May 2007 News Archive
Local Students Win Top Honors in the 2007 California State Science Fair
Following a strong showing at the county level of competition, nine students in the Santa Barbara High School District were recognized at the 2007 California State Science Fair. This year, 969 students from 380 schools throughout the state competed for top honors on May 21-22 at the California Science Center in Exposition Park, Los Angeles. The judging results were announced on May 22.
SENIOR DIVISION
In the senior division, zoology category, second place went to San Marcos High School students Esther Flores and Andrew Sanchez. Their project was “How Does the Amount of Acanthocephalan Parasites Affect the Swimming and Burrowing Times of the Pacific Mole Crab?” According to San Marcos High School chemistry teacher Olin Bausback, “Andrew and Esther explored how the number of parasites living in sand crabs affected their burrowing and swimming times. They tested the sand crabs over a three-month period, recording sand crab swimming and burrowing times in a controlled environment. After the crabs were tested, Andrew and Esther dissected the crabs to determine the number of parasites in each sand crab tested. Their results show that as the number of parasites increases, the burrowing time increases, increasing the likelihood that the sand crabs will be pushed out to sea and become easy prey for predators. This is significant because sea otters, which often eat sand crabs, can then become infected by the parasites which could result in the kelp forests being significantly reduced.”
JUNIOR DIVISION
In the mathematics and software division, fourth place went to Nolan Poe, Goleta Valley Junior High School, for “Can a Robot Balance on Two Wheels?” Nolan’s objective was to develop an algorithm to balance a two-wheeled, one-axle autonomous robot.
In the Earth and planetary sciences category, fourth place went to Ken Farris, La Colina Junior High School, for “Soil Superman.” The purpose of the study was to investigate which soil type is the stiffest and supports the most compressive stress.
In the cognitive science category, fourth place went to Rafael Zarate, La Colina Junior High School, for “Optical Illusions.” Rafael’s objective was to determine if age and gender would make a difference in decoding hidden images in optical illusions.
In the microbiology category, honorable mention went to Marina Plesons, Goleta Valley Junior High School, for “Bacteria’s Natural Enemies: The Effects of Natural Antibacterial Agents on Bacteria Found on Hands.” Marina’s objective was to test her hypothesis that tea tree oil would be the most effective against bacteria found on hands because it is often used in disinfectants.
In the applied mechanics and structures category, honorable mention wen to Connor Lynch, Goleta Valley Junior High School, for “Hydrogen Fuel: Clean and Powerful!” The purpose of Connor’s project was to demonstrate that by replacing the fuel source of a gasoline combustion engine with hydrogen gas would produce fewer detrimental emissions while still maintaining a practical level of performance.
In the electronics and electromagnetics category, Johnny Manzo, La Colina Junior High School, received an honorable mention for “Wave Hello to Clean Energy.” The purpose of his project was to find out whether waves with large amplitude and wavelength or small amplitude and wavelength would allow a buoy to generate more electricity. To test his theory, he built a 6.5-foot wave tank and working replica of an Oregon State University buoy system. Johnny received two recognition awards for his efforts. The first was a $250 California Shore and Beach Preservation Association Award for the best science project in the junior division demonstrating an understanding or unique curiosity for coastal processes either physical or biological. The award also included student membership in that organization. Johnny also received a $250 California Energy Commission Energy in Science Award in recognition of projects of exceptional merit in the areas of energy and the environment.
Annie Lefley, Goleta Valley Junior High School, received a $30 Science Buddies Clever Scientist Award, given for projects which best use innovation, low-cost experimental techniques to answer interesting scientific and engineering questions.
Final Performance Tonight of San Marcos High School’s Madrigals and Enchante
At 7:00 p.m. this evening, May 30, two award-winning San Marcos High School choirs will hold a final performance of their festival sets. The performance will take place at San Roque Church, 3200 Calle Cedro, Santa Barbara.
