Serra High School Foundation
Minutes of Board Meeting
The meeting was called to order by Vice President Mike Kosty at 6:35 pm. Attendees are indicated in the corresponding sign-in sheet.
The minutes of the March 3, 2004 Foundation Board meeting (attached as Appendix A) were reviewed. A motion was made by Larry Michalec to approve the minutes with corrections to name of Joe Thomas to Jeff Thomas under Site Operations Report, seconded by Don Dakin, voted on and unanimously approved.
§ Corner Maintenance – Mike reported that progress continued to be made regarding the City taking responsibility for maintenance.
§ 2004-2005 Foundation Vacancies – Mike reinforced the need to find persons to fill certain positions. Among the positions needed to be filled are Treasurer, Basketball Snack Bar, Assistant Secretary, Freshman Orientation Evening, and Special Projects Coordinator.
§ Foundation Board Transition Dinner – Kyle Dakin reported that Andiamo is the location of the dinner and requested RSVP,s and checks from members before May 28, 2004.
Donna Summerville introduced John Johnson, who is new vice principal. Mr. Johnson expressed his enthusiasm with the sschool and optimism for the accomplishment of objectives. Leslie McDonald, a counselor at Serra was also introduced. Donna thanked the Foundation for the Auction Dinner, as well as support for the students.
Donna also discussed the “incident” requiring heightened security that occurred the week before. Donna and Leslie handed out a “fact sheet.” (Attached as Appendix B). There were two conflicts between students from a Hispanic group and a Black group, that escalating over the week. There was no inter-racial conflict between the groups but conflict between a couple of member of each group respectively. There was no physical altercation, but the students would not disassemble when asked to do so. No students were injured. There was a rumor of a lock down, which in fact did not occur. The students were kept longer in certain classes because of the testing that occurred that day. The students that were involved in the altercation were identified and dealt with. There was a separate incident in which a call made to the school indicated a student had a knife, which was investigated and possession of a pocket-knife was confirmed. The student was secured, but there remained a heightened sense of insecurity. Donna and her staff held meetings over the weekend and there were no further incidents on the following Monday. Unfortunately, rumors have stimulated speculation that there were racial motivations for the conflict. Students involved directly or indirectly were disciplined as determined appropriate. Additional rumors are anticipated but Donna feels that her and her staff are prepared to respond to any situations that may arise.
There will be a community meeting on May 12, 2004 which will include attendance by district officials. Leslie McDonald also reported that there was an informal meeting of concerned parents. The discussion was to inform them of the situation and listen to concerns. Some recommendations surfaced (e.g., connecting more with students, peer mediation, among others). Als that the community wants to know what is going on. There is a commitment to responding to this need, as well as school accountability. The floor was then opened for communication of individual concerns.
Regarding budget issues, Donna has not received budget information. She anticipates that reductions may occur in custodial services and supplies.
Jeff Thomas reported that the projects are moving forward with some minimal issues to resolve.
Coach Pisapia reported the school is coming to a close on spring sports and CIF playoffs are in progress. Coach Pisapia also reported on the new designation of coaches for next year and also the level of commitment of the athletic department to succeed.
Denise Stevens reported that items have been provided to administration for inclusion in registration packet. Betty King was introduced as the Denise’s co-chairperson for next year. Mike commended Denise for a job well done.
Dinner Auction Report
Lori Olsen reported that the Auction went well and although she has not received the final numbers, she understands that approximately $23,000 was raised.
Grant Committee Report
Don Dakin provided a spreadsheet of Spring 2003/2004 Grant Requests (See Appendix C) and provided explanations for particular items in which comments were indicated. Don submitted that $8,450.50 be approved for disbursement. A motion was made by Lee Vanderhurst, and seconded by Sue McBeth, to approve the grants recommended, was voted on and unanimously approved.
Buick Invitational Golf Tournament
Doug Sommer reported that approximately $6,300 was raised and distributed to the six sports that participated. Doug thinks that more sports could have participated and is hopeful for more activity next year.
Sue Sommer provided a written report (See Appendix D), in Steve Clark’s absence, as well as explanation of general balances. A motion was made by Mike McBeth, seconded by Denise Stevens, to approve the report as submitted, was voted on and unanimously approved.
Special Projects
Mike Kosty presented a report regarding the replacement of the current marquee with an electronic marquee, as well as a mock up (See Appendix E), and description of the scope of use and range of bids. Discussion occurred of pros and cons. Overall discussion was positive in terms of interest. Donna Summerville wants to investigate school policies regarding the content requirements, etc. It was discovered that there might be an in-house district request for a marquee also. Jeff Thomas will find out the status of that request. A new marquee may also present some maintenance issues. Additional concerns were raised. A subcommittee of volunteers (Mike Kosty, Frank DeBaca, Rob Wright, Jeff Thomas) will provide further information at the next meeting if possible.
Web Master Report
Larry Michalec reported that 8 dinner reservations and 6 opportunity tickets were sold on the website. Larry introduced the new webmaster for next year, Barbara Lefkarites.
Sports and Activity Awards
The next Sports and Activities Recognition Night is 05/26/2004. Jayme Bouman reported that pictures must be submitted by May 12th.
Teachers’ Report/Athletic Director Report
Coach Pisapia reported that teachers and staff who attended Foundation auction really enjoyed it. He also reported that there are a number of athletic scholarships being accepted by Serra students.. There have been articles in news recently regarding student athletes from Serra. He noted that teachers are interacting more with student due to the difficult days of late. The new scorers table and chairs approved by Board will be arriving soon.
Publicity Report
Billye Sue Dobosz was not present to report.
Fundraising & Tierrasanta Recreation Center Report
Linda Juhasz reported on possible additional sources of funds from Recreation Council and TRY. Linda also reported that the Albertsons Preferred Card should be linked with Community Partners. A flyer (See Appendix F) was provided.
New Business
None.
Adjourn
Vice President Mike Kosty adjourned the meeting at 8:45 p.m. Next meeting will be the Foundation Board Transition Dinner on Wednesday, June 2, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. at Andiamo Restorante Italiano.