School Board In Action

Increase In State’s Per Pupil Funding is Goal of Joint Campaign
The School Board approved the District’s participation in a joint public information campaign to raise awareness of the need to increase the state’s per pupil funding for education. The purpose of the campaign is to make the public aware of the situation prior to the state legislative session. According to national statistics, Florida ranks between 45th and 47th out of the 50 states in state funding for education. The goal, established by the Greater Florida Consortium of School Boards, is to have Florida rank among the top 51% of states in per pupil funding. Seven other Florida school districts will join Broward in the campaign.

Board Enters Into Grant Agreement with National Geographic Society Education Foundation
The Board entered into a grant agreement with the National Geographic Society Education Foundation on behalf of Oakridge Elementary in Hollywood. The project, conducted under the Foundation’s Teacher Grant Program, supports efforts that involve students in research and study of a particular geographic issue. Under this project, Oakridge Elementary students will work to understand the issues facing the Florida Everglades. They will develop a public awareness campaign in an effort to generate a decisive call to action.

Recognition of Security Specialist Gregory Wachter
The Board honored the extraordinary efforts of Lyons Creek Middle School Security Specialist and retired New York City Police Sergeant, Gregory Wachter. On September 7, 2005, Mr. Wachter responded quickly to a sixth grade student choking on food in the cafeteria. He performed a procedure to clear the student’s airway, probably saving the student’s life.

Board Gives Final Approval on Code of Student Conduct Amendments
Board members gave final approval to the 2006/07 Code of Student Conduct. Changes include permitting high school students to wear any type of footwear, except bedroom slippers. Backless footwear is still not allowed for elementary and middle school students. The possession of personal technology, including but not limited to, iPods, MP3 players, and laptops, is a violation, except at the direction of a teacher. Other amendments to the Code of Student Conduct include:
• Eliminating the requirement that written documentation from the medical/dental
facility be required when students are absent for scheduled appointments.
• Adding the requirement that all clothing must be hemmed.
• Including possession of all guns, including projectile devices, electric weapons
or devises, and flare guns among those weapons that require mandatory
expulsion without the benefit of an earlier return to school.

Groundbreakings & Dedications

Dave Thomas Education Center’s West Campus Hosts Ribbon-Cutting
The Dave Thomas Education Center’s West Campus in Coconut Creek recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Lorraine Thomas, widow of the famous restaurant founder whose name the center bears. The center’s West Campus – which offers high school programs that are self-paced with an open entry, open exit registration period – first opened in a temporary portable site at the start of the 1998/99 school year and moved into its new facility earlier this school year. It is one of four such education centers operated throughout the District.

Coral Cove Elementary Celebrates Year One
Coral Cove Elementary School in Miramar celebrated its first anniversary by holding a dedication event, complete with student performances, a slide show marking the transition from its former portable site into the permanent campus and a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event – which featured a “Celebrating Our Diversity” theme – featured School Board Vice Chair Beverly Gallagher, Superintendent Frank Till, South Area Superintendent Samuel E. Gregg and Miramar Mayor Lori Moseley as guest speakers. Coral Cove Elementary is home to 850 kindergarten through fifth grade students.