This year, the San Marcos Madrigals received first place at the San Francisco Heritage Festival, Southern California Vocal Association Festival, and California State University-Stanislaus. The Madrigals were also selected as one of four choirs out of a national pool of 71 to perform at the only choral festival sponsored by Carnegie Hall in 2008.
Enchante took first place and the adjudicator’s award at the Southern California Vocal Association Festival in Anaheim when they scored the highest out of 33 choirs to take first place. Enchante also plans to take their music on tour to London next year!
The public is invited to see these two ensembles perform their award-winning pieces one last time tonight.
Superintendent Provides Update of Teacher Reduction-In-Force Notices
At last night’s meeting of the board of education, Superintendent Brian Sarvis updated the board on the status of teacher layoffs.
The Santa Barbara School Districts had to start this process, by law, in March, before the information needed for staffing was available. In March, the district did not know which classes students were requesting or which programs would be funded. Since the process had to be initiated in March and required a lot of legal notices to teachers, it did not seem like a very humane process. But, once the districts’ budget cuts were made to balance the budget and pay for increased salaries, district-level administrative staff went into high gear to marshall all remaining resources to save teachers who received reduction-in-force notices.
Dr. Sarvis reported that all but 13 of the layoff notices have been rescinded. He noted, “There is also good hope for the remaining 13 teachers with layoff notices since we will continue to get letters from employees leaving the area, retiring, or requesting a one-year leave of absence.”
Author Richard Ramos Makes Fourth, and Last, Visit to the Santa Barbara School Districts
Author and gang resource Richard Ramos will speak to students at Roosevelt, Harding, and McKinley elementary schools on Thursday, May 24, 2007. He will also meet with interested parents and members of the public at 6:30 p.m. in the McKinley Elementary School auditorium.
Thursday will be the final of four days of presentations in our districts.
West Side Story Comes to the West Side’s La Cumbre Junior High
Musical Classic Inspired by Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare’s 1594 classic tale of Romeo and Juliet was the inspiration for the modern-day adaptation of West Side Story. Beginning June 6, La Cumbre Junior High School’s theater stage will be transformed into the gritty west side of Manhattan in the 1950s for an explosive music and dance tale of love, conflict, humor, and tragedy. Conflict between the Jets from Manhattan, and the Sharks from Puerto Rico is the backdrop for this classic. The Sharks, the Jets, Officer Krupke, Maria and Tony will tell the tale at La Cumbre Junior High’s four performances: June 6, 8, and 9 at 7:00 p.m. and a Sunday, June 10 matinee at 3:00 p.m. Tickets will be $10 for adults and $5 for students and children.
West Side Story is based on a 1949 conception by Jerome Robbins and a 1955 book by Arthur Laurents. Music by Leonard Bernstein and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The award-winning production opened on Broadway in 1957 and was released as a film in 1961.
For La Cumbre’s performances, vocal teacher Gary Smith is the music and vocal director; music teacher Mike Nunn is the orchestra conductor; and Marissa Baumgartner is the choreographer. The acting directors are Ann Dusenberry, Richard Hoag, Tony Miratti, Lisa Gates and all four are professional actors from Santa Barbara who volunteered their time to work with students. Katie Pelle is the theater teacher and coordinator.
Fifty-three students and two adults will perform. Sixteen of the students are from the Santa Barbara Community Academy. The performance, directed by Mike Nunn, will benefit from a live orchestra composed of students and community members.
On Sunday, June 10, 50 percent of the matinee’s proceeds will benefit the Anti-Defamation League’s educational programs and 50 percent will go to the Mike Nunn Scholarship fund for future high school band students.
La Cumbre Junior High theater teacher Katie Pelle said, “West Side Story hasn’t been done by a junior high school in several years and we are proud that this is a high-caliber performance that is made possible by the hard work of students and staff.”
