They participated in the boys’ choir, girls’ choir, orff and strings ensembles. Cathy Montero is their music teacher at Hillcrest.

Encore is made up of fourth and fifth grade students who are selected based on their musical abilities, academic achievement and outstanding behavior. Teacher Cathy Montero is the director.

“Those oldies songs were the ones I grew up on, and I have very fond memories of my dad and I singing at the top of our lungs driving down the road,” said teacher Marissa Story.

“That was absolutely the best performance yet.  I saw a confidence and professionalism in the students that can only come from music programs like the one here at Janie Howard Wilson,” said teacher Sharon Kochanowski.

The music program is under the direction of teacher Micky Caban.

Calvin, who plays first and third base, committed to play for South Florida Community College in Avon Park.

Hernandez, a pitcher, accepted a full scholarship to play for the Falcons of Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa, Iowa.

The two players have been on baseball teams together since they were 6 years old, and played together in a pitching machine league.

March 19, 2012

Polk Avenue Elementary

Trustees in attendance: Candice McKeon, Terry Fasel, Betty Wojcik, Cassandra Denmark, Keith Wadsworth, David Ullman, Danny Gill

Trustees not present: Pat Cain

Staff: Superintendent Jesse Jackson, General Counsel Robin Gibson, Frances McMichael, Brian Fisher, Paula Alford, Anuj Saran, Gail Quam, Ken Henson, Steven Whitaker, Barbara Jones, Chris Reams, Donna Dunson, Gary Loar, Eugene Kendrick, Debbie Hunt, April Barnhardt, representatives of the LWHS basketball coaching staff and JROTC staff

Others: Phil Attinger, News Chief; Mary Cannaday, Lake Wales News

I.          CALL TO ORDER                                                         Cassandra Denmark, Chair

Board Chair Cassandra Denmark called the March 19, 2012 meeting of the Lake Wales Charter Schools Board of Trustees to order at approximately 5:15 p.m.

1. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge was led by A.J. Otero, a student leader from Polk Avenue Elementary.

1. III. APPROVAL OF WORK SESSION & BOARD MEETING MINUTES

(February 21, 2012)

Chair Denmark called for additions/deletions or changes to the February 21, 2012 Board of Trustees Work Session minutes.  There being none, she called for a motion to approve.  Motion to approve made by Danny Gill, second by Keith Wadsworth.  Motion approved unanimously.

Chair Denmark called for additions/deletions or changes to the February 21, 2012 Board of Trustees Meeting minutes.  There being none, she called for a motion to approve.  Motion to approve made by David Ullman, second by Danny Gill.  Motion approved unanimously.

1. IV. SCHEDULED PERSON’S ADDRESSING THE BOARD (none)

1. RECOGNITIONS

1. A. LWHS Boys Basketball Team – State 5A Champions, Coach Billy D. Washington

   Lake Wales High School Principal Donna Dunson acknowledged the LWHS Basketball Team sitting in the audience, and explained what a pleasure it has been to have this group of players attending LWHS this year. She asked the team members, and student managers to come on stage as the coaches called their names. There was a round of applause for each student athlete, and each Trustee shook each student’s hand.  The team will be visiting elementary schools later this spring to motivate younger students.

2. B. Lake Wales High School JROTC Program

Principal Dunson invited Capt. Charles Simpson, Sgt. Henry Porter and Cadet Lt. Col. Elizabeth MacDonald to join her on stage.

Principal Dunson spoke about the strength of the high school’s JROTC program, and the important role it plays in the overall success at the high school. Lake Wales High is getting a third JROTC instructor for next year, which will allow the school to increase the size of its JROTC program and recruit more 9^th graders into the program.

Sgt. Henry Porter discussed the Leadership Class at the high school, which gives students a chance to respond positively to structure, discipline, and caring.

Capt. Charles Simpson talked about the positive environment provided by the LWCS Trustees and by the LWHS administration. He also praised Sgt. Porter; each year, the JROTC inspection goes flawlessly because of the hard work of Sgt. Porter.

Student Elizabeth MacDonald was recognized as the highest ranking cadet in LWHS’s JROTC unit. She recently won a $120,000 scholarship as the top cadet in Polk County, plus another $24,000 scholarship from Florida Southern College.

1. VI. FINANCIAL REPORT

Chair Denmark asked if there was any further discussion on the monthly financials as presented by CFO/Treasurer Brian Fisher at the March 19, 2012 Work Session. Being none, she asked for a motion to approve.  Motion to approve was made by Betty Wojcik, with a second by Danny Gill.  Motion carried unanimously.

VII.     SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT                                                                 Jesse Jackson

1. A. PERSONNEL CHANGES

Superintendent Jackson recommend approval of the Personnel Changes as distributed at the March 19, 2012 Board of Trustees Work Session and recommended through the Finance Committee. Motion to approve was made by Terry Fasel, second by Betty Wojcik. Motion approved unanimously.

