Murch Development Team

MDT Meeting Minutes for January 16, 2007

Attended by:  Amanda Broun, Carolyne Albert-Garvey, Marcia Jackson, Vicki Otten, Pam Joos, Susan Banta, Erna Marcus, Linda Singer, Martha Saccocio, Brenda Smith, Halina Cymerman, Natalie Stapert, Nancy Martell-Stevenson

MDT Open House

The format and goals for this evening’s MDT open house were reviewed.  Attendees will sign in as they enter the library.  The MDT is there to listen to the opinions and viewpoints expressed and then a list of points raised will be compiled.  The goal of the evening is to allow MDT to gather information as they start to plan next year’s budget.  As we get closer to making some decisions, there will be another open forum.

Auction – Principal’s Choice

Principal Albert-Garvey wanted to get feedback and ideas from the parents and teachers on MDT about selecting an item or item’s for the auction for the Principal’s Choice category.  Some of the ideas included:  large video screen and projector, playground equipment (especially for the older children), new lockers, key card security system, computer lab, differentiated learning supplies, new desks/furniture, color copier, color printer, Eyewitness Video series, health insurance for the HSA supported aides

Murch Equipment Update

The new dry erase boards have arrived and the installation will start soon.  Murch is being selected as a part of a $1 million energy efficiency project in DCPS.  We will be getting all new lighting in the school.

DCCAS Analysis

With the new information from the standardized tests that students took last year, Principal Albert-Garvey is now able to use the results to better understand our strengths and weaknesses.  When examining the data, the most striking trend is that the students that have been at Murch the longest perform at the advanced and proficient levels. 

Incentive Money

Because of Murch’s strong performance, Principal Albert-Garvey is anticipating receiving some incentive money.  This money must be used programmatically and not for hiring new staff.   Some ideas included more science equipment, Marilyn Burns math program, more city based curriculum projects including the Anacostia River and Kennedy Center, more creative and visual arts programs.  The general feeling was that Murch would try to find a program to enhance the arts, science or math.

School Plan and Budget SY 07-08

Thinking ahead to next year’s budget, Principal Albert-Garvey wants to make sure that the MDT talks about where to make cuts if we are forced to by the increase in salaries for teachers, staff and administrators.  One way to increase our budget would be to add back the 6th grade class that was eliminated.  There is also the possibility of adding a combined 5/6 grade class.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:45.
Signed
P Joos
2/7/07