Santa Barbara Junior High Students to Celebrate Publication of a Student Anthology with a May 31 Reading in the Globe Theater
The California State Standards for Language Arts require seventh- and eighth-grade students to write in a variety of genres including narrative, expository, persuasive, and descriptive texts. As part of the writing process student writing also needs to exhibit awareness of the audience and the purpose for each piece. In addition, students need to master the revision process, improving organization and word choice by checking the logic of ideas and the precision of the vocabulary.
At Santa Barbara Junior High School, students in English classes have been engaged in formal writing assignments all year, and their teachers believe that one essential element of a good writing program includes a chance for the writing to be published and read by others. The English teachers at Santa Barbara Junior High hope to use the anthology of student writing to give students the opportunity to share their work with a larger audience. English teacher Amy McMillan said, “If students know that someone is going to actually read their work, they care more about it. They are challenged to choose precise vocabulary words, to organize their thoughts coherently, and to make sure that they have communicated their ideas clearly.”
This is the first year that the school’s English Department has published an anthology of student writing. The anthology is comprised entirely of student-selected pieces because teachers wanted to let them choose the writing that means the most to them. Although some of the writing came from classroom assignments, the teachers were surprised to find that quite a few of the pieces were created independently. In fact, students submitted more poetry than any other genre. Through these creative pieces, students demonstrate that they have the ability to create descriptive texts that clearly communicate the strong feelings they have for their subjects.
There will be a celebratory reception held for students and their families on May 31 from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. in the Globe Theater at Santa Barbara Junior High School. There are 50 students involved in the anthology process and five or six students will read what they wrote at the reception. Refreshments will be served and each student will receive a copy of the anthology at the reception. The public is invited to attend and congratulate the participating writers.
Santa Barbara Junior High School is located at 721 E. Cota Street, Santa Barbara, CA.
Science Fair Night at Harding Elementary School
Harding Elementary School’s annual Science Fair Family Night will be held on May 31, 2007, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Selected science fair projects will be on display in the auditorium and certain classrooms.
All 269 third- through sixth-grade students have been working on their respective science project. Several K-2 students will enter projects too. Also on display will be team efforts. For example, teacher Dru Frick’s fourth graders worked on their own science project and also worked on group projects with their kindergarten buddies.
According to Ms. Frick, students were encouraged to pick investigations from their grade level content standards. In support of this event, community scientists have gone to Harding to present hands-on investigation opportunities for the school’s families. Scientists have from the Sea Center, UCSB Marine Science Institute, Audubon Society (the scientists was accompanied by a live owl), Physics Circus at UCSB, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, air pollution district, a geologist (the geologist brought along a Tyrannusorus Rex foot), and astronomers have met with students.
The science fair was designed to help the children develop as scientists by carrying out their own investigations as well as giving the students a chance to see science in the real world. The presence of scientists from multiple disciplines has shown children the range of careers in the field. According to Ms. Frick, “We hope to spark the minds of our children so they will see all the wonderful possibilities for them in the future.”
Civil War Day at Santa Barbara Junior High Makes History Come Alive
Abraham Lincoln, a Civil War soldier, and other authentically costumed figures in history will be part of Santa Barbara Junior High’s Civil War Day on Wednesday, May 23, 2007. Half of the school’s eighth-grade students will go to the Marjorie Luke Theatre from 9:10 a.m. until 10:20 a.m., where they will have the opportunity to see history come alive when authentically costumed performers from Living History Productions bring history to life. The remaining eighth-graders will be on the school’s front lawn, visiting different stations set up at the front lawn (stations 1-3):
Station 1: Artillery. Students will see an actual cannon, rifle, and handgun from the period. Members of the professional reenactment team, using black powder, will fire the artillery.
Station 2: Hospital and Nurse. Students learn about the medicine (or lack of) and the diseases of the time.
Station 3: Cavalry. Students will meet Sarah the horse and her soldier. They will also learn about different fighting strategies.
