Local School Council Meeting 3/14/2013

Present:  Jeff Shaw, Brian Mitchell, Shannon Kettering, Tamara Jones, Todd Kimball, Cynthia Baer, Andrew Coffman, Scott McClain, Anne Steib, Michelle Hughes, Ashley Adamo.

Jeff Shaw called the meeting to order at 8:10 AM

1.     Update on Building project

Concerns were raised about the timing of the proposed construction and renovation projects.  APS has not yet assigned a construction manager to the project, which could delay construction.  Al Hardy has previously indicated that the construction plans must be in place by April 22 in order for the project(s) to proceed on time.

LSC will continue to apply pressure to get a CM identified so that the project will move forward.  [NOTE:  Dr. Mitchell received word from APS that a construction manager will be named next week and appointed at the April 4 Board Meeting.]

Members next discussed the logistics of the proposed construction projects, particularly as it relates to the housing of students.  Some question whether children should be relocated to allow for more efficient and faster construction and whether access to playground will be a problem.  LSC decided that no decision could be made on this issue until a CM is identified and can advise the school administration on the feasibility of keeping students at the school versus a temporary relocation option.

2.     Inman Task Force

Jeff Shaw announced that the Superintendent notified the task force members that he is still considering his options regarding Inman Middle School overcrowding.  Mr. Davis is apparently still accepting comments related to solutions for the trailers at the school.  In response to a direct question from stakeholder Sherry Neal, Mr. Davis responded that he still intends to implement a 6^th grade academy.  LSC agreed to communicate with Mr. Davis to support his plan.

3.     Long-term Substitute Teachers

Dr. Mitchell and affected classroom parents have noted that current APS policies and practices related to the identification of candidates for long-term substitute teaching positions is inadequate to meet the needs of all schools, including Lin. 

A steering committee has met with Mr. David White regarding the issue.  Parents have been supporting the administration’s efforts to support our long term substitutes.

LSC identified the following issues related to the long-term substitute issue:

·       The lack of qualified and available candidates is a reoccurring problem for all schools within the Grady Cluster

·       The application window for candidates is unnecessarily narrow

·       Candidates in the pool are not logically categorized or identified according to areas of concentration and availability

·       Often teachers or the administration is left to their own devices in locating and hiring a long term substitute

·       Compensation for long-term substitutes is too low.  Because they are paid the same as daily substitutes, there is little incentive for candidates to make a long-term commitment.

·       Grant money has recently been made available to reorganize the human resources department; but there is insufficient information about the plan or implementation

The LSC will put together a position on the long-term substitute issue to share with other LSCs within the Grady Cluster.  We hope that a unified position on the issue will permit us to jointly obtain information from Mr. Michael Gray (interim Human Resources Director), and advise APS on ways to improve and streamline the selection process.

4.     Adjourn.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:27 AM.

5.     Inman Middle School

Errol Davis circulated letter to task force and referenced issues remaining for his consideration.  Jeff raised question about whether LSC needs to offer any input or response to Virginia Highland Civil Association traffic study.

Some discussion ensued over the location of an academy/middle school location.  Members questioned whether the task force work is completed.  It will be up to Errol Davis to decide whether any additional input is needed.

6.     School Calendar

It appears that APS is leaning towards the balanced calendar.  Ashley offered opinion that the balanced calendar does offer academic benefits and helps with teacher fatigue.

Parents should be encouraged to educate themselves about the balanced calendar.  LSC will post a neutral notice so that parents will be reminded of this change.  Annis will circulate a draft notice to place in the Rocket.

7.     APS Board Candidates

 Leslie Grant is a candidate to run for the Board seat currently held by Brenda Mohamed.  Communities may want to meet with the candidates to feel out their positions.

PTA plans to invite candidates to principal coffees to meet parents.

8.     LSC Elections

LSC elections will be held in the fall.  LSC will make an effort to send out notice during the first week of school so that we can hold elections in September.

9.     Adjourn

Meeting was adjourned at 9:25.

Local School Council Minutes

Thursday, January 10, 2013, 8:10am

In attendance:
Jeff Shaw (Chair), Scott McClain, Shannon Kettering, John Siebenaler, Jennifer Hubert, Michelle Hughes, Tamara Jones, Annis Barry, Brian Mitchell, Todd Kimball, Lori Green and Anne Steib.

1.  Open records request

A.   Made by non-profit, Advancement Project, of all APS LSCs.

B.   All documents to be submitted by January 16^th.

                              i.    Binder of all minutes, agendas, letters, names of members and election results.

                             ii.    Dr. Mitchell and T’wana working on preparing binder.

