Murch LSAT Meeting Minutes 10/1/19
Attending
Sara Addeo, Co-Chair
Katelyn Brady, Co-Chair
Chris Cebrzynski, Principal
Dan Markus, Teacher
Christopher Lyon, Teacher
Robin Goracke, HSA Board Rep/Budget Chair
Dave Kiyvyra, Parent
Sue Guzman, Parent
Jean Jekal, Parent
Richard Nugent, Community Member
Not Attending
Tashima Hawkins, Teacher
Sophie Schwadron, Teacher
The meeting was called to order at 5:48 pm.
- After brief introductions, the role of the LSAT was discussed (parents, teachers, staff and community members meeting to understand diverse perspectives with the goals of supporting academic achievement and the Murch mission). Sue Guzman was appointed Secretary and Basecamp was referenced as the online platform for communication and document storage for the group.
- Inclusion was introduced as a focus of the LSAT’s work in 2019-2020. Discussion ensued as to the differing audiences at Murch and how varying disaggregations and summaries of standardized testing scores might help the LSAT get to know these audiences better and frame our inclusion work. Dave Kiyvyra agreed to take the lead on this information gathering (in conjunction with Mr. C and Mrs. Brady). Robin Goracke pointed out that the LSAT should be purposeful in knowing exactly how the group thinks this data would be useful, especially being considerate of the Murch staff time and effort involved in such an undertaking. The bottom line is that the LSAT should spend time this year strategizing ways to involve families at Murch so everyone in the community feels welcome, represented and heard.
Mr. C proposed that work begin on scheduling and outlining topics for three parent/guardian open forum evenings to discuss inclusion (i.e. what does inclusion mean and what values and beliefs contribute to the definition?). The HSA Presentations Committee could jointly sponsor these forums and Sue Guzman volunteered to connect with Mary Eckstein to calendar these forums. Dr. Lyon also mentioned that his husband Art Coleman, an attorney and partner at Education Counsel, could prove helpful in the planning of these forums. Sue Guzman offered to reach out to Art to get feedback and input.
- The LSAT’s involvement in the school budget process was also discussed. The LSAT is tasked with gathering information and generating recommendations on the process used in discussions around staffing, etc. The LSAT is key in weighing logic vs. priority vs. needs vs. popularity when considering budget issues.
- The LSAT meeting schedule into the spring was outlined, including:
11/4 at 5:45
12/3 at 5:45
1/7 at 5:45 (budget focused)
2 February meetings (budget focused)
1 Early March meeting (budget focused)
As a general rule (with some exceptions), LSAT Meetings will be on the 1st Tuesday of each month, preceding the HSA Meeting at 7:00.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 pm.