Monrovia School Link ~ Number 167 ~ April 29, 2006
Congratulations to Wild Rose Elementary on becoming a California Distinguished School. Very cool! Thanks to Maritza Diaz for this report.
~brad@sacklunch.net
By Maritza Diaz
Well, it's been a while since the last regular meeting and it seemed like they crammed a lot in this one. Spring Break is over and the board got down to business.
DONATIONS ~ If you're in the giving mood, stop by the district office and donate some school supplies to Monrovia schools. Right there in the lobby is a big cardboard box where you can put in boxes of pencils, paper, glue sticks and even Kleenex.
NEW LOOK ~ While you're dropping off your donation, take a peak inside the boardroom and see the brand spanking new banners displayed behind the board member's seats. It's really quite nice. Three large banners with pictures of the schools decorate the once white barren wall.
RECOGNITIONS ~ The board honored Monrovia High School, Santa Fe Middle School and Clifton Middle School for their awesome marks on the Support Personnel Accountability Report Card (SPARC). It's now official, Monrovia has great student services in academics, college prep and counseling. But everyone, already knew that, right?
OFFICIAL ~ Well, folks it's official. Wild Rose Elementary is now a California Distinguished School. The school will be honored in the next board meeting.
BUDGET ~ Ah, the budget. It never really goes away does it? The board received the preliminary 2006-07 budget projections, which take into account salary settlements, increased health insurance, declining enrollment and more. The total projected revenue of $34.8 million is higher than last year's projections. This is just the beginning of budget news. There is much more to come until the board adopts a budget. While $34 million is a good number, the preliminary budget report also included suggestions on how to increase revenue. One of those suggestions is, you guessed it, try to increase enrollment.
OLD JEWEL ~ Monrovia High really needs some new bleachers. And more sinks, and many other things. The board was shown a video titled, "Polishing An Old Jewel" put together by students, which focused on the renovations the school desperately needs. The school was built in 1928 and after 78 years, a face-lift could be a good idea. The Bond Measure M will be on the June ballot. The proposed projects include a new science building, electrical updates, new arts programs and more. If you have questions regarding the bond issue, feel free to call (626) 471-2010.
FORGIVE ~ Bill Douglas, a parent and community member, spoke to the board about the positive influence and great accomplishments of the high school band. Douglas is a member of Band Booster, which supports the band and the arts, and well, they are in a bind. It seems a while back, a loan of about $9,000 was granted for new uniforms and equipment, and payment is due. Douglas asked the board to consider forgiving the debt. He didn't expect a response, but just their consideration.
CHARGE ~ Chief Business Officer Linda Dempsey presented the board with a second reading of board policy 1330, the use of school facilities. The discussion of this issue was a long one. Really long. The main issue here was fees. Although the board appreciated Dempsy's report, the board felt that charges and fees should be as clear as possible to organizations renting the facilities. Does the rental include tables and chairs? Or is that extra? There was also the issue of not charging non-profit organizations fees. But as board member Bryan Wong pointed out, there are many types of non-profit organizations like political activists organizations. Do they get a waiver? Looks like its back to the drawing board for this policy. But with the long discussion, hopefully the board made clear all the information they wanted. Well, we shall see.
GOOD EATS ~ Monrovia High School Band Booster Club is having its third annual barbeque on May 2 from 12 to 4. Stop by the Monrovia Library Park and enjoy some ribs, chicken and hot links and support the music department. Mmmm, ribs.
DIPLOMA ~ The board adopted the policy that states the requirements for high school graduation. To receive a diploma or certificate of completion students will have to pass the California High School Exit Exam and obtain the minimum credits. No exceptions.
HONOR ~ The meeting was adjourned in the memory of 1993 Monrovia High School graduate Kyle Ballard, who died while training for the Baker-Vegas Challenge Cup Relay Race.
This board meeting was lacking in attendance. The next one, on May 10th, will have a high attendance because you'll be there, right?
Also on the Web at www.monroviaschoollink.com