2.  Full-time 5^th grade teacher

A.   Clifton Chestnutt starts January 14^th.

B.   Meet and Greet for the 4^th and 5^th grade parents on Tuesday, January 15^th at 8:05 am in the auditorium.

3.   Trailer update

A.   Schedule meeting with Alva Hardy to visit trailers and confirm they are up to code.

                              i.    Dr. Mitchell scheduled meeting for 2 weeks from today, set for January 24^th at 8:15.

4.Renovation and addition

A.   We are waiting for final FTE numbers to confirm the 730 capacity and need for additional classrooms.  Right now set at 580.

                              i.    Class planning size to be set at 25. Direct quote from Superintendent Erroll Davis.

                             ii.    Revised FTE numbers will ideally result in 4 additional classrooms.

                            iii.    Once confirmed we will have follow-up meeting with architects and civil engineers.

1.   $2 millions has been earmarked for drainage issues.

                           iv.    Dr. Mitchell to follow-up with Cynthia Mitchell.

B.   Rubberized flooring in the gym to, hopefully, be completed during Spring Break 2013.

C.   Auditorium chairs and curtain to be replaced; built-in sound system to be installed.  Ideally to be installed before end of 2012-2013 school year.

D.   Unresolved issue with Freedom Park and Atlanta DOT in regard to proposed (and existing) placement of Mary Lin back parking lot.

5.  Ms. Bellard

A.   Ms. Bellard, kindergarten teacher, is completing her masters and will therefore be required to student teach for 12 weeks outside of her classroom. She will be student teaching with Ms. Seay (2^nd grade), and Mrs. Dallas will be the long-term sub for Bellard’s kindergarten class.

6.  No dogs allowed sign

A.   New signage put up in grassy area near front of school for safety and to prevent further erosion.

7.  Secretary to be decided at next meeting.

A.   Andrew Coffman has volunteered.  LSC will vote to confirm.

8.  Next LSC meeting, Thursday, February 14th at 8:05 am in the auditorium.

9.  Meeting adjourned.

Mary Lin Local School Council Minutes

December 13, 2012

LSC Members present:  Jeff Shaw, Anne Steib, Andrew Coffman, Cynthia Baer, John Siebenaler, Tamara Jones, Will Shevlin, Shannon Kettering, Brian Mitchell, Todd Kimball, Lori Green, and Annis Barry.

Other Attendees:  Ashley Adamo (Asst. Principal), Kevin Byers (Construction Committee), Teresa Tinney (PTA Co-Pres., Construction Committee), Sherry Neal (Construction Committee).

Meeting was called to order by Jeff Shaw at 8:15 AM.

I.               Design / Construction Update

APS and its architects held a meeting with the LSC construction committee on Tuesday, December 11.  Jeff provided an overview of the plans.  A discussion followed regarding whether APS has properly calculated the appropriate number of classrooms based on the demographic study prediction of peak enrollment at 780.  Plans appear to be tailored for a lower number of students.

Dr. Mitchell agreed to reach out to Jere Smith and others at APS to double-check the predicted attendance numbers and classroom numbers.

LSC agreed to explore whether the plan can be modified to include 4 additional classrooms in the new wing.

Meeting to be held for Lin community on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at 6:30 PM in the auditorium.  APS and architect will make brief presentation on status of plans and take questions from parents / stakeholders.

II.            Portables Update

Dr. Mitchell discussed some of the issues related to the portables, including their physical condition and the lack of bathrooms.  LSC agreed to ask for an inspection and to have Alva Hardy (APS) meet with LSC during its regular January 10, 2013 meeting to discuss.  LSC requested that inspection be completed prior to January 10, so that any findings may be included in discussion.

At the conclusion of this discussion, Dr. Mitchell and Ms. Adamo had to excuse themselves to attend school business

III.          Other Business

      General discussion of APS Board action extending Superintendent Errol Davis’s contract.

      Motion was made and approved to appoint Tamara Jones to the construction committee.

IV.          Adjourn

      Meeting was adjourned at 9:50 AM.

Local School Council Minutes

Thursday, October 11, 2012, 8:10am

Hall House

In attendance:
Jeff Shaw (Chair), Scott McClain, Shannon Kettering, Will Shevlin, Michelle Hughes, Cynthia Baer, Tamara Jones, Annis Barry, Andy Coffman, Brian Mitchell, Todd Kimball, Lori Green and Anne Steib (Secretary).

