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Hillsdale High School (HHS)
Parent, Teacher, Student Organization (PTSO)
Monday, March 10, 2008
6:30 pm at Hillsdale — Rm. 119/110

Board and Faculty Attendees:  Carol Spillman Rogge, Lois Darbonne, Teresa Gebler, Toni Johnson, Pam Hansson, Jeff Gilbert, Lisa Souther, Joanne Fiorucci, Deb Stucke, Denise Kubick, Leslie Levy, Nancy Venezia

Welcome & Pledge of Allegiance - Meeting called to order by Lois Darbonne, President, at 6:36 pm

Approval of Minutes – Carol Spillman Rogge, Secretary 
Minutes from the last PTSO Business and Program meeting (February 11, 2007) were presented and it was MSP (Moved, Seconded, Passed) to approve the minutes as presented. Votes: All Ayes. Motion carried.

Principals’ Report – Jeff Gilbert, Lead Principal
District Funding News: At last Thursday’s District Board meeting it was announced that $39.96 million dollars is slated for renovations at HHS, in addition to $6 million for field renovations.  The 1st project is for heating and cooling for all rooms except the administration building, which was already completed.  The overall funding amount went up from earlier estimates, after the new contractor toured the school and determined the extent of the need. In the gym, renovations include; replacement of old lockers and remodel of a portion to make new wrestling/dance rooms.  We will deal with the details later in negotiations with the contractor.  The HHS Administration will try to get the most for the money. The HHS football field renovations will happen before school starts next year, with an additional $1.4 million slated for pool improvements.   Another bonus with the measure M bond funding is that although it is a narrowly defined bond measure, Dr. Miller has been successful negotiating the terminology to include more items/projects.   A summary of the current renovation budget and dates for HHS:

            Gym, Wrestling and Dance renovation             Jun 2009            $4.88M
            HVAC Piping and controls            Jun 2009            $5.95M
            Industrial Arts and Cafeteria            Jun 2011            $9.44 M
            Theater Renovation (Small and large)            Jun 2011            $15.52M
            Civil Improvement Projects            Jun 2011            $4.17M
                        Total            $39.96M

At the District’s March 13th meeting the Board voted to accept a significant increase in facility usage fees, especially for fields and gyms. Discussion followed about the impact of the increased fees on usage amounts and whether any new monies will come of them.   A handout was circulated of the HHS funding and project descriptions (see above) and SMUHSD Facilities Use Schedule. The board approval of the fee structure does allow some room for future negotiations, and the district has reported a 10% discount for non-profits and 20% for non-profits benefiting children.
By April, HHS should have in place about $75,000 worth of technology replacements: two computer labs worth.  In 2012 or 2013, we can do it again.  This will give computers to teachers to allow for an updated grading/attendance system.  In addition, a $25,000 Gates Settlement will also be spent on technology.
School News:  During the weeks of April 7th – 24th (3 weeks), HHS has scheduled long blocks for star testing days on Mon., Tues. Weds. and Thurs. Fridays will be regular schedule.
It appears that HHS enrollment numbers may be up for next year.  There will be an Administrative position open for next year, when Brett Stevenson moves back to Dean.  HHS has received approximately 50 applicants for the posting, with a number who look promising.  Interviews will happen in April and parent representation is needed. 
Additionally, Hillsdale Senior Jasmine Nachtigall went to Sacramento with Mr. Gilbert and her family as the only district winner of the Governor’s Award. There was a story about her in the Examiner today.  

Fundraising Report – Teresa Gebler, Vice President – Ways & Means
The AKOTT Leap Into the Knight fundraiser may have raised a possible $22,000 after expenses.  However, this amount will be split with more groups this year. Potentially $4,000 - $5,000 per group.  The event was a lot of fun. One hundred and fifty (150) people attended. And thank you to all those who helped.  Steve Baccei, Pres. Athletic Boosters, and The Wrightson’s (parents of former students) did a great job on the raffles.  The committee still has some follow up items to complete – thanks you’s to donors, final accounting, tie up loose ends, etc. The committee will be posting a list of donors to on the website soon. At next month’s PTSO meeting, they will bring the final report and numbers. 

