In attendance: Lynne Rodrigues, Lori Silvester, Shari Errera,
Lynne Rodrigues called the meeting to order at 9:10am. Lynne explained that several of the board members had sick kids at home and could not attend.
Approval of Minutes
A motion to approve the minutes from the September 16, 2009, meeting was made by Barbara Rosenbaum. Beth Hermann seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion carried.
Principal’s Report
Mrs. Pendred explained that Mr. Hallman was attending a professional development opportunity this morning. Mrs. Pendred advised that when sending an email to Dr. Fowler her name is Krivac-Fowler with initials S L.
She announced that work has started on the back parking lot and sidewalk connecting the lot down to the school. There will be no parking in the upper lot tonight for Open Houses.
Mrs. Pendred explained that last Friday’s in-service with world-renowned education reformer; Dr. William Daggett was a great opportunity for the staff. She commended SVSD for their efforts to move our district forward from good to great.
She thanked PTO, in advance, for all consideration of the "wish list".
Lynne asked Mrs. Pendred to remind all teachers to place funding requests in the specific funding request folder because they are being found in different places throughout the PTO mailbox.
Officer Reports
President’s report
Lynne Rodrigues advised that funding is far off our usual level at this point in the year. She reminded all of some easy ways to participate in fundraising through box tops and Scrip gift card purchase program.
Lynne discussed the future of the Craftival; is it worth continuing the festival portion. The attendance for this year’s event was down, 400 attendees as compared to 700 the previous year. The craft vendor portion of the event makes money but this year, the carnival part did not. There was confusion as to why there were two theme basket raffles, one organized by the teachers and one through PTO. Lori Silvester explained that each raffle had different ticket pricing so they couldn’t be combined.
Vice President’s report
Shari Errera reported that the school store went well, so well that there is a need for more volunteers to help with the crowds. There were several suggestions made for easing the chaos: stagger the times the classes visit the store, add more days, set up additional site to divide up the crowd. All suggestions involve the need for more volunteers.A discussion ensued on how to get more volunteers, including using the help wanted page and utilizing the weekly school email alerts through Mrs. Pendred.
Treasurer’s report
Lori Silvester distributed papers regarding the budget versus actual activity.Lori is requesting a change in the closing date of the books to June 30th. This would need to be reviewed with changes to the by-laws.
Committee reports
Book Fair:
Gina Geronime stated that vouchers were given out to all classroom teachers, including two purpose teachers and learning support. Vouchers will be given to all learning support including Autistic support, speech and language, and specials teachers (music, art and physical education). All the vouchers were purchased from Scholastic bucks earned. Two cash registered were also purchased through the Scholastic catalog making check out much easier.
Fundraising:
Beth Hermann explained that there was no Mega party scheduled because the company for this fundraiser never had a mega party incentive. There were issues with the workers from last year’s party. Beth advised that the profits from the current fundraiser are down from previous years, but it could be more a sign of the economy. She sent around a sign-up sheet for fundraiser distribution help on November 11th.
Shari Errera mentioned that CVE had the same fundraiser, with the same items for sale but prices for items were lower.
Linda O’Connor stated that a questionnaire would be sent home to get feedback on the fundraiser.
Beth announced that the Sarris candy fundraiser information would be distributed separately next week for holiday purchases.
Old Business
Lynne advised everyone that a vote on the proposed by-laws is tabled until November allowing more time to review the by-laws.
Lynne invited Mrs. Pendred to comment on the ECE/ECMS Wish list. Copies of the list were made available with several revisions. Line item 9 moved up to 5. Item one was already approved for $3000 so the $1357.64 overage needs to be approved. Wish list item number 5 was addressed by an offer from Beth Hermann to donate a popcorn machine that she has in duplicate and the offer was graciously accepted. Shari Errera offered to provide popcorn supplies through a donation from her work. Clarification also needs to be made on item number 10 for the correct total price. Mrs. Pendred further clarified that the items on the wish list are prioritized to enhance instruction throughout the building and are things not included in their district budget at this time. Linda O’Connor expressed concern that the fall fundraiser profits are lower than last year. Lori Silvester provided clarification in the budget numbers between carry over monies and current and projected income. Playground equipment was discussed as an item for funding. Lynne Rodrigues suggested focusing the box top and Scrip profits toward that. Mrs. Pendred stated that the black top playground area will be moved to the lower playground and will be painted with lines for various games. Gina Geronime suggested that we consider voting on budget items prior to the start of the year. A motion to approve the entire wish list was made by Diane Kristobak. Verna Tarr seconded the motion. All were in favor. The motion carried.