Present: Members: Karen Harrison, Randy Yamabe, Norma Matsumoto, Lydia Woerner, Karen Heineche, Debbie Hedemann, Shawn Suzuki, Margaret Masunaga, Bob Rossman, Britney Manago. Non-member: Isabel Vinson
Minutes from 10/26/06 were reviewed. Motion to approve minutes was made and seconded. Minutes accepted.
For clarification, Lydia asked that the minutes reflect the name of the person who is presenting information by each of the proposed agenda items. (This will also serve as a reminder to the individuals presenting). All minutes will now reflect this change.
Update on the AFP (Academic & Financial Plan): (Shawn)
Shawn passed out the following handouts:
~ Financial Plan Template 2007-2008 Summary (Draft 11/29/06)
~ Financial Plan Template 2007-2008 WSF Expenditure Plan Loan (Draft 11/29/06)
~ School Academic Plan SY 2007-2008 (Draft 11/29/06)
Financial Plan Template Summary: Shawn gave background and reviewed this handout information. Projected enrollment for this school year was 915 students, but actual enrollment is 835. Projected enrollment for next school year is 775. WSF total amount will result in a change of $303,005 based on the projected enrollment of 775.
Discussion and clarification of description items,
clarification of expenses. Note: figures are given to us by the State.
Financial Plan Template WSF Expenditure Plan Loan: Additional explanation by Shawn of Object/Description, and information that we are at 36% for Title I funds, which have been at 40% in the past. Makes us a target assist school, but we can request to maintain school wide status.
School Academic Plan: This template is what we are required to use. There are 3 goals:
Ø 1. Improve Student Achievement through Standard-Based Education
Ø 2. Provide comprehensive support for all students
Ø 3. Continuously improve performance and quality
We have to achieve the measures and annual benchmarks. Expectations are set by the State of Hawaii. Shawn reviewed all goals, measures and annual benchmarks.
General Discussion by Council: AIR (company) provides quarterly assessment for all 10th graders. We need to look at all data with the Dept. heads, particularly with Math and English. Strategic actions are set by the school and should come from the Strategic Plan.
Shawn would like to devote most of our next meeting to the
AFP. Academic plan is critical as
it tells how we are going to spend our money. Important that we digest all the information so that we can
make the most prudent cuts in the financial plan. What are our class
sizes? Shawn agreed to bring
the data of our class sizes to the next meeting.
Lydia asked that Council members look at the handout information as “homework” and come back with input. Shawn will email all Council members an updated Draft before the next meeting (within 2 weeks). The AFP should be submitted by the end of the semester, and the next draft should be fairly complete.
For our information: Per Shawn, the next accreditation review will be in Feb. 2008. Will be a short visit with 2 members for 2 days, rather than the longer review that we accomplished last time.
Update on Grant Writing: (Shawn)
Shawn reported that he met with Mary Beth Hilburn last week to get the ball rolling on the grant writing. Focus should be on our 9th grade houses and reading. Suggestion by Debbie that the Dept. heads be asked for information to get them involved. Lydia suggested we have a Dean of the 9th grade house – could be a counselor.
Attendance Policy:
(Lydia)
Lydia reported that she conducted an attendance policy survey with the faculty and received back 23 responses. There are 2 choices: We can accept an attendance policy tied into grades, OR policy can be teacher based/teacher assessed. (1) Nine respondents favored the proposed attendance draft, (2) Twelve respondents favored authorizing teachers to create their own policy, (3) Two abstained, but wrote comments.
Randy then read a letter to the Council he wrote regarding his concerns/opinions on the attendance policy issue. His letter is in support of the proposed attendance policy.
Lengthy general Council discussion of the attendance policy issue. Note: We have not put any policy in place yet. Some comments from Council:
-Last attendance policy was in force approximately 4 years ago.
-Last policy ended up being cumbersome with lots of paperwork.
-If the goal of DOE is that students go on to further their education after high school, AND if our goal is to improve benchmarks and attendance is impacting student’s achievement, then attendance must be addressed.
-BOE “Code of Conduct” states (1) students are expected to attend school (2) be on time.
-Standard based does not have attendance built in. Student can meet benchmark, but have poor attendance. Tie attendance in with not receiving credit rather than with grades.
-Need to take “baby steps” – counselor/teacher warns student, student becomes aware of % of absences, bring to attention of the parent, etc.
-Our daily attendance is in the high 80%, low 90%.
-Not a back or white issue, need more input, need policy that will work - not just push something through. Needs to be consistent and fair.
-Need school wide policy not an individual teacher policy. We need to hear from parents and community leaders. Need commitment from teachers.
-Look at Pearl City High School attendance policy.
Shawn gave background of why we got into this issue. Discussion started last year because of all the “tardies.” Shawn believes we do need a policy with consequences.
Clearly, this is an important topic that needs to be addressed with conclusions. Discussion of another committee with more teachers, parents Randy Yamabe and Isabel Vinson, and a community member to continue working on this policy. Due to the need to address the AFP for the majority of the next meeting, the attendance policy issue will be tabled until the Jan. mtg.
(Shawn) Short discussion of addressing the bad press Konawaena High School has received. Taking a lot of the administration’s time. Shawn asked that Council members think about this issue and come back with ideas.
Also, tabled until the Jan. meeting: Update on Technology -Debbie
Meeting was adjourned at 6:05 P.M.
Next SCC Meeting – Monday, Dec 11th,
2006, 4:00 P.M.
Proposed Agenda items:
q
Update on AFP (majority of meeting) -Shawn
q
Update on Community Colleges & Life Skills
Program -Norma
q
Update on moving the Geographical Boundary -Shawn
-