PARENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE Minutes
ROTUNDA OF THE ROUND BUILDING
3:45 P.M.
November 28, 2011
Present: Sara Tolman, Jen Zamora, Linda Reese, Luke Schroeder, Michelle Sturgill, Lori Coombs, Pam Seibel, Brenda Tews, Kiz Leppert, Monica Cook, Lori Coombs, Lisa Smith, Kathleen Noh
The parent input on teacher evaluations was discussed. It was decided that a survey online could provide input that wasn’t from parents. Other schools have used a drawing as an incentive to encourage parents to participate. It was suggested that parents also need to know why they are being asked to complete the survey. The parent surveys will be piloted later this year.
Sara Tolman and Jen Zamora presented information on defibrillators in the schools and having school staff members certified in first aid, CPR and AED (automated external defibrillators). Currently, only coaches and bus drivers are required to have this certification and in Idaho only some schools have defibrillators. In many other states, this is a requirement. Sara reported that a grandparent has offered to provide one defibrillator to the school district. Jen gave the websites for a number of grants that are available to assist with training and purchase of machines. The school district needs to have a policy in place regarding training of staff and maintenance of the machines. Sara and Jen are conducting an informational campaign at this time. They are also working with a legislator on a bill requiring school districts to train staff members and have defibrillators in each building.
The additional technology that the Students Come First legislation has mandated and the concerns about security issues with students using mobile devices were discussed. The school district will receive about $45,000.00 for classroom hardware this year. The State Department of Education has a list of suggested items including tablets, projectors, response units, document cameras, smartboards, etc. Kimberly has established a committee of teachers and administrators to determine how the money should be used so that the technology will assist in increasing academic achievement. A concern was expressed that the technology is often used to just retrieve information and that students need to develop higher level skills. It was suggested that parents need to know more about the technology that is used in the classroom.
The next meeting will be on January 23 at 3:45 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m.
