MINUTES OF THE BEST ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL
school council meeting
11/21/11
The BEST Academy High School Council met in regular session on Wednesday, 11/21/11 at 6 pm.
The meeting was held at 2nd Floor Assistant Principal Conference Room, 1890 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy. Atlanta, Ga. 30318.
School Council Members present:
Mr. Muhammad
Mrs. Wimby-Jones
Mr. McBride
Mrs. Reynolds
Dr. Lowe
Mr. Hurst
School Council Members absent:
Ms. Moore
Mr. Singer
6 members were present, representing a quorum.
Guests: Mrs. Margaret McBride, parent, Mr. Norwood, OHS, and Mrs. Simpson, Asst. Principal/Presenter
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by Dr. Derrick Lowe, Interim Chair, at 6:15 pm.
2. Approval of Agenda
Interim Chairperson Dr. Lowe distributed the agenda posted pursuant to the Open Meetings Act.
Moved, seconded, and carried that the school council approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION: Mrs. Wimby-Jones; SECOND: Mr. McBride
VOTE: Yes
4. Approval of Minutes
Interim Chairperson Dr. Lowe asked for the minutes of the 9/21/11 meeting of the school council to be read.
Moved, seconded, and carried that the school council approve the minutes of the 9/21/11.
MOTION: Mr. Kevin McBride; SECOND: Mrs. Wimby-Jones
VOTE: Yes
5. Presentation to School Council
Interim Chairperson Dr. Lowe opened the meeting for public comments at 6:25. Mrs. Margaret McBride presented her comments and concerns to the body. They were as followed:
Year-Round School. Reflecting on the remediation and other strategies attempted by the school and with challenges that are presents with the boys at this school that consideration should be made about the year-round calendar.
Asst. Principal Simpson addressed the consideration based on her knowledge basis. She explained that there are no additional days but the manner in which the students are scheduled to attend. Mrs. McBride stated that research has shown that students in up repeating previous taught lesson again the new school year.
Principal Hurst suggested that a written proposal be submitted by the PTSA and the Local School Council Body.
Additional members shared their thoughts concerning year-round school. Furthermore, Mr. Hurst shared his thoughts and the vision of the school and how the new leadership will impact this type of changes. As well as this school is a part of the high school transformation.
Mr. McBride suggested that the parents at BEST appeal to the CSK parent s and stakeholders to determine their thoughts on this recommendation.
Dr. Norwood addressed the board to provide insight concerning the change in leadership and the learning curve that is taking place.
SACS
Mrs. Simpson provided information concerning the SACS Review that is scheduled for November 2012.
School improvement plan is the major focus in preparing for the SACS review. Mrs. Simpson provided a draft copy of the School improvement plan to the parents of this board.
Mrs. Simpson is requesting that the board invite students to the next meeting in order to have input on the vision and mission of the school. Mrs. Simpson opened up for Q and A. The number of students that should be a part of the meeting should be at least 3 students.
Title One budget was explained to the LSC. This school is a target assistance school which means this school does not get the full Title One budget. The money is specifically for those students who have been identified as target assistance. Mrs. Wimby-Jones was concern about the blazer issuance to the boys. Mrs. Simpson addressed this concern and explained the mishaps that have taken place concerning the school blazers.
6. Report of Principal
Mr. Hurst further addressed the concerns of the uniforms and the need to establish partnership to assist with uniforms for the students who are not able to incur this expense. Mr. Hurst further conveys the need for a strong showing on parental involvement which will impact the school and the student body as additional resources are needed to sustain future experience at the high school level. For example, the students will be required to pay Jr. and Sr. dues that will assist with the funding of Jr. and Sr. prom and graduation assessments
Principal Hurst shared with the LSC about the changes and challenges that are present dealing with the cafeteria. The student body is growing and with the additional grades being added the need for space to accommodate the population is needed. He also shared the impact of his present will make as he begin to spend time at the middle school and speaking to all grade level. Collaboration is becoming imperative for this transformation of the gender middle school and high school to be successful. Furthermore, Mr. Hurst provided the LSC with a list of accomplishments for 2011-2012 as dated. He also provided a copy of the general budget for the board. Mr. Hurst shared his desire to partner with Morehouse College for a Saturday School and /or after school program.
In response to Mr. Hurst report, Mr. Norwood suggested that we consider looking at the organizations within the school that are being successful with parental involvement and create a format that align with that type of involvement. As well as he stated that even though this body maybe small but do small well. Mr. Norwood provided some valuable information concerning meeting protocol and handling sensitive topics. Furthermore, Mrs. Wimby-Jones suggested that maybe a fundraiser led by the student body be considered.
8. New Business
The council agreed to hold an election for the chairperson, vice-chairperson and for additional parent. Dr. Lowe explained the process of the election. However, Mr. Hurst provided additional information concerning the election. Special election has been agreed upon by the board. Calling Post and flyers will be sent out to solicit interest on the LSC board. The special election will be held December 8, 2011 at 6pm.
