Akuei Amare

The LSAT meeting covered a variety of topics including calendar updates, planning for Sherwood Day, open houses, and parent nights. There was a discussion about the tradition of no school on Mondays, student recess policies, and pick-up procedures in the multipurpose room. The agenda also included updates on fall fundraising, the annual auction, and the music program, including potential fundraising options. Additionally, the meeting addressed the school's goals and plans, communication strategies, and a potential 5th-grade expansion.

The meeting covered various committee updates, including communications (website rollout), health and wellness (Walk to School Day), grants, recruitment, and outreach. Discussions included the IDEA Family Working Group (monthly guides, caregiver discussion group, partnership with Kindred), the Fall Campaign (fundraising for school resources), transportation (bus schedule adjustments, carpooling solutions), and the Comprehensive School Plan (focused on shared leadership, culture of achievement, academics, and engagement). Modernization updates covered tours, art selection, and potential school renaming. COVID updates included low incident numbers and testing procedures. An open forum addressed parent recommendations for COVID notifications and Walk to School Day logistics. Finally, a motion passed to have a voting representative from the IDEA parent working group on the LSAT.

The meeting covered various updates, including committee reports on the MLK Day of service, communications (newsletter, website updates, and social media outreach), spring fundraiser preparations, and the Friend of SWS fall campaign. A budget update was presented, outlining the budget cycle and the Uniform Per Student Funding Formula. Modernization updates focused on art selection for the school and project progress. COVID updates included information on testing protocols and a smooth school reopening. The open forum addressed volunteering complications, TB testing requirements, and COVID vaccination requirements for volunteers. Discussions also included advocacy for parents with non-violent criminal histories.

The meeting focused on the school's FY24 budget, which showed a 5% decrease from the previous year. Key discussion points included personnel expenditures, with a review of position costs for teachers, aides, and custodians. The budget process timeline was outlined, including the petition and budget assistance request windows. Concerns were raised about the allocation of funds for students with higher needs and the impact of the new budget formula. The possibility of needing to cut positions was discussed, and a survey was proposed to gather input from teachers and parents on budget priorities.

The meeting focused on the role and purpose of the LSAT, including representation of all perspectives and communities, notifications and updates, and advisory input on initiatives. Key areas of focus for the year included the Comprehensive School Plan (CSP), budget, working with IDEA, family engagement and communication, and rebuilding school culture. Discussions also covered an upcoming family survey focused on equity audit work and parent engagement, and an update from Kindred, which encouraged participation in dialogue groups. Committee updates were given on communications, the fall campaign, the IDEA Family Working Group, recruitment, and the auction. Budget updates were provided, highlighting a new process based on enrollment and considerations for equity. The Comprehensive School Plan was reviewed, focusing on shared leadership, culture of achievement, academics, and engagement. Goals were outlined for each area.