Coalition for Glen Cove

 

Minutes
Coalition for Glen Cove Meeting
Monday - November 3, 2003 at 7:30PM at St. Paul's Episcopal Church

Maria Reyes discussed the invitation extended to Ed Thomas to be a guest speaker at a Coalition meeting.  Mr. Thomas will be asked to speak later in the year.

Donald Scarl brought up the issue of teaming at the high school and the ensuing parental concerns of tracking students.  Maria Reyes suggested asking 9th grade teachers, such as Charlotte Lowy, to attend a Coalition meeting to discuss their point of view on teaming.

Donald Scarl informed the Coalition of the proposition on the agenda for tomorrow’s election.  This proposition is to raise the debt limit of small cities.  It was generally felt to be beneficial to the school district.

Donald Scarl and Janet Bates-Wilkins will be attending the conference at Queens Community College on mandatory testing for high school graduation on November 5th & 6th.  Donald Scarl and Helen Kotzky will be attending the Alliance for Quality Education conference discussing fair distribution of state aid on November 15.

The Coalition voted to take an ad for $50 in the Deasy-Landing Dinner Journal.  Donald Scarl suggested that the Coalition spend $100 to advertise in St. Paul’s monthly newsletter.  The Coalition approved the expenditure.

Helen Kotzky informed the Coalition that James Lethbridge, principal of Finley Middle School, has been invited to speak at the December 1st Coalition meeting.  Maria Reyes will invite Edward Thomas, high school assistant principal, to be a guest speaker in January 2004.  Maria Reyes will also invite Susan Breen, district English coordinator, to be a guest speaker in February 2004.

Helen Kotzky suggested having teachers speak at Board meetings to discuss their programs.  Donald Scarl would like the Coalition to continue interviewing Glen Cove staff, which would be subsequently printed in the local papers.  Mr. Scarl suggests interviewing Mary Berhang, director of physical education and health education, in light of recent events at the Mepham School. Larry Blake was also offered as a possible interview prospect.

Donald Scarl suggested that the Coalition cooperate with the PTA Budget Committee to present ideas to the School Board and the community.

Helen Kotzky expressed her concern of the large class sizes in the Middle and High School.  She discussed this issue with Ed Thomas who informed her that he has already started to solve the problem and continues to address large class sizes.  Ted Holmes suggested that the Coalition could go to the public regarding class sizes.  Donald Scarl continued by adding the need to approach the community with real numbers.

Submitted by – Maria Reyes