Senate Minutes 12/11/2007

Called to Order 3:20; majority in attendance

I. I. Approval of Minutes

a. a. Motion called for acceptance of minutes as submitted; seconded. Motion carried and minutes were approved.

II. II. Principal’s Report

a. a. Funding Amount for AAFTE: “Nathan Hale Original and Adjusted Allocations” chart was distributed. Per discussion with district personnel, our funding amount is distributed according to three things: grade level mix, incorporating 2006-2007 actuals, updated FTE methodology that looks at classes rather than grades. Also part-time students affect FTE. The principal is satisfied with the explanation.

b. b. Student Assignment Plan & Enrollment: the district is setting capacity at 30 students per classroom. This is not considered best practice and does not honor our commitment to our program. Recommend that Hale Senate write a letter stating the need to hold our class size to 25. A committee will be formed.

c. c. Staff conversations have begun regarding AP. We are not to be driven by the district or by college boards. It should be our staff that does the planning and thinking.  We should form a subcommittee to be intentional about looping and blocking, and, planning Academy and I.S. in the master schedule. This committee could be open to other staff besides Senate members.

I. I. Old Business

a. a. Update on overload money – staff voted to pass the proposal offered by Senate on 11/29.  The plan was approved by the Director of High Schools.  Job opening for the support teacher and intervention specialist should be posted soon.

b. b. French Proposal – Discussion regarding the need for the program at the student level and the building level. The impact of the program is uncertain.  There are 22 sections of World Language and French would be incorporated. Questions revolved around the Less Is More philosophy and impact on the development of AP Spanish program. (motion to table, seconded, motion failed) Students want a voice in the decision to have a French program at Hale. It was decided that the principal will make the final determination with the consensus of the World Language Dept.  

i. i. Moved that the principal will make the final determination about instituting a program decision with Jeff Jones with the World Language Department.; Seconded. Motion carried.

c. c. Reading Update – Adults want to keep reading. Kids have given a broad range of responses. Parents support reading. We will keep reading.  Hopefully students will find it more worthwhile.  Like any other skill, you have to practice.

III. III. New Business

a. a. Field Trip Policy – The new form was developed by administration.  Please review it and make comments.  Report back to your Senate Rep!

Next meeting 1/8/2008

Meeting adjourned 4:15