Willoughby-Eastlake Association for the Gifted and Talented   WEAGT  

WEAGT Meeting Minutes

From: May 10, 2007

The meeting was called to order by President Dave Fiebig at 7:06 pm in the Washington School Library.  The pledge of allegiance was recited.  In attendance: Dave Fiebig, Annette Thompson, Laynee Smith, Betty Stevens, Carol Bergeron, Tim Higgins, Trixie Higgins, Sue Luck, Dina Rossi, and Kristy Horrocks.  A motion was made by Dave Fiebig to excuse Marty Shingler's absence due to another commitment. Motion passed. 

Coordinators Report- Betty Stevens expressed a thanks to all the volunteerism and support from the WEAGT group.  She announced that assistant principal, Ms. Bavec has accepted another position outside the district for the next school year.  Amy Harker will be her replacement and comes with a gifted education and special Ed background, and Mrs. Stevens feels she will be able to enhance the WEAGT objectives.  Mrs. Stevens also announced that there would be a send off for Ms. Bavec on June 1st.   Mrs. Stevens stated that the kindergarten testing held on a Saturday in April was well received and ran smoothly. 

Treasurer's Report- Dave Fiebig announced that there were a few negative balances in some areas of the current budget.  The COSI Field trip taken by 6th graders was one such item in the negative, but the 6th grade Zenith teachers agreed to use their discretionary funds to help cover the overage.  Members agreed the new board would need to make adjustments to the budget for the 2007-2008 school year.  Dave Fiebig also announced that Marty Shingler agreed they would be able to find a tax preparation that would cost WEAGT less than the current $250 allowed in the budget. A comment was also made by Sue Luck that she hoped the budget for the Magazines for classrooms (which includes Time for Kids) would not be decreased due to the huge interest from the children. 

Secretary Report- Laynee Smith announced that the organization of past files was almost complete and files would be placed in the WEAGT filing cabinet. 

Teachers Report- Mrs. Stevens reported that the 4th and 5th grade classrooms were currently involved in independent studies. She stated that plans were being made for the 5th grade Daniels Park river study, and that Mrs. Campbell was planning a Mentor Marsh trip also.  She announced that the courtyard was shaping up nicely, with many classrooms participating.

New Business/Committee Leaders:

   Science- no report

   Market Day- Dave Fiebig announced that Joyce Fiebig was still searching for a co-chair person for this committee, and that the approval of the transfer of the accounting aspect of Market Day was on the agenda for the next PTA meeting.  The drawing for the freezer will be held after the sale in mid May.

   Fine Arts-no report

   Auction- Dina Rossi reported that the committee looked at several different facilities for the site of the next auction, but all were more costly.  The committee agreed to sign a contract with the Patrician Party Center and the deposit of $250 will remain with the Patrician.  Both Michelle Marsic and Dina Rossi have agreed to chair the committee again next year.

   Chess Club- Annette Thompson announced that the 2nd session of the club has begun, with a few minor problems that will be ironed out.  She reported that 33 children are participating this session, and that the club is now opened school wide.   Trixie and Tim Higgins have agreed to head up the program for the following school year, and many thanks were sent out to Annette for pioneering this program that has been in the works for many years.

   Election of new Board members:

  A motion was made by Dave Fiebig to nominate Tim Higgins as the 2007-2008 incoming President, was seconded by Annette Thompson, and the floor was opened for further nominations.  After no further nominations were heard, the motion was voted upon, and passed.  Laynee Smith made a motion to nominate Marty Shingler for the position of treasurer for the coming school year.  Motion was seconded by Tim Higgins, and passed.  A motion was made by Tim Higgins to nominate Sue Luck and Annette Thompson as co-Vice Presidents and was seconded by Laynee Smith.  Motion was put to a vote, and passed.  Tim Higgins also made a motion to nominate Carol Bergeron as the incoming secretary for the nest school year, was seconded by Dina Rossi, and passed. The new WEAGT Officers for the 2007-2008 will be as follows:

President- Tim Higgins

Vice President(s)- Annette Thompson and Sue Luck

Treasurer- Marty Shingler

Secretary- Carol Bergeron

   Welcome Picnic-Kristy Horrocks has agreed to serve as hospitality chair for the new Zenith Family picnic to be held in September (date and place to be announced).

   Calendar- Dave Fiebig reported that the school calendar for the upcoming school year needs to be completed by May 17.   Many dates were discussed, and the WEAGT meeting dates for next year may be moved to Tuesday evenings, and would go back to monthly.

   Board Transition/Budget Meeting: will be needed to transition old board to new, and create a new budget.  Mrs. Stevens announced that she has heard input from teachers (for new curriculum development needs and the interest of participating in math and science competitions) that she would like to pass along when considering the new budget, so the meeting was scheduled for May 31, so that teachers could be consulted first. 

   Audit Committee- Carol Bergeron, Laynee Smith and Marty Shingler will serve on the audit committee and will meet at a yet to be determined summer date to conduct the audit.

   Speaker Ideas- Dave Fiebig asked for ideas for speakers for next year, and Sylvia Rimm was suggested as a possibility.

With no further announcements, Annette Thompson made a motion to adjourn.   Motion was seconded by Sue Luck and passed.  Meeting was adjourned at 8:46 pm.

Next Meeting TBA-Have a Great Summer!!