BLT Meeting Agenda & Minutes

BLT Meeting Date:01/16/20

Time Keeper:Christy Smith

Recorder: Genna McLaren

Agenda ItemTimeFacilitator(s)

1. Purpose and process of the meeting5 minutes Christy Smith
2. Prioritization Survey15Sarah Jones
3. Apply the RET Tool to the budget proposal55 minutes Sarah Jones/Christy Smith

Members Present Members Absent Guests

Chika Imanishi (Yr. 1), Greg Widmyer, Parents

Christy Smith Christi Miller, Teachers

Genna McLaren (Yr. 1, E)

Kathleen Gillespie (Yr.1, Library)

Leslie Ramirez (Yr.1, S)

Rie Zilly (Yr.2, J)

Sarah Jones

Vivian Song Maritz

Yoko Chiba

Kathy Jolly

BLT Meeting Minutes:

1. Review the purpose and process of today’s meeting: To apply the RET Tool to the proposed budget & provide an explanation for why the emergency meeting was called.
1. Notes: BLT members will review informational materials, identify answers to the guiding questions, share responses that represent our stakeholders, and compile feedback. This feedback will be combined, represent the BLT, and shared with the principal to use in the budget proposal
2. BLT will also generate ideas for priorities in staffing and then prioritize the suggested supports
3. Sarah explained the district process for budget, staffing, and board approval

2. Prioritization Survey
1. BLT and guests generated a list of proposed resources (not in any particular order)
• Instructional Assistants
• Interns
• Counselor
• Biliteracy support
• STEM support
• Full-time art
2. BLT members ranked their top three choices confidentially
3. Action Items: Facilitator will calculate the results; results will be used to guide budget decisions

1. Team Goal: Given a set of 45 minutes, BLT members will review informational materials, identify answers to the guiding questions, share responses that represent their stakeholders, and compile feedback. This feedback will be combined, represent the BLT, and shared with the principal to use in the budget proposal.
2. REAT Purpose: The purpose of this process is to review and apply a set of guiding questions to determine if existing the PTSA and staff budget proposal is likely to close the opportunity gap for specific racial groups and students of color within JSIS. 
3. Protocol Purpose: The purpose of the BLT Protocol is to ensure that all voices are heard, multiple perspectives are solicited, and time is honored.
4. BLT:
1. Process Overview
2. Materials Distribution
3. Review and Reading of Materials
4. Idea/Question Generation
5. Gallery Walk
6. BLT Representative Summary
7. Closure & Next Steps
5. Next steps: Sarah will use the feedback generated to complete the budget proposal
4. Post Gallery/RET/Discussion (not on agenda)
   • Closing the loophole for JSIS not make a more equitable experience for JSIS students
   • MacDonald and JSIS use same process but have different demographics, staffing, and student needs
   • There are many schools that have IAs in K/1 – but primarily neighborhood or highly impacted schools
   • We take 26 students in K rather than the cap of 20 in neighborhood schools; the impact of having supports (IA’s and counselor) are necessary for this current school model
   • Having a counselor aligns to the district’s strategic plan – what is the impact on instruction and our traditionally disadvantaged students?
   • Question was raised by a parent about the value of a counselor, especially in the primary grades
   • General feedback and response from parents and teachers present is that students are proactively learning the social/emotional tools and skills that are required of individuals from K through adulthood
   • Parents shared stories of how their children use the SEL language and conflict management skills at home and with siblings
   • Teacher shared that at JSIS, students only see their classroom teachers 2.5 hrs/day – counselor offers consistency in a way that two homeroom teachers cannot do
   • Every student should have access to a counselor
   • Our demographic needs generally do not qualify JSIS to receive 1.0 counselor – JSIS still has needs
   • Counselor supports the needs of all students proactively and not using a metric system
   • Continuity of counselor across years, using common language with students, to observe student using the tools as the age improves their overall experience (conflict, prevention, climate, crisis, behavioral issues)
   • JSIS has had a .5 counselor for years past, and the lack of consistency has had a negative impact on students
   • Be mindful of language that was communicated to parents during fundraising campaign.
   • Parents/PTA expressed a concern that many families need to learn more about what IA’s and the Counselor does for students at JSIS; that after this discussion, new information has been learned and they fully support a counselor at school

