Mystic Middle School SBIT Meeting

October 9, 2007

5:30 PM

Library Media Center

Present: S. Thomas, J. Bausch, N. Denard, M. Nolan, K. Derry, S. Lyon, D. Cooley, L. Hartnett, L. Masterjoseph, C. Floyd is a new SBIT member and G. McDonald is selected to be the BOE representative. No visitors were present.

The meeting came to order at 5:30pm.

The September minutes were confusing in parts. Also, it was brought up that other SBITs do not use names in the discussion part of the meeting. It was decided however that our group would leave the minutes as is. Susan will make the amendments discussed and email the new minutes out.

I. Review of SBIT Rules

Questions were raised about the makeup of the members of the team. LeeAnn stated that the member positions in the by-laws are the optimum but not required. Laurie commented that the obligation of communication to the rest of the staff should or could be specifically in the by-laws. It was stated that communication is important, however it is the decision of each SBIT how to relay information and does not need to be in the by-laws. Natalie made a motion to approve the by-laws as is, Jen seconded and the by-laws were passed unanimously.

II. Decision on SBIT ’06 Final Proposal

Once again the SBIT set its goal to improve the MMS After-School programs. Additional funding was requested once again. We tried to compare our limited funding to the expansive and ever growing SHS budget. We even tried to compare our number to PMS. There were no funds available. The recommendation of the committee and SBIT was to evaluate current programs and look at student needs. SBIT then approved the following realignment of activities to create more funding.

1. Combine 5/6 Drama and 7/8 Drama into one full year Drama Club.

2. Combine Newspaper and Public Speaking to one full year activity called Communications.

This will allow the addition of four half year programs to be offered. It was recommended that Staff interested in doing a program present it when we return for the 2007/2008 school year. SBIT will continue to request addition al funding and work to improve our after school programs.

Stafford reviewed the issue that was discussed last meeting and spoke about the process needed to approve the proposal. Denise brought the proposal to the executive board last month and talked about how to rename clubs or reallocate funds. Monies are not changing so a MOA (memorandum of agreement) is not needed. Stafford excused himself so as to not unfairly sway the groups opinions and the remainder of the SBIT discussed two options. 1.) Move forward with the proposal from last year as written or 2). Drop the issue altogether. Once Stafford left, discussion took place. Denise made a motion to accept last year’s SBIT proposal as it stands. Kathleen seconded. The motion was passed with one nay, and the co-chairs of the SBIT asked Stafford to move the proposal forward to Mr. McKee. Denise will reword the club names and bring it to the executive board. Criteria for the ½ year programs will be developed in the future.

III. YMCA-MMS collaboration

The Mystic YMCA is trying to open up a teen center at their facility. They subscribe to an on-line survey to assess student needs and interests. A partnership could be established for students to participate in, both at the YMCA or the school. Lee Ann questioned whether or not a fee would be associated with the activities and if the BOE would need to approve the on-line survey. Stafford responded that the survey would be developed here, but he would check with Mr. McKee before any polling took place. Laurie asked about accountability (goals and accomplishments) for the clubs and some discussion took place.

Citizen’s Correspondence

None

SBIT Liaison Reports

SBIT reports are available online.

Agenda for November 13^th SBIT Meeting

The agenda for the November 13^th meeting was not set tonight.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:53pm

Respectfully submitted

Susan Lyon

DRAFT 9 October 2007