Biggs Unified School District

District Advisory Committee

December 6, 2010  8:30 am-12:00 pm

Meeting Notes

Laura Dearden went over the New Agenda and minutes from previous meeting.

School Site Council reports and update on revision of SPSA Goals

Not all school site councils are functioning yet. Pam Sheppard stated that Biggs Elem. has no secretary to take notes as of yet and that she is serving on several councils. The middle school has a functional SSC.  Richvale is recruiting parent membership. The high school is still awaiting confirmation of teacher representatives. .  Laura Dearden discussed SSC composition and importance for SSC by-laws to define terms of office.

Teacher and student surveys 2011

Laura Dearden shared that last year the DAC discussed conducting both teacher and student survey that would contain some of the same elements as the parent survey to give multiple perspectives about the same topic.  The DAC confirmed that they would like to give both surveys this spring.  Laura shared she would consult with the new superintendent and determine who would develop the surveys.  It was suggested that Survey Monkey be used to collect teacher and students data for grades 4-12.  Brigitte will be able

Determine timeline for conducting parent surveys, Spring 2011

Pam Sheppard discussed concerns about the parent survey administration last year and that all grade levels were not represented in the Elementary School results.  Pam tallied all of the results and comments.  Bill Cornelius reviewed the procedure for surveys to be sent home.  Pam talked about the frustration with results not getting back to parents.  Laura stated that last year the surveys were distributed by sending them home with students. Melissa Attebury, Pam Sheppard and Laura Dearden made suggestions for revising the surveys for 2011.  The EL parent survey will be sent out every other year and not this year.   Vera Bridges suggested that the Spanish version is included under the English version so only one survey version sent out.  Brigitte O’Brien stated concerns with multiple surveys being sent home causes confusion.  The surveys will be discussed at the February DAC meeting. It is suggested that surveys be sent out and returned before Spring break so the results can be tallied before the May meeting.

State and Federal programs budget update

Pam Ragan handed out and discussed “Categorical Program Allocations”.  Bill Cornelius stated that Pam was sharing the “Restricted Budget.”  Pam cautioned to be careful how schools spend funds.  The District is still deficit spending. Currently some unrestricted categorical funds have been allocated to sites.  Bill Cornelius said MAA monies have helped off set reductions in funding. but the 09/10 MAA reimbursements were only $40,000.00. Staff has been less responsive to completing MAA forms, which has affected the district allocation. Bill commented it would be beneficial to all to maximize the MAA funds and have the teachers participate more fully. Karen and Pam explained about the MAA reportable time definitions and timeline. Pam explained Title I funding is only received by BES in 2010-11.  Pam reviewed the budget totals and stated she had a report for administrators for 10/11 categorical funding available and budgeted.

Report from the DELAC/ELAC

Postponed

Review the District Assistance survey (DAS) Patty Garrison

Prioritize and recommend changes for the LEA Plan update in Spring 2011.

Patty reviewed the purpose of the DAS Survey was to analyze all of the elements in the district that contribute to student achievement. Patty handed out “Nine Essential Program Components” information sheet was distributed and discussed as a reference. Patty passed out the results of the last DAS Survey.  She went over the corrections and discussed. The committee brainstormed of “what’s working” in the district, prioritized the categories of greatest need and then identified areas of focus in each of the priority categories.   The prioritized categories include Alignment of Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Data Systems and Monitoring and Professional Development.

Updated DAC Calendar

A revised DAC calendar was distributed

Next meeting Monday, February 28th,, 2011 8:30 am-Noon