   Action Items & New Agenda Items

   1. Use feedback from the Racial Equity Analysis Tool to create a proposal Sarah Jones
   2. Use data from Prioritization Survey to drive budget decisions Kathy/Sarah

   Mission: Norms, Function, Objectives

   Building-wide norms

   • Maintain focus on what is best for students
   • Stay engaged, exhibit active listening
   • Speak your truth
   • Experience discomfort
   • Accept/Expect non-closure
   • Timeliness

   Function of BLT

   The primary functions of the JSIS-BLT are to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision-making process which affects academic achievement. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Decision Making Matrix. The JSIS-BLT serves as one of the governing bodies of JSIS, with responsibilities for leadership, advocacy, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to assure the highest standards of educational excellence and an inclusive, supportive school community. 

   Objectives of the BLT

   The BLT is to oversee the facilitation and development of:

   • The Continuous Improvement Plan (C-SIP).  This also includes the school’s efforts to ensure equity in discipline, learning and opportunity for all students.
   • Developing a school wide professional development plan that supports the C-SIP.
   • The school’s budget.
   • Creation and yearly review of the Decision Making Matrix (DMM)

   In considering matters brought before the JSIS-BLT, the members shall have as their primary focus the best interests of the JSIS students. District policies, collective bargaining and other agreements to which JSIS or the District may be a party will be recognized and observed when formulating plans for JSIS.

   Mission: Norms, Function, Objectives

   Building-wide norms

   • Maintain focus on what is best for students
   • Stay engaged, exhibit active listening
   • Speak your truth
     • Multiple perspectives
     • Constructive communication
     • Collaborative atmosphere
     • Assume positive intent
   • Experience discomfort
     • Seek first to understand
     • Evaluate ideas not individuals
   • Accept/Expect non-closure
   • Timeliness

   Function of BLT

   The primary functions of the JSIS-BLT are to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision-making process which affects academic achievement. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Decision Making Matrix. The JSIS-BLT serves as one of the governing bodies of JSIS, with responsibilities for leadership, advocacy, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to assure the highest standards of educational excellence and an inclusive, supportive school community. 

   Objectives of the BLT

   The BLT is to oversee the facilitation and development of:

   • The Continuous Improvement Plan (C-SIP).  This also includes the school’s efforts to ensure equity in discipline, learning and opportunity for all students.
   • Developing a school wide professional development plan that supports the C-SIP.
   • The school’s budget.
   • Creation and yearly review of the Decision Making Matrix (DMM)

   In considering matters brought before the JSIS-BLT, the members shall have as their primary focus the best interests of the JSIS students. District policies, collective bargaining and other agreements to which JSIS or the District may be a party will be recognized and observed when formulating plans for JSIS. 

   Mission: Norms, Function, Objectives

   Building-wide norms

   • Maintain focus on what is best for students
   • Stay engaged, exhibit active listening
   • Speak your truth
     • Multiple perspectives
     • Constructive communication
     • Collaborative atmosphere
     • Assume positive intent
   • Experience discomfort
     • Seek first to understand
     • Evaluate ideas not individuals
   • Accept/Expect non-closure
   • Timeliness

   Function of BLT

   The primary functions of the JSIS-BLT are to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision-making process which affects academic achievement. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Decision Making Matrix. The JSIS-BLT serves as one of the governing bodies of JSIS, with responsibilities for leadership, advocacy, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to assure the highest standards of educational excellence and an inclusive, supportive school community. 

