Kevin called the meeting to order at 5:30pm and established that there was a quorum present.  The minutes from the last meeting were adopted.

Dr. Cuthbert and Ms. Wilson reviewed the preliminary 2010-2011 budget.  The budget is based on 297 students next year (approved following Dr. Cuthbert’s enrollment petition). They explained that the proposed 2010-2011 budget is substantially the same as the current year’s budget. It was noted that the costs per FTE are based on average DCPS salaries for individual positions and salaries overall have risen. The only change in the proposed budget from the current year is the addition of a .5 Special Education coordinator. Dr. Cuthbert was told that the Special Education coordinator and Special Education teaching position could no longer be combined into one position as was done this year.

Dr. Cuthbert and Ms. Wilson explained the difference between core and “non-core” positions. In order to make any changes to core positions, Stoddert must petition for a waiver from the Chancellor. Dr. Cuthbert will petition to have a .5 Special Education Coordinator (instead of a full time coordinator) in addition to a full time teaching position.

Discussion of the proposed budget followed. Feedback included concern with having only two custodial positions in a substantially larger building next year.  There is some hope that the DPR will support custodial work for the gym and common areas and that different schedules might help assure coverage.  There was discussion of the core Instructional Developer position and whether we should petition to reduce that function to a .5 position to enable addition of a .5 instructional position. A Spanish teacher or a Science teacher were both suggested.  There was discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of adding such positions.  It was the recommendation of the LSRT to petition to reduce from 1.0 to .5 the Instructional Developer/Instructional Coach position, which is focused on teacher development.  If approved, this would enable Stoddert to add a .5 position for an instructional position. The LSRT acknowledged this will require a waiver and recognized there is much debate about what this position might be. The LSRT agreed to continue the discussion and solicit feedback from the community.

Dr. Cuthbert is currently revising the Comprehensive School Plan and will be disseminating it to LSRT members for review shortly. Feedback is welcome and a final version is due with the budget on February 3, 2010.

Budget petitions are due January 29, 2010. Budget petition decisions are given to schools on February 1, 2010. The next meeting must be scheduled to discuss petitions decisions in time to submit the school budget by the February 3, 2010 deadline. Therefore the next meeting will take place on Monday, February 1, 2010 at 5:30pm.

The meeting adjourned at 6:30pm.

GUESTS:
Representatives from Chancellor Rhee’s Office.
Principals & Staff of Hardy Middle School,
Washington Latin and Alice Deal.

TOPIC:
Middle Schools and their programs, the admissions process, the Chancellor’s plans for Washington’s public middle schools and other topics of interest to families considering public and charter middle school options in the neighboring area.

SPONSORED BY:
Fillmore Six School Council and the LSRT/PTAs of Key, Hearst, Hyde-Addison, Ross and Stoddert.

Download Middle School Seminar PDF invitation

We are reaching out to you so that you will attend this very important meeting with Chancellor Rhee. We plan to have a productive session with her with the goal of maintaining the excellent arts and academic program and healthy environment our children are currently thriving in. Many of us have younger children who we plan to send to Hardy. You must come and have your voice heard because important decisions regarding Hardy’s future must have input from YOU!

Please spread the word.

Yolanda Alcorta and Dionne Davis, Co-Presidents, Hardy PTA

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Hardy Middle School PTA and LSRT Invite You to a Meeting with
Chancellor Michelle Rhee and the Hardy School Community

For discussion:

• Maintenance of Hardy’s Arts and Academic Curriculum
• Application Process for in boundary and out of boundary students

Location:
Hardy Middle School Auditorium
1819 35th  Street NW, Washington, DC 20007
Friday, December 4, 2009
6:30 PM

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