South Portland Music Boosters

Minutes

January 10, 2006

 

CALL TO ORDER:  Christina Davis, President, called the meeting to order.

 

MINUTES:  A motion to dispense with the reading of the minutes from the November meeting was made by John LaPointe, and the motion passed.

 

PRESIDENT’S REPORT:  Christina Davis read her report, sharing her concern about the small handful of parents committed to the Boosters Program, and the effect this has on staffing committees, fundraising (Bingo) and membership events.  She noted the necessity of a Nominating Committee Chairman to poll the membership and come up with a slate of officers to present at the May membership meeting. She noted that the scholarship committee is working to prepare for the application process.  She asked members to mark their calendars for the MBDA Jazz festival on March 4, 2006. (See report for entire text.)  Sign up sheets were circulated for volunteers for the Scholarship Committee and the Jazz Festival.  John LaPointe made a motion to accept the report, 2nd by Sandy Barry, and approved by all.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT:  Randy Libby read Lee Mortenson’s report and balance sheet.  He reviewed the Marching Band Home Show ledger, noting that there was a profit of $1107.21 to date on the Home Show.  A motion was made to accept the Treasurer’s Report as interpreted by Randy Libby, 2nd by John LaPointe, and approved by all.

 

VICE PRESIDENT OF BINGO’S REPORT:  John LaPointe shared the Bingo report.  He noted that although the Boosters have continued to make money, he is very concerned about the lack of volunteers.  He referenced the letter mailed to all Marching Band families asking for their assistance:  there was absolutely no response to this letter, which all agreed was disheartening.  Due to the scarcity of volunteers, Robotics and Basketball Boosters have each taken shifts, which costs the Boosters $650 for each group per shift.  John suggested that the Boosters may have to ask volunteers from the Special Olympics and Juvenile Diabetes Association if they would also like to staff a Bingo shift.  He added that the volunteers that currently work Bingo can’t maintain the current level of commitment.  Schedulers are needed as well.  John thanked teachers for their help.  He noted that several students have worked Bingo (students under 16 leave by 6:30 p.m.)  There are 600 students in school music programs, yet very few committed parents.  A motion to accept the VP of Bingo report was made by Randy Libby, 2nd by Cathy Swiger and approved by all.

 

VICE PRESIDENT OF SPECIAL EVENTS:  Sue Mortenson and Sandy Barry shared information about the MBDA Jazz Festival.  Any school from Maine can attend this festival.  Volunteers are needed for food, concessions, admission, etc. A Middle School Honors festival takes place in Scarborough on the same day.  Sue will contact Craig to see what help is needed, and Sandy Barry offered to help recruit help through students and parents.  John LaPointe made a motion to accept the report, 2nd by Marc Galbraith, approved by all.

 

OLD BUSINESS: 

The Scholarship Committee is working to update Scholarship application forms and look at eligibility guidelines.  The next meeting is January 24 @ 7:00 p.m. at Sue Mortenson’s house. A note regarding the Scholarship Committee will be placed on the Boosters website with a link to contact Sue Mortenson.  A motion to table the scholarship update until completed was made by John LaPointe, 2nd by Sue Mortenson and approved by all.

 

Auditorium Piano Fundraiser/Contribution:  Matter was tabled pending information from Dick Marcotte or John York.

 

NEW BUSINESS: 

Advocacy:  Sandy Barry spoke about the need for concerned parents to be aware of changes in the school curriculum that will affect the music program.  She stressed that during the Budget Process it would be very helpful to have parents and students attend meetings to show their support.  The Boosters discussed writing a letter of support to the School Board, also emails and letters to School Board and City Council members.  Maggie McNeice suggested that the Boosters draft a sample letter for parents to send out.  Judy Arnold suggested that the Music Department prepare an information sheet documenting what programs have been cut back or become unavailable to students through scheduling difficulties.  John LaPointe wondered if information about the drop out rates for students who participate in music vs. those who do not.  The Boosters agreed that quotes from students about the way music has affected their lives would be extremely effective. Cathy Swiger shared that her son’s college essay was all about how music has made him a better person, and will ask Jon if the Boosters can use it.

 

John Given, a former SPHS student, who was very active in the music programs, now works for Walt Disney.  Scott Bakker will contact him.

 

John LaPointe made a motion to create an advocacy group to promote participation and support of the Music Programs in schools, 2nd by Mitch Farr and approved by all.  Scott Bakker and Maggie McNeice offered to help with this group.

 

Budget Requests:

Marc Galbraith suggested that budget requests be approved individually, and members agreed. The Boosters discussed the need for the USB keyboards and Finale Software, which can be used on 5 new computers that were just given to the SPHS Theory Class.  While all agreed that the Boosters goal is to support the students, the group also discussed whether items such as music and books should be school supplies, provided by the City.  Some members felt this is an opportunity to support advance music students.  Mike Fletcher felt that the Boosters need to be clear that this request is unusual, and the music department should not assume the Boosters will fund it again next year. Booster members would like more complete information and explanations for future requests to help account for distribution of funds.

 

A motion to accept each individual Budget Request was made:

 

Contribution to the 2006 Musical (Guys and Dolls):  $1,000 (Benefactor Level).  Motion to approve by John LaPointe, 2nd by Steve Mantis, approved by all.

 

Jazz Shirts (ensemble/combo and jazz band 2):  $750.  Motion to approve by Sue Mortenson, 2nd by Randy Libby, approved by all.

 

Finale Music Software Site License (6):  $750 and USB Midi Keyboards (6):  $1,500.  Motion to accept as one item by Randy Libby, 2nd by Mitch Farr, approved without stipulation.  (One opposed.)

 

Berklee Jazz Festival Coach Bus 2/11/06:  $1,250 and UNH Jazz Festival Coach Bus 3/11/06:  $1,000.  Motion to approve made by Sue Mortenson, 2nd by Debbie Farr, approved by all.

 

Winter Percussion:  $500. After some discussion about how the money will be used, a motion to approve was made by Debbie Farr, 2nd by Cathy Swiger, motion carried.

 

Winter Colorguard:  $1,000.  A motion to approve was made by Sue Mortenson, 2nd by Marc Galbraith and motion carried.

 

Membership:  Sue Mortenson noted that there was a nice piece in the Parent Link from the athletic director about how wonderful the athletic boosters are, encouraging parents to become involved.  The Boosters discussed ways to get more publicity and suggested that someone contact Craig Skeffington about writing a similar note about the music boosters.

 

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting.  Our next meeting will be Tuesday, March 7th at Mahoney Middle School at 6:30 p.m.

 

Respectfully Submitted by Maggie McNeice, Secretary.