Hillside PTA/SATp Meeting*
March 13, 2020
9:30 a.m.
*Meeting held via conference call due to school closure today for professional development related to the evolving COVID-19 situation
Call to Order – Brian Fleischer called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.
Minutes from the February meeting will be reviewed and approved at a later date so that everyone can have a chance to review.
Treasurer’s Report – Derick said the biggest change for last month, winter explorers’ registrations complete, expenses still being recorded. YTD net profit is $20,500. Reviewed bank balances.
Brian provided an update about collection of questions and concerns from parents and summarize by the end of today and send to Dr. Anglin and Mr. Adamo. Will also share any districtwide questions through PTAC or to Superintendent directly. Email questions directly to Brian at the PTA email address. Encourages everyone to join the Facebook group as well for quick updates and additional information sharing.
Hillside kids were encouraged to bring all of their items home yesterday. Brian summarized questions he’s received so far:
- Staff member who splits time between Hillside and Glenfield – did this person test positive? If so, will we be alerted if so, and will we be able to be tested?
- How will technology survey results be shared and how will the district handle technology for students without at home?
- Kimya – points from Dr. Anglin – decision to close schools has not been made yet. The CDC will take 5 to 7 days to test the staff member and those results are not yet available. If schools are closed, very specific instructions will be sent to parents and teachers will be conducting virtual learning.
- Will students be required to attend virtual learning all at the same time? What if there is one device that needs to be shared?
- Will virtual school days be tracked and will it be applied to 180 days of instruction.
- Will students who are on free and reduced lunch be able to continue to get food during a prolonged school closure? Brian will try to get some answer from school district. Parent help with this?
- Jennifer mentioned Toni’s Kitchen mobilization if necessary for the backpack program. Kimya shared what Dr. Anglin shared with her that the district is planning to assist with technology and food to students in need. We should wait for word from the district.
Live Stream of Annie last night and Wednesday…..Brian discussed how uplifting it was.
All upcoming events are in doubt. Quick run-down. Holly – some of the ones that are later we could wait – Hillsidepalooza and Science Day. Tech Day should be postponed? Kimya says as of earlier this week, Dr. Anglin was not inclined to cancel it because it’s for adults? Jennifer mentioned that she has heard that events that are in school buildings and include non-essential adults will not go on. We need clarification from district on policy. It’s difficult to say when we would even postpone things to at this point. Keep planning for some of the further out events and see how everything unfolds. Arts and crafts fair – biggest concern is that we have to take money from vendors. If we take payments via credit card and then we would lose money if we refund. Also, guidance from township, county, etc. that may prevent gatherings of this size.
Other events: Nishuane tours and visitation day, Field Day, Moving Up ceremony, 5th grade picnic.
Lessons learned from school tours – Holly gave a brief report. Virtual tours possible for elementary and middle schools? Some of them were canceled.
District Operating Budget – Brian provided a brief update on the budget process. March 16th board of education meeting they will pass the proposed budget. Third time for review is March 31st, which is when they adopt the budget and enact the tax levy. Concerns from a Hillside perspective – 175 5th grade cohort is going up to the middle school this year. Nishuane’s 2nd grade cohort is 100 right now. Next year, this will reduce the number of 3rd graders at Hillside barring large numbers of kids transferring over or moving to the district. This could equate to cuts at Hillside. The assistant principal position could be cut in addition to homeroom teachers and related arts teachers.
Projected districtwide cut for paraprofessionals. Eliminates positions of Student Equity Advocate (role to be shared by other professionals) but adds a Director of Elementary Instruction.
They also indicated that they cut over ½ million dollars from transportation budget by consolidating existing bus routes.
District Capital Budget – Brian reviews capital process. District likely needs about $9 million in capital maintenance and upgrades per year but has been getting about $2 million per year. Current plan focuses asks in a very limited way and specific to masonry repairs.
Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 a.m.
Attendees:
Jennifer Brown
Brian Fleischer
Susan Gardner
Derick Deysel
Betty Shvetz
Holly Hahn
Kimya Nilsen
Erin Walter
Erika Mitchell
Larry Liermann
Heather Zusman
Allison Silverstein
Kellie Atkins
Justin Taylor
Diane Noerpel Tehranian