O.L.L Education Commission Meeting Minutes

November 2, 2006

Attendance: Terri Brown, Amy Osterfeld, Sue Kampel, Lynda Sexton, Linda Schneider, Scott Liesch, Ed Woelfel, Nancy Jamison, Karen Bergen, Terry Rabanus, Lynn Breidenstein, Julie Balzano, Karen  Rusche, and Anita Brackmann.

Terri Brown opened the meeting with a prayer.

There was an approval of the October 2006 minutes.

The Education Commission link on the OLL website has been updated. In the OLL monthly newsletter, there is an article about what the Education Commission has been working on and what our goals are for the year.

The principal's report:

1. This year the Archdiocesan School Office is in the process of revising report cards. OLL is one of only two schools on the west side still currently using percentages for junior high. Next year, we will change to letter grades (i.e.: A, B, C, etc.)

2. There is discussion in the Archdiocese about some schools forming Regional Catholic Schools. We were reassured that Karen and Fr. Dave are doing everything possible to keep OLL as it is.

3. A letter from Brother Joe Kamis was handed out pertaining to the enrollment of students from other Catholic Schools. He is requesting that we not accept Catholic school students during the year. This is to prevent parents from making panic decisions and moving their children at mid-year or even now.

4. We received the first of three reimbursement checks from the state. The total this year is $132,825. This money is deposited into the general parish fund for the operation of the school.

5. On Thursday, November 9, the second graders will receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

6. Report cards will be distributed on Wednesday, November 8. Parent/Teacher conferences are scheduled for November 14, 16, 20, and 21.

7. Eighth grade Confirmation Investiture is November 15 at 7:30 p.m.

8. Our Internal Validation with Sister Helen Lucille Habig, RSM, is November 29.

Terri Brown directed the Commission to look at the current Admission Policy in the school handbook. After much discussion, it was decided to form a committee to review, amend, or adopt a different policy. The committee members are Scott Liesch, Terri Brown, and Sue Kampel. They will meet separately to discuss the policy. Karen Rusche asked that an addition be made to page 21, #4 of the handbook--students in grades 5-8 applying for financial assistance must also apply for Private School Aid Services (PSAS).

The meeting was open for general discussion. Lynda Sexton gave an update from the PMT on the topic of foul language used by coaches. Lynda read the grievance policy from the OLLAC By-Laws. Sue Kampel addressed the need for a grievance committee among teachers if the usual path of grievance does not satisfy the complaint.

At the next meeting, we would discuss the grouping of the 4th grade. Karen Rusche stated that the children are grouped according to math, language arts, and social studies. The 4th graders are not using the 5th grade math book because it was felt they were missing pertinent material.

There was a motion for adjournment and a closing prayer.

                                                                                              Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                             Julie Balzano, Secretary