Education Advisory Board Report – Betty Shelley – April 2008

Once again there was not a quorum but an interesting program. Dr. Hays had really gone through the minutes & all info sent out by the School Board & reported on all the issues. One big item was that Arthur Ashe has been approved as a Magnet Center. This was a project that the EAB had worked on last year so it is quite an accomplishment.
It was noted by Connie Christensen that the Freedom Foundation of Valley Forge was sending 33 16 year olds from Broward County to Philadelphia for a civic experience. This is paid for from various grants.
The Best Practices Showcase is to be held at Stranahan High School on May 14th from 4-6. The Ft Lauderdale EAB has always had an excellent presentation at this event. Leslie Carhart had done a school house with pictures & accomplishments of the Board. Chair Hays said she would get with Leslie to once again have this presentation.
It was discussed to have 1 or 2 students to sit on the EAB. Dr. Hays suggested they be recommended by the Teen Advisory Council. All thought this was a good idea for a different input; there had been a discussion at the last meeting about Green School initiatives.  Charles Webster, BCPS Liaison advised the school system now has a Group to focus on Green Schools.
Phaedra Xanthos gave some info to introduce gardening to elementary students to teach better Nutrition. Lu Deaner advised that this was one of the goals of the Southside School when it was functioning.
Quite a bit of time was taken with Goal setting. A list was provided for review from items given by members at the last meeting. Members present were asked to vote on the 3 top priorities from this list.
They are:
Develop a mentoring program where Middle & High Schools help with elementary students where they are in close proximity.
Find Foundations, groups interested in sponsoring partnership programs.
Develop a recommendation for the Mayor, Commissioners, and City Staff to do once a week one-on-one reading to children in the school & to help the City develop more partnerships with the City Schools.
The Group was given the info on the Council's City Wide Garage Sale & Dr. Hays provided flyers.
A very informative meeting

FYI - Our June 19, 2008 EAB meeting will be held at the Old Dillard Museum, located at 1009 NW 4th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311. They are located on the east side of Walker Elementary School. Free parking is available in the parking lot in front and on the side of their building. The Museum is on the 2nd floor of the building and our meeting is set up on the 1st floor in the first classroom on the right after you enter the Old Dillard building.  They have also invited us to join them at the Exhibition Grand Opening (from 6pm - 8:30pm) that will take place then.

Check out the Old Dillard Museum link
http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/olddillardmuseum/