1. B. HOMELESS POLICY

The proposed Homeless Policy was tabled pending additional input from DOE and further review by General Counsel Robin Gibson.

1. C. 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

Superintendent Jackson recommended approval of the 2012-2013 School Calendar as distributed at the March 19, 2012 Board of Trustees Work Session and recommended by the school administrators. Motion to approve was made by Terry Fasel, second by David Ullman. Motion approved unanimously.

1. D. NEXT BOARD WORK SESSION AND MEETING

The April Board of Trustee Work Session and Board Meeting will be on Monday, April 16, 2012 at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary. The Work Session will begin at 3:30 PM and the Board Meeting will begin at 5:30 PM or immediately following Work Session.

1. E. AMENDED BUDGET RESOUTION

Superintendent Jackson recommended approval of Amended Budget Resolution 04-2012, which includes the revised budget for General Fund, Special Revenue-Federal Funds, and Food Service Funds, as presented and discussed at the March 19, 2012 Board of Trustees Work Session and recommended through the Finance Committee. Motion to approve was made by David Ullman, second by Danny Gill. Motion was unanimously approved (6-0).

1. ADJOURN

Being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Frances McMichael

Board Approved: April 16, 2012

3:30 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2012

Polk Avenue Elementary Auditorium

Trustees in attendance: Candice McKeon, Terry Fasel, Betty Wojcik, Cassandra Denmark, Keith Wadsworth, David Ullman, Danny Gill

Trustees not present: Pat Cain

Staff: Superintendent Jesse Jackson, General Counsel Robin Gibson, Frances McMichael, Brian Fisher, Paula Alford, Anuj Saran, Gail Quam, Ken Henson, Steven Whitaker, Barbara Jones, Chris Reams, Donna Dunson, Gary Loar, Eugene Kendrick, Debbie Hunt

Others: Phil Attinger, News Chief; Mary Cannaday, Lake Wales News

I.          CALL TO ORDER Jesse Jackson, Superintendent

Superintendent Jesse Jackson called the March 19, 2012 Board of Trustees Work Session to order at approximately 3:35 p.m. in the Polk Avenue Elementary auditorium.

1. II. FINANCIAL REPORT                                                                      Brian Fisher, CFO

1. A. Monthly Financials

Chief Financial Officer Brian Fisher gave the monthly financial report. He noted that the largest adjustments are taking place in the General Fund and in Federal Funds. Receivables overall are consistent. The deficit has increased, primarily due to activity in Federal Funds while we wait for reimbursements.

Mr. Fisher noted that the system’s total student FTE count is down 14 students from the prior month.

The General Fund – Subsidiary Schedule of Miscellaneous Special Revenues – Fund 490: There is little change in the special revenue lines. A deficit is beginning to appear in K Support. Pre K deficits are due to the timing in payments.

Food Service – Fund 410: For period ending February, we made up some ground, with gains in all categories. On the expense side, we continue to improve management of waste and labor.

Federal Programs – Fund 420: Expenditures for February outpaced revenue almost 2 to 1. We are still making budget revisions, reallocations, etc.

1. B. Personnel Changes
   Just one appointment for approval this afternoon, which is a part-time receptionist position.
2. C. Budget Revision

Mr. Fisher presented 18 pages of documents related to the annual Budget Revision. This is something our system typically does every year in February or March. The information includes a 2-page executive summary, and a resolution for approval during the regular Board of Trustees meeting. Important information discussed included:

• Blended count now set at 3,802 students
• Slight decrease of $8.25 per FTE, along with other reductions due to class size, local tax roll reductions, etc. Also expect the availability of local capital outlay to continue to go down
• Superintendent Jackson noted that our business model changed dramatically this year, with our system’s assumption of responsibility for Transportation, Food Service, federal programs and other operational duties. After one complete fiscal year, we will have a better sense of those fixed and varying costs, and can plan more appropriately for future needs.
• Finance Committee on March 8 discussed need to “position” schools so that they become eligible for High Performing Charter School status from the State of Florida. Bok needs assistance to retire its debt and reach this status. (When we have three schools who achieve HPCS status, we should become eligible for HPCS system status. Once we achieve this, we should realize about $80,000 in savings.) In cooperation with the Finance Committee, schools developed a gifting formula to share part of their Fund Balance to help Bok retire its deficit, similar to a previous plan implemented to assist DRF Babson Park.
• Unsure what the 2012-2013 funding picture is yet. Projection is $150 more per FTE statewide, but unsure exactly how various categorical funds will be impacted up or down.

1. III. ATTORNEY’S REPORT                                                                          Robin Gibson

1. A. Homeless Policy.

Robin Gibson noted that transportation issues are the most complicated issues in the proposed Homeless Policy. The intent of the policy is to remove barriers, eliminate discrimination and harassment, etc. all of which is admirable and important, especially for homeless and at-risk students.

