The meeting was called to order at 3:55 PM by Darlene Epstein, Chairperson. Present were Rafael Crespo, Jim Biddlecom, Helen Washington, Alberto Tio, Beth Martinez, Wendy Serra, Mary Bouzer, Joaquin Hernandez, Dennis Wilson, Kyle Pham, Verena Cabrera, Jack McCall, Tracy Magwood, Kathy Pham.

The minutes from the March 13, 2008 were reviewed and approved with minor correction.

Mr. Hernandez introduced Ms. Verena Cabrera who is currently at MLMS for one month completing her Principal Internship. He then expressed an overall concern regarding funding for next year. There are currently 867 students futured to MLMS for 2008-09, a decrease of approximately 300 students from the current year; as a result we will receive less EESAC dollars next year. Concern was expressed about future monies for the basics like paper as schools funds have been frozen, it was suggested that the committee might want to reserve some of the current funds for upcoming shortfalls. Mr. McCall relayed that this concern was the same that our area businesses are experiencing today as no one is quite sure where the economy is headed. The need for thoughtful, prudent use of available funds was discussed. Mr. Wilson added that at the last School Board meeting it was announced that "everything was on the table" in working to meet shortfalls in funding. It was estimated that our current EESAC fund balance is $32,000.

The committee then discussed and evaluated the funding proposals which had been submitted at the last meeting. Ms. Martinez shared a summary sheet she had prepared for an overview along with a total dollar amount of each of the submittals, votes were taken as follows:

• Dr. Weisberg - Recorded Books, requested funds $4,109.39; approved funds $4000. The committee asks that Dr. Weisberg only buy CD's for the books (MLMS is phasing out cassettes) and that paperback books be submitted for the proposed hardbacks to save monies.

• Dr. Weisberg - Thematic Book Sets, requested funds $7,408.50, approved funds $0. The committee did not feel that there was sufficient coordination with the classroom teachers who would be using these materials. They are willing to reconsider funding for this program with more specifics to include exact units to be purchased for use by specific teachers with specific classes.

• Ms. Epstein - Telephone connections for the classrooms, requested funds $600; approved funds $0. The committee expressed support for phones in the classrooms but was not clear as to the real cost of this project. Mr. Biddlecom will follow up with Network Support to find out if it is as simple as activating the jacks or if more significant work is needed. We will reconsider when additional information is provided.

• Ms. Pena - Smartmusic Home Subscriptions, requested funds $1450, approved funds $0. The committee denied this request, concern was expressed regarding the need of students to have home computers and possible complications if this equipment is not available in each of their homes.(School Board Rule - Equal Access)

• Ms. Alabalat - Assorted materials for Art program, requested funds $1224.90, approved funds $1224.90. The committee was in support of the entire request for videos, student materials, etc.

• Ms. Hernandez Bouza - Red Ribbon Week funding, requested funds $3250, approved funds $1700. Concern that the proposed speaker, while powerful, was not an approved School Vendor. Supplies request was also reduced slightly, balance; of ideas/programs were supported by the committee.

• Ms. Johnson - Hollyread Hall of Fame, requested funds $4673.80, approved funds $4673.80. Full support for this program was unanimous - committee 'was very impressed with the creativity and enthusiasm with which this proposal was submitted!

• Mr. Wilson - Wheelchair for student transport, requested funds $250, approved funds $250. The committee recognized the need.for safe transport of ill/injured students in supporting this request.

Waivers for the 2008-09 school year were discussed. The committee did not identify any need to submit a request.

Ms. Epstein requested that the committee review of the EESAC compliance documents and of the End of the Year School Improvement Plan Review. The committee was asked to submit any questions regarding these documents via email. We will review the document as a group at the May 13`^x' EESAC meeting.

Mr. Hernandez proudly announced the following recent achievements at MLMS:

• Student Michael Berrios has been recognized as the winner of the Nathan B. Young Award. A county wide recognition, Michael won in the Middle School Division.

• The MLMS Band just returned from a band competition in Orlando. The Percussion and Jazz groups received first place awards, the Concert band received second place.

• Art students have displayed work at two recent county wide shows, 11 students displayed art at the Jewish Art Museum while 8 students were displayed at the Lowe Art Museum. • Mr. Crespo has been recognized as the Middle School Math Teacher of the Year.

• The MLMS Project Citizen group submitted a resolution to the town at the last council meeting to address highway noise affecting residential housing in the area. The resolution was passed and will be submitted for further study to the DOT. The town will proceed with planting additional trees to aid the area.

• All but four of the schools portables are being demolished; anything that can be of use in the permanent classrooms are being removed from the interiors (desks, boards, etc.).