Summary of Regular Board Meeting Held on January 3, 2000

Regular monthly meetings of the Board of Education are close captioned. They are shown again on Tuesday evenings with captions for those unable to watch on Monday evenings.

Recognition

Presentation of the new pre-algebra curriculum at Muir Elementary School was postponed by parents of the students involved due to weather conditions.

Public Appearances

Twenty-three persons spoke in support of continuing to offer boys gymnastics as an interscholastic activity. There were ten written statements of support for continuation of boys gymnastics and two written statements related to expulsion of a student. A petition was submitted in support of the continuation of boys high school gymnastics.

Board President's Announcements And Reports

Mrs. Carstensen announced:

• the Governor has signed a pension bill that raises benefits for retirees. The State Supreme Court is deciding if the changes are constitutional.
• MSCR offered mini-camps over the winter break with the Lowell, Glendale, and Lincoln Community Learning Centers and the CASPER program offered after school at Emerson. This provided structured, safe and enriching programs for students who might normally be left on their own over the break.
• the Multico Production, a West High drama group, is a wonderful multicultural experience and would be of value to study groups who are looking at race relations issues in Madison.

Superintendent's Announcements And Reports

Mr. Rainwater announced:

• on occasion the weather may force the district to close the schools. Two factors considered in making this decision are the ability of buses to travel safely and whether the temperature is extremely cold. Parent decisions about the safety of their children are encouraged and strongly supported.

Committee Reports And Action Thereon

Performance & Achievement: Selection of Program Materials Committee adoptions were approved. Ruth Robarts reported the committee heard preliminary class size information and will continue that discussion and receive administrative recommendations on January 18. The LaFollette Four-Block schedule will be another item on that meeting's agenda.

Finance and Operations: Juan José López reported the committee met to review summer school fees and recommendations regarding the continuation of boys gymnastics as an interscholastic activity. The committee also received a budget process update. Action on a motion regarding boys gymnastics was referred back to committee.

Human Resources: Ray Allen had no report.

Long Range Planning: Deborah Lawson had no report.

Partnerships: Calvin Williams had no report.

Legislative: Joann Elder had no report.

Auditing, Purchasing, Transfers & Other Financial Transactions

Auditing: Interim and Building Fund bills were paid.

Purchasing: No items were purchased.

Transfers: Funds were transferred from the Reserve for Contingencies to support 1.0 Special Education Teacher, 2.0 Special Education Assistants, and a 0.4 Bilingual Resource Specialist.

Other Financial Transactions: All donations and grants received since December 6, 1999 were approved.

Human Resources Transactions and Reports:

There were no transactions or reports.

Reports to the Board:

Board of Education/Common Council Liaison Committee: Deborah Lawson had no report.

Carol Carstensen announced Joann Elder will serve as the district representative at the WASB Delegate Assembly on January 19, 2000. Board members voted to approve all of the WASB resolutions except one. They voted not to support an item on High School Graduation Test Requirements because it opposes the ability of parents to opt out of a state high school graduation test.

Other Business:

Three students were granted diplomas of graduation.

Old and New Business: Juan José López congratulated West High School graduate and Rose Bowl team member Donnell Thompson for his athletic and academic achievements at the University of Wisconsin.

(A complete copy of these minutes is available from the Board of Education Office, 261-9000. This summary may have been published before the minutes were approved by the Board of Education. Please call to check on any changes.)

Regular Meeting Summaries