Homer A. Plessy’s board reviewed the latest steps taken to support its fledgling school Tuesday night.
The meeting convened at 6:10 a.m., and began with a report by Head of School Joan Reilly on new procedures instituted to extend planning time for teachers. The procedures regroup the 1st and 2nd graders into two reading groups based on ability gleaned from assessment data.
Reilly also said that Plessy applied for an i3 grant through the Success For All Foundation to afford instructional materials and other resources. The Lens reported last month that the school required nearly $150,000 to support itself through 2013-2014.
Board President Ben McCleish continued the funding discussion by reporting on the school’s effort to engage local businesses to assist the school, including a “Plessy Night” held by Pizza Delicious.
The board has raised $7,900 since last month in new fundraising revenue.
In school governance matters, April Bedford and Gilda Armstrong-Butler were unanimously elected to the board. Bedford is a University of New Orleans professor of curriculum and instruction, and Armstrong-Butler, who holds a masters in social work, brings approximately 40 years of experience in assisting children through social services.
“They will both add incredible skill to our board,” McCleish said.
In other news, Melissa Fox of 4th Sector Solutions Inc. discussed ongoing efforts to track the cost of student meals using an automated point of sale system, which improves upon previous paper-based methods.
Besides McCleish, board members Nigel Fields, Randy Hutchinson, Jackson Knowles, Brooke Muntean and Michael Pizzolato attended the meeting, which adjourned at 6:54 pm. Bob Brian and Keith Plessy were absent.
What time did the meeting convene? 6 a.m.?, and the teachers need more planning time for what? OMG! Where is Kathleen Padian, Deputy Superintendent of Charter Schools for OPSB, who put this “act” it in front of the OPSB for approval?!! Obvioulsy, a few politically connected individuals emerge, but still. And yes, I do have a problem with this, To date, not one eligible RSD school has chosen to return to local control (OPSB), and there is a 6-figure salaried deputy superintendent who has a budget for what? (3-4 employees), almost equal to the entire Department of Curriculum & Instruction and/or the OPSB Central Office. So, remind me exactly what is it that that Charter Office is doing or supposed to be doing. Then, we have some nonprofits (board people) saying that they were not approached prior to their deliberations on whether to return to local control or not.
At this rate, Plessy will have filled its $150,000 shortfall by August 2015.