Campus School - The University of Memphis

SAC Board Meeting Minutes May 12, 2005

Outgoing Board President Remarks
Mary Honey thanked the SAC board and introduced the Board for next year, including Melissa Pearce, President; Amy Mulroy, Vice-President; Mary O’Kelly and Kim Johnson, Treasurers; and Lee Meyers, Secretary. Mary Also identified next year’s chairs and co-chairs for the various SAC events and responsibilities. Some slots are still open.

Survey Results
Amy Mulroy reported the SAC survey results. The SAC Board has been considering a few changes and wanted to get parental input. The complete survey report is available in the SAC folder in the office for any parent who would like to review it. We received 55 surveys (about 1 out of 7 returned). While a majority of surveys were supportive of SAC, some had specific questions and suggestions. Many of the questions were in regard to SAC fundraisers, use of SAC profits, and future goals. The main lesson learned from the surveys is that the SAC Board needs to keep parents better informed. Based on the surveys, 3/4ths of parents favored a newsletter and email. Next year, SAC will distribute a newsletter and calendar on a regular basis, either weekly or monthly. We'll also try to get as many email addresses as possible. We'll also try to have more SAC meetings, possibly 2 or 3 per semester, if attendance warrants it. Finally, twice as many parents favor the current method of selecting the Board members rather than holding an election. Board members are selected in the spring, because they need to start planning for the next year and some work is done over the summer. They are generally selected from people who are involved with SAC activities, voice an interest in being a Board member, or are recommended by teachers. Amy noted that any interested parents should let a SAC board member know during the school year. She also pointed out that all parents are invited to SAC board meetings, the times of which will be well publicized.

SAC Finances
Incoming president Melissa Pearce gave the year-end SAC financial report. SAC’s purchase of Smart Boards last year depleted all of SAC’s funds, so the financial goal for the 2004-2005 school year was to rebuild SAC’s finances for 2005-2006 and the future. SAC has been given a list of needed items from Dr. Copeland and the faculty, and more are expected. The SAC board and interested members will work with Dr. Copeland and the teachers to prioritize the list and proceed with purchases. Melissa encouraged parents to continue working on fundraising over the summer through programs such as Box Tops for Education, Campbell’s Soup and Tyson labels.

During this school year, SAC raised a total of nearly $22,000, net of expenses, broken down as follows:

SAC Membership Drive
Fall Fest
Cookie Dough Sale
Holiday Fair
Hat Day
Book Fair
Skate Nights ($600 each)
Spring Fling

$4,500
$4,500
$6,000
$ 200
$ 180
$2,100
$1,800
$2,557

The SAC board will review the calendar for next year to see if there is a way to pace the fundraising calendar to space the events out better.

School Finances
Dr. Copeland reported that, in addition to SAC’s fundraising efforts, Campus teachers raised approximately $11,451 through the following fundraisers.

Fall Wrapping Paper Sale
Used Toner Cartridges
Box Tops
Art Magnet Sale

$9,215
$ 680
$ 680
$ 870

With these funds, the teachers’ main purchases were a new sound system for the playroom and 16 new computers, software and monitors.

Dr. Copeland also reported on fundraisers that were held to support other organizations. A total of $8890 was raised for the following causes:

Jump Rope for Heart
Change for Charities/Adopt an Angel
Tsunami Relief Fund
Le Bonheur Dress Down Day

$6,500
$ 350
$1,423
$ 618

General Discussion

The floor was opened for discussion and several questions and suggestions were raised. Questions and suggestions as well as responses are listed below:

How can we encourage more parents to be SAC members? Responses:
- Let parents know that any amount of donation is allowable for SAC membership, no matter how small.
- Each involved parent should network with other parents to encourage their donation during the membership campaign and participation throughout the school year.
- Use a beginning of the year newsletter to let parents know about the various fundraisers and the ways to become involved.
- Let parents know that it’s not all about fundraising. It’s also about holding events that build a sense of community among Campus students, faculty and parents.
Can we do the wrapping paper sale at another time?
- Dr. Copeland reported that the various events are timed to coincide with nationwide seasonal purchase and participation patterns.
Is Campus going to continue to have a 6^th grade?
- Dr. Copeland responded by giving the background on this situation and promising to give parents as much notice as possible if a change is to occur. She noted that approximately 5 years ago the Memphis City Schools decided to make all middle schools include grades 6 through 8. Ridgeway Middle is already a 6-8 school. The largest group of Campus students go to middle school at White Station Middle, and if WSMS opens a 6^th grade it may be hard for Campus to continue with its 6^th grade. Susan is maintaining a regular dialogue with WSMS principal Terry Brown. Mr. Brown reports that WSMS has purchased land and has developed plans to expand to accommodate a 6^th grade, however no approvals from the MCS board has been sought or received and no timeline has been established for construction. Susan promised to keep our children’s best interest at heart and to communicate with parents about this issue. She understands parents’ concerns on this important topic.
Can we establish a standing committee to help with the new teacher interview and selection process?
- Dr. Copeland responded favorably to this idea and through dialogue the suggestion was expanded to the concept of a standing Teacher Liaison committee. Dr. Copeland gave an update on her progress on filling three teacher openings. The initial field of candidates was narrowed to 11, second interviews have been completed and reference checks are ongoing.
How can communication with parents be improved?
- Dr. Copeland will send a newsletter home before the end of the year. She also reported that there is work being done to fix and improve the Campus website. Her goal for the coming year is to focus on improving communication, including implementing the monthly calendar idea and finding a way to encourage more parents to attend meetings.
- Dr. Copeland encouraged all parents to contact her if they hear something that concerns them, if they observe something they don’t like or if something happens that they like a lot. Relationships and communication are the key to making our children’s education work most effectively.
Is Campus going to add a middle school?
- For now, this idea is just a dream. Dr. Copeland stated that she has served on the 5 year planning team for the University College of Education, and a Campus middle school is not part of that plan.
What about a Campus kindergarten?
- This is something that would be considered if the WSMS 6^th grade addition occurred and Campus were forced to eliminate its 6^th grade program. Dr. Copeland would consider what is best for Campus students, and would also communicate with Lipman and St. Luke’s, to discuss any anticipated impact on those schools. She thinks the programs could be complementary and that there would be an important role for all to play.
Will Campus add an aftercare program?
- Rebecca Scott responded by saying that this is something she is looking into. There are pros and cons to all arrangements that are being investigated, including the possibility of a co-op program with an established aftercare provider. More information on this idea will be shared as the assessment is completed.

Awards
Dr. Copeland reported that Campus earned the Greater Memphis Award for Quality Level 3 designation, which is a step up from last year’s Level 2 award. The award represents a lot of work on the part of the faculty. There is one more step that Campus could apply for, the State awards. However, consideration will be given to whether the time involved in the application process would be the best use of time. Regardless, Campus will continue its quest for excellence.