Treasurer’s Report – Toni Johnson, Treasurer
The PTSO account has earned 0.67 cents in interest for this month.  General discussion of planned expenditures for student enrichment grants ($3,000) So far have only given out $500. We have budgeted to raise AKOTT funds of $7,000 and only have $1,600 so far.  Annette Schendel, Committee chair, has volunteered to cover the costs for the Outstanding Service Awards Event and plaques/gifts.  All HHS student clubs need to come forward and notify the PTSO if they have a financial need for this year.  Questions directed to Jeff Gilbert - Are there any technology needs?  Apparently, the LCD projectors may come out of a Gates grant settlement.  Any overhead projectors needs?  Can they be replaced with other funds?  PTSO has budgeted $2,500 for Technology needs.  The Library still has $1,000 budgeted.  Please let PTSO know if this money will be requested.

There was also a Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report as presented.  It was MSP (Moved, Seconded, Passed) to approve. Votes: All Ayes. Motion carried.

President’s Report – Lois Darbonne, President
 Lois attended the District Joint President’s Meeting where the following was discussed:  An unfortunate incident at Mills HS where a teacher placed a camera in the girl’s locker room. Superintendent, Dr. Miller, stated that they are really going after this person.  This situation has been handled.  The district has begun the bargaining agreements process with the teachers for next year and they are expecting positive negotiations.  Regarding the CA budget and the impact on schools – Dr. Miller assures that there will be no teachers layoffs at the beginning of the school year. He passed along the fact that CA is ranked the 19th state as taxes go, but 49th in funding for schools. 
Lois expressed her thanks to Teresa, Mickie, and Carol for a wonderful job on the AKOTT fundraiser.

Programs Report – Nancy Venecia, VP Programs -
The program being considered for the next meeting is a possible Smaller Learning Communities program with a focus on the juniors and seniors’ curriculum/houses for next year.    

Membership Report – Denise Kubick, VP Membership –
No report, but did ask for donations on behalf of Lisa Souther to the teachers’ small gift for this month of March.

Booster Club Reports – (as needed)           
Drama:  Not in Attendance. 
Music:  Leslie Parent, President – In district wide honor concert was wonderful with 260 kids participating including; Choir, jazz band, string orchestra, and full concert band. HHS music department is putting on a Pops concert Weds, March 19 in the big theater.  Tickets for the evening are $10.00/adults and $5.00 for seniors and student, under high school age children are free.
Athletic:  Not in Attendance.
Dance:  Not in attendance.

Student Report – Not in attendance 
Lois mentioned that there would be a fundraiser for the Jr.s and Sr.s – a spaghetti dinner. Thurs., March 13th. There is information on Schoolloop.  They will try to get a “dialer” call out about it.

Teacher Rep. Report – Debra Stucke, Marrakech / Mathematics –
HHS Open house is Thurs. night March 20th. Marrakech is having a dessert potluck.  Other houses may do having similar events.  The Cheerleaders placed first at national competition. Marrakech freshman will be going on their annual field trip to the Tech Museum.

Old Business
Presentation of New HHS PTSO Board Slate for 2008 – 2009 school year by Pam Hansson, Parliamentarian.  The Slate is as follows:
            President            Lois Darbonne
            1st Vice President (Programs)            Toni Johnson
            2nd Vice President (Ways & Means)            Lisa Souther
            3rd Vice President (Membership)            Denise Kubick
            Secretary            Carol Spillman Rogge
            Treasurer            Mickie Reimers
            Auditor            Pam Hansson
            Historian            Joanne Fiorucci
            Parliamentarian            OPEN           
The Slate will be presented and voted on at next month’s meeting.  Anyone who would like to fill the open position, please contacting Pam directly  at pam.hansson@stanford.edu or 572-8076.

New Business
Formation of the Scholarship committee for awards to graduating seniors.  The PTSO gives five, $300 awards. Mrs. Merport of the Career Center organizes and gives the applications out to the students.   Volunteers to serve on the committee to include; Pam, Katey Bielagus, Joanne, and Toni.
The Teacher/Staff Wish List committee will be formed next month.
The PTSO and administration need to set a date for the Teacher/Staff Appreciation Luncheon at the end of April / early May (preferably after STAR testing, but before AP testing on a minimum day if possible).  Jeff and Lisa to coordinate.  

Business Meeting Adjourned at 7:10 pm

Presentation of the HHS PTSO Outstanding Service Awards followed at 7:30 pm.

Next PTSO Business Meeting:  Monday, April 14, 2008, 6:30 pm, Possible Program: Smaller Learning Communities 7:15 pm, Room TBA

Respectfully submitted:
Carol Spillman Rogge, Recording Secretary
c.spillman@comcast.net