Present: Clinton Adams, Melissa Ashcraft, Michael Ashcraft, Phyllis, Budesheim, Stephanie Fama, Harold Hawkins, Bonnie McKelvy, Herbert Nickerson, Verlene Nickerson, Elonia Norwood, George Postma, Kay Postma, Helen Ragsdale, Linda Ransom, M. C. Richardson, Kimberly Ross, Corey Scholes, Carolyn Spears, Brad Taylor, Bernard Taylor, Reginald Taylor, Brenda Thomas, Carl VunCannon,
The meeting was called to order at 12:15 p.m. by Mrs. Ragsdale, who expressed appreciation for the effectiveness of the LCPA Task Force due to the support and efforts of its members.
Principals' Remarks: Mr. Hawkins, Principal, reported on a fairly smooth opening of school, considering the relocation for summer school and building renovations. Student enrollment at the high school is 530. Enrollment overall has increased with 100 new students. The school was fully staffed, however one teacher will be leaving this week. Students are anxious about the incomplete renovations, particularly the lack of lockers. New lockers should be delivered in October and installed by November. The Library and Media Center have not been completed. New furniture and shelving for the Library has been ordered and should arrive by mid-November. These items will require assembly and books can then be shelved. A full inventory is being undertaken. Interior painting is continuing between 3:30 -11:00 p.m. The reason for replacing the front doors to the high school building was requested. Mr. Hawkins reported that the doors are rusted and deteriorating on the inside edge. The doors, but not the frames, are to be replaced.
Mr. Hawkins distributed the Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) Summary Report and MAP Test Results Comparison of Years 1998-2001 for the high school. Test scores show positive gains with no decreases in any areas. The Entrepreneurial School model proposal was briefly discussed as a possible pursuit to benefit and enhance LCPA
Ms. Scholes, Associate Principal, also reported a fairly smooth opening of school. Middle school renovations are nearing completion, with the exception of the Library which awaits shelving. About 400 people attended the Student Orientation programs. Middle school enrollment is 584 with 237 sixth grade students. A middle school teacher has received a Michael Jordan grant for $2,500 to fund a weather station. Ms. Scholes distributed 2001 MAP Data for the middle school and a comparison of LCPA results with the District and State MAP results.
Technology Plan: Ms. Elonia Norwood, Interim Information Technology Director, reviewed the implementation of the District's Technology Plan at LCPA. Computers have been provide for two computer labs with 26 computers each for both buildings. The high school Library is to have a Media Center with 15 computer and the middle school Library is to have 8 computers. In the next phase each classroom teacher is to receive a classroom computer following training in computer usage. The following phase of the plan will place 2-5 computers in each classroom for student usage. Ms. Norwood outlined the goal that every school be wired for networking by the end of this school year. LCPA is among the first 25 schools slated for completion of this goals. Curricular software is currently being installed through the District. Concerns about electrical power capabilities were expressed. The standard for electricity in each class will be to support 5 computers. Electrical conduit strips have been installed with outlets every 4.5 feet. The existing classroom jacks are awaiting conversion and activation to support electrical and network cabling. Proposals are awaiting Board approval for purchasing additional cable and other hardware.
Alumni : Mr. R. Taylor, Lincoln High School/R. T. Coles Alumni Association, praised the performance of LCPA students. The District's graduating class of 2001 received $5 million in scholarships, $2.5 million of which was awarded to LCPA graduates. LCPA graduates lead the KCMO metropolitan area in ACT scores with an average of 22.6, an increase over last years average ACT score of 22.4. Individual students also received various noteworthy honors and awards.
Mr. R. Taylor reported that on March 23 a hearing was held by the Landmarks Commission regarding the historic designation for the high school building. The Landmarks Commission supported the recommendation unanimously and the issue was to go to the city's Planning & Zoning committee, who will forward their recommendation to the City Council to be adopted as a city ordinance. Mr. Taylor is investigating the delays surrounding legal issues with proceeding in this matter. The merits of seeking the historic site designation for the high school building were discussed. Once the high school is so designated, a Certificate of Appropriateness can be submitted to the Landmarks Commission whenever renovation changes are proposed if the changes affect the integrity of the exterior of the original part of the building.. Mr. Richardson commended Mr. Taylor on his efforts and reviewed the various civic awards Mr. Taylor is receiving as acknowledgment of his accomplishments in this endeavor.
