SPPS Capitol Hill -- Capitol Hill Site Council Meeting Minutes

Bus Transportation Requests: Nancy Randall gave an update on the bus transportation request. There is a black out time for requests to transportation starting on/around August 20. If parents contact Cindy McRae (at Capitol Hill) prior to the black out time then requests and updates can be accommodated in a timely fashion. There will be an effort to collect updated information in late spring before the end of the school year.

Cougar Awards: Principal Mariucci updated the Council on the school climate and climate survey. A survey was done with the 7 and 8^th grade. Grades 4-6 just completed the survey and the results should be available for the January meeting of the Council. Principal Mariucci is looking for staff and parents to serve on the Climate Task Force that would be willing to meet for two days to review and discuss the issues.

The Council talked about the Cougar Awards and the issues and concerns that have been brought up from parents and the Council. The discussion focused on the need to define the purpose of the award and then follow through with action that aligns with the purpose. The Council discussion focused a need to look at how to recognize exemplary behavior and value of the Cougar code in a broader sense than the few individuals that are currently being recognized. Ideas that came forth include, but were not limited to: class awards (e.g. Cougar classes), creating a rolling Cougar trophy, expanded opportunity for all students to achieve Cougar status.

Guest Speaker – Will Waterkamp, District Security and Safety

Mr. Waterkamp began his comments by emphasizing that visibility is a very important piece of security and safety. Cameras, windows, and badges have significant affect on the level of inappropriate behavior and/or unwanted or inappropriate persons.

Mr. Waterkamp discussed some of the services that are offered by security and safety: evaluation of safety of space, de-escalation training, arrangement of classrooms/offices. He indicated that the system for security needs to change completely and this will be part of a capital-bonding request.

Mr. Waterkamp updated the Council that access control is a major issue for the Rondo Complex. The current system does not include internal doors. Internal doors provide security for sensitive equipment and/or safety of persons in the building and in specific areas of the building. A European system was investigated as a possibility and it is not clear how soon this will happen. Capitol Hill has the capability to run a camera in any areas that may need particular monitoring right now. The issue, however, is who will consistently monitor the camera.

Principal Mariucci updated Mr. Waterkamp on some of the safety issues at Capitol Hill (PA system not reaching several parts of the building, no locked doors that stop visitors from easy access to the building and classrooms, walkie talkies for playground and communicating with students outside, lunchroom noise and inability to hear announcements, etc.). Mr. Waterkamp agreed that security issues, like locked access doors, are a priority for capital bonding.

The issue of radios was discussed at length. Mr. Waterkamp proposed that a request be made for capital bond to replace radios across the complex. In the interim, four additional radios will be provided.

The traffic issue was brought up and Mr. Waterkamp put forth that this is not his area, but will get involved if there are issues that have not been addressed. He will come out with the staff and assess the traffic patterns and make a recommendation.

The last issue that was visited was building evacuation and relocation. Relocation site should be within 1 mile and be reasonably reachable during inclement and/or cold weather. The District coordinates transportation in a timely fashion when necessary for events when relocation is required.

Administration Report

Principal Mariucci met with the District about putting in windows in interior office space that would provide increased visibility and security for exterior doors, particularly green doors and MLK doors. Prin. Mariucci is going to send in the request another time as a request to building maintenance.

Principal Mariucci updated the Council on the budget. Specific discussion items included (1) movement of the Curriculum Coordinator position into a coaching position, (2) new computers have been purchased for the lab and laptops for the staff, (3) computers from staff will become computers for use by students, and (4) scholarships for language classes.

New Business

No new business was presented.

Committee Reports

Reports were tabled due to time.

Adjournment

Meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.