MOTION: to hold a special election to for the vacant position on the council.
MOTION: Mr. McBride
SECOND: Mrs. Wimby-Jones
VOTE: Yes
Dr. Lowe reviewed the calendars and assessment dates. Mr. Hurst gave input to the 5 week assessment and the purpose for this assessment. Dr. Lowe gave additional reference to the 5 week assessment and how this test is derived and the data gather from this assessment. Dr. Lowe addressed the school discipline plan and the recent professional development workshop that the teachers were exposed.
9. Adjournment
With no further business to come before the school council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:15 pm.
MOTION: Mrs. Wimby-Jones; SECOND: Mr. McBride
VOTE: Yes
The next meeting of the BEST Academy High School Council
will be held on January 18, 2012 at 6-7 pm at1890 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy Atlanta, Ga. 30318.
MINUTES OF THE BEST ACADEMY hIGH sCHOOL
school council meeting
9/21/11
The BEST Academy High School Council met in regular session on Wednesday, 9-21-11, at 6 pm.
The meeting was held at 2nd Floor Assistant Principal Conference Room, 1890 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy. Atlanta, Ga. 30318.
School Council Members present:
Mr. Muhammad
Mrs. Wimby-Jones
Mr. McBride
Mrs. Reynolds
Dr. Lowe
Mr. Hurst
School Council Members absent:
Ms. Moore
Mr. Singer
6 members were present, representing a quorum.
1. Call to Order
Interim Chairperson Dr. Lowe called the meeting to order at 6:08 pm.
2. Approval of Agenda
Interim Chairperson Dr. Lowe distributed the agenda posted pursuant to the Open Meetings Act.
Moved, seconded, and carried that the school council approve the agenda as presented.
MOTION: Mrs.WImby-Jones; SECOND: Mr. McBride
VOTE: Yes
4. Approval of Minutes
Interim Chairperson Dr. Lowe asked for the minutes of the 5/4/11 meeting of the school council to be read.
Moved, seconded, and carried that the school council approve the minutes of the 5/4/11.
MOTION: Mrs. Wimby-Jones; SECOND: Mr. McBride
VOTE: Yes
5. Presentation to School Council
Interim Chairperson Dr. Lowe opened the meeting for public comments at 6:16. Mrs. McBride joined the meeting at this time for public comments. Dr. Lowe then introduced the guest speaker/trainer for the meeting Mrs. Terrolynn Perry-Ponder from Central Office
Mrs. Ponder conducted the Local School Council Training along with an outlined agenda. Mr. McBride asked for clarity of the mission for the Local School Council Advisory Board. Mrs. Ponder stressed the fact that this body is organized by State Mandates to advise the principal and to be knowledgeable of the school concerning student achievement plan, assessment, etc. Also, it is the board responsibility to assist with the increase of parental involvement and to assist in building relationship with the school and parents
Mr. McBride requested that Mrs. Ponder address Title 1 Budget in regards to its availability to the board. Mrs. Ponder stated that due to confidential information that is housed in this budget that it is not open to the general public or this board, however, the general budget should be shared with the Local School Council. Principal Hurst interjected that the general budget is available to this board. Furthermore, Mrs. Ponder suggested that norms be established and adhered to. Norms such as meeting time and place and how often are important to establish.
The roles of the membership were covered as it relates to the Georgia School Council Law 2007. Mrs. Ponder highlighted the principal’s role in great length. The role of the membership was discussed. Mrs. Ponder made the council aware that an election is needed for parent election. The local school council’s must adhere to the policy concerning documentation because of the open record policy. When conducting business a quorum must be established. A seven days advance notice must be sent to each council member for meetings. Also, the chairperson for the local school council must be a parent.
Before closing the training, Mrs. Ponder open the floor for Q and A as well she gave out evaluation sheet to be completed at that time.
6. Report of Principal
Principal Hurst gave comments concerning the state of the school which included the enrollment and the need for more parental involvement.
8. New Business
The council agreed to hold an election for the chairperson and to hold and election for additional parent.
MOTION: The council will elect a chairperson from the parent membership at the next local school council meeting.
MOTION: Mr. McBride
SECOND: Mrs. Wimby-Jones
VOTE: Yes
MOTION: Notify parents that an opening for parent membership is available on the local school council board.
MOTION: Mr. McBride
SECOND: Mrs. Wimby-Jones
VOTE: Yes
Dr. Lowe addressed the calendar for the next local school council meetings
9. Adjournment
With no further business to come before the school council, the meeting was adjourned at 8:11 pm.
MOTION: Mrs. Wimby-Jones; SECOND: Mr. McBride
VOTE: Yes
[The next meeting of the BEST Academy High School Council
will be held on Nov 10, 2011 at 6-7 pm at1890 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy Atlanta, Ga. 30318.
