Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary PTSA 2.8.54
Board of Directors meeting
June 6, 2016
Meeting was called to order at 6:00p.m. in the school library.
Members present: Elaine Cox, Rebecca Lavier, Sanjay Kapur, Laura Hamilton, Michele Johansen, Nikki
Balt, Heather Kass, and David Caufield. Also present were Principal Jim Eaton and Teacher
Representative Karen Lepere, and incoming board members Laurie Jensen, Carolyn Payne, Cherish
Fitterer, Pronita Mehrotra, Kristen Schwager; Parisa Behzad-Pour, and Zarqa Javed.
Members absent: Tara Rose-Large, Archana Sunil, and Joannine Martinez.
Welcome – Michele Johansen and Nikki Balt
Minutes – Rebecca Lavier
Minutes from the April 11, 2016 board of directors meeting were accepted as presented.
Reports
Treasurer Report – Sanjay Kapur
 Beginning balance for April: $45,720.83; Ending balance: $38,977.80.
 Over-budget expenses: Dads and Donuts, Teacher Luncheons, board member training, and
Volunteer Recognition. Other expenses included Running Club final run supplies, Math Night
reimbursements, and deposit for next year’s Fun Run event. Money Minder was renewed, and
storage discount will expire and monthly fee will go up starting in May.
Principal’s Report – Jim Eaton
 SBA testing finished. Scores are sent out in the fall.
 Staff Appreciation Week was great; thank you to PTSA.
 A.L.I.C.E. drill occurred in April. Feedback from teachers expressing that students more
comfortable with the procedure.
 Next year every space at Blackwell will be used by students. Preschool will relocate to Carson
Elementary and kindergarten classes will use those rooms.
 Two Quest additions: one more 2/3 class and one more 4/5 class.
 Number of students in a K-2 classroom will generate another teacher if number of students
exceeds 23.
 Choice students can stay here through 5th grade, but will not have transportation from district.
 Industrial Hygienist coming to inspect interior air quality of portables. Portables are going to be
refurbished on the exterior. New ramps will be installed.
 Field Day on Monday: sunblock and allergy notice form going home with students for parent
signature/permission.
Teacher Representative – Karen Lepere
 Thank you for Teacher Appreciation week. Thumb print decorations great.
 A.L.I.C.E. drill went well. Students feel empowered, but they aren’t fully aware of what the real
thing would be.
 Skyward is not a fast software tool for teachers to use.
LW PTSA Council Report – Nikki Balt and Laura Hamilton
See notes from Nikki Balt. Region 2 conference will be in Redmond on August 23, 2016 for training.
Grant Committee Report – Pronita Mehrotra
Grant budget: $1560. Committee recommended that all teachers who submitted a grant receive
something that was asked for. See handout. Discussion occurred regarding grant money for technology
upgrades and fund raising with a purpose.
Principal Eaton will publish grant recommendations to staff and get feedback. Write-up will be
published through Communications so that community knows what decisions were made.
Business
Standing Rules Revisions – Michele Hohansen and Nikki Balt
The state PTA has made changes to its standing rules, and Blackwell PTSA standing rules need to reflect
those changes. See attached handout for proposed changes.
Motion was made to accept proposed changes to the current Blackwell PTSA standing rules. Motion
made by Laura Hamilton, seconded by Heather Kass. Motion passed. PTSA membership will vote on
changes to standing rules at general membership meeting on April 9.
Preliminary 2016-17 Budget – Sanjay Kapur
Budget committee met earlier in month to discuss next school year’s budget. See attached budget.
A motion was made to accept the proposed budget as presented with minor changes to Student
Directory, Software – OurSchoolPages (move under Communications), and Staff Development Fund.
Motion made by David Caufield, seconded by Elaine Cox. Motion passed.
Survey Update – Elaine Cox
Reviewed results of survey. Sample size was very small due to a computer glitch. The survey will be
sent out again to all of Blackwell community. Comments thus far included disappointment in
cancelation of International Night and feelings of exclusion as a new volunteer.
Meeting adjourned at 8:07p.m.