Jackson Middle School PTA
General Meeting
November 7th, 2017
The general meeting of Jackson Middles School PTA was called to order at 6:32pm, Tuesday, November 7th, 2017, by President Jessica Christiansen. A quorum of members was present.
Volunteer Lead Marci Forbes motioned to approve the October 3rd, 2017 meeting minutes and Kathy Jennings 2nd the motion. Minutes were approved.
Elley Cannon, director of Sun School announced they are adding a Wednesday, girl friendly exercise time. Elley also discussed adding a Back Pack Food program on a one time trial basis and whether PTA would support this effort. President Jessica Christiansen recommended following the Markham Elementary example and purchasing back packs and filling a pantry from a food drive and donations. Parents would have to agree to participate.
President Jessica Christiansen announced that a group has approached the JMS PTA about presenting about the upcoming Soda Tax ballot initiative and tried to gage interest in hearing about the topic. The PTA would need to allow both sides to present. Secretary Kara Murray expressed interest. Jessica will facilitate for the groups to attend the February PTA meeting if they are able.
President Jessica Christiansen discussed moving the December PTA meeting to 6pm, in order to avoid conflicting with the Winter Concert. No disagreement was recorded.
President Jessica Christiansen discussed canceling the January PTA meeting, because the scheduled meeting date falls on the first day back to school after winter break and there will be limited business to discuss.
President Jessica Christiansen lead discussion about whether the year-end Annual Appeal should be moved to next calendar year, since the Bernie Bash is now scheduled for November. Last year had limited results. It was decided to keep the Appeal scheduled for December because, statistically, the biggest giving occurs at year end for non-profits. However, there would be no mailing, but rather a structured electronic ask. Our goals for the 2017-2018 school year are:
- $25,000 from the Cookie Dough and Bernstein Bash fundraisers
- $25,000 for the General Fund
- $40,000 for the Chrome Book initiative
- Goal of 4 Chrome Book carts, which include 32 Chrome Books, for a total of $38,800
President Jessica Christiansen brought up the request from Principal Kevin Crotchett to fund a Chrome Book cart now at $9,700, which we have not yet raised, knowing that we keep reserves. Considerations:
- Because JMS participates in AVID we received 2 carts from AVID with 24 Chrome Books each.
- Cookie Dough fundraiser did better than expected by $5,000
- General Appeal has had limited donations, however.
- Crotchett receives a budget of $5,000 per school year for Chrome Book replacements.
Vice President Michelle Marsden motioned to approve spending $9,700 now and Volunteer Lead, Marci Forbes 2nd the motion. All members present approved.
President Jessica Christiansen brought up second request by Principal Kevin Crotchett, to “top off” the two AVID Chrome Book carts, bringing the 24 units to a full cart of 32 units. The cost of this would be $2,664 per cart, for a total of $5,328. Jessica suggested tabling this request until after the Bernie Bash. Principal Kevin Crotchett recommended tabling as well.
Treasurer Kathy Jennings reviewed the financial balances. The PTA Savings account register balance as of 10/31/17 was $44,681.76. The PTA checking register account balance as of 10/31/17 was $33,168.45.
President Jessica Christiansen initiated a conversation regarding the JMS Parent Facebook page discussion about the school directory.
- The past policy has been that the directory was put together by the PTA Membership Lead and offered to the membership as a benefit.
- The Board discussed offering it electronically through the office at no cost, since there are no printing costs.
- Since the Facebook discussion a parent submitted a formal complaint to the school. Mr. Crotchett consulted with PPS and it was determined that the current policy is not in violation of district policy.
- Four options were considered for implementing the policy going forward:
- Continue current policy of emailing directory to PTA membership.
- Change policy to PTA Board member prepares directory for electronic distribution to all parents by JMS office at no charge.
- Change policy and ask for a parent volunteer to prepare directory for electronic distribution to all parents by JMS at no charge.
- Decline to prepare a directory.
- Discussions that were had:
- Members in attendance expressed lack of comfort with emailing the directory to all JMS parents due to the size of the school.
- It was discussed whether a directory was of benefit in Middle School to the same degree as Elementary School. It was suggested that it still is.
- Crotchett said that his staff has had 2-5 requests for a directory per year.
- There is currently no PPS policy.
- Final Agreement:
- It was determined that we would continue our current policy of emailing out a directory to PTA membership and sending the parent community an email, announcing that if they are not a PTA member, they would be able to request an electronic copy through the JMS office.
Volunteer Coordinator Marci Forbes notified the PTA that we still need wine and beer for the pull at the Bernstein Bash on Friday 11/17/17. Marci has Teacher Sponsored sign up Party dates, which will go on sale online on Monday, 11/13/17, and be on sale at the Bash. Volunteer are needed for the Fun Night and the Bash.
Adjournment was announced at 8:09pm
Present were:
President Jessica Christiansen
Vice President Michelle Marsden
Treasurer Kathy Jennings
Secretary Kara Murray
Volunteer Lead Marci Forbes
Date Presented:____________________
Approved as Written (or Amended)
President:__________________________
Secretary:__________________________