Board Meeting tonight, January 14th

[andrewd]

There is a Board of Education meeting tonight, January 14th, at 7pm, at the Freehold Learning Center (not the Park Ave Elementary school)

Representatives from the Freehold Boro Education Foundation will be there to reward their grants for this coming year, and there will be a presentation on Digital Storytelling by Wendy Buchanon and several of her students.

Then of course there is a full agenda of other items, which can be found here... boe.freeholdboro.k12.nj.us/


[size=3
]remember, 7pm tonight at the Freehold Learning Center[/size][/b][/color]

[admin]

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/NEWS01/801150344/1285/LOCAL09

FREEHOLD — The borough school district has received a four-year grant that will go toward improving middle school students' math skills.

The Board of Education accepted the first phase of the grant — known as an Implementing New Curricular Learning with Universally Designed Experiences, or INCLUDE, grant — at Monday's board meeting.

In this first phase, the district will receive $161,066, which will go toward professional development for teachers, said Tom Tramaglini, the district's director of math and science, technology and assessment.

The district — considered a "high-need" one — is slated to receive nearly $800,000 over the four years of the program, Tramaglini said.

INCLUDE grants target fifth- through eighth-grade students who are learning English, have some kind of disability or are struggling. The goal is to make students proficient in math while allowing them to remain in the classroom with their peers.

"We're basically embracing our diversity," Tramaglini said.

Over the four years, the program's main focuses will be teacher training and buying "massive" amounts of technology for students, Tramaglini said.

That technology could include items such as interactive whiteboards and computer programs that would allow students to look up words in lessons that they do not understand.

The district could also consider items such as left-handed computer mice for children with physical disabilities, Tramaglini said.

Fifth- and sixth-graders will begin the new program in its second phase, though Tramaglini said he would like teachers to begin incorporating their training into lessons this year. The program will expand to seventh-graders in the third year; by the last year, eighth-graders will also be included.

Funding for the grant comes from a mix of federal and state sources, Tramaglini said.

[andrewd]

For those of you who were not there last night, you missed one heck of a meeting...I'll recap as best as I can...this may take a few minutes...

I'll start right off with the highlight of the evening...

Last year, the Freehold Boro Education Foundation awarded a grant to Wendy Buchanon for a program entitled "Digital Story Telling", and last night we got a glimpse of the results of that program. Everyone in attendance last night was lucky to view the digital stories of 6 of our districts students, the theme of which was "A Story About Me". The students starting out by writing a narrative on themselves, and their families, edited the narrative, then collected photos of themselves, family members and anything else relative to their narrative. They were then able to sit down at the computers, and record their narratives. The photos were added to go along with the narrative, and music was added as a background effect.

To say that all of the stories we saw last night were absolutely fantastic would be an understatement. The energy they put into their stories was jumping off the screens. Hearing their excited voices as they talked about younger brothers who they use as "punching bags" or dad's that "always make them laugh", or mom's that "are always there to help me", or the trip they just went on down to Florida...it was all just absolutely amazing!! We laughed, we cried...it was a special, special presentation.

Last night was one of those moments for I think all of us (and certainly me) when you realize just how great, and talented, and intelligent the children in our district really are. I can not say enough about the job they did, and I know Mrs Buchanon said that she is hoping to get more "digital stories" done with a number of other students.


After the presentation, Jean Holtz, the Chairwoman of the Freehold Education Foundation, got up and presented this years grants to 6 different projects presented to them. This year, the Foundation presented a total of $9,141 in grants, bringing their total up over $65,000 since they started awarding them several years ago.

This year, grants were awarded to projects which include a community service program where the students can give back to our town; enhancing a visual learning program by providing a large screen projector for computer monitors; the continuation of the "Marsville" project, which was unfortunately cut due to last years budget constraints; building success, one student, one book at a time; lights, camera, action - which will provide a student oriented, and student run news program in the Freehold Intermediate School; and finally Free Book Friday, which was started a couple of years ago by Ms. Satten, who realized that many of her students were not able to do any leisurely reading on the weekends because they simply did not have any books at home, so she started bringing in books that she found at thrift shops, on eBay, or anywhere else she could get her hands on them, and now is able to allow all of her students to take home a different book every Friday so they have something to read over the weekend.

