Meeting Minutes - September 19, 2017

Post date: Sep 20, 2017 3:44:10 PM

Thank you so much to the FORTY-FIVE people who attended our first PTSO meeting of the year. It was a long one due to the CQC presentation. Typiccal meetings are finished in an hour, or even less. We can't wait to hear all your ideas as we work together to support our students! An extra big thank you to the Barcenas family for the delicious tamales!!

1. Welcome and Introduction of Board Members:

Spanish speaking Co-President: Yesenia Barcenas

English speakng Co-President: Carly Kidd

Volunteer Coordinator: Reem Reyes

Fundraising Coordinator: Jen Connolly

Treasurer: Erika Garcia

Secretary: Amy Cook

2. Presentation by representative from Richfield CQC (Citizens for a Quality Community) regarding upcoming referenda questions. There will be 2 questions on the ballot on November 7th:

Question 1: This question asks for a Capital Bond Referendum. If passed, money would be used to improve and update the aging infrastructure of our district's buildings, which has not been done in 25 years. Improved security and air quality, as well as updated bathrooms, kitchens, and exteriors would be included. Also, a media center and science room are considerations for RDLS. Passage would result in a tax increase of $13.58/month on a $210,000 home. Tax increases are based on the tax assessed value of your home. If your home is assessed higher than $210,000 your tax increase would be greater. If the assessed value of your home is lower than $210,000 your tax increase would be lower.

Question 2: This question asks for a Operational Levy Referendum. If passed, this referendum would replace two older referenda, which should result in needing to go to the voters for increases less frequently. Money would be used for expanding course offerings and support services, reducing class size, and improving financial stability should state or federal funding decrease. Surrounding districts, including St.Louis Park & Hopkins assess taxes to receive $2000/student. Passage of this referendum would raise Richfield's per student income to $1414/student.

The CQC is strongly in favor of voting YES to both questions. If you would like more information, or to assist the CQC in getting information out about the referenda, please visit their website at www.richieldcqc.org or the district website at www.richfieldschools.org Early voting begins Sept. 22nd at City Hall. The most important thing to do is show up and vote and encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do the same.

3. Welcome from Sra. Marta

Please read School Handbook, especially portions addressing pick-up/drop-off procedures

School will be recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with an assembly and a pop-top collection. At the assembly, medical professionals will be talking to students about cancer in general, and specifically in regard to RDLS 3rd grader, Rissy, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment. Students will learn why Rissy has lost her hair and why she has a tube coming in her nose.

4. Playground update - RDLS portion of funds in savings account; waiting for outcome of Capital Bond referendum vote on November 7.

5. Financial Report: Treasurer, Erika Garcia, presented a proposed budget for the year which was unanimously approved by all in attendance. Budget information can be seen in pie charts hanging in the front entry of the school, between the two sets of entry doors.

6. Ideas for how to spend PTSO funds available: Spirit Wear shirts for all students next year, one field trip per grade level, computer software like ST Math and Dreambox, motivational speakers for students, PTSO t-shirts so board members can be easily identified and approached with questions at Information Nights, Kindergarten Round-Up, and Open Houses

7. Future Fundraising Events:

Cherrydale begins next week

Oct. 3, 4-8 p.m. Davanni's fundraiser - Bring the certificate sent home with students to Davanni's in designated time frame and a percentage of your purchase will go to RDLS

Oct. 13th: Glow Run at RDLS, more info coming

**RDLS PTSO donations by cash or check can always be dropped in the PTSO locked dropbox in the front office.

8. Change to Teacher Reimbursement Program: Previously, classroom teachers were given $100 in reimbursements for classroom supplies, and other staff would have to submit requests for approval. Program has been expanded to include all licensed staff at RDLS, so save those receipts, teachers!

9 Need a new Read-A-Thon Coordinator. Contact Carly Kidd if interested: carly@kidds.net

10. Times for PTSO meetings this year: Future meetings are under the Calendar heading on this page. We will be alternating evening and morning meeting times. This month's meeting was in the evening, so next month's meeting will be in the morning, on Tuesday, Oct. 11 at 7:45 a.m. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!