LISD Academic Advocates

1. Call to order and Pledge. President Elizabeth Frey called the meeting to order at 7:07 and those present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

2. Minutes & Correspondence. Minutes of the September 25 meeting were approved as read. E. Frey noted that Amanda Young will update us on her progress at UT. Amanda has made the rowing team.

3. Treasurer's report & budget. Fattenah Hashemi reported that as of the most recent bank statement, there was $1099.71 in our account. The check for Amanda's scholarship had not yet cleared. It was suggested that the membership fee be increased to $10. This will be put on the agenda for a meeting in the spring as we set the board and agenda for the next school year. A budget with a total inflow of $1100 and outflow of $1095 was proposed and accepted.

4. Membership report. In the absence of the membership chair, Erika Mittag reported that there are 55 paid members. Board members received copies of the membership list and e-mail list. We noted the need to increase membership in order to be able to fund our scholarships. Naomi Boyer agreed to contact Aimee George and work on contacting local businesses for their support. Jim Sneeringer agreed to look into various forms of electronic payment for membership dues to add flexibility for our members..

5. Scholarship guidelines and number to be awarded. We noted that the current guidelines state that the amount and number of awards is contingent on the funds we have raised. It was agreed to add the following wording to the guidelines for the student scholarship:

"Applicants are expected to adhere to the Leander ISD Student Code of Conduct and Ethical Principles as documented in the annual Student Handbook and on the district website (http://www.leanderisd. org/). Behavior that reflects negatively on the District or Academic Advocates may be cause for withdrawal of the award.

Receipt of the award is contingent on successful completion of all graduation requirements. The award is to be used for fall enrollment following graduation. If for any reason the awardee does not use the scholarship, it will be awarded to the runner up."

6. Review of 'Next Steps" meeting September 26. C. Cavalli and E. Mittag discussed what they had learned from the meeting with Monta Akin, Anita Cotter, Kathy Wood and Alicia Russell. Accelerated math in the elementaries is taking place although there are kinks to be worked out. Several committees are being formed on some of the advanced programs issues.

7. Set Academic Advocates goals. It was agreed we need to re-emphasize our focus on encouraging academic excellence through challenging curriculum, recognition programs at the campuses and use the website to increase our recognition efforts.

8. Discuss promotional activities. Chris Kay showed drafts of recognition certificates for business donors and a brochure. Several suggestions were made. Chris will come back to the next meeting with second drafts.

9. Adjournment: The meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Erika Mittag
Secretary