   Objectives of the BLT

   The BLT is to oversee the facilitation and development of:

   • The Continuous Improvement Plan (C-SIP).  This also includes the school’s efforts to ensure equity in discipline, learning and opportunity for all students.
   • Developing a school wide professional development plan that supports the C-SIP.
   • The school’s budget.
   • Creation and yearly review of the Decision Making Matrix (DMM)

   In considering matters brought before the JSIS-BLT, the members shall have as their primary focus the best interests of the JSIS students. District policies, collective bargaining and other agreements to which JSIS or the District may be a party will be recognized and observed when formulating plans for JSIS. 

   Mission: Norms, Function, Objectives

   Building-wide norms

   • Maintain focus on what is best for students
   • Stay engaged, exhibit active listening
   • Speak your truth
     • Multiple perspectives
     • Constructive communication
     • Collaborative atmosphere
     • Assume positive intent
   • Experience discomfort
     • Seek first to understand
     • Evaluate ideas not individuals
   • Accept/Expect non-closure
   • Timeliness

   Function of BLT

   The primary functions of the JSIS-BLT are to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision-making process which affects academic achievement. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Decision Making Matrix. The JSIS-BLT serves as one of the governing bodies of JSIS, with responsibilities for leadership, advocacy, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to assure the highest standards of educational excellence and an inclusive, supportive school community. 

   Objectives of the BLT

   The BLT is to oversee the facilitation and development of:

   • The Continuous Improvement Plan (C-SIP).  This also includes the school’s efforts to ensure equity in discipline, learning and opportunity for all students.
   • Developing a school wide professional development plan that supports the C-SIP.
   • The school’s budget.
   • Creation and yearly review of the Decision Making Matrix (DMM)

   In considering matters brought before the JSIS-BLT, the members shall have as their primary focus the best interests of the JSIS students. District policies, collective bargaining and other agreements to which JSIS or the District may be a party will be recognized and observed when formulating plans for JSIS. 

   Mission: Norms, Function, Objectives

   Building-wide norms

   • Maintain focus on what is best for students
   • Stay engaged, exhibit active listening
   • Speak your truth
     • Multiple perspectives
     • Constructive communication
     • Collaborative atmosphere
     • Assume positive intent
   • Experience discomfort
     • Seek first to understand
     • Evaluate ideas not individuals
   • Accept/Expect non-closure
   • Timeliness

   Function of BLT

   The primary functions of the JSIS-BLT are to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision-making process which affects academic achievement. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Decision Making Matrix. The JSIS-BLT serves as one of the governing bodies of JSIS, with responsibilities for leadership, advocacy, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to assure the highest standards of educational excellence and an inclusive, supportive school community. 

   Objectives of the BLT

   The BLT is to oversee the facilitation and development of:

   • The Continuous Improvement Plan (C-SIP).  This also includes the school’s efforts to ensure equity in discipline, learning and opportunity for all students.
   • Developing a school wide professional development plan that supports the C-SIP.
   • The school’s budget.
   • Creation and yearly review of the Decision Making Matrix (DMM)

   In considering matters brought before the JSIS-BLT, the members shall have as their primary focus the best interests of the JSIS students. District policies, collective bargaining and other agreements to which JSIS or the District may be a party will be recognized and observed when formulating plans for JSIS. 

   Building-wide norms

   • Maintain focus on what is best for students
   • Stay engaged, exhibit active listening
   • Speak your truth
     • Multiple perspectives
     • Constructive communication
     • Collaborative atmosphere
     • Assume positive intent
   • Experience discomfort
     • Seek first to understand
     • Evaluate ideas not individuals
   • Accept/Expect non-closure
   • Timeliness

   Function of BLT

   The primary functions of the JSIS-BLT are to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision-making process which affects academic achievement. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Decision Making Matrix. The JSIS-BLT serves as one of the governing bodies of JSIS, with responsibilities for leadership, advocacy, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to assure the highest standards of educational excellence and an inclusive, supportive school community. 

