to $400 million from previous year. HCPSS proposed budget is posted on the website (hcpss.org)
Board of Education (BOE)- Ms. Gordon acknowledged PTACHC budget testimony and provided written feedback to questions raised. BOE responses will be posted on PTACHC website. (Action Item) Primary Election is February 12 where 6 BOE candidates will be chosen to run in general election.
Program(s)-
Leadership U Research Report- Peas on Earth is a team of High School juniors participating in Howard County Leadership U. The team presenting tonight focus is on improving school lunches in our community by raising awareness.
DOE/BOE Website-Patti Caplan gave a demonstration of how to navigate the school web site (www.hcpss.org), showing the wealth of information that can be obtained from the site. Board doc was launched this year, which includes board of education agendas, action items, policies and minutes from BOE meetings. All schools will soon have same web site template for their school profile.
Insurance- Issue was again brought up regarding PTAs insurance policy and if there is adequate coverage. Mary Jane Grauso will continue to address this issue with MDPTA and will send a letter to MDPTA requesting further clarification on current policy. (Action Item). All PTAs MUST be insured and should contact agent prior to sponsoring any event to verify coverage. Liability coverage for most PTAs is through RV Nuccio at rvnuccio.com 1-800-567-2685. Bonding insurance coverage for most is HRH, Charles Mundroff, agent. His direct line is 410-584-7515.
Minutes from January 7, 2008 were reviewed.
Treasurer Report- Thank you to those 48 schools who have donated money to the scholarship fund thus far. Bob Rosenberg will give an update next meeting on number of scholarships that will be awarded this year to high school seniors. (Action Item) PTACHC will purchase a new computer for the office (based on last month’s motion) to replace aging computer. (Action Item)
PTACHC Networking Session-next session will be held the end of May or beginning of June. Workshops will include after school activities (the do’s and don’t) insurance, and how to reach all-cultural diversity. Contact the office if there is a workshop your PTA would like the council to present at the workshop.
Cultural Proficiency Program-sponsored by HCPSS is scheduled for May 7 & 8 from 8-4 at Loyola Campus 8890 McGraw Rd. Limited to 40 PTA members or participants. Contact John Krownapple at DOE- 410.313.1560.
Book Drive- PTAs participating in this year drive should collect books at their school during January/February with distribution in February and early March. Contact Nehemiah Spence (nspence@gpsonline.com) with the number of books collected in each category and he will give you the name of the school in which to donate to. Guidelines were distributed to delegates. (Action Item)
Joan Dykstra Advocacy Award – PTACHC is shifting focus of this award from leadership to advocacy. PTAs are encouraged to nominate their PTA who has developed an advocacy program in their school. Accepting nominations till March 31. See PTACHC web site for further details. (Action Item)
Council Bylaws- Council has formed a committee to update their bylaws and will present a draft at the March General Membership meeting with a vote on the bylaws at the April meeting. (Action Item)
Operating Budget Committee- Council presented testimony at the public hearing on January 22. BOE responds to questions asked will be posted on PTACHC web site. (Action Item)
Healthy Schools Day focus is to help make everyone aware of the maintenance in their school and to hold it at high standards. Classroom teachers will conduct a condensed survey during the last 2 weeks in February in order to get a “snap shot” of their area. All information will be compiled and will go to the principal to address maintenance issues in the school. Parent Teacher Connection will air on Comcast 72 and Verizon 42 a piece on Healthy Schools this month.
Program Request- Delegate suggested that Mary Klatko, DOE food service attend one of our future meetings to address issues on school lunches and what constraints they have to work under when providing meals. (Action Item)
Delegates were encouraged to go to HCPSS.org web site and review Wellness Policy 9090. (Action Item)
Next Meeting March 3, 2008
Adjourned at 9:15 PM
Minutes submitted by Tara Watts, Recording Secretary
