Minutes – General Membership Meeting
Wednesday November 5, 2008 
8:30am
Media Center

Pending Approval

President Lisa Kauffman called the meeting to order at 8:35am.  Board Officers present: Nely Martinez, Floriana Martinez, Tim Orrange, Bruce Barham, Mary Porges, and Tony Anderson.  Principal Carmen Garcia and Assistant Principal Barbara Garcia were also present. 

Agenda item #1 – Welcome – Lisa Kauffman, President
    -     Welcomed the parents present on behalf of PTA Board. 
-    Reviewed and Approved 10/01/08 General Membership Meeting Minutes.  Motion by Jackie Roach and Seconded by Monica Duran
-    Budget Amendment:  Student Awards – PTA funds will be used for quarterly academic and attendance awards, as well as set aside funds for a school-wide FCAT celebration.  PTA will not fund individual student recognition for FCAT.

Agenda item # 2 – Treasurer’s Report – Tim Orrange
-    November 2008 Income / Expenses distributed - $26,987.09 balance
-    International Food Festival Wrap-up
1.    $5,800 profit
2.    Amazing level of parent volunteers

Agenda item # 3 – Overview of Upcoming Events – Nely Martinez and Amanda Kleidermacher (Special Events Chair)
-    Book Fair Report - $2,844 profit; 20 parents worked the fair

Agenda item # 4 – Membership Campaign / Update – Floriana Martinez (PTA Membership Chair)
-    About 310 PTA members; 70 new members this year
-    Ice Cream Party for classes that reach 100% membership
-    Campaign ends November 15th
       
Agenda item # 5 – Guest Speakers:  Iraida Mendez-Cartaya from Miami Dade County Public Schools & Dr. Judy Schaechter, PTA parent, Advocacy Chair and Board member of Children’s Trust discuss the issues facing our children today and what we as parents can do to advocate on our kids’ behalf.

-    Function is to lobby and advocate for supplemental funding for Dade County Schools
-    Big issue is budget – 52% is local funding, mandated by Tallahassee, 08-09 revenue decreased by $73.5 Million, mid year budget cuts are coming
-    $1.5 Billion deficit in State budget, will need special session in January for budget cuts, $675 Million transferred from savings to address deficit
-    Florida is 50th in what we dedicate to education per student
-    Lottery money going to Bright Futures, building, etc.
-    $600 Million of Dade money has gone to other districts, we are not getting our share
-    Contact Federal and State Representatives regarding public education
-    www.capwiz.com/dade pta
-    Judy addressed the fact that Florida has a 51% drop out rate, bottom 5 in graduation rate, teacher salaries 44th in US
-    Need to fight on a State level, we give more tax money then we receive

Agenda item # 6 – Principal’s Report – Principal Carmen Garcia
-    PYP Recertification coming up
-    Ada Merritt will participate in Spelling Bee
-    We are a Magnet School and receive additional funding
-    Friends of Ada Merritt – 3rd Grade has a paraprofessional as a result
-    Will set up separate session to focus on math and science initiatives
-    SIPA Film Festival coming up – attendance optional
-    Focus on Middle School – Jr. Honors Society

Other:    
-    Lisa - $14,000 in Teacher Grant Money available, have only received one request

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 am.