January 2011 Meeting Minutes (Final)
CORNELL PTO MINUTES
January 10, 2011
Present: Sally Sproat, Jason Gutting, Margo Devine, Tara Fry, Tammy Deppong, Eric Baldwin, Jamie Baldwin, Tonya VanOrder, Tara Bogle, Kathy Fortin, Cindy Roark, Christopher Iamarino, Jennifer Nevine Lacasse, Ron Lacasse, James Roney, Christine McQuaid, Stacey Tanay, Janet Moore, Bethany Rigg, Sheila Bilby, Donna McInerney, Jeann Wald, Lori Greenberg, Julie Bellinger and Nicki Berridge.
Call to order 7:00 pm
WELCOME AND INTRODUCTIONS
PRESENTATION
Lori Greenberg and Nicki Berridge made a special presentation on our Reading and Intervention program.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion to approve November meeting minutes was made by Jason Gutting seconded by Tammy Deppong Motion carried.
ADDITIONS TO AGENDA
Request to move Boy Scout Pack Recharter to after Treasurer’s Report
Request to add Grade Rep reports, and Hallway Mat funding request
Motion was made by Tara Bogle, seconded Cindy Roark, and carried.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
• Twelve new students have started at Cornell since the winter break.
• A parent survey went out in an email. Some of the questions were: How is the school year going so far, Any suggestions from parents, Communication, and Helping everyone with relationships.
• Encouraged parents to go to the School District Budget Meeting on January 18th. from 7-9pm at Chippewa Senior Center.
• Bucket Fillers assembly is January 25th
• Science Fair is March 1, 2011 from 6-7:30 pm. It's mandatory for the 4th grade but all students are encouraged to participate.
• Eric Staib one of our art teachers is doing a display at the production of SHREK at the Wharton Center. His classes will construct a cardboard tree. Parents and volunteers will be needed. See Mrs. King if interested in helping.
PRESIDENTS’ REPORT
• Thank you to the teachers for providing the snacks for our PTO meetings.
• Thank you notes were received from the teachers for the Christmas treats and other items.
• Thank you notes were received from Connie Tuma and Heather McNeillyfor purchasing tickets to attend the OEF Banquet.
• We need a Field Day coordinator. Also chair or co chairs for Mileage Club.
• We still are in need of a President-Elect.
TREASURER’S REPORT
Jason presented the treasurer’s report with handouts, and passed around the monthly bank statement. Jason reported on the enrichment grants that are still available to the teachers. He is also investigation which liability insurance policy that would be best for PTO to purchase. He's has obtained three estimates for the yearly cost of a policy. $544, $149, $215.
Tammy Deppong moved that Jason should pursue the policy for $215.00. Seconded by Eric Baldwin. Motion carried.
BOY SCOUT PACK 125 RENEWAL OF CHARTER
Chartering Boy Scout troops was an exclusion to the insurance policies under consideration by the PTO.
Because the Cornell PTO no longer falls under the school district’s insurance policy, concern was raised over chartering Boy Scout Pack 125 due to the liability risk. Boy Scouts provide insurance coverage for charter organizations for incidents that happen as a result of allowed Boy Scout activities, but concern was PTO could be held liable for incidents that occur outside the scope of Boy Scout policies due to the fact that charter organizations are responsible for approving Scout leaders and ensuring that Scouts adhere to Boy Scout policies.
It was noted that the Cornell Boy Scout Pack 125 is one of the largest and most successful packs in the area, and has a long history at Cornell with many boys continuing on to become Eagle scouts. Many parents were appreciative of having scouting as an option for boys at Cornell, and noted that there have never been any incidents in the past. All adults involved with any aspect of the troop have background checks and receive extensive training, and there are many policies (two deep leadership) that improve safety. After much discussion Bethany Rigg made a motion to renew the charter with Troop 125. Seconded by Donna McInerny. Motion was carried.
GRADE REPRESENTATIVES REPORT
1st grade is implementing a take-home reading program with bags and books.
PARENT COUNCIL REPORT
Cindy Roark encouraged everyone to attend School District Budget Forum on January 18th.
The May 9th Parent Council Meeting will be hosted by Cornell.
BUDGET COMMITTEE
Ron Lacasse reported that the committee has begun preliminary discussions on how to spend the undesignated funds. Such items discussed were trees for the playground. Funding moving some of the playground equipment to our playground to instead of purchasing new.
More recommendations will be presented at our next PTO meeting.
FAMILY FUN NIGHT REPORT
Tara Bogle reported there will be a committee planning meeting on Wednesday, January 10 at 7:00. We still need someone to chair games. Someone needs to go to an open house to pick out prizes.
NEW BUSINESS
1) Reusable plastic folders for teachers to use for Friday folders.Tara Boyle made a motion to purchase 600 folders for $600.00. It was seconded by Jamie Baldwin. Motion carried.
2) The purchase of 17 new pencil sharpeners. Tara Bogle made a motion to accept the expenditure of $577.00 to purchase them. Seconded by Tammy Deppong. Motion carried.
3) Green Committee - Jennifer Darjes.
There was discussion on the feasibility of creating a line item in budget to purchases to continue to make Cornell a green school. Tara Bogle made a motion to approve the line item for $250.00. Seconded by Cindy Roark. Motion carried.
4) Tammy Deppong presented a proposal for a new sign to be put on the front of the building. After discussion Tara Bogle made a motion to approve the cost of $900.00. Seconded by Ron Lacasse. Motion carried.
5)Tammy also presented a proposal to replace the mat on the floor by the main entrance by the office. After discussion a motion was made by Tara Bogle to spend $1,500.00 to purchase a new mat. Seconded by Cindy Roark. Motion carried.
OLD BUSINESS
1) Jamie Baldwin is working on a Women's basketball game on a Sunday afternoon. She may have to change the date of the hockey game.
ADJOURN
Cindy Roark made the motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Eric Baldwin. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm.
