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EAB Meeting Minutes March 25, 2021EDUCATION ADVISORY BOARD MINUTES THURSDAY, MARCH 25, 2021 6:00 PM The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm by Mr. Netto with the following members present: Antonio Netto Tiffany Anderson Sylvie Duerkop Kristin Feuer Patty Walker Daniel Jimenez Absent: Dana Vignale and Leslie Fraser Also present: Ysabely Rodriguez, Village Clerk 1. Public Comments: No public comments were offered. 2. Members introduced themselves since all members were not present at the last meeting. 3. In the telephone conversation which was audible for all members, Ms. Swain shared that there are currently 305 students learning on campus and 304 MSO (My School Online) learners. Due to the fact that so many students are not in the building, she decided not to fully implement the Cambridge curriculum since many students would not benefit from it. She explained that there was a one-day training in the summer of 2020 and it was virtual. She would still like to have the normal two-day training conducted by the Cambridge representatives. 4. She stated that the funding is still available and she has petitioned the District to extend the funds, since the grant expires on June 30, 2022. The District paid $3100 of the $4200 for normal Cambridge fees and would like to take back that payment. Another $1100 to $1200 is still owed. Visits to other Cambridge schools in the county were made in February of 2020. She is hoping she will be able to have training this summer on August 16 and 17, 2021. 5. Ms. Swain does not know if the 2nd year money will be released but she will ask Dr. Rodriguez. She will also send the budget with financial information to Mr. Netto. Mr. Netto suggested that Ms. Swain make a presentation to the Council in a few months. Ms. Swain agreed and would like to invite Dr. Rodriguez to accompany her. It was agreed that one of the May meetings would be desirable since the new Council will be in place. 6. Ms. Swain expressed excitement about the renovation which will begin in June of 2021. Ms. Duerkop commented that she has heard from several parents that they are excited about the changes at MSES and Ms. Duerkop asked if students would be fully on campus and what safety protocols would be observed when the new school year begins. Ms. Swain shared that she does not know at this point. 7. Ms. Walker asked Ms. Swain if we could provide some form of food that could be picked up by teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week using the grant funding from the Community Alliance. Ms. Swain agreed that she has done that in the past and it can be safely implemented. She also added that she includes all staff, not just teachers. Ms. Rodriguez has asked the Community Alliance if the grant money may be extended due to unusual circumstances, but has not received an answer. The board would prefer to do something for the teachers this school year. 8. Mr. Netto asked if the number of students in the school has increased; Ms. Swain said that while about 50 students who were learning online are now on campus, the total number has not changed. They are currently at 89% capacity. 9. More discussion about Cambridge funding ensued, and Ms. Swain said she was told by the Deputy Superintendent that the program was not implemented. Mr. Jimenez asked about the status of the unspent funds. Ms. Swain will try to find out more details about the funding that still exists and how it will be handled. The phone call ended and the board continued discussion. 10. The board discussed the PASS Grant money and reviewed the purchases made for the school. 11. Ms. Walker moved to approve the minutes of the October 22, 2020 meeting, Mr. Jimenez seconded, and the minutes were approved unanimously. 12. It was proposed to buy gift cards for the teachers and staff for Teacher Appreciation. It is hoped we could buy $10.00 gift cards for all. 13. The renovation project was discussed, and Ms. Rodriguez suggested that communication to the community was needed, as residents are inquiring about the scope and details of the project. The board suggested that Ms. Swain include information about the renovation when she presents to the Village Council in May. 14. Mr. Netto shared that he has received approval from Ms. Swain to plant a hedge around the perimeter of the school. It was agreed that the priority would be the east side, then south side, and then north side. The board would like to solicit donations and get community involvement in this project. Clusia was suggested as a possibility. Ms. Walker will see about pricing since her brother is in the wholesale plant business. Ms. Swain did caution Mr. Netto that maintenance on the hedge would be the responsibility of her custodial staff, so the board should consider that when making decisions. The board agreed it would need approximately 500 to 1000 plants, but Mr. Netto will measure to get a more accurate number. 15. The meeting was adjourned at 7:26 p.m. The next meeting is Thursday, April 15, at 6:00 p.m.