Parent Council Survey

Survey to Assist Parent Council in Deciding Whether to Endorse School Funding Proposal

Since January, the SEHS Parent Council has been getting information about the cuts in the District 4J budget. In light of the deep cuts in next year's budget for the 4J District and at South Eugene High School, the Parent Council is considering endorsing Measure 20-182 ("School Funding Measure"), the city income tax proposal on the May ballot. 

The cuts to the South Eugene High School program would include:

·       the  loss of 7 teachers in classic South, and additional losses in IHS

·       class size increases by an average of 5 students.

·       the loss of 35 class sections: every department will experience cuts that increase class size and thus reduce the number of sections for the classes that remain

·       the loss of level 1 and 2  French and German classes (we will be phasing out these two languages, although not including French immersion)

·       the loss of AP Psychology and Human Anatomy & Physiology

On April 6, 2011 the Parent Council met and discussed the School Funding Measure. The Parent Council is considering endorsing this measure. To include the wider school community's input, we are asking our membership to answer a short survey. If your student is currently enrolled at South Eugene High School, you are eligible to participate.

If you want to learn more about the School Funding Measure, visit www.StrongSchoolsEugene.org where you can read the text of the actual measure, or read the text at the City of Eugene web site.

More information about the survey is coming.

SEHS Parent Council

Minutes

Meeting on March 2, 2011

The minutes from the February 14, 2011 meeting were approved.

REPORTS

Treasurer: Kathy Barnes distributed a financial report and scrip report. Both are filed with the Recording Secretary's official minutes.

Principal: Recapped the month. Randy expressed sorrow about the deaths of two students, Jack Harnsongkram and Connor Ausland and talked about the impact on students and the community. He talked about district decisions regarding school closures and reductions. He mentioned the Drama Department's performance of "Into the Woods"  and that the girls basketball team is still winning.

Randy updated us on the budget situation. The supply budget will be reduced 15% over last year (which was reduced 5%). Notices of anticipated layoffs were sent to 6 staff members. It is possible that he will have to give more letters.  Randy's current projection is that SEHS will lose 7 FTE next year. He anticipates more letters will probably go out in early April to classified/administrators.

Site Council: The letter about communication (via email, web, basmati) approved by Parent Council went out to teachers and staff a few days ago.

Scrip: The new scrip coordinators are Lallie McKenzie for paper scrip and Vicki Silvers for eScrip.

OLD BUSINESS

Senior Party: Debbie Boures reported that she is co-chairing the Senior Party with Amy Trezona. She explained that this event is a great success and attracts a great cross section of students. Parents are encouraged to volunteer to make this event a success again this year. The party is June 11 at the University of Oregon Recreation Center. There will be a casino, prizes, a hypnotist, lazer tag and more.

Parent Council is asked to consider making the Senior Party a Parent Council sponsored event. More information will be presented at a future date about the financial situation of this event and the future leadership. Some concern was expressed that this responsibility should not fall to the Parent Council Chair and should not become a drain on the Parent Council budget.

Parent Program on Grief, Trauma: Randy reported on a program that was offered to the families involved with Mr. Axeman and others deeply impacted by the deaths of Jack and Conner with counselors, end others. There was an opportunity to share concerns and successes. There was discussion about trying to achieve balance and supporting eachother while trying to reach goals. 40-50 people attended. 

For the wider community there was a decision that no program would be offered but a notice was published in eNews that a list of resources was available through the Counseling Office for those needing more support. The counselors and staff have been identifying students that might need more support and assistance.

Budget for 2011-2012: Treasurer Kathy Barnes presented the Budget and explained the details. The budget was approved. A copy is included in the Recording Secretary's official minutes.

NEW BUSINESS

Nominating Committee: The by-laws do not address certain aspects of the election and nomination process. Revisions will be recommended in April or May so the by-laws will reflect the reality of recruiting qualified candidates. So far Maggie Carlson will be the candidate to replace Maggie Moore as Recording Secretary for next year. Michelle Pellitier will be proposed as the candidate for Communications Secretary. The Committee needs more names for the Parent Council Chair/Co-Chair position and Site Council position.

The Directory and Program Committees would like to expand so there is continuity and training for future years. The Fall Open House Social Committee needs a chair.

City Tax: The City has proposed that a tax be levied to help schools next year. Joy Marshall spoke in favor of the tax. Rebecca Kovach introduced the question of whether South's Parent Council favors the tax.

Civic Stadium Property: Rebecca Kovach would like to form a study group to consider whether Parent Council can take a position to oppose the Fred Meyer proposal and endorse the YMCA's bid for purchasing and developing the Civic Stadium property.