This is a shining example of the great things that the Freehold Boro Education Foundation is doing for the children in our schools, but it is also one more example of the selfless, tireless, and remarkable efforts that our teaching staff displays time and time again.

Think about it, how many of us can honestly say we put as much of our own time, effort and even money into our jobs in order to provide well over and above our expected work load? And yet our teachers keep showing us how they do it all the time. I just can't find the words to describe that kind of passion and loyalty.


After all the fun stuff, we got into some business.

Roni Wolff (the district's business administrator) gave us, as best she could at this point, an update on what the new school funding formula is going to mean for us here in Freehold Boro.

To start...there is no such thing as "Thorough and Efficient Education" any more, but rather a new term, or level (however you choose to phrase it) which is being called simply, "Adequacy"...this is the new standard that funding will be measured by (an exact definition of "adequacy" is as of yet not really known). With the new funding formula, districts will be funded based on student's needs, and the actual state funding will be determined by including a district's wealth factor amongst other things. Districts who have students with special needs will receive additional funding for those students based on individual "needs".

It will take the next few years for the state to create a more level playing field across the board. All districts will receive a minimum of 2% increases in state aid, but will be capped at 20% increases. This will continue until all the districts can essentially level out and we can see a more even spending trend throughout the state.

What does this mean for Freehold Boro? Well, as of right now, we will be capped out at the 20% state aid increase (which roughly equates to $1.47 million)...and while this number sounds absolutely fantastic (and honestly it is), we can't just go hog wild and start writing checks to every program that we want to bring back to our schools.

Over the next several weeks, the district's administration team will be working on the best ways to fold this additional aid into our budget, the board will have their say as well, and I certainly encourage everyone in the community to come out to the next few meetings to hear about what's going on, and express your own thoughts and opinions.

I am telling everyone now...people will be disappointed that some program, or some position, or something else is not included right away in our next budget, but there are a great many things that we have to take care of first - such as the fact that public employee pensions (anyone who does not fall under the teacher's union) are now 100% the responsibility of the district (which in the past was always only partially responsible for these expenses); increases in medical insurance rates; increases in building and grounds insurance rates; etc etc.

Many people will simply see the number $1.47 million and just jump to the conclusion that the schools can go back to having all the programs we had to eliminate or cut down...I just want to make you all aware that there are many other costs that we have to absorb that most people don't think of.

It's a work in progress, folks...give it some time to develop, try to come out to the meetings to get a better understanding of why we're doing what we're doing...there is nothing set in stone at this point, so be patient.

That's enough for now...I will go on some more later in the day (but now I have to get to my regular job). Hope to hear from all of you, and see you at the upcoming meetings.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

andrewd said:

This year, the Foundation presented a total of $9,141 in grants, bringing their total up over $65,000 since they started awarding them several years ago.

This year, grants were awarded to projects which include a community service program where the students can give back to our town; enhancing a visual learning program by providing a large screen projector for computer monitors; the continuation of the "Marsville" project, which was unfortunately cut due to last years budget constraints; building success, one student, one book at a time; lights, camera, action - which will provide a student oriented, and student run news program in the Freehold Intermediate School; and finally Free Book Friday, which was started a couple of years ago by Ms. Satten, who realized that many of her students were not able to do any leisurely reading on the weekends because they simply did not have any books at home, so she started bringing in books that she found at thrift shops, on eBay, or anywhere else she could get her hands on them, and now is able to allow all of her students to take home a different book every Friday so they have something to read over the weekend. .

These were all VERY nice powerpoint presentations saved as .mpg or .wmv files. Last night, any one seeing the "FINAL PRODUCT" WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD AND IMPRESSED AT QUALITY AND PRODUCTION.

Apple, Microsoft and Sun all provide software like this to schools and school districts FREE! Anyone interested knows how to reach me!

Along with the Borough Education Foundation....DID YOU KNOW

Borough PTO Fund raising...Goes unnoticed is that the three PTOs raised a combined $50K Per year,

Over the last 6 years thats almost $300,000.00 that has been raised to support Student Teacher Functions, Class Trips, the Fun Fair, Spring Field Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Teacher Luncheons, Pre -K/ Kindergarten Orientation Ice cream social.

