Item #

Agenda Topic

Presenter

Item

1.

Adoption of Minutes:

May 22, 2006

R. Akers

Committee reviewed minutes from previous work session held on 4-10-08 and approved them with the following changes.  Staff reduction proposal #3 was edited to include reducing PE by one position due to addition of Science to create a reduction total of 4.  Proposal 3 was edited again to include more instructional time in the core courses as a pro for proposal 3.  Proposal 2 was edited to say that the majority of teachers supported it.  Mrs. Hartsell’s position in support of retaining the French position was also added to position cut discussion.  Council came to consensus in approving minutes with additions and revisions.

2.

Public Participation

Public

Melinda Johnson and another student presented the council with information supporting the retention of the French position.  They felt that the French program should be retained so students would have more language choices and it is a very influential language in the Middle East .

Mrs. Hamilton (Language Department Chair) spoke on behalf of retaining the English position which was cut under proposal 2 from previous work session.   The rationale for retention was to maintain support of the writing coordinator position which enhances and supports the whole writing program at WCHS, as well as, gives the English department more flexibility with there core courses.  She also explained that the writing coordinator works very closely (individually with students) with the HEED and SWS programs. 

Mr. Iglehart (Science Department Chair) presented that the Science department was still in favor of a 4 X 4 schedule due to the desire not to switch schedules again the following year which would be three schedules in three years.  He also thought the Math department could help with the processing of student writing portfolios due to the department not being required to produce portfolio pieces. 

3.

Scheduling

R. Akers

Mr. Akers then presented the numbers for proposal 2 from previous meeting which was to remain on the 4 X 4 schedule and reduce one position in the areas of: English, French, PE, and Famco while adding a Math position.  Mr. Akers explained that the numbers on the sheet were to lowest numbers possible because there would still be some slight increases in elective areas.  The numbers indicated large class sizes across the board with most core classes in the 28-29 range and electives mainly over 30 students each.  Some electives included over 40 students.  Ms. Lusby explained that to create the numbers she examined each students’ course requests and compared that with the available courses.  Mrs. Tincher asked, “Has there been any changes in teacher opinion?”  She was told some and it depends on who you ask.  The discussion then centered on where the students would go in courses that had to be reduced if proposal 2 was approved.  Mr. Wilson then stated he was concerned about 3 schedules in 3 years as was mentioned previously. 

Mr. Akers then asked, “Are we going to stick with the original recommendation?”  He also said no body here wants to cut any position.  Mr. Wilson then asked, “Are we seriously looking at a stop gap year to a new schedule for 2009-2010.  Mr. Akers replied, “Yes, the goal is for the scheduling committee to propose a permanent schedule change for the following year.”  Mrs. Hartsell asked, “If we stay on a 4 X 4 schedule, what happens to the excess kids in overloaded classes?”  Answer was they are dispersed throughout causes other classes to be overloaded. 

Mrs. Holloway then reminded the council that the key was for us all to focus on student achievement with whatever decision we make.  The computer workstations is some classes was then discussed with the conclusion being it would be hard to teacher with more students than workstations.  The council then discussed language credits towards AP.

The council decided to vote for which schedule they would support for the 2008-09 school year.  By a 7 to 3 vote the council decided to change schedules and run the school on a 6 period day. 

Ms. Lusby then went page by page indicating what the numbers would be in each department.  The general rule was core course dropped generally to 26-27 students and electives into the high twenties.  Mr. Akers explained that the 6 period day is not the whole answer but a bridge to a better schedule in the future.  The council discussed the following reductions and additions on a 6 period day.  They are: reduction in Business, Famco , PE , and French with an addition in Science.  Mrs. Hartsell recommended cutting a Spanish position instead of a French position.   

The recommendation for a 2^nd reading of a schedule and position cuts for the 2008-09 school year are as follows:  reduction will occur in Business, Famco , PE , and French and the one addition is a position in Science.  The schedule for 2008-09 will be a 6 period day with the scheduling committee recommending a long term solution by September which addresses student choice and is flexible with staffing cuts. 

4.

Adjourn

R. Akers

Meeting adjourned at 11:10 am by consensus.