SCHOOL BOARD SUPPORTS DECENNIAL CENSUS 2010
The next Decennial Census will be taken in 2010. The results of the census will determine political representation to the United States House of Representatives, state legislatures and local governments, as well as the amount of funding that will be provided by the federal government for a number of programs. The School Board appointed Beverly A. Gallagher to serve on the Census 2010 Complete Count Committee as Chair of the Education Subcommittee.  The role of the subcommittee is to work to spread awareness about the census throughout all of Broward County’s education outlets.  Through the adoption of a resolution of support, the Board urges all residents to participate.

EMPLOYEES REWARDED FOR MONEY-SAVING IDEAS
Two District employees were recognized and presented with checks for the money-saving ideas they each submitted to Broward County Public Schools Harness the Power incentive program. The incentive program was developed in collaboration with all of the District’s employee groups, to save the District money, streamline its operations or increase revenue. Ideas submitted by Tom Giglio, Supervisor of Relocations in District Maintenance, and Kathie Herrera, a second grade teacher at Stephen Foster Elementary School, are the first to be selected for implementation. Giglio’s idea is to use a different sized vehicle to deliver and collect inventory from schools, reducing the number of trips necessary and saving $5,000 in time and gas. Giglio received $500 for his suggestion – 10% of the District’s estimated total savings during the first year.  Herrera’s idea is for certified District and area staff to serve as substitute teachers twice each month.  Her idea will go into effect this school year and will result in a savings of $200,000 in funds used to pay substitute teachers.  Herrera received $5,000 for her suggestion, which is the maximum program award.

DEERFIELD BEACH MIDDLE SCHOOL TO RECEIVE PHOTOVOLTAIC SYSTEM
With the Board’s approval, Deerfield Beach Middle School will receive a cutting-edge Photovoltaic System (solar power system) installed free of charge by the Florida Power & Light Company. “Next Generation Solar Education Stations” are being donated by the company to six schools in its service territory, to help teach future generations about the benefits of renewable energy. The station will be able to generate emissions-free electricity and will be a hands-on tool for students to learn how solar power works.

WESTGLADES MIDDLE SCHOOL RECEIVES $5,000 AWARD
The School Board authorized the Superintendent to sign the needed form to accept a $5,000 award presented to Westglades Middle School.  The award is part of a prize earned by one of the school’s students in the Arnold “Best in Class” Sandwich Challenge Contest. Alex Shepard won the Grand Prize in the challenge to create a healthy sandwich recipe using the company’s bread. Along with the award for his school, Alex received a $1,500 savings bond.   He calls his creation Honey Mustard Turkey Surprise.  It is made with whole wheat bread, turkey, Swiss cheese, lettuce, mayo, honey mustard and strawberries.

The Board also approved the following reassignment: Tyson Thompson, Assistant Principal, Stoneman Douglas High.

A news release issued by the National School Boards Association indicates that Broward was recognized for its “continued success and national attention for the development of community engagement policies and working to close the achievement gap, especially with limited English proficient students.”

For more information on the award, visit (www.nsba.org/cube).

DISTRICT EMBRACING STUDENTS AND FAMILIES OF MILITARY PERSONNEL
The Family Readiness Team, a non-profit organization that supports our soldiers and families, in partnership with the District’s Student Support Department, recently received a $75,000 grant award from the Dade Foundation. The award will be used to expand and develop a new innovative model program aimed at providing outreach and support to students and families of American Soldiers who are currently in readiness for deployment, have been deployed or who have returned after serving in Afghanistan or Iraq. The initiative offers a variety of services, including individual and group counseling, community outreach, home visitations, tutoring, training and educational opportunities and sports and family events within the Family Readiness Groups of the military units.