   Objectives of the BLT

   The BLT is to oversee the facilitation and development of:

   • The Continuous Improvement Plan (C-SIP).  This also includes the school’s efforts to ensure equity in discipline, learning and opportunity for all students.
   • Developing a school wide professional development plan that supports the C-SIP.
   • The school’s budget.
   • Creation and yearly review of the Decision Making Matrix (DMM)

   In considering matters brought before the JSIS-BLT, the members shall have as their primary focus the best interests of the JSIS students. District policies, collective bargaining and other agreements to which JSIS or the District may be a party will be recognized and observed when formulating plans for JSIS. 

   Building-wide norms

   • Maintain focus on what is best for students
   • Stay engaged, exhibit active listening
   • Speak your truth
     • Multiple perspectives
     • Constructive communication
     • Collaborative atmosphere
     • Assume positive intent
   • Experience discomfort
     • Seek first to understand
     • Evaluate ideas not individuals
   • Accept/Expect non-closure
   • Timeliness

   Function of BLT

   The primary functions of the JSIS-BLT are to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision-making process which affects academic achievement. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Decision Making Matrix. The JSIS-BLT serves as one of the governing bodies of JSIS, with responsibilities for leadership, advocacy, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to assure the highest standards of educational excellence and an inclusive, supportive school community. 

   Objectives of the BLT

   The BLT is to oversee the facilitation and development of:

   • The Continuous Improvement Plan (C-SIP).  This also includes the school’s efforts to ensure equity in discipline, learning and opportunity for all students.
   • Developing a school wide professional development plan that supports the C-SIP.
   • The school’s budget.
   • Creation and yearly review of the Decision Making Matrix (DMM)

   In considering matters brought before the JSIS-BLT, the members shall have as their primary focus the best interests of the JSIS students. District policies, collective bargaining and other agreements to which JSIS or the District may be a party will be recognized and observed when formulating plans for JSIS. 

   Function of BLT

   The primary functions of the JSIS-BLT are to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision-making process which affects academic achievement. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Decision Making Matrix. The JSIS-BLT serves as one of the governing bodies of JSIS, with responsibilities for leadership, advocacy, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to assure the highest standards of educational excellence and an inclusive, supportive school community. 

   Objectives of the BLT

   The BLT is to oversee the facilitation and development of:

   • The Continuous Improvement Plan (C-SIP).  This also includes the school’s efforts to ensure equity in discipline, learning and opportunity for all students.
   • Developing a school wide professional development plan that supports the C-SIP.
   • The school’s budget.
   • Creation and yearly review of the Decision Making Matrix (DMM)

   In considering matters brought before the JSIS-BLT, the members shall have as their primary focus the best interests of the JSIS students. District policies, collective bargaining and other agreements to which JSIS or the District may be a party will be recognized and observed when formulating plans for JSIS. 

   Function of BLT

   The primary functions of the JSIS-BLT are to promote and facilitate the collaborative decision-making process which affects academic achievement. All decisions will be made in accordance with the Decision Making Matrix. The JSIS-BLT serves as one of the governing bodies of JSIS, with responsibilities for leadership, advocacy, financial stewardship, and strategic planning to assure the highest standards of educational excellence and an inclusive, supportive school community. 

   Objectives of the BLT

   The BLT is to oversee the facilitation and development of:

   • The Continuous Improvement Plan (C-SIP).  This also includes the school’s efforts to ensure equity in discipline, learning and opportunity for all students.
   • Developing a school wide professional development plan that supports the C-SIP.
   • The school’s budget.
   • Creation and yearly review of the Decision Making Matrix (DMM)

   In considering matters brought before the JSIS-BLT, the members shall have as their primary focus the best interests of the JSIS students. District policies, collective bargaining and other agreements to which JSIS or the District may be a party will be recognized and observed when formulating plans for JSIS.