Antonio G. Limon
  Theresa Cantu
  Pamela Cole
  Bill Elliot*
  Cindy Garcia
  Gloria Garcia
  Juanita Garcia*
  Orlando Garcia
  Tory Garcia
  Mary Garnet*
  John Hand
  Rosalinda Huerta
  Kay Johnson
  Maria Leos
  Stanley Leshner
  Laura Lugo*
  Mary Alice Martinez
  Melinda Maya
  Tim Moon
  Albert Mosqueda
  Araceli Padilla
  Zeke Padilla*
  Vicente Ramirez
  Ray Saldana
  Laura Turnipseed
  Belinda Vasquez
  Heriberto Villarreal
  Linda Villarreal
  Delia Weaver


  Reference
  Individuals:
  Theresa
  Christensen
  Ruben Franco
  Celia Longoria
  Fernando Rosa
  Celeste Sanchez


  * absent

 

May 12, 2005

Summer Staff Development Approved
Members of the Superintendent Advisory Council approved the Summer Professional Staff Development as presented by coordinator Teresa Christensen. Director of Federal Program Heriberto Villarreal said that LPAC training dates will be added to the schedule.

Two committee members, John Hand and Teresa Cantu, spoke highly of Dr. Bender who provides training. They claim this individual has strong ideas and that the training is rated in the top five.

Christensen provided information related to the Health Advisory Council, which is comprised of community and staff members. Students in grades 6-9, and perhaps 10, will be able to take advantage of a program that addresses abstinence. She explained that the committee selected a program written by Teen-Aid and presented it to trustees for approval. Nurses at each school will receive training. Copies of the program will be provided to counselors and Physical Education teachers. It was reported that either science or health teachers will teach the curriculum.

Summer Camps announced
Jack Garcia, Afterschool Program Director, announced that Summer Camps are being offered through the district’s Afterschool Program. Made possible through a $50,000 Cameron Works grant, the district will offer the following:

Elementary
June 6-9 Sports Camp
June 13-16 Discovery Science Camp
June 20-23 Multimedia Camp
June 27-30 Girls/Boys Camp
July 5-7 Career/College Camp
July 11-14 Fine Arts Showcase

Secondary
June 6-9 Sports Camp
June 13-16 Multimedia Camp
June 20-23 Discovery Science Camp
June 27-30 Power Camp
July 5-7 Career/College Camp
July 11-14 Fine Arts Showcase

Fred Booth site for elementary summer camps
Elementary Summer Camps will be offered at Fred Booth. Activities will include chess, multimedia, nutrition, theatre, science, arts/crafts, fun math, sports education, Kung-Fu and reading. They will also participate in swimming, bowling, skating, zoo and Challenger Learning Center field trips. The program is for incoming first graders.

San Benito High School site for secondary summer camps
Secondary Summer Camps for students in grades 6-12, will be held at San Benito High School. Activities will include dance, theatre, sewing, multimedia, nutrition, sports education, chess, reading, Kung-Fu, Science, Arts/Crafts and fun math. They will also participate in swimming, bowling, skating, trips to the zoo and Challenger Learning Center as well as trips to the University of Texas-Pan American, the county court house and the Hidalgo County Museum.

Garcia said the programs are free and will be provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. The space is limited to 75 students per elementary campus, with priority given to students who are currently participating in the afterschool program.

2004-05 TAKS Results
Planner/Evaluator Ruben Franco announced that 2004-05 TAKS results are still pending. He stated the district anticipates on receiving the results by Monday, May 16.

Open Forum
•A question was raised by John Hand on whether changes could be made to simplify the budget process. Hand asked whether they could obtain the budget earlier and whether they could determine the budget funds in blocked amounts. He said the process seems to be designed as a means of discouraging the transferring of funds. A clearly defined cut-off period is needed. Emma McCall, Business Manager, explained that the budget is adopted by law Sept. 1. She anticipates on the schools/departments getting their budgets by the first week in September. She explained that certain budget transfers, depending on the amount, go to the board of trustees for approval. McCall said that the budget was not balanced when she began work this year. She added that a plan to upgrade software is in the works and that a new system will be in place before the school year starts. McCall said money can be moved to the same function.

•Antonio G. Limón, Superintendent of Schools, explained that the Senate has passed a bill to start school after Labor Day. Senator Eddie Lucio has supported the bill and if the bill passes, Limón explained that the district would request a waiver.

•Kay Johnson stated the ratio at one time at second grade was 18:1, then it increased to 22:1 She urged administration to keep it below 22:1. She added that as a result of demands being placed by Reading First, the help of teaching assistant is needed. Tori Garcia said that although the program is “awesome,” it can be overwhelming. Mr. Limón explained that the pie can only be divided certain ways and that attempts will be made to keep the numbers down and alleviate overcrowding, especially at the country schools such as La Paloma. Johnson said bilingual teachers are concerned about the time allotment. Instruction in biligual and english requires 90 minutes for both. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Celeste Sanchez said she understood their concerns. Teresa Cantu said Special Education is able to provide assistance. Sanchez told committee members that Accelerated Reading and Accelerated Math monies are available for the purpose of hiring additional teachers, mentors, etc. She told the schools she will take them up on an offer of having her visit the schools.

•Johnson also inquired about rumors related to staffing changes, stating it is very stressful to deal with the issue this time of year. Limón replied by stating that principals have been informed about possible changes. He indicated the changes will be minimal and individuals affected would be notified.

•A question was raised regarding the Perfect Attendance stipend. Limón stated the amount he will recommend is not less than $300.

•Speaking as a parent, Orlando Garcia commended staff at Ed Downs Elementary, stating that everyone did an excellent job during pre-registration for Pre-k and K students at the school. Garcia raised concerns regarding the lengthy two-hour waiting period. In discussing the issue, Limón noted that schools are not zoned and that students residing near the schools receive priority and others are place on a waiting list. Talks about the possibility of zoning in the future surfaced.

•Limón recognized several committee members whose terms have expired. He thanked them for their service and expressed his appreciation. He told returning SAC members that he looks forward to their continued service.

•Sanchez stated that the formulation of an elementary and secondary task force is ongoing. Replacing district benchmarks has been reviewed. The assessment will be designed to drive instruction. All principals will be doing curriculum & instruction walk-throughs, using Palm Pilots to assist teachers with developing these areas. Sanchez said SAC members will also be involved for the purpose of improving the instruction of the students.

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