UHS PTO Meeing Minutes

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Unionville High School PTO
Meeting Minutes April 13, 2010

The meeting was called to order at 9:30 AM. In attendance were: Linda Bowen, Lori Joseph, Katy Donovan, Eileen Bushelow, Joanne Bates, Linda Fisher, Heidi Brown, Michelle Montgomery, Barbara Guin, Tammy Everitt, Susan Wright, Carol McShane, Rekha Doraiswamy, Katalin Lindmayer, Joyce Phillips, Robin Kitay, Leah Gower, Lou Leipold, Shelia Romine, Timotha Trigg, Carol O’Brien, Cindy Hineman, Patty Geaman, Melissa Jacono, Vidya Rajan, Kari Jarmuz, Ann Valee McLaughlin, Karen Fatzinger, Carolyn Daniels, Frank Deady, Paula Massanari, Bonnie Bergen-Borda, Carrie Dickman

Minutes: The January meeting minutes were presented, a motion was made to approve the Minutes; the motion was seconded and passed.

Treasurer’s Report: Linda Fisher went over the budget. The Used Book Sale netted $39,043 thanks to Leah Gower and the Book Sale Team.

Guidance Report: Dr. Deady reported that 10th grade conferences have begun. Mr. Hilden is working on SHOC. AP testing will begin in May. There are 308 students, the most ever, taking 627 tests. PLAN tests for the 10th grade were given last week. Dual enrollment for the 2010-2011 school year is 62 students for intro to psychology and 20 for developmental psychology. On Easter Monday, which was an in-service day, the guidance counselors visited several colleges: American, Millersville, Columbia, and Drexel.

Principal’s Report: Paula Massanari reported that a thank-you note has been given to the Book Sale Committee. It is a great community event. PSSA’s went well. Students have been invited to the Spring LINK weekend. Unfortunately it’s the same weekend as MORP. Students can now self-nominate to LINK. 6 of the current group were self-nominated and 2 were chosen. 10th grade students and parents received a letter per survey from the University of Michigan. On the construction front, the front parking lot will not be usable this summer. A plan is being worked on with Transportation for the fall. Bullying is a current issue. Paula has an article on why kids are cruel. She asked all parents to keep there ears open for any information on bullying and to let the administration know. Drivers Ed is being offered during the day.

Teacher Rep Report: Bonnie Bergen-Borda attended but had no report.

Student Council Representative’s Report: Stephen Bowen reported on the fun time had by all at the Student Faculty Game. Also the Talent show and Mr. UHS were combined this year and made a lot of money. MORP is May 1.

Superintendent Sharon Parker: The community conversation was the best attended with approximately 112 people. There were a number of employees that attended and most of these were residents as well. The Pasta dinner was a huge success. There was no cost to the district for this event except for the cost of keeping the building open until 9:00. There were 456 people that paid to attend with over 500 dinners served (some small children).
Sharon Parker then went over the 3 tiers of proposed reductions in spending that have been put in front of the school board as they are considering the budget for the 2010-2011 school year. These reductions are on the website. No programs or cuts in direct services (except Kindergarten mid-day transportation) or cuts in activities have been proposed. The dates for budget hearings are:
April 16: Preliminary Budget
May 4: Public Hearings
May 5&6 Public Hearings if needed
May 10: Board Approval
June 11: Last Day to Advertise
June 21: Final Board Approval

Presidents Report: Joanne Bates reported that on April 14 Mike Nearney will speak on the Adolescent Agenda. The advisory board is trying to decide if the rapid dialer is valuable. Any comments can be made to them. Bulk now needs to go out of the West Chester Post Office. Joanne was looking for input on the way the PTO meetings are held: night vs day and eliminating some as was done this current school year.

Vice Presidents Report: There was no report.

Committee Reports:
After Prom: Eileen Bushelow reported that the fashion did not make as much money as expected but they will be making this up in other ways. Entertainment has been booked and food is well underway. The registration packets will go out after Spring Break.
Nominating Committee: The committee members are Heidi Brown, Barbara Guin and Michelle Montgomery. Heidi presented the slate of officers: Co-Presidents-Joanne Bates and Katy Donovan, Treasurer-Linda Fisher, Projects-Lori Joseph, Secretary-Carol Apicella and VP-Linda Bowen. A motion was made, seconded and passed that Carol Apicella be allowed to be nominated for secretary. It was also mentioned that the committee is looking for another VP. A vote will take place at the May meeting.
Book Sale: Leah Gower thanked her committee members for all their help.
Staff Appreciation: Joanne reported that the staff appreciation will be on May 5. The theme is Pot Luck-Spring Meals. Diane Micklin is looking for any help
Curriculum Council: There were minor changes in art and family and consumer sciences in the high school. The next curriculum to be looked at will be health and guidance.

New Business/Membership Comments:
By-Laws: The proposed draft of the by-laws was presented. The big changes are: Standing Committees which are committees that are responsible for signature events at the high school, are major income producing events (Used Book Sale, Art Gala) or committees that run all year (e-News, Membership) will have chairs that are part of the board. The Grant Co-coordinator will not be an executive board position but will be in the Umbrella Organization. The motion was seconded and passed.
School Board: Timotha Trigg stated that the school board generally ahs acceptance for a 2.9% tax increase for next year, which is within the index. Community members should email the board any comments or questions. Ms Trigg also spoke on the Teachers Retirement Fund and that there is info about this on the district web site. The districts contribution to this fund will explode in 2 years time as well every district in the commonwealth. This will become a real problem in the near future.

Upcoming Meetings:
May 25: Last PTO Meeting

Archives (.PDF)

April 2010 with 2010/11 Nominations

March 2010
2009-10 project approval minutes