1.  Introduction of newly elected members

A.   Cynthia Baer, Tamara Jones and Annis Barry

B.   Re-elected LSC members – Scott McClain and Anne Steib

C.   Meetings to remain on second Thursdays of the month after drop-off  

2.  Secretary

A.   Anne will pass on the Secretary position.  For those members interested, please contact Jeff Shaw.

3.  Task Force update     

A.   See Task Force minutes for detailed update: http://media.wix.com/ugd//c5b4bf_9049570a2c6adde598734e57a76cd22b.pdf

B.   CINS statement to Task Force favors a 6^th grade academy.

4.  Addition/Renovation Update

A.   Dr. Mitchell attended internal meeting this week with APS - David White, Cynthia Mitchell (project manager) and Jere Smith.  Alva Hardy was absent due to jury duty.  Second internal meeting to be held next week with the same APS members in addition to the architects to go over specifics of plans.

B.   First Mary Lin building committee meeting to be held by end of October. 

C.   We are not starting over, we are using original plans, which have already been vested and had input.

D.   Capacity is currently set to house 726 students with the addition. 20 square feet are required per student in a classroom.

E.   We have $15 million allotted for addition and renovation project, this will include repairing erosion and drainage issues.

F.   The project will happen in 2 stages, with the addition happening first, and the renovation to follow.

                              i.    Addition

1.   Will include a new music, art room and computer lab;

2.   Emphasis on the cafeteria;

3.   9 new classrooms;

4.   Construction to start summer 2013, and be ready for Fall 2014;

5.   90% that we will stay in building during construction.

                             ii.    Renovation

1.   Will include the media center and front office;

2.   Address security issues in front of building;

3.   Update auditorium with new chairs and new curtain;

4.   Renovate the gym with rubber flooring.

5.Design Committee, co-chairs – Jennifer Hubert and Michelle Hughes

A.   Currently includes 16 members.

                              i.    The 12 LSC members

                             ii.    PTA Presidents – Anne Steib (also LSC member) and Teresa Tinney

                            iii.    Foundation Chair – Sherry Neal

                           iv.    NPU representative – Jonathan Miller

                             v.    Oakdale resident – Kevin Byers

B.   All minutes to be posted on Mary Lin website.

C.   Will hold periodic Mary Lin community meeting, first to be held by November.

D.   Email to be set up for people to submit input.

6.   5^th grade update

A.   We will be keeping four 5^th grade teachers.  Waiting for an internal candidate from a leveled school. The teacher will be a current APS employee. Dr. Mitchell working with David White to find a qualified candidate.

                              i.    Leveling is still in progress, and an APS reduction in force (RIF) has been approved.

7.  Next LSC meeting, Thursday, November 8^th at 8:05 am in the auditorium.

8.  9:20 am, Meeting adjourned.

Local School Council Minutes

Thursday, September 13, 2012, 8:10am

In attendance:
Jeff Shaw (Chair), Scott McClain, Shannon Kettering, John Siebenaler, Jennifer Hubert, Michelle Hughes, Kristen Howard, Andy Coffman, Brian Mitchell, Todd Kimball, Lori Green and Anne Steib (Secretary).

1.  Introduction of new teacher representatives

A.   Todd Kimball – 2^nd grade teacher

B.   Lori Green – 1^st grade teacher

C.   Meetings to remain on second Thursdays of the month after drop-off.  Dr. Mitchell to arrange substitutes so teachers can attend meetings.

2.  Task Force

A.   Overview of Task Force to date. See August 21st Task Force minutes for details.

B.   Last meeting cancelled due to the Labor Day holiday and Erroll Davis’ intention to “reboot” the Task Force.  He will attend the next meeting, Tuesday September 18^th, 9 – 10:30am in the Inman auditorium.  Open to all to observe.

3.  Building addition/renovation update

A.   Currently no status change.

                              i.    Architects contract is currently in legal due to the change of scope and renewal of contract.  APS has assured once the contract is approved, the process moves quickly.

                             ii.    Mary Lin is still listed as a priority project with $15 million allocated.

4.  Design Committee, co-chairs – Jennifer Hubert and Michelle Hughes

A.   Currently includes 17 members.

                              i.    The 12 LSC members.

                             ii.    PTA Presidents – Anne Steib and Teresa Tinney

                            iii.    Foundation Chair – Sherry Neal

                           iv.    NPU representative – Jonathan Miller

                             v.    Oakdale resident – Kevin Byers

B.   Discussion held on adding others (e.g., architects) to the Design Committee.  Determination made to wait, and that we will re-visit discussion once the new LSC members are elected

5.  LSC elections

A.   Andy Coffman taking the lead.

B.   5 positions open, with 2-year terms

C.   Elections to be posted in the Rocket, with the nomination process starting September 14^th and ending Friday, September 21^st.

                              i.    Nominations to be turned into Dr. Mitchell, with a blurb of why the nominee wants to be elected.

D.   Elections to take place Friday, September 28^th by paper ballot in the main office.

                              i.    Only Mary Lin parents may vote.

