BRIER PTA BOARD MEETING MINUTES FROM THURSDAY
FEBRUARY 8th , 2007
*Meeting was called to order @ 6:05 pm
*All members were present except Judy Edwards and Gayle Gray- excused
*Reviewed and approved by general consent the PTA minutes from 1-18-07 with noted changes.
PRESIDENT'S REPORT:
*Debbie thanked everyone for being part of this year's PTA with Dove chocolates.
*Debbie will be sitting with Julie Whittles this week to go over the PTA copying log and expenses.
*Passed around "Thank You" notes for the three PTA members that did the mid-year audit and one for the reflections judge Nancy Pierce for signing.
*Kathy Saneto is unable to be part of the nominating committee. Janice Worman, committee alternate, is helping out when needed. Debbie checked with the state level PTA and it is OK to have only two people on this committee.
*The book recommended by Corey Rainboth at the last General Membership meeting, "Building Successful Partnerships", will be discussed at the next PTA meeting.
*In the next Buzz there will be a notice to e-mail Debbie with any agenda items for the general membership meetings prior to the meeting. This will be in consideration of time and to allow our memberships voices to be heard.
PRINCIPAL'S REPORT:
*Training is beginning on the new teachers' web-site "SWIFT" (Simplified Web Interface for Teachers). This will be a new communication tool for teachers and will be tied to the school's web-site.
*An earthquake drill/simulation will be coming up in the next week. This will be a "complete" drill with survival kits handed out and everything.
*Grade level meetings are going well. The focus is on respect, kindness, and bullying.
*The May general membership meeting is scheduled for the 17th, with the Arts festival on the 16th. Cindy will be gone on the meeting day. We may want to consider moving it up or back a week.
TREASURER'S REPORT:
*990EZ went out to the IRS on Wednesday the 7th. Great job Penny!
*It was a quiet January with income in Albertsons and box tops coming in. (line items #23 & #24)
*On the expense side line items #53, #70, #77, #96, #114, and #118 had activity. (Refer to treasurers report)
*Recommend adding line item #106, an unexpected donation to the PE program. This will need to be voted on by the general membership.
*Addendum B was given to board for review. Which is Restricted Unallocated funds that was voted on and approved by General Membership in January ($6,818.00). Most of the money ($5,625.00) will be granted to ESD with Assembly money ($650.00) being added directly to the budget line item #53, remaining money of $543.00 is moved to unallocated funds.
*It was decided that if there were any line items that went over budget by les than $100 Penny and Debbie would keep the rest of the board informed. If a line item goes over by more than $100, a vote would be required. This may want to be added to the standing rules for next year so that the treasurer can make decisions between PTA meetings.
MEMBERSHIP REPORT:
*No new report - currently at 280 members . Cathy would like to start targeting specific areas where we lack participation, i.e. new families to Brier.
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Programs:
*Science fair paperwork went home this week. Thank you to Kathy Saneto. Science Fair is scheduled for March 23rd.
*Cathy Fiorillo has been elected to the Edmonds Council nominating committee, so if anyone is interested in being considered for a PTA council level position, or knows of anyone who may be interested, please let her know.
*For Staff appreciation there will be a combined potluck in May, provided by PTA members, for all staff members. We are also sending out a little card and chocolates for Valentines Day.
Fundraising:
*Box Tops contest begins next week.
*We received a check for $35 from on-line sales from our fall fundraiser. Sue will let people know that items can still be ordered.
Social:
*Movie night is Friday, February 9th at 6:30. The license has been obtained for $75. We will be watching "Over the Hedge". A reminder has gone out that this is not a drop off event.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
Field Improvements Update:
*No new news to report.
On-Line Communication Update:
*Bob Cuplin is continuing work on the web-site. All involved will be meeting again next week for updates.
Brier Arts Festival Update:
*This is an all school event. Some ideas for the evening include a "Brier Bistro" with poetry readings, drawing lessons, music - - a "stations" approach to participation for the night. More details to come. The goal is to bring more meaning and interaction to Open House night. Cathy Fiorillo and Kami will get together and discuss the possibility of a PTA booth set up that night with information available for the taking. This could maybe highlight our support of the arts at Brier.
NEW BUSINESS:
Nominating Committee Update:
*A hand out went out in the Buzz this last week. A few forms have begun to trickle in. They are meeting on Tuesday to review the nomination since Monday is the deadline.
PTA Awards Application:
*Debbie went over which PTA awards we might apply for. Debbie, Cathy Fiorillo, and Sue will work on applying for "Standards of Excellence". "Outstanding Newsletter" is also a possibility. "Honor Unit" is one we may not quite be ready for (this goes beyond the "Standards of Excellence")
Mid-Year Audit Results:
*The mid-year audit was completed on January 24th, 2007. Over all "great Job"! Some areas where "red flags" were noted were on our receipt and money handling protocol, not all monthly bank statements were reconciled, all contracts must be signed by at least 2 people, and it was unclear as to what insurance coverage we had. The full report is available for more information.
Review
Staff News:
*Teacher Reps will share with the staff the appreciation luncheon will be combined this year, and held in May.
Brier Buzz:
*Lesa has asked that all items be submitted by February 17th for the Buzz. This will allow her the needed time to create the PDF file for on-line communications.
To Do List:
*Debbie Dunne has the master copy. If you have any questions please contact her.
Meeting adjourned 7:30pm.
PLEASE NOTE: Next months Board meeting (3/8/07) has been moved to 5:00pm due to conflict with school activities.