PTA Council Minutes

Minutes for September 4, 2007

Meeting was called to order by President, Mary Jane Grauso at 7:40 at Department of Education. Quorum was met. Delegates read the purpose of PTA. Introduction of school officials, PTACHC executive board members and guest. Each Delegate should have received their PTACHC directories (2 for delegates and 1 for President)

Superintendent Dr. Cousin gave overview of the capital budget process, how one can become involved and what to expect. DOE has requested 100 million but expect to receive 80 million. Capital budget information can be viewed on Department of Education web site http://www.hcpss.org/aboutus/budget.shtml. Diane Mikulis, Board of Education Chair, encouraged delegates to email the BOE members with their input on the budget. Many projects are underway including Worthington ES, Glenelg HS, and Clarksville ES. Entire list of renovations and additions can be located on DOE web site (www.hcpss.org) as well. The study of four (4)-aging high schools has been completed. There are no plans to build any more elementary schools or high schools. However, one middle school is on the books for 2013 in Western Howard County to relieve overcrowding. All high schools have 1332 seat capacity. Dr. Cousin visits schools each Fridays. Dr. Cousin commented on Mt. Hebron reports/studies.

Healthy Food Alternatives- Becky Ramsing informed delegates on the upcoming walking outing being held on September 29 from 8:30-11 at Clark’s Elioak Farm. For further info contact bramsing@howardcountymd.gov.  Becky will also be coordinating Healthy Vendor Fair at Faulkner Ridge on October 15 where PTAs and Boosters are invited to sample healthy alternatives.  Aimee Hermina encouraged the delegates to look at other alternatives for fundraisers besides unhealthy foods. National PTA web site ( www.pta.org )also has a listing of healthy fundraisers.

Cultural Proficiency Program-John Knownapple will be running a cultural proficiency program for PTA Presidents and one delegate from each school on October 16, 6:30-9:30 at DOE. Many teachers, administrators and parents have been trained on this framework of what we are for and not what we are against. Following this session, another more in depth program will be held for approximately 40 parents. (Action Item)

Minutes from June 4, 2007 were reviewed and filed.

Treasurer Report- Bob Rosenberg reviewed end of the year report and proposed 2007-08 budget. Motion: that PTACHC approve the proposed budget for 2007-8. ADOPTED. PTAs were reminded that PTACHC dues ($190) are due Nov.1^st. (Action Item)

Turf Valley Update- PTACHC continues to follow up on proposed legislation to have developers test golf courses’ soil prior to building.

HSA (High School Assessment Tests)-Regional hearings are being held around the state. Go to MD Department of Education (www.hsaexams.org) for further details. Council will be present for regional meeting in Baltimore.

After Prom- Mary Ellen Creasy reported that she would hold a networking session for after prom chairs on October 29 during Fall Workshop.

Guidelines for Emailing handouts were distributed for locals to get out to their community. It will also be posted on PTACHC web site (www.ptachc.org). (Action Item)

Family Involvement- This year PTACHC will support the following drives- Coat Drive-November 5, Book Drive in January 7, and Prepare for Success Backpack/School Supplies Drive- June 4. Please inform your PTA members through your newsletter, email or meeting about these drives one-two months before items are brought to the PTACHC General Membership meeting.

Bylaws –many PTAs bylaws are coming due this school year. Please contact the office if you have any questions. The bylaws template is online at www.ptachc.org

PTACHC Fall Workshop-will be held at Faulkner Ridge Center on October 29 at 7:00.Topics will include bylaws, after prom, treasurer, volunteerism and FAQ sessions.

Adjourned at 9:50pm.

Next Meeting- October 1 at 7:30 pm at Homewood School located directly behind DOE. 

Minutes submitted by Tara Watts, Recording Secretary