President, Anne Hoke, called the meeting to order at the Columbus Alternative High School at 7:02 pm. In attendance were seventeen (17) members (constituting a quorum). Those present introduced themselves. Stephanie Ludwig was in attendance as Secretary.
Principal’s Report: Mr. Qualls was sick during the school day and did not have a report.
Secretary's Report: Stephanie presented the meeting minutes from March 3, 2009. It was moved and seconded to accept the minutes as written. The motion passed.
Treasurer’s Report: Kim presented the Balance Sheet for March which included a breakdown of the No-phone-a-Thon purchases, a second quarter audit, and a budget vs. actual statement. Kim made a motion to approve the financial statements. The motion was seconded and passed.
Activity Coordinator Report: The Bake Sale produced about $50, and unfortunately, there was another Bake Sale happening at the same time. The next Bake Sale will be April 27th.
Hospitality Report: The next Teacher’s Breakfast will be April 30th.
Grant Writing Committee: Toni had no report.
Publicity Committee: Gerry was not able to attend. Anne distributed articles from the local neighborhood newspapers and websites in her absence.
Old Business
Update on T-Shirt, Bill Cohen’s 60’s Coffee House, Yearbook Ad: We are planning to sell them at the Freshmen luncheon, so none have been sold. Sixty students and twelve adults attended the Coffee House. Overall, the PTA spent $137 on Bill Cohen’s 60’s Coffee House. Stephanie passed around a copy of the yearbook ad that the PTA placed and explained that in addition to the yearbook ad, a section was added to the Blog to encourage alumni participation, and also a section to include pictures.
PA System: Mary Ellen said she was told that Customer Care will start integrating the PA system the week of Spring Break, and that it would be completed by the end of Spring Break. Mr. Qualls confirmed that he was told the same thing.
Nominating Committee: Anne, Gerry, Jeff met to recommend a slate for next year. Nominated officers are: Stephanie Ludwig--President, Mary Ellen Sinclair--Vice President, Lemuel Harrison--Vice President, Tracy Taylor—Secretary and Toni Dodge—Treasurer. Other nominations can be made from the floor. Elections will be next month.
PTA Scholarships: Nine students were invited by Batelle and STEM Columbus to attend first robotics championships during Spring Break. Mr. Qualls said that the total cost of the trip is about $4300, and he requested a donation of $ 750 from the PTA for hotel, registration, rental car, per diem. (Total Breakdown of costs is attached hereto). They are having a Talent Show in May to raise $500-600. He said that they placed 11th out of 59, and wants them to have a preview of where we want to be. Mary Ellen made motion to donate $750 for the trip. The motion was seconded and passed.
Mary Ellen made motion to donate$750 to the Shakespeare Trip and determine how to distribute it later after specific interest in the trip is known. The motion was seconded and passed.
Courtyard Update: Steve Montague said mural is put up and wall is spackled and needs painted. Lowe’s application was rejected. Oakland Nursery requested schedule of maintenance to care for plants. Someone is there every day of the summer. Someone is available to water the plants once per week. Garden hose should be kept in the courtyard. Steve is still waiting for response from Kathy F. at Oakland Park Nursery. Frames for eight foot benches bolted to ground are $180 plus cost of wood and paint. Trash cans are $180 each. Steve said plant donations are welcome from parents. Mr. Qualls said he’d get paint and mulch from the district. Jeff made a motion to approve $1500 for the courtyard. The motion passed. Lemuel made a motion to make the Courtyard a separate line item on the budget so that we can track total expenses approved for the courtyard.
Robotics Boosters: No report.
Teacher Requests: The gym teacher asked for a used score board and break-away rim for the gym. Mr. Qualls will check to see if maintenance has been requested for the gym, and suggested that the discussion be tabled until further information is known. Kim made a motion to table discussion to see if it will be repaired. The motion was seconded and passed. Mr. Qualls will report next month.
Follow-up on PTA Equipment Found: Messrs. Flemming & Matticola looked at the equipment. Mr. Qualls said that it could be used but for a different purpose. Mr. Qualls will follow up and report back with specifics.
Heritage Celebration: Julia said that April 22 is a go. Seven groups will give presentations. There will be two tables for food and a big map on the wall to mark the spot of ancestors. A Latino group cancelled. Ms. McCord has not yet responded to say whether the language groups will participate. Toni requested a check previously approved to buy supplies for the heritage celebration. Potluck dishes will now be optional to encourage more participation.
Incoming Freshmen Lunch: No report.
Freshmen Meetings: Anne said that the administration has requested parents to provide information and possibly give tours on April 21st and 23rd during the Freshman meetings to schedule their classes. She distributed a sign-up sheet.
Internship: Julia said that the main objective is to get internships lined up prior to the end of the school year. She emailed Dr. Dixon for specifics, but has not heard back yet. Mr. Qualls indicated that Dr. Dixon planned to present a new and improved program to all parents and students before the end of the school year.
New Business
Extra Hour at CAHS: No decision has been made yet about what to do with the extra 53 minutes added back into the school day, but a meeting will be held on Thursday to either reinstate recitation period or go to a 90 minute block schedule.
Spring Celebration: No discussion. Jeff said faculty should be invited as well as family.
Garden: Watering in the courtyard should also extend to the front. Mr. Qualls asked the PTA to be responsible for weeding the area, and said that the janitors will be responsible for all watering.
Kroger Cards: The Kroger gift card donations are ending on April 30th. Tracy mentioned another card program and will bring information. Mr. Qualls suggested that the PTA get into the vending machine business, and speculated that it could generate $300-400 month.
Gift Card for Johann Cozart: Jeff made a motion to purchase a $25 gift card for Johann Cozart who has been helping with the PTA Bake Sales even though she no longer has a student at CAHS. The motion was seconded and passed.
There was no further discussion and the meeting adjourned at 8:30 pm. The next PTA meeting will be May 5, 2009, 7:00 p.m. in Room 128 at CAHS.
Respectfully submitted,
Stephanie Ludwig, CAHS PTA Secretary