Last year on or our 2nd graders passed away, the "$400 from Movie Night" raised for PTO events was GIVEN to the family to help pay for Medical/Funeral expensies!

About the Book Fair, I understand a portion that is raise is also se aside for students that may have trouble buying books too.

Many Parents of the Borough work tirelessly, to help staff events, char committees and interact with fund raiser sponsors!

Lets also recognize the PTOs, and give them credit for supporting our schools and teachers as well as keepng a high level of good spirit!

$300,000.00 of the last three years!

[andrewd]

fiberisgoodforyou said:

Many Parents of the Borough work tirelessly, to help staff events, char committees and interact with fund raiser sponsors!

Lets also recognize the PTOs, and give them credit for supporting our schools and teachers as well as keepng a high level of good spirit!

$300,000.00 of the last three years!

Absolutely right!! Ted Miller has certainly been down to several meetings and made announcements about upcoming FLC PTO events, including the Bingo night coming up...next week?? (I'm at work, and forgot my notes from last night at home)

It would be great to see more PTO members at the Board meeting making these types of announcements!!

And thanks always go out to the parents who donate their time and efforts to a wide variety of events and programs for our schools. It's all a part of what has held this school district together through some very, VERY difficult times...which we are hopefully, finally, starting to climb out of.

Keep up the wonderful work, one and all.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

admin said:

www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/NEWS01/801150344/1285/LOCAL09

INCLUDE grants target fifth- through eighth-grade students who are learning English, have some kind of disability or are struggling. The goal is to make students proficient in math while allowing them to remain in the classroom with their peers.

Student that are seriously struggling or some kind of disability are let to "REMAIN" with main stream student in class???

How is this not a distraction and take away teacher resources to the average student.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

andrewd said:

fiberisgoodforyou said:

Many Parents of the Borough work tirelessly, to help staff events, char committees and interact with fund raiser sponsors!

Lets also recognize the PTOs, and give them credit for supporting our schools and teachers as well as keeping a high level of good spirit!

$300,000.00 of the last three years!

Absolutely right!! Ted Miller has certainly been down to several meetings and made announcements about upcoming FLC PTO events, including the Bingo night coming up...next week?? (I'm at work, and forgot my notes from last night at home)

It would be great to see more PTO members at the Board meeting making these types of announcements!!

And thanks always go out to the parents who donate their time and efforts to a wide variety of events and programs for our schools. It's all a part of what has held this school district together through some very, VERY difficult times...which we are hopefully, finally, starting to climb out of.

Keep up the wonderful work, one and all.

THATS FAMILY Bingo night!

Anyway, each PTO should have a School Board liaison who attends School board meetings and reports back to the PTO on the School Board Meetings.

I fulfill this role for FLC!

[fiberisgoodforyou]

andrewd said:

students were not able to do any leisurely reading on the weekends because they simply did not have any books at home, so she started bringing in books that she found at thrift shops, on eBay, or anywhere else she could get her hands on them, and now is able to allow all of her students to take home a different book every Friday so they have something to read over the weekend.

Ahhh, are kids not allowed to borrow books from the school library?

This sounds like a great effort but, I wonder about why parents do not take there kids ot libraries anymore?

The Borough is Blessed with a unique, rear gift of having a Carnegie library. And yes, there are programs for young people run by the Borough Library!

Heres an idea for a fun FREE field trip....go to the HISTORIC Freehold Borough Carnegie Library. Learn all about Andrew Carnegie, his philanthropy, the history of the building and how or why Freehold had been selected as a location for this treasure! Ohh..and get into the habit of visiting, reading, borrow a book (if your in middle school and struggling with math, I bet you can find a great math book to help you)!

[fiberisgoodforyou]

fiberisgoodforyou said:

Along with the Borough Education Foundation....DID YOU KNOW

Borough PTO Fund raising...Goes unnoticed is that the three PTOs raised a combined $50K Per year,

Over the last 6 years thats almost $300,000.00 that has been raised to support Student Teacher Functions, Class Trips, the Fun Fair, Spring Field Day, Teacher Appreciation Week, Teacher Luncheons, Pre -K/ Kindergarten Orientation Ice cream social.

