Present: Clinton Adams, Nancy Barr, Chris Bomah-Swaray, Rhonda Burnett, Ron Craddolph, Benjamin Demps, Gwen Grant, Harold Hawkins, Linda Lollis, Kay Postma, George Postma, Bobbie Radford, Helen Ragsdale, Linda Ransom, M. C. Richardson, Cheri Shannon, Reginald Taylor, Charlette Wafer

Due to a scheduling conflict Ms. Ragsdale ask that the meeting be chaired by Mr. Clinton Adams, parent of an alumnus. Copies of the minutes of the July 25 Task Force meeting were approved.

Superintendent�s Remarks: Mr. Demps expressed concern regarding the success of LCPA�s marketing efforts. The student capacity at high school building was cited to be 1,100 with a current enrollment 529 (48% of capacity), and at the middle school building the student capacity was cited to be 1,200 with a current enrollment of 515 (43% of capacity). It was noted that the magnet program design specifies a capacity of 250 students per grade level for the middle school, which translates into a middle school capacity of 750 (with current enrollment being 69% of capacity); and a high school capacity of 850 (with current enrollment being 62% of capacity). It was noted that the current student enrollment is close to last years� enrollment. The concern is justifying two buildings with low enrollment numbers. The school was encouraged to determine ways of increasing the enrollment and to continue marketing efforts.
The ad-hoc committee to re-evaluate LCPA entrance requirements plans to meet in November and report at the next Task Force meeting.
Ms. Lollis, Executive Director for School Leadership who supervises LCPA, addressed a query regarding support for LCPA�s programs. Ms. Grant, a parent, expressed concerns about the perceived lack of support from and hostile attitude toward LCPA exhibited by Ms. Lollis. Ms. Lollis related that she supervises 20 schools and strives to assure that all schools get the same services.
Concern was expressed about the cancellation of LCPA after-school bus service at 3:45 p.m. A Board Item is being prepared for review by the Finance & Audit Committee for presentation to the Board requesting that additional late activity buses for LCPA be provided for academic enhancement. The provision of this after-school bus service should be included in next school year�s budget.

Principal�s Remarks: In response to an inquiry, Mr. Hawkins reported that LCPA has received 40+ computers through the District�s Technology Plan. An additional 50 units is needed to provide computer labs at the middle school and high school. Mr. Craddolph, a parent, relayed efforts to expand wiring and networking at LCPA utilizing volunteers and in-kind contributions. Difficulty was reported with getting approval from the Information Technology Department. Mr. Craddolph will submit a proposal to Ms. Lollis which will be discussed with the Manager of Information Technology. Mr. Demps encouraged the administration to work with Mr. Craddolph and the LCPA community to resolve the matter. The need for flexibility in the high school computer curriculum which requires freshmen to take Word Processing was expressed.
Mr. Hawkins reported that the exterior tuck-pointing has been completed on both buildings and that the high school Auditorium renovation is complete. Further renovations which will realign the high school building are planned for the summer of 2001. The Library-Resource Center will be relocated to the southeaster end of the ground floor, the art rooms will be relocated to the pod area in proximity to the dark room, and the band room will be enlarged. Associate teachers are filling positions in art, speech/debate, and middle school Spanish with every new teacher being assigned a departmental mentor.
Mr. Hawkins reported that concerns regarding the proposed School Police Officers were discussed at the Sept. SAC meeting, however there was not a consensus among the participants. A community forum has been tentatively scheduled for November 4 for the Board to receive input on this matter.

Committee Reports:
Academic Achievement: Mrs. Barr, chair, reported that the committee has begun meetings with plans to target math scores and set further goals. The committee will meet on the third Wednesday of the month with the next meeting planned for October 18 at 3:00 p.m. in the high school ROTC room. Concerns were expressed that LCPA curriculum continues to be aligned with the International Baccalaureate (IB) program and, to the extent practicable, with the Missouri Show-Me and Missouri Assessment Program standards. The LCPA departments were encouraged to pursue efforts to ensure that students understand the standards and expectations of the since fulfilling the IB curriculum requirements impacts the curriculum in the lower grades.

Marketing & Recruitment: Ms. Grant, co-chair, reported that the committee intends to develop a marketing plan with plans to consistently champion academic and other positive student outcomes. A flyer has been drafted and a web site specialist is being sought to provide services for LCPA. Concerns were expressed regarding the funding for proposed direct mailings. A suggestion was made that effort be made to maintain contact with recent alumni. The committee was urged to present a plan to the Task Force at the next meeting.

School Advisory Committee: Mrs. Postma, co-chair, introduced Ms. Bomah-Swaray, who is assuming the position of SAC co-chair to replace Ms. Jackie Hall, who resigned due to conflicting time committments. Plans were outlined for a panel discussion to be held on November 2 at 6:30 p.m. including Superintendent Demps, Associate Superintendent for Instruction Shannon, Executive Director Lollis, KCMSD Board President Ragsdale, Mayor Barnes, & Congresswoman McCarthy. A workshop will be hosted to address financial planning for college expenses and pot-luck dinners as recruitment efforts for parents of prospective students will be held at both buildings.

Alumni: Mr. Richardson distributed copies of "Passion-Commitment: UMMA�s Focus In The 21st Century" booklets from a news-media conference workshop. A College Preparation & Financial Aid Workshop is being planned for November 18 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Manual High School.

The next Task Force meeting will be: Tuesday, December 19, at 12:00 noon in the Board of Education Building, 1211 McGee St., Blue Room -- 10th Floor

Submitted by:

Kay Postma