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District Budget Cut Update – Debbie Pew, JM Principal
Debbie opened by saying “there is no clear answer” at this time to many aspects of the budget crisis. Debbie shared the current “worst case scenario” is a $5.2 million dollar shortfall.
She confirmed there has been music program staff cuts across the District effecting John Muir School as well. Privacy issues did not allow her to specifically state the names of staff that have been cut or reassigned. While other cost saving measures are being negotiated and explored, she stated that 85% of the District budget goes to salaries. As part of cost cutting measures, schools, other than JM, can expect a 10% staff cut for the 2009-2010 school year. JM does not have the option to decrease its four person teaching staff and will, instead, pick up a 10% increase in student enrollment. The consequence, of course, will be larger class sizes at a time when teacher aide funds are also being cut.
Members of the PTC voiced strong concern over the lessening of our Music department and the related staff changes. Music as it plays a vital role in our school curriculum because we are Art and Science based school. Debbie reinforced that she will advocate for John Muir and keep us posted on any opportunities that may open up to mitigate the negative effects of the budget.
PTC members asked what we could do to increase the amount of money received by JM in support of the Arts portion of our curriculum. Debbie clarified that while the JM community cannot change the personnel cuts and reassignments that effect JM staffing, we can continue with established *fund raising efforts; promote and utilize ASF funds (see ASF update below); and increase our benefit from using scrip and Escrip (see PTC budget update). Other fund raising ideas were briefly discussed and tabled until we receive new fund raising parameters from the District.
*Note: The District is concerned the community at large will be overwhelmed by private fund raising efforts and will be establishing fund raising parameters for schools to help prevent this. Debbie will share these parameters with the JM staff as soon as they become available.
Reminder: Parent Teacher conferences were cancelled. Parents will receive written progress report(s). Debbie Pew confirmed teacher aides could help cover the classroom if special conditions arise.
Title 1 funding - There seems to be some question of continued funds from this arena. The teachers will follow up on this issue. Parents can help by applying for the reduced lunch program even if you do not intend to participate in it. Funding is based on the number of families eligible – not on participation. Applications may be submitted at any time so please review the income parameters and submit your application if you qualify. Federal Income Guidelines (dated 4/08) are summarized below.
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Please apply if you qualify even if you do not intend to utilize the program.
Household size Income amount by:
Annual Month Week
1 19,240 1,604 370
2 25,900 2,159 499
3 32,560 2,714 627
4 39,220 3,269 755
5 45,880 3,824 883
6 53,540 4,379 1,011
7 59,200 4,934 1,139
8 65,860 5,489 1,267
Each additional
Family member add 6,660 55 1289
Ashland Schools Foundation (ASF) Update – Susan Bacon
Susan Bacon, ASF Executive Director, came to talk about the upcoming annual fund drive to raise funds to support the schools in the next school year (2009-10). She reported a target fund raising goal for Education Support Grants (teacher support) for ASF of $211K. The ASF Board has made it a priority that John Muir be included in the equal distribution of these funds based on a per capita/per student allocation. If the target goal is met, JM would be in line to receive an estimated $7,000.00 in support of a staff position (to be determined). ASF funds are governed by the ASF Board of Directors, working with the recommendations of the District.Â
ASF is concentrating efforts to increase parent participation district wide this year. Participation can take the form of donations to the upcoming fund drive, volunteering for ASF, or signing up to support ASF through EScrip & the Albertson’s community card (you can divide your support between ASF and John Muir). A 50% parent participation rate of John Muir families will result in John Muir receiving an extra $500 grant! Â
Phone bank soliciting of parents and previous donors is a large part of the fund raising efforts for the ASF. JM and AMS will share a night this year for phone call soliciting. Please keep the evening of Tuesday, April 7th (6-9 pm) open to help us reach as many community members as possible. The phone bank is held at the Stratford Inn, and dinner & drinks (wine included!) will be served. John Muir needs 15 volunteers…Jennie Damon-Tollenaere is the JM/ASF contact person.