A committee was formed to induct further alumni into the Hall of Fame. The purposes of this event are to establish a connection between LCPA and alumni of all the preceding Lincoln schools, acknowledge the more renowned Lincoln graduates, and celebrate the history of Lincoln. Mrs. Ragsdale outlined the historic designation presentation prepared by the Landmarks Commission and suggested that the presentation be shown at an upcoming School Advisory Committee meeting. The members of the Hall of Fame committee are Mr. R. Taylor, Mr. & Mrs. Nickerson, Ms. Spears, Ms. Ross, & Mr. Richardson.
Capital Improvement Plan: Mr. VunCannon, Director of Capital Improvements, reported that the estimated completion date for renovations is Sept. 20. The air conditioning and energy management systems have been installed, but are not working fully throughout the buildings, and are difficult to control. The air handing control cannot be regulated from the buildings as it is centralized in the Maintenance Operations Building at 800 E. 21 St. to be managed electronically and remotely by a computerized energy manager. The replacement of exterior windows at the middle school has encountered difficulties with the contractor, resulting in delaying installation until 2002. Ms. Scholes requested that the window shades be reinstalled to block the sunlight. Mr. VunCannon assured that the check list of incomplete or unfinished renovation items will be addressed and acceptable standards will be met before the renovation job is considered complete. The contracts with the various companies have a clause which allows for withholding final payments until the District is satisfied with the contractor's job. The inital renovation budget should be adequate to provide funds for change orders and addendums as cost over-runs are offset by other changes. KCPL will be installing lighting for back parking lots, and the east parking lot at the middle school will be paved this fall. Several roof leaks remain resulting in ceiling damage in the Auditorium and wall damage in the fourth floor stairway. Difficulties encountered with the roofing contractor will be addressed.
Human Resources: Ms. Thomas, Director of the Human Resources Department, recognized that the college preparatory magnet program has an exemplary record of staffing techniques. Teacher interviews and final hiring decisions will continue to be made by the Principal and Executive Director. The principals will be provided with updated listings of appropriate incoming candidates and current teachers who are requesting transfers and which meet the job standards and qualifications established by LCPA job descriptions. LCPA will continue to be exempted from the District's voluntary transfer policy. Voluntary transfers must also be interviewed and will be placed into LCPA solely at the discretion of the principals.
Superintendent's Remarks: Dr. Taylor stated that he supports the concept of additional compensation for increased levels of training, and that postgraduate credits should count toward increased salary increments. The possibility of providing additional compensation for LCPA teachers trained in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program was discussed. The school has the discretion of using professional development funds to provide for IB training compensation. Dr. Taylor is hoping to give schools increased flexibility regarding use of their resources for negotiating individual contracts and compensation rates through the proposed Entrepreneurial School program. Mr. Adams queried regarding the possibility of establishing a privately funded foundation to provide additional compensation for high caliber teachers according to established criteria was discussed. Mr. Adams questioned the creation of a District position of African Centered Education Coordinator and no position of college preparatory coordinator.
A request was made that LCPA's marketing allocation for a recruitment campaign for prospective students be renewed. LCPA marketing efforts are directed toward a targeted student population who are making choices regarding which middle or high school to attend. Renewal of the funds for marketing will allow starting recruitment efforts early in the school year in order to allow competition with private and charter schools.
Dr. Taylor plans to form a task to address bell/start time issues and develop recommendations.
Dr. Taylor requested assistance and support at the at the Missouri Board of Education meeting on October 18, at 1:00 p.m. in Jefferson City when the District presents its case against take-over by the state.
The meeting was adjourned at 1:32 p.m.
The next Task Force meeting will be:
Tues., November 20, at 12:00 noon at the Board of Education building , 1211 McGee St.
Submitted by:
Kay Postma