top of page

Minutes of General Meeting

Plaza PTA - April 24, 2017

PRESENT: K Albrecht, D Amato McCoy, C Carney, J Croshere, C Eckler, S Fisher, M Hilburger, C Hyer, G Kaynak, T Mark, D McKeon, E Notarstefano, K Reid, V Sookdeo

CALL TO ORDER: Christina Eckler at 7:11pm

Pledge of Allegiance, Emergency exits and procedures, no smoking, cell phones on vibrate. Parking rules (*do not park on the east side of Rockville Dr.*), driving precautions.

TEACHER’S REPORT:

Information Unavailable

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:

The Board of Education will be here at 7:30pm for their Budget Roadshow Presentation

Minutes were posted on the website.

Asked for changes

No response

Minutes stand as written

Thank you to:

  • The Nominating Committee

  • Mary Kate Caamano for the plant and apparel sales

  • VicMarie Sookdeo and her committee for the Spring Dance

  • Susan Fisher for chairing the Book Sale

  • Glinis Hernandez for chairing the Bake Sale

  • Nikki Clennon for chairing School Supplies Committee

Display My Art was distributed today.

Volunteers needed for the Budget/Fun Vote at Baldwin High School on May 16. Please let Christina Eckler know if you are available in hour shifts.

Two volunteers are needed for budget committee.

1. VicMarie Sookdeo

2. Please contact Christina Eckler if you are interested.

2-3 volunteers needed for the Audit Committee

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:

Mr Gray

Kindergarten orientation was tonight.

The Math Test will be administered next week.

Our outside garden will get going soon. The rain has slowed us down.

There will be a sunflower garden and a bean garden this year.

A bird feeder has been added.

Family support helps our garden and we will be looking for weekly volunteers over the summer.

The downstairs garden is doing very well.

In June, a site-based visit will be scheduled to see the Science Lab and the newsroom.

There are lots of events coming up in the spring.

I would like to give special thanks to the fifth grade teachers and parents for all their hard work.

Q - (VicMarie Sookdeo) After my son finished his New York ELA test he had to sit there with nothing to do when he was done. Could students who finish read a book?

A - It is really not allowed. Over 1/2 are not taking the test and because it is untimed, it is hard to manage.

Julie Croshere: Math usually moves quicker so it may be shorter and easier to administer.

Mrs. Steingruebner: Mr. Gray does monitor and if the majority of students are done he will move the kids still taking the test to another location.

7:35pm - Break for BOE Roadshow

2017-18 Budget Summary:

Tax Levy increase 1.77%

Budget to budget increase 1.26%.

Expenses

  • Administration (10.12%) $13,001, 26

  • Capital (12.31%) $15,817,202

  • Program (77.57%) $99, 652, 907

  • Total Budget $128,471,371

Revenue

-All State Aid $28,948,509

  • Miscellaneous Sources $1,733,838

  • Appropriated Reserves $ 2,106,250

  • Appropriated Fund Balance $ 2,500,000

  • Anticipated Property Tax $91,907,272

  • PILOTS $1,275, 502

(Payments in Lieu of Taxes)

-Total Budget $128, 471, 371

Highlights of the 2017-18 Budget:

- Introduces STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math) instruction in elementary school.

  • Continues college level courses for college credit at the High School.

  • Continues Pre-Academy enrichment program at the Middle School.

  • Expands the AVID program at the Middle School

  • Increases technology in the classroom

  • Adds Project Lead the Way for grade 7 honors

  • Strengthens professional development for instructional staff

  • Creates teaming in Middle School and continues Challenge Day in grade 9.

  • Funds educational programs including full day kindergarten, middle and high school sports, middle and high school musicals, district intermurals, Sportsnite and Intermural Night, fourth grade instrumental music and Suzuki Violin, Arts in Education Funding (flow-through available to PTA), Saturday Night Alive, and NYSSMA majors.

Meeting resumed at 8:20pm

Christina Eckler: Next month is our last PTA meeting of the school year. Committee Chairs please have your folders to hand off to the newbies.

We need committee chairs for several events - ask me for a list.

We need to take a constructive vote of who is in favor of the budget.

Let the record show that the majority is in favor of the School Budget.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE REPORT - Presented by Christina Eckler

Our Bylaws allow us to take nomination from the floor as long as the committee receives notice. There has been no notice received so the nominations are closed.

The following people have been nominated to fill PTA ExecutiveBoard Member Positions for the 2017-2018 school year.

Chanel Hyer: Corresponding Secretary

Kristina Lozada: Recording Secretary (not present)

Kim Albrecht: Treasurer

VicMarie Sookdeo - 4th Vice President- Fundraising

Doris McKeon - 3rd Vice President- Health and Safety

Kim Hill - 2nd Vice President- Membership

Susan Fisher - 1st Vice President -Legislation

Christina Eckler - President

OFFICER’S REPORT

Kim Albrecht, Treasurer

Balance in General Account - $16,912.58

Balance in Savings- $5,946.07

Balance in Fifth Grade Events- $12,192.44

Christine Carney, 2nd Vice President - Membership

Currently have 185 members

Doris McKeon, 3rd Vice President - Health and Safety

Flyers are available for the following:

-Head and Neck Cancer Awareness

-Organ Donor Awareness Month

-Stroke Awareness Month

COMMITEE REPORTS

Corrine Laurore, Council Delegate

-Dr. Camhi attended last time and they talked about funding.

-Discussed how Laura Curran is trying to make Baldwin more inviting.

-There was a Scholarship Drawing won by two Brookside students.

-A nominating committee was formed to honor volunteers who excel above and beyond.

-There will be a health awareness workshop coming up

  • Girls High School Basketball Recognition.

VicMarie Sookdeo, Cultural Arts

  • Yoga Session this Wednesday

  • On 5/1/17 there will be a first grade assembly “Lady of the Rainbow.”

  • Fifth grade “Day in Clay” is coming up

  • On 6/8/17 K-3 will see a performance of Charlotte’s Web.

VicMarie Sookdeo, Teacher Recognition Committee

  • Teacher Appreciation Lunch will be held on 5/11/17. The theme is “Around the World.” We need donations.

Doris McKeon

Dr. Camhi recently stated that the School District has no jurisdiction over crossing guards. The county has no money in the budget for more crossing guards. She is still fighting for four more.

There is a new program for 9th grade called “Challenge Day” that is very moving, emotional, and positive.

Christina Eckler

As many people as possible should attend the Candidate’s Forum on Wednesday night (4/26/17) to learn more about the three candidates running for School Board. This decision is very important.

Important Upcoming Dates

Field Day - May 19

Next PTA Meeting - May 25

Memorial Day Parade - May 29

Old Business: none

New Business: none

Meeting adjourned at 8:40pm

Minutes respectfully submitted by PTA Recording Secretary Kristina Lozada on May 2, 2017

Featured Posts
Recent Posts