PTC BUDGET UPDATE – Lauren Fennell
Lauren gave a financial update to the group. She discussed the Staff Wish List and reported on what has been paid to date on the List. She said we currently have enough money in the PTC account to pay for all items on the Staff Wish List. For a detailed financial report, please see the minutes posted on the PTC Bulletin Board in the Parent Corner at School or call Lauren at 482-7360. She also discussed how to sign-up for Escrip and how to use ShopNKart Scrip.
To sign-up for Escrip, use the following instructions:
Escrip Sign-up Directions (Market of Choice/Safeway):
1.      Go to www.escrip.com
2.      click on sign up button
3.      click Group ID#, enter 500005071 and click search
4.      click on John Muir School
5.      follow the easy registration prompts (don’t forget to enter your Safeway Club Card # if you have one)
That is all you have to do! Out of town friends and family can also sign up just as easily! To use escrip online merchants, simply go to www.escrip.com and click on On-line Mall. To use ShopNKart Scrip, buy the scrip before or after school Tuesday-Thursdays in the school office area. We receive a 5% return on S&K scrip use. Questions? Call Lauren at 482-7360 or email her at LaurenLFennell@gmail. com. JM COMMUNITY GARDEN UPDATE -Scott McGuire/Patti Ruiz
The garden is located between the AMS Soccer field and the RR tracks.
ALL PTC MEMBERS ARE WELCOME TO UTILIZE THE GARDEN. individual plots are available.
Scott McGuire gave a brief update. Scott (JM) and Eric (AMS) will redesign the garden to incorporate TID gravity water over the entire garden area. This will decrease the watering time and improve the garden yield for all. Last year we were able to utilize the TID three days a week and watering took a team of 2 parents about 2 hours. JM students spontaneously helped with harvesting last year to the benefit of all. Scott stated he is looking for a tractor and will need a shovel brigade to create the rows when they have a tractor date. Look for a garden work date!
There is $856 from the Ashland Co-op Grant left over from last year and a credit at the irrigation store. Scott will oversee the garden redesign and Patti Ruiz will handle the planting preparation starting with seedlings at the JM School. Notices will go out to each class soon asking for plastic take out boxes or other seedling start containers. We will provide all the soil and seeds with our grant monies.
CORE VALUES- GRANT RUIZ
Grant reported some additions and modifications were made to the Tenets and Actions by parents. They have been adopted and may be read in their entirety on the Parent Corner Bulletin Board. They will soon be available on the JM Web site.
FUNDRAISING
A subcommittee was formed to finalize a plan for the Sock Hop Fundraiser utilizing the new Core Values and Tenets. Jennie Damon-Tollenaere will chair the committee. The final plan will be distributed via email for a brief comment/revision period and a date set. Six people signed up for the committee – more are needed.
BOX R RANCH CAMP OUT
At the time of the meeting, Pat reported that there were no dates when all the staff & students were available and reservations were available at Box R Ranch. UPDATE; The Teachers felt the community building outing was important and supported by enough parents to look again at the calendar. They were able to work out an all school camp out for Monday & Tuesday, June 1 & 2. Please contact Richard Schaef and Jennie Damon-Tollenaere if you would like to help. Look for task sign up sheets in the main hallway.
TEACHER PROJECTS – JM Teachers
URGENT!!! Tim and Marcia need immediate help repairing chairs - gluing and nailing- as they are falling apart daily.
Tim has a “special” project for someone. He needs a toilet seat support made that will fit over the Earth Teach compost toilet hole.
APRIL PTC MEETING DATE TBD
COMMITTEE CHAIR PERSONS
We encourage all parents to be involved – Please contact these parents if you can help (even a little bit). Many hands make light work and a strong community!
SOCK HOP FUNDRAISER
Jennie Damon-Tollenere
Anouschka Andresen
BOX R RANCH ALL SCHOOL CAMP OUT –
Jennie Damon-Tollenere
Richard Schaeff
Amy Korth (food prep)
JM COMMUNITY GARDEN –
Patti Ruiz
Scott McGuire
Meeting minutes recorded by Maribeth Beaudoin and Patti Ruiz.
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