Malibu High School General Association Meeting

January 21, 2005

Nancy Bishop called the meeting to order at 7:15PM

The minutes were approved with one correction. Gifts in kind are federally tax-exempt.

Mark Kelly – Principal’s Report. Dr Kelly explained that a “coffee meeting” was held with 6^th grade parents prior to the PTSA meeting, so there could be more dialogue with incoming families. It was a questions and answers format. He would like to do it again as it seemed very beneficial. He stated he is always willing to discuss what is happening in the school.

Finals next week. Minimum days on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Already looking into next fall, discussing with department chairs and finding out what the students will be taking so as to be able to make scheduling decisions and work on class size.

Following Monday Pupil Free Day

On February 1^st, the 10^th graders will be taking the California High School Exit Exam. The students took a pretest. A significant portion passed. Some students who, with a little extra help, could pass have been sent letters offering tutoring to enable them to be successful.

State Funding is not good. We are fortunate to have the Shark Fund to pick up the slack. Dr. Cathy Wisnicki is our representive on the District PTA Council. If you would like to get involved please call her. ( See the MHS Directory)

SMC duel Enrollment now underway for 9^th, -12^th grades.

No ipods in school please. They will be confiscated and returned to parents.

Counselors talking to 9^th graders about what they need for college.

Sat results have been presented.

Seniors who have exceeded their 15-day allocation do have an opportunity to recover these hours.

District Risk Management will access our traffic arrangements. Our security cannot direct traffic, as they have not been trained. Student drivers need to drive safer.

Will try to organize schedules for early outs for sports/AP classes next fall but it is a difficult problem because we do need to use the 6 periods.

Some classes with low enrollments are the cause of why other classes have to be larger. Dr. Kelly is looking at a more equitable solution for the future.

Block scheduling needs a 70% faculty vote. Two years ago it missed by five votes. It was discussed again in December. It will not be happening next fall.

A Seventh Period option was discussed.

Letter to Editor in local newspapers criticising the school was discussed. Dr. Kelly felt it was up to the individual to come to his or her own conclusions. Some staff felt hurt because of all the effort they have put into the school.

Instrumental strings teacher is out on maternity leave but will be returning in March. They have been unable to replace her in the interim.

Cathy Egner- Treasurer. Report presented.

Checks to ratify were presented. Motion proposed, seconded and passed unanimously.

Audit submitted (See attached)

Grant proposal presented. (See attached) Motion proposed, seconded and passed unanimously.

Gift tax exemptions. All the schools have submitted a list of what will and will not be exempt. The district has not approved this yet.

To plan for the future Cathy has prepared the MHS PTSA Gift Tax Breakdown.

(See gift tax breakdown attached) Gift tax will be determined on how we continue to spend money.

Brigitte Hanson- 4^th V.P. Bridget continues to encourage everyone to sign up for eScrip. It is very easy. Log onto www.escrip.com. Every time you use your credit cards debit cards, ATM cards, the school gets money. School gets a check every quarter. All you have to do is sign up. Only 40 people have signed up so far. If you need help or have questions please call Brigitte.

Laura Rosenthal for the Shark Fund. Donations to the shark fund are down. There are a lot of reasons but the bottom line is that with the new State Budget we need all the donations we can get. Last year 50% participated, this year 40% have participated so far. The Shark Fund is aiming for 100%. Please help.

The Shark Fund has taken these actions to increase donations, notified non-donors by letter, handed out envelops, will be asking those who have already given to dig deeper. You may download donation forms from the MHS website.

Mary Ellen Sherry-Lockers. Survey of the high school students was done to see if they really need lockers and the result was yes. Unfortunately with the money situation it is probable not feasible right now. The meeting discussed alternate means of how to come up with the money. (Complete details of the survey are posted on MHS website)

Nancy Bishop- New business. We are looking for a new volunteer leader for Parent Eyes. Many thanks to Terah Tidy who founded Parent Eyes. Volunteers are already signed up.

All parents are encourage to drop by the school any they can and most especially at lunchtime and nutrition breaks. The students are less likely to litter so on if a parent is watching.

Heather Anderson – Eight Grade Promotion Party had their first meeting. Next meeting will be February 17^th.

Meeting Adjourned at 8:55

Respectfully Submitted

Fiona Corrigan