Station 4 (Globe Theatre): Music. The school’s library media teacher, Linelle Glass, and band teacher, Mike Odello, will play music for the students and will explain the significance of musical instruments during the war.
Throughout Civil War Day, students will carry a “diary” of a real soldier and record notes about the activities and environment they experience.
At 10:30 a.m., when a cannon is fired, the two groups of students will switch so that all students have the opportunity to participate in the day’s activities.
At about 11:30 a.m., lunch will be served and students will be encouraged to revisit the four stations and talk to President Lincoln and the other stage characters. There will also be a lunchtime photo booth where students can have their photos taken with Civil War-type clothing.
Following lunch, students will return to the Marjorie Luke Theatre and watch the movie “Glory.” “Glory,” an Oscar-winning 1989 film, is based on the letters of Colonel Robert G Shaw. Shaw’s letters recount the prejudices of the enemy as well as those of his fellow officers toward the 54th regiment that Shaw commanded. The regiment was the first all-black volunteer company to serve in combat during the Civil War.
The Civil War stage characters are part of Living History Productions, a traveling reenactment team, known to use authentic civil war costumes.
Red Cross Recognizes District Schools for Commitment to Community’s Disaster Needs
In the event of a disaster in the community, seven schools in the Santa Barbara School Districts have been identified as potential Red Cross emergency shelters. In a time of need, the Red Cross will determine which of the following site best meets identified needs and will designate that site(s) as an emergency shelter: Dos Pueblos High, San Marcos High, Santa Barbara High, Goleta Valley Junior High, La Colina Junior High, La Cumbre Junior High, and Santa Barbara Junior High.
A Red Cross-designed emergency facility may be suitable for use as a public shelter, or staging area, or for other purposes in connection with disaster relief operations.
In a disaster-affected community, the Red Cross works to plan, organize, direct, and control every aspect of Red Cross disaster relief services provided at the shelter. Once in operation, a designated community shelter is staffed by qualified, trained Red Cross volunteers.
Local Schools Commit to Being No Place for Hate
On an annual basis, the Anti-Defamation League’s No Place for Hate Coalition certifies schools, school programs, religious, and community organizations that engage in age-appropriate activities that address prejudice and bias and also foster dialogue about ways to create safe learning environments. The No Place for Hate Coalition is comprised of more than 80 local groups that support the rights of all people to live in a safe and welcoming community. On Monday, May 21, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., nine schools and one program in the Santa Barbara Elementary and High School Districts will be among those certified at the Santa Barbara County Education Office auditorium.
Receiving certification on Monday will be:
- Dos Pueblos High School
- San Marcos High School
- Santa Barbara High School
- La Cuesta High School
- Santa Barbara Junior High School
- Cesar Chavez Charter School
- Goleta Valley Junior High School
- La Cumbre Junior High School
- La Colina Junior High School
- Santa Barbara School Districts’ Child Development Program
The Santa Barbara County Education Office is located at 4400 Cathedral Oaks Road.
Kudos to the Santa Barbara High School District’s 2007 County Science Fair Winners
The 52nd Annual Santa Barbara County Science Fair took place on April 20, 2007. The fair was open to all Santa Barbara County students in grades 7-12. This year, there were 133 registered projects done by 153 registered participants. The students came from 11 secondary schools.
Of the six junior-level project divisions, all six “Best in Division” categories went to students in the Santa Barbara High School District. There were two senior-level project divisions and one “Best in Division” award went to two San Marcos High School students.
The following students each won Best in Division and will continue on to the state level of competition:
- Junior Biological Division went to Dana Walker, La Colina Junior High, for “Distribution of Western Snowy Plover Food at Sands Beach, Goleta.” Dana’s science teacher is Danielle Bean.
- Junior Behavioral Division went to Megha Manjunath, Goleta Valley Junior High, for “Stereovision: Do we Really Need to Recognize Images to Perceive Depth?” Megha’s science teacher is Brad Penkala.
- Junior Environmental Division went to Mallory