Jackson Middle School PTA

General Meeting

March 15, 2017

 

The general meeting of Jackson Middle School PTA was called to order at 6:36pm, Wednesday, March 15^th, 2016 by President Debora Cox. The meeting was held at Round Table.  A quorum of members was present.

Principal Kevin Crotchett gave an overview of the district office meeting regarding the budget for the 2017-2018 school year.

• The PPS School Board voted on an $8 billion state budget, however an $8.4 billion budget is needed to keep the status quo. There will be $18 million in cuts to PPS.  $9 million will be cut from the district office.  The other $9 million will come from the schools.  For Jackson, there will be some reductions in class room support.  However, we will add a 6^th grade core to accommodate growth.  PPS will not be observing the increase in PE requirements due to the funding shortage.  JMS is the only middle school that maintains full PE for half of the school year.  Kevin is looking to increase electives.  Possible areas of increase are in the STEAM arena, possibly 2 periods (.5 teacher) for mixed grades.  Growth at JMS is helping to mitigate the losses.
• JMS just started a 7^th grade AVID class. It is preliminary and in draft form at this point, but there is a formula for a 7^th and 8^th grade AVID class next year.

 

President Deb Cox initiated a vote on the minutes from the previous General Meeting.  They were passed unanimously.

 

Vice President Jessica Christiansen reviewed Bernstein Bash preparations:.

• Currently there are 60 tickets sold (which is up from last year) and 17 comped to the teachers as of today. Discussed preparing food for 120.
• Expenses are at $4000.
• PTA will cover the $75 cleaning fee for the Manzanita house that is the raffle prize.
• Deb suggested selling class art next time, but because students do not stay with one teacher like in elementary school, it hasn’t been part of culture at JMS.
• Kara suggested moving Bernstein to fall. Tabling the discussion to another time.

 

Treasurer Kelly reviewed expenses:

• Fred Meyer fundraising going well. Earned $1000 so far and budget was only $700.
• Cultural day was $4455 (with more expenses likely to come).

 

Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes reviewed volunteer needs:

• Jessica is taking on April Teacher Breakfast event. Still need May leader.
• No leader for GNO yet. Marci will reach out to Kevin to advertise on the Jagwire again.  Can’t be PTA run, because not open to full student body.

 

New business:

• President Deb passed around info on Cascadia Earthquake Emergency preparedness. We are reserving the auditorium on April 19^th at JMS at 6:30pm.  There will be no PTA meeting in April as a result.  There will be no child care.  The presentation will last 90 minutes with time for Q&A.  Jessica will sell cookies.  The presentation will be open to community and we will advertise on Nextdoor and Feeder Schools.

 

• All PTA board positions are open for next year, but no nominee yet for President position. Will be voted on at the May PTA meeting.

 

• April 4^th Dough for Dollars with Pizzacato.

 

Adjourned 7:46pm

 

 

Present were:

President Deb Cox

Vice President Jessica Christiansen

Treasurer Kelly Christopherson

Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes

Secretary Kara Murray

Membership Coordinator Robin Atkinson

 

Adjournment was announced at 6:59pm.

 

Date Presented:_______________________________

Approved as Written (or Amended):

President:____________________________________

Secretary:____________________________________