Serra High School Foundation

Minutes of Board Meeting

November 3, 2004

Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by President Frank DeBaca at 6:35 p.m.  Attendees are listed in attached sign-in sheet.

Secretary’s Report

The minutes of the October 7, 2004 Foundation Board meeting (attached as Appendix A) were reviewed.  A motion was made by Mike Kosty to approve the minutes with corrections to name spellings, seconded by Denise Stevens, voted on and unanimously approved. 

President’s Report 

§         Teacher/Staff Breakfast

Frank talked about the positive comments made by teachers and staff regarding the breakfast.  Frank thanked the persons who assisted in the preparation and serving.

§         Membership Party

Kim Gotfredson reported that the membership party was well attended and went great.

§         Corner project

Frank reported there seems to be some confusion regarding financial responsibility.  There will be continued efforts to resolve, although maintenance may end up being the Foundation’s responsibility.  There is no strong sense about whether the ballot measure will go through favorably.

§         Thank You’s

Frank shared thank you notes from the band, the yearbook group and Leslie MacDonald.

§         Serra Scholarship Fundraiser by Kiwanis Club

Frank reported that the Tierrasanta Kiwanis Club is having a fundraiser for their Serra scholarship awards on November 18, 2004.  Frank encouraged board members to attend.  Flyer presented (attached as Appendix C).

 

Treasurer's Report

Cathy Lajarraga provided a written Treasurers report (attached as Appendix B).  Cathy mentioned that there are a couple of officer signatures that are needed.  Denise Stevens mentioned that the Snack Bar funds have not been deposited.  We are appearing to gross about $1,000 per game from the football snackbar.  A motion to approve the treasurer’s written report as submitted was made by Peter Duncan, seconded by Lee Vanderhurst, voted on and unanimously approved.

Principal’s Report

Donna Summerville also expressed huge appreciation for the staff breakfast, as well as the commitment.  Enrollment is about 2000 students which is less than what was expected.  Grades recently went out.  Homecoming is this Friday, with the dance on Saturday night.  Donna indicated that she is humbled by committed and energetic teachers and staff.  She looks forward to continuing the joint efforts.

School Operations Report

Jeff Thomas reported that a project manager has been assigned to the “message center” that will replace the Serra sign.  Donna Somerville, the project manager and Jeff checked the electrical box, which appears to be functioning fine however, there may be some question whether there is an adequate electrical supply.  No time frame has yet been established for installation.

Jeff also reported on the piloting of “Parent Connect.”  There are some legal issues, but the program is expected to be online soon.  He hopes to begin the program by the first of the calendar year.

There was a further discussion regarding the architects who will be preparing concept drawings for the possible updating of the front of the school.

Membership Report

Denise Stevens reported that we are down in dollars this year as reflected in a summary chart she prepared (attached as Appendix D).  Membership is about the same.  There is a small response to continued efforts at for additional membership at various sites, e.g., snack bars and open houses.  Denise will be applying to the recycling program.  Kim Gotfredson again reported that the membership party will be great.

Grant Committee Report

Brian Basteyns attended the meeting to discuss his request for funds to purchase football uniforms in the amount of $4,500, for next year.  The Booster Club has raised some of funds necessary.  Al Siewertsen (President) and Steven Cortez (VP) from the Booster Club made a presentation.  They hope that the Foundation can help in the amount of $3,500.  Discussion from floor occurred in the Q & A portion.  Motion for $2,000 with encouragement for participation in Foundation membership made by Linda Juhasz and seconded by Susan Duree, was voted on and unanimously approved. 

Dinner Auction Report

Susan Whitacre suggested that the Football Booster Club should donate a basket for the auction.  November 8 will be the first official planning meeting for the dinner auction.  The committee is looking at different alternatives in venues and presentation for this year’s event.  There is a set date for the Town & Country.  A clipboard was sent around to get more suggestions.

Special Projects Report

Rob Wright was unavailable for the meeting tonight and hopefully will provide an update at the next meeting.  Frank reiterated the summary of the architects that are being approached for conceptual ideas for the school update.  Mike Kosty also voiced additional thoughts regarding membership donation designations, which may be counter-productive to the grant process.  He invited discussion regarding the efficiency of this practice.

Serra Science Administrator Report

Eric Burtson made a presentation regarding his work at Serra.  He reported the FOCUS is a priority.  There is also a new math administrator and a new curriculum.  The curriculum is based upon an inverted sequence – e.g., freshman are learning physics first, it is inquiry and theme based.  Chemistry curriculum also is them based.  There is a human approach to biology.  Mr. Burtson showed an example that he thought was reflective of true “rocket science.”  Questions were entertained, such as City-wide Science Fair.

Web Master Report

Barbara Lefkarites reported that she now has link for agendas and minutes.  Barbara was asking for contributions.

Athletic Director’s Report

Coach Pisapia reported that the water polo team won league, varsity football, girls field hockey and girls volley ball is wrapping up for season with playoffs looming.  Winter sports will be coming up in November.  The Boys and Girls Basketball schedule is on the website.  The Tierrasanta Pool will remain open, which is great news for the girls water polo team.  Thank you to Mike Kosty for hosting a meeting with Jim Madaffer to bring issue to light.  Coach Pisapia also reported field issues that will impact track season.  CIF recruiting night had a good attendance.  Basketball snack bar presents a new challenge, but we were able to get volunteers. In December, we will host at least one CIF football playoff game.

Football Snackbar Report

Christine Eden not available for report but sent Denise Stevens with some information about activity and status.

Sports and Activity Recognition Night

Carole Lebuda reported that the first Sports and Activities Recognition Night for the Fall Sports will take place in December 1st at 6:30 pm. 

Publicity Report

Billye Sue Dobosz was not present to report.

Teachers Report

Carlie Spears reported that “Late Start” on Tuesdays is a good change.  Teachers are collaborating and having more interaction.  The weight room which was funded from a $50K donation by Chargers is getting better and better.  It will be an ongoing process.  This will benefit PE and all athletics.  She will be sending out an email encouraging teachers and staff to contribute to the Foundation through membership.  Carlie reported that a mural concept for the weight room is in progress depicting all Serra Sports.  The Art department is considering working on the mural as an ongoing project.


Corporate Fundraising & Tierrasanta Recreation Center Report

Linda Juhasz did a presentation for schoolpop.com.  This is a purchase based site in which some of the proceeds go to Serra Foundation.  The amount the foundation receives will depend upon each particular vendor.

New Business

Adjourn

President Frank DeBaca adjourned the business meeting at 8:50 p.m.  Next meeting will be on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the school media center.