Present: Hannah Francis, Linda Dearing, Lauren Moore, Sam Olivio, Heather Holbert, Mark Jones, Elisabet Kirk, Bethany Kulchock, Staci Swiger, Jessica Wagner, Aaron Horne, Amanda Morrow, Adam Morrow
The meeting was called to order at 14:48 by LSIC Chairperson Lauren Moore.
The first order of business was to approve the minutes from the previous meeting. The motion was made to approve the minutes from the 9/11/2024 LSIC meeting by Secretary Hannah Francis. The motion was seconded by At-Large Member Aaron Horne. All approved, no one opposed, the motion carried.
Next, the Principal’s Report was given by Principal Heather Holbert. The LSIC was updated on the safety measures and protocols in place at Johnson Elementary School. JES staff regularly take part in school-wide and county-wide safety training and continue to consistently be compliant with these mandated training courses. Staff are educated and trained in procedures and equipment, documentation and communication.
Questions and comments pertaining to school safety were answered by Principals Heather Holbert and Mark Jones. All present members expressed positive feedback regarding the safety measures in place at Johnson Elementary School.
Lauren Moore relayed feedback from parents of JES students regarding the many communication applications used by JES teachers and staff. According to Principal Holbert, Bloomz was chosen by JES several years ago due to it being the most accurate translation for ESL students and their families. Teachers and staff are not required to communicate via applications and the applications they do choose are their preferred method of communication - often based on ease of use. Staff also feel that it is very important for boundaries to be set because parents will often reach out to teachers during out-of-school hours or even the middle of the night – sometimes expecting immediate feedback. All LSIC members agreed with the need for staff to be able to have time off and not be available 24/7. Principal Holbert said she will discuss Teacher/Parent communication at the next faculty senate meeting.
Finally, At-Large Member Sam Olivio gave the LSIC an update on the upcoming Excess Levy vote. Early voting started on October 23, 2024. The Levy being voted on will go into effect July 2026 if passed. The Levy is 70 years old and has not only benefited current students, but some of their parents and even grandparents. The Levy is what currently allows ALL Bridgeport students to receive FREE breakfast and lunch. The Levy also covers the cost of textbooks, school supplies and school technology. The school PROs are available thanks to the Levy. School RNs and LPNs are available because of funds from the Levy. Ancillary staff, such as Interventionists, Speech Therapists, and Reading Specialists, are available thanks to the Levy. There is a possibility for more school consolidation if the Levy does not pass. Counties without a School Levy are constantly raising money to fund activities and equipment and supplies that the current Levy provides. Sam requested that LSIC members help to spread the word about the election and the importance of this Levy passing. Fifty percent plus one vote is needed for the Levy to pass and due to the high voter turnout expected for this election, it is imperative that we educate voters on the significance of the Excess Levy.
A motion was made to adjourn the meeting by Teacher Bethany Kulchock. The motion was seconded by At-Large Member Sam Olivio. All members in favor, none opposed. The meeting was adjourned at 16:15 (4:15pm).