Site Council Update

Noticias de la Escuela – February/March 2005

During this month, we are seeking a new group of parents to serve as representatives on the PSI Site Council. This group is a leadership body that serves as an advisory role in school operations. This year, the parent body will elect (4) new parent representatives. In total, SC has (9) elected parents each serving for (2) years. This past year, SC worked on issues including facility planning, school budgeting, school safety, community outreach, and the writing of a new strategic plan for our school.

Self-Nomination Forms and additional information on Site Council is going home in backpacks this Thursday. The forms are due back in your child’s folder by March 18th. A ballot will then be drafted and set out to each household in April. We hope you will carefully consider the possibility of volunteering at PSI in this role.

At our February meeting, our goal for succession was addressed as we identified a Chair-Elect for the school year 2005-2006, as Angie Eilers. Our aim is to have a process of on-going mentorship / leadership / consultant for our parent leaders so we are continuously putting our best foot forward and progressing as we assistant the students at PSI.

We also reviewed the following topics:
Community Service and PSI’s contributions
Facility Space needs for 2005-2006
Enrollment outcome for 2005-2006
International Baccalaureate training in the district
Spanish Assessments at PSI

Much time was spent on Budget discussion with Director of Business Affairs, Jeff Priess, present for Q&A and a district financial presentation. Many questions were raised and SC voiced detailed concerns regarding the proposed budget cuts our district is facing.

Site Council and PTO launched a Legislative Letter-Writing Campaign that was conducted at the conclusion of the Budget Package Presentation portion of the meeting. All parents are encouraged to write our legislative body and make it clear to them that public education has been under-valued far too long. Please use the information provided in this newsletter and make time to contact them today.

A copy of the minutes from our February 24 meeting are available in the SC Notebook located in the school office.

Our next meeting is scheduled for March 31st.

Rachel Richardson
PSI SC Chair 2004-05
rrichardson8@mn.rr.com