6.  APS School Calendar Survey

A.   3 options

                              i.    Year-round

                             ii.    Traditional calendar

                            iii.    Balanced school year

B.   Link to be put in Rocket

C.   LSC not taking a position on this.

7.  Next LSC meeting, Thursday, October 11^th at 8:05 am in the auditorium.

8.  Meeting adjourned.

Local School Council Minutes

Thursday, July 12, 2012, 8:30am

In attendance:
 Jeff Shaw, Scott McClain, Mike Weiss and Anne Steib.

1. Task Force

A.   Overview of first (introductory) meeting. See Task Force minutes for details.

B.   Next meeting July 24^th with revised capacity numbers.

                              i.    Moving forward minutes to go up shortly after meetings.

C.   Will meet every two weeks through October.

2.  Mary Lin addition/renovation

                              i.    Should know more mid-August with SPLOST.

1.   First, architects contracts must be renewed.

3.Next LSC Meeting Thursday, August 9^th, after drop-off. (actual August 16^th)

4.  Meeting was adjourned.

Local School Council Minutes

Monday, June 5, 2012, 8:30am

In attendance:
 Jeff Shaw, Jennifer Hubert, John Siebenaler, Andy Coffman, Scott McClain, Will Shevlin, Carla Homer and Anne Steib.

1. Election of a Secretary and Vice Chair in accordance to the bylaws to serve 2-year terms.

A.   The LSC decided to put off the election of a vice chair until the September 2012 LSC election as we have 4 spots that will be up for re-election;

B.   LSC voted Anne Steib to serve as Secretary through September 2012.

                               i.    Moving forward minutes to go up shortly after meetings.

2. Scheduled Monthly Meetings

A.   Monthly meetings will be scheduled for the 2^nd Thursday of the month.  Summer meetings to begin at 8:30, school-time meetings to begin after drop-off.

                               i.    Next meeting July 12 at 8:30 in the Mary Lin media center.

3.  Update on Building Project Committee

A.   Jennifer Hubert and Michelle Hughes are voted and approved as co-chairs;

B.   Jennifer took minutes at the May 29^th meetings (see approved minutes for meeting details);

C.   Suggested that Dr. Mitchell send out the minutes with an explanation on how committee was chosen;

D.   LSC to send out a letter to the community to update about the Building Project Committee and the middle school issue.

E.   APS stated that the kitchen would require expansion and the current cafeteria is sufficient for 750 students.

4.  Middle School Task Force

A.   Headed up by Cecily Harsch-Kinnane, and waiting to get word about first meeting, should be beginning of June;

B.   Task Force to be made up of 2 representatives from the 5 feeder elementary schools and Inman Middle, 4 Inman teacher representatives, and APS representatives;

C.   Objective of Task Force is to address the overcrowding at the middle school level;

D.   Task Force will not have votes or make formal recommendations. Erroll Davis and APS will make final recommendation;

E.   First meeting’s focus will be on the capacity and demographic numbers;

F.    Lori Van Rossem will be the representative from the PTA, with Tamara Jones as alternate;

G.   LSC voted and approved Jeff Shaw as LSC representative; and voted and approved Jennifer Hubert as alternate.

5.  Local School Council’s view on the middle school situation:

A.   LSC advocates a 6^th grade academy.

                               i.    Inman essentially already has a 6^th grade academy, as they keep the 6^th grade separate for lunch, classes, after school activities, etc…

                              ii.    Mary Lin LSC is generally open to the location of the 6^th grade academy.

B.   Other alternatives to a 6th grade academy were discussed, including additional middle school and advocating for Lin as a K-8.  However, it was determined that these options fail to address the long-term goals of the utilization study and neither provides the proven benefits of a 6th academy.

                               i.    Two middle schools will only help with the population bubble at the peak of the student population bubble in 3-5 years, after the bubble it will not make financial sense to have two middle schools;

                              ii.    According to available statistical information, the Grady Cluster does not have the numbers to support 2 middle schools;

                             iii.    Studies support children getting together earlier (ie. 6^th grade);

                            iv.    Mary Lin K-8 is problematic because it increases the building requirements on our campus, delays the time when students are learning together, and most likely would not sufficiently relieve Inman enrollment.

C.   It was mentioned whether the LSC should initiate a survey to determine the views of the Lin community. After some debate, it was decided that the LSC should not open the topic up for a survey.

6.  Overview of website

A.   Carla distributed outline and map of updated LSC section of APS Mary Lin website.

                               i.    Jennifer suggested making general emails for renovation@marylin.com and middleschool@marylin.com.  So the community can use these for questions, comments, etc..

                              ii.    Suggested to have link created from Mary Lin PTA site to LSC site in order to make it more accessible, and increase transparency;

                             iii.    Add two separate sections dedicated to the Middle School Task Force and the Building Project Committee.

7.  Meeting was adjourned.