Tom Degree  called the meeting to order. 

Lynn Blewett, Site Council Secretary took attendance.

Present:  Lori Windels, Lynn Blewett-Franken, Sherri Knuth, Roxanne Hart, John Mayock, John Porter, Ann Oyen, Jean Schawbacher.  Michael Wulf, Jon Zats

Absent:  Cleva Jobe, Mary Reis

Voting Privileges:  Lynn Blewett (alt1) served as voting member until Jon Zats arrived.  Lori Windels made a motion to approve the minutes, John Mayock seconded the motion and the minutes were approved.

Announcements

Introduction of guests to the meeting.

-Michelle Dzik who is a new member to Site Council

-Betsy Garcia, school nurse

-Ms. Martinez – Spanish Teacher

-Parent of a prospective student, Ty Wilson. 

-Chris Kraus, Library

Student PRESENTATION

Anna Schmitz – Capitol Hill Student:  "just say no" rule in which students in schools requiring kids to dissect animals can “just say no”, and get a note to be excused from dissecting animals in Science class.  Anna suggests that there be a standard process with alternative learning opportunities for students who object to dissection.   Site Council referred the request for the Science Committee.  Tom Degree will report back next time.             

SCIP Presentation

Stacy Waskosky and Julie Woodman made a presentation on the SCIP plan for Capitol Hill.  The first point is that the SCIP is no longer directly connected to the school budget.  This has made the process easier and less cumbersome to put together.  Stacy and Julie went through the SCIP goals.

1. Get 70% of the students at risk for not passing the BST in reading and math to pass the BST.  Collect and organize reading resources that are age, ability and interest appropriate.

2. Further decrease the number of office referrals in all ethnic groups so that no more than 30% of students of any ethnic group require disciplinary action.  To do this, the plan is to introduce a “pro-active school-wide discipline program to improve school climate” to reduce the number of office referrals.   Jean commented to look at the TLC program that she is familiar with.  Julie will talk with Cleva about this.

3. Identify a specific GT model/program for Capitol Hill to implement in the 2005-2006 school year.  This is key to communication with the District and the community.

4. Increase the level of diversity in staff and faculty to better reflect the changing make up of St. Paul.  Possible look at the “Q” program at St. Thomas and need to do more outreach with the surrounding community (See page 8 of handout).  Need to focus making Capitol Hill more welcoming and getting the kids who are identified to come to CH.

Data on racial profiles and trends are available at the Department of Education website.  Michael Wulf mentioned about retention and that some of the students are leaving around 6th grade.  Suggested that exit interview be part of the SCIP plan to identify why students are leaving.  Roxanne suggested that the exit interview be included in the SCIP plan. 

John Porter talked about a program where students stay with the same teachers over years.  Found senior high kids and asked information about what they thought about the program.  Maybe we should ask Seniors who went to Capitol Hill about what worked and didn’t work.  What made a difference or helped them.   Julie commented that they could add both exit interviews and assessment of the seniors that went to CH. 

Site Council needs to sign off by May 4^th.  Dawn made motion to vote in favor of the SCIP plan, Lori Windels seconded.  Stacy commented that it was helpful to have two parents rep and district meetings helped to have it be a more collaborative efforts. 

Vote on SCIP Plan was unanimous.

Louis Mariucci Presentation

District Budget Decision

We were one of the 19 schools who got new resources from the District decision last week.  It represents approximately $60,000. 

2004-2005 Budget Presentation (Handout)

This additional money helped to keep all of the support staff but needed to take a bit from each category,  e.g. reduce teacher aids from 1.4 to 1.0; Library and Library Assistant are maintained for this year but will be an issue for next year.  Benjamin Mays and MM lost their 10% holdback and not sure that they will be able to maintain library support in future years. 

Louis hopes that we can raise some funds to buy back some of these cuts.  Hopes to buy back the nurse and the social workers.  There is a new process at the District called “Impact” that is used to raise money. 

Sheri asked about the Target promotion for fund raising.  Louis commented that CH received about $1,000 from Target.  Other places where money comes in is through picture sales.  This is used for food for special events.  Plus money from the two pop sales from the machines by the green doors.  The teacher’s pop machine goes to the Rondo fund for facility infrastructure—about $1,000 a year.

Tom Degree mentioned the role of PTO funded the musical and this could be a possibility again this next year.  Sheri commented on need to maintain the junior high extra curricular programs.

There was some discussion about the specific $105,000.  CH does have a healthy waiting list and we can get some additional students and are anticipating $40-$50,000 in new student money.  Also anticipates some funding from the PTO. 

Tom Degree asked about what is the maximum number of students at each grade level.  Mr. Mariucci discussed options for grade level class sizes.  Proposes 30 for 4^th, 5^th, and 160 each for 7^th and 8^th grade.  Jean commented that the class size increases seem reasonable given District averages.

Sheri recommended that one of the first items to “buy back” is the cultural specialist.  Michael recommended that we include the curriculum coordinator as also priority for “buy backs” so that we can develop and implement a model program.  These are both priorities represented in the SCIP.   John Porter commented that he is not sure what the curriculum coordinator is supposed to do.  Louis will invite the CC to the next meeting to describe her role/job at CH.  What impact would this cut have.  What would she do if we added time back? 

At the next meeting we will have more information and will adjust these figures based on more up-to-date information.  Due date is May 3^rd.  Ann suggested that we add the nurse be added to the priority of “buy backs.”  John Mayock asked about taking some from the Attendance Liaison and add to the nurse to make sure the nurse is funded full time.  Staff turnover is a problem especially for the front office that is the face of CH for students.

There is meeting scheduled to talk with PTO about additional fundraising and coordinating PTO fund raising with the new District “Impact” fund raising.  There may be opportunity for parents to contribute this Spring for budget next year. 

Shari made the recommendation to fully fund the school nurse without impact the funding of FTEs.  Dawn seconded the motion.  Site Council voted to reinstate the .10 of the nurse.

Update on Disciplinary Audit (hand out)

Louis went over the staff and student demographics.   Louis walked through the statistics and commented that there is an issue with regard to disproportionate number of disciplinary referrals for African American students and Asian students.  He then reviewed the SAT10 reading and math scores by ethnic groups.  Louis commented that the new students in 7^th and 8^th grade that are new who have not tested in – about 50 students – critical that we identify the students and address their needs.   He went through all the charts and highlighted some positive trends but also major concerns for African American students.  Concern about low identification of students and getting them in.

Michael commented on needing a feeder program – maybe the portfolio process may be helpful.  Ramsey concerns about the same.  Ann commented that highest grade point is held by an African American male.  The female is a Hispanic.  There are positive things going on at Capitol Hill. 

Lynn Blewett commented on the problems with labeling and treatment of the 5^th grade class and need for respect for this diverse class admitted under the first Discover Assessment tool.

A more complete report will come out with the District.  Will be available at the next Site Council meeting. 

Membership Committee:

Michael Wulf reported that 300 people voted in the Site Council election.   Michelle Dietz and Tom Vellenga attending are new members.     May meeting is May 17^th is when committees are assigned.  Potluck for next meeting. 

Site Council parent nomination of Jackie A. Blakey, parent of 4^th grader, African American.  Lori Windels makes motion to be the parent appointment nomination to the Site Council for the remaining of this year and for a one-year appointment for next year.  Jon Zats seconded.  All in favor unanimous vote.  Jackie’s appointment will start next meeting. 

Jon Zats made motion to adjourn, Lori Windels seconded the motion.  Meeting adjourned.