PTA General Meeting 4/17/18
Jenny Wickum called meeting to order at 7:02pm.
Present: Jenny Wickum, Julie Ebert, Kelly Shulman, Robert Atkinson, Sharon Green, Maria Gauthier, Jaime Cottini, Monica Aldana, Larisa Taylor, Tanya Krause, Derek Timm, Julie Kraft, Cheryl Ruyle, Maren Peduto, Tamar Semerjian, Joyce Masongsongray, and Kerrie Pipal
President’s Welcome (Jenny Wickum)
Jenny Wickum motioned to approve March meeting minutes; Robert Atkinson seconded the motion. Motion passed.
Save Our Schools (Derek Timm/SVEF + Tanya Krause/SVUSD):
Starting a program to share the SVUSD financial picture with various stakeholder groups over the next few weeks. “Save our Schools” (sossv.net) is a new organization starting up (different from SVEF). Derek provided an overview of schools within SVUSD and various awards/honors received; 29
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school district in CA from recent rating. Description of how schools benefit the community at-large (lower crime rates, higher real estate values, various school activities that support/benefit the community, etc.). Problem: revenue issue with CA state funding; few dollars available because it’s based on your district’s demographics. Current SVUSD funding from the State is below 97% K-12 Districts / 9
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lowest out of 344 Districts in CA. CA funding per student is almost dead-last nationwide. Nearly 9 positions will be lost next year in the District (including SVMS Academy reductions and elimination of some SVHS classes). Difficult to replace positions when someone retires or leaves. Have semi-permanently lost positions from past cuts when funds were never restored. District fiscal responsibility – bond measures have expired and SVHS bond refinanced to lower cost for property taxes. Looking at $1 million in potential cuts, which would likely translate to library closures (at all four schools), eliminate counselor positions, eliminate SVMS Academy, possibility of more layoffs/pink slips/etc. How can fundraising help? There’s already a huge fundraising effort happening district-wide; feel like donors may be maxed out. What are the funding options? State funding is insufficient, expenditures are increasing, donations are maxed out, bonds can be used for facilities only. Only solution we are left with is a Parcel Tax. Parcel tax is temporary and funds stay 100% local. Can also be renewed over time. Goals would be to prevent cuts to core programs in STEM and arts in all grades, maintaining reading and writing skills and retaining teachers. Facts: 1) Every penny from this measure will benefit local schools and be controlled locally (not taken away by the state), 2) Senior and disabled exemption exists, 3) Will help fund the basics (reading, writing, math and science), 4) No money can be used for admin salaries, admin, or buildings. Cost would be around $98-149/year (in 2 installments); termed at around 5 years. There will be an independent finance committee to ensure proper spending. Must be passed by 2/3rds (67%) vote; can be difficult to reach, especially in SV. Key will be to educate voters on the financial status of the district and get out the “parent” vote. Parcel tax is in-district only and is only paid by property/parcel owners (not renters). Plan is to have this on the November 2018 ballot. Opportunities exist with Save our Schools to volunteer, assist with educating voters, host meetings, etc. A campaign headquarters will be set-up locally. SVEF gives money to the district (amount/year varies); funds libraries, music, teacher trainings; differences in what they can fund between SVEF and PTA groups. Differences in what PTAs/PTOs, SVEF, and SOSS can fund was also discussed.
Principal’s Update (Julie Ebert):
Read-a-Thon was well-received and the timing was appreciated (before Spring break); agree that not using the RAT organization would work for next year.
Treasurer’s Report (Sharon Green):
Addition of $11k from Read-a-Thon and one more check is coming. Will be reviewing the budget at the next PTA meeting (May). Jenny Wickum motioned to approve expenditures and Robert Atkinson seconded the motion; motion passed.
SVEF Update (Larisa Taylor):
Touch-a-truck event is coming up April 29
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. Tickets are on sale now online; tickets will also be available on the day of the event, but will be slightly more expensive. Petting zoo and a climbing wall included this year. Volunteers are still needed.
Fundraising Update (Jaime Cottini):
Gross proceeds should be $245k this year (exceeded projections); some money still coming in (Read-a-Thon, corporate matching, + sponsorships). Jaime has additional ideas for marketing/school beautification projects; may discuss at May meeting. **
Really needs help with procurement and securing business sponsorships for next year
.** Auction revenue was higher due to lower event/site fees and higher business sponsorships. Addition of a fund-a-need project next year (Brook Knoll raised $40k for one this year)? May work on developing a “need” to fund in future meetings.
Read-a-thon update (Cheryl Ruyle): Worked well to have the Room Parents assisting with signing up class readers; some teachers helped as well. Mrs. Abraham’s class won the popcorn party. Possibility of more sponsorships for next year (as upgraded auction sponsorships).
Spirit Wear (Maren Peduto):
Discussed the possibility of using an order form for spirit wear? Has updated prices based on new bids from a different vendor. Rename spirit wear as “Bear Wear”. School will look into possible redesign of VHS school logo.
PTA Elections/Open Positions (Jenny Wickum):
VP of Membership is open (Dena C. not available), Jenny has offered to remain on as President to provide continuity since Julie Ebert is leaving VH. Treasurer, Auditor (Sharon Green?), Fall Car Raffle, Family Fun Night (maybe), Bake Sale (maybe) positions are open. Jane Alexander has volunteered to serve as the SVEF rep.
Old Business: n/a
New Business: n/a
Next meeting will be May 15, 2018.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm by Jenny Wickum seconded by Monica Aldana.