Last year on or our 2nd graders passed away, the "$400 from Movie Night" raised for PTO events was GIVEN to the family to help pay for Medical/Funeral expensies!

About the Book Fair, I understand a portion that is raise is also se aside for students that may have trouble buying books too.

Many Parents of the Borough work tirelessly, to help staff events, char committees and interact with fund raiser sponsors!

Lets also recognize the PTOs, and give them credit for supporting our schools and teachers as well as keepng a high level of good spirit!

$300,000.00 of the last three years!

Example from last PTO book Fair... Numbers a aprox., but you can see how this adds up...

$100 To Library (Donation from Scholastic to Library)
$150 for Teaching aids (Materials - Learning aids)
$100 One for books donations (plus another $100s matched by scholastic)
$100 Teachers Wish List (books for class room)

Total donations are about $550. Per Book Fair. There are two Book Fairs pre year per school, so this adds up!

This does not include the @ $1500 - $2,000 PLUS in profits earned through each book fair!

PTO Bookfairs generate well over $12,000. per year for our schools.

This is ONE example of the revenue PTO events generate, This is why PARENTS are either active, or need to get active in BOROUGH PTO's.

[fiberisgoodforyou]

andrewd said:

we got into some business.

Roni Wolff (the district's business administrator) gave us, as best she could at this point, an update on what the new school funding formula is going to mean for us here in Freehold Boro.

To start...there is no such thing as "Thorough and Efficient Education" any more, but rather a new term, or level (however you choose to phrase it) which is being called simply, "Adequacy"...this is the new standard that funding will be measured by (an exact definition of "adequacy" is as of yet not really known). With the new funding formula, districts will be funded based on student's needs, and the actual state funding will be determined by including a district's wealth factor amongst other things. Districts who have students with special needs will receive additional funding for those students based on individual "needs".

It will take the next few years for the state to create a more level playing field across the board. All districts will receive a minimum of 2% increases in state aid, but will be capped at 20% increases. This will continue until all the districts can essentially level out and we can see a more even spending trend throughout the state.

What does this mean for Freehold Boro? Well, as of right now, we will be capped out at the 20% state aid increase (which roughly equates to $1.47 million)...and while this number sounds absolutely fantastic (and honestly it is), we can't just go hog wild and start writing checks to every program that we want to bring back to our schools.

Over the next several weeks, the district's administration team will be working on the best ways to fold this additional aid into our budget, the board will have their say as well, and I certainly encourage everyone in the community to come out to the next few meetings to hear about what's going on, and express your own thoughts and opinions.

I am telling everyone now...people will be disappointed that some program, or some position, or something else is not included right away in our next budget, but there are a great many things that we have to take care of first - such as the fact that public employee pensions (anyone who does not fall under the teacher's union) are now 100% the responsibility of the district (which in the past was always only partially responsible for these expenses); increases in medical insurance rates; increases in building and grounds insurance rates; etc etc.

Many people will simply see the number $1.47 million and just jump to the conclusion that the schools can go back to having all the programs we had to eliminate or cut down...I just want to make you all aware that there are many other costs that we have to absorb that most people don't think of.

It's a work in progress, folks...give it some time to develop, try to come out to the meetings to get a better understanding of why we're doing what we're doing...there is nothing set in stone at this point, so be patient.
.

Clever politicians we have running the State Department of education... Rather than elevating funding levels to Thorough and Efficient Education, they change the "BAR" measure too something new called "Adequacy", which sounds like a lowering of the bar. Is adequate an appropriate measure? Is it not too subjective of a term to use for something so serious as Education. (Adequate sounds a cut above mediocre!) so comes the question, is the state funding still INADEQUATE?

Read Andrews post about the BUSINESS "stuff" carefully. This is why everyone must attend school board meetings!!! Even with the additional 20% from the states new funding formula, there comes new expenses. So this does not mean that the Schoolboard will NOT ask home owners for another 4% ( the max. amount) in property tax to support the next school budget!