General Meeting

Lakeway Elementary School

December 5, 2005

 

President Lori Griggs called the meeting to order at 5:40 p.m., with a verified quorum.  Motion carried to accept the November minutes as read.  

 

Principal’s Report—Sam Hicks

Mr. Hicks welcomed all those in attendance.  He reported on the following:

  • The Rising Star competition completed.
  • Regarding attendance boundaries for students in kinder through 8th grades, the superintendent was creating a zoning committee for the fall of 2006.  No changes will take place for 2006-2007 school year.  Zoning for the middle schools and the new elementary school will be addressed at this time.  This will impact LWE and LTE.
  • Regarding Raptor Security, overall comments have been positive.  With increase usage, an additional computer will be placed in the office area and another in the PTO work room.  In reference to major events, the old system of check-in will be in place.  LWE is the pilot program for LTISD.  The annual cost for system is $1,600.00 and approximately $700.00 of total is for labeling. PTO purchased software and training.  Security cameras will be installed this summer in busing area/entrances.  This will also reduce LWE insurance premiums.
  • The holidays are a busy time for staff, but fun.

 

Treasurer’s Report—Shelley McCannon 

Current balance as of 12/5/05 is $40,381.97.  She motioned to approve:

  • To increase the Classroom Needs expense from $25,000.00 to $35,000.00;
  • To increase the Dinner&Auction expense from $15,000.00 to $27,561.00.  Motion carried.

 

Wish List—Shelley McCannon

  • 2nd grade/Mrs. Organ has requested place value dice, Kim Sutton math books, and double dice.  Provides for 42 sets for $363.00.  Motion carried.   
  • 5th grade requested $1,100.00 for a field trip to WWII Nimitz Museum and Enchanted Rock.  Motion carried. This will reimburse the activity fund.
  • Office.  The committee reviewed the request from Renee Dalton for an additional $500.00 for office expenses.  The phone head-set was $300.00.  This request was tabled pending the outcome of the mixer.  Mr. Hicks has requested $293.48 for a stand up work station for Raptor Security System and Mrs. Cobb has requested $835.00 for character award pins.  Mr. Hicks added that these pins would cover LWE for the next few years.  Motion to approve the $500.00 office request and $293.48 for Raptor supplies carried.  Mrs. Cobb’s request was tabled. 
  • Theater Arts has requested $3,700.00 for sound system with microphones.  Mrs. Wilson addressed the committee by stating the negative acoustics in the gym for productions, etc.  Equipment used last year was returned to LTE.  This new system is wireless, has two choir microphones with booms, two JBL speakers, and storage containers for equipment.  A monitor speaker is needed, but T.A. can use the current speakers at LWE.  An income of $8,000.00 is expected from this year’s talent show and play to pay for new equipment.  Motion for approval carried. 

 

Officer’s Reports

President—Lori Griggs

The first ever Mustang Mixer was a huge success.  The committee had hoped to make a profit of $10,000.00.  The net was $20,206.44 and the PTO wants to continue with this event to minimize other fundraisers.  The class projects were incredible.  Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Benthall were in receipt of the highest bidding of $175.00. 

 

1st VP/Volunteers—Patty Hoenig
There is no Cultural Fair chair and it was suggested that LWE might forego the fair this year.  Possibly host one every other year.  It would be better to host the event in the fall or during the month of May.  It is an important event, but not necessary this year.  It will take place if the chair can be filled and a date in May is available.  Overall, all committees are filled for the spring.  Patty will report on recycling in January.  Read- 2nd

 

VP/Fundraising—Terry Kelley

Prior to this school year, the bond issue and LWE population losses were unknowns.  To cover the loss, the committee raised fundraising efforts.  LWE has raised approximately $60,000.00 this year.  Next year, the committee, with input from Mr. Hicks and grade level coordinators, hopes to raise $50,000.00 and focus on 3 categories. Terry suggested to separate the mixer and carnival into two distinct committees.  There will be less emphasis on Sally Foster and Entertainment Passbooks in the future, perhaps internet campaign sales only.  25% of fundraising income is derived from the school store, garage sale and t-shirt sales.  15% was generated by sales of Sally Foster and Passbooks.  Additionally, the Passbook campaign is difficult from an administrative end.  With the success of the mixer, attendance could soar to 300-400 attendees next year.  With more attending, the ticket price could be lowered and income would still be generated.   The long-term goal is to focus on fewer fundraisers and keep growing the mixer so the carnival is not a fundraiser, but a fun family event for the LWE community. Discussion followed to continue informing parents of where fundraising income is spent.

 

3rd VP/Faculty—Nancy McDonald

The faculty and staff appreciate all the PTO efforts for LWE.  She thanked the PTO on behalf of the 3rd grade team for providing the funds for the EMS field trip, but will not continue with the trip in the future.  Mrs. McDonald also acknowledged Ballet Austin docent Marla Hiller and her work with the Nutcracker field trip.

 

4th VP/Programs-Jay Hiller

The food drive completed with assistance from chairs Stephanie Ferguson and Veronica Czuchna and the LWE student council.  Forty boxes of food were collected and distributed by the Hudson Bend Ladies Auxiliary.  Coin drive will take place through 12/15/05, with funds going to Lake Travis Crisis Ministries.  Green Santa/Mustang Santa chair is Tracie McMeans.  Mustang Santa collections will be solicited from second grade families, while the remaining LWE community will collect donations for Green Santa.  Mr. Hicks felt it important to take care of the 7 families that work at LWE. Jay suggested that LTISD designate community service projects per campus.    

 

Motion to adjourn at 6:45 p.m. carried.

 

Robin Thomas

Secretary