Paula Alford reported that the state DOE director of Homeless programs made “rough revisions” of Mr. Gibson’s policy, but she was sending it “up the chain” in DOE for review. Mr. Gibson said that he doesn’t believe the law addresses a school system such as ours. Mr. Jackson said our policy should probably mirror the state Lab Schools or the Florida School for the Deaf & Blind.

The policy will be tabled again until April for additional review.

1. B. Conflict of Interest Guidelines.

Mr. Gibson addressed the recent Ledger article about the potential conflict of interest for a Polk County School Board member, whose business was selling shirts to Lake Wales High School. He noted that Donna Dunson, principal of Lake Wales High School, checked with him for a legal opinion, at the very beginning of the uniform “purchasing” for LWHS.
Mr. Gibson noted that it is not a conflict, but it is close. Our only concern has been “Are we doing the right thing?” We want to avoid the appearance of conflict of interest, and the perception is the problem. Lake Wales High has made the decision not to do any more business with Applied Images to avoid further appearance of any potential conflict.

Mr. Gibson also thanked our LWCS Trustees who have contributed their professional services at no cost. Our system, through the years, has benefited from thousands of dollars worth of free legal counsel, free accounting work, free investment assistance and many other professional services.

On a personal note, Robin Gibson thanked Chris Reams for his help testing the LWHS baseball lights, which are state of the art, and are designed to minimize impact on the Mountain Lake community, which contributed $53,000 toward their purchase.

1. IV. SUPERINTENDENT’S  REPORT                                                                        Jesse Jackson

1. A. MINUTES:  February 21, 2012 BOARD OF TRUSTEES WORK SESSION AND MEETING MINUTES

Superintendent Jesse Jackson presented the February 21, 2012 Board of Trustees Work Session and Trustee Meeting minutes for review and approval at the March 19, 2012 Board of Trustees Meeting.

1. B. 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR CALENDAR

Superintendent Jesse Jackson presented the 2012-2013 school year calendar for review and approval at the March 19, 2012 Board of Trustees Meeting. This calendar “mirrors” the Polk County School Board calendar with the exception of the Early Release Days; we have only five 2-hour Early Release Days (instead of the 10 days on the Polk calendar).

1. C. PRINCIPALS’ UPDATES
   Polk Avenue is very excited about tutoring programs going on now. May 16 is the PAE Leadership Day, so please mark your calendars.

   LWHS is State Champion in Basketball!

   Hillcrest is working hard. Friday, March 23 (5pm) – Hillcrest and Janie Howard Wilson are doing a joint musical production for Lake Ashton, and the two schools will share the proceeds.

   Janie Howard Wilson is glad to team with Hillcrest to earn some money for the music programs. A new business newsletter went out right before the break, but let Steven Whitaker know if you didn’t get one.

   Babson Park: Ken has been in Tallahassee involved in Food Service training about summer food service sites.

   Bok Academy is grateful to the other schools for assisting in its balanced budget. Bok also has morning, noon and afternoon tutoring programs, and the rocket project under way.

1. D. NEXT M EETING DATES

The April Board Work Session and Board Meeting will be held Monday, April 16, 2012 at Janie Howard Wilson Elementary.  The Work Session will begin at 3:30 PM with the Board Meeting at 5:30 PM or immediately following the Work Session.

The June meeting date has been moved from the third Monday to Thursday, June 21 to provide a few additional days for schools and the Finance Office to prepare for our all-day Board retreat. This planning retreat, Work Session and Trustee Meeting will be held at Lake Wales High School. More information will be provided in May, but please make a note of the Thursday, June 21 date.

1. V. ADJOURN

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 5:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted,

Frances McMichael

Board Approved: April 16, 2012

The dance festival at Lake Wales High School will feature performance groups from several schools, including Bok Academy, Hillcrest Elementary, Lake Wales High, McLaughlin Middle, Rochelle School of the Arts in Lakeland, and the Bravo Jazz and Bravo Ballet.

Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students. Advance tickets also are available at Hillcrest Elementary.

Roy and Lora both performed with the Fifth Grade Orff Ensemble. Melkayla sang with the Fifth Grade Girls Choir, and Dashiel sang with the Fourth Grade Boys Choir.

“The Leader in Me” process helps schools build on leadership skills found in Dr. Stephen R. Covey’s best-selling book “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.” Each year, Polk Avenue emphasizes leadership skills in students and staff.

Wednesday’s program will include singing and drumming in the morning as guests arrive for breakfast and a brief overview with Principal Gail Quam. From 8:50-10:30 a.m., student leaders and staff will perform in a special program that explains the Seven Habits and how they apply to Polk Avenue Elementary:

• Habit #1 Be Proactive (You’re in Charge)
• Habit #2 Begin with the end in mind (Have a plan)
• Habit #3 Put first things first (Work first, then play)
• Habit #4 Think-Win-Win (Everyone can win)
• Habit #5 Seek first to understand and then be understood (Listen before you talk)
• Habit #6 Synergize (Together is better)
• Habit #7 Sharpen the saw (Balance is best)

After the program in the auditorium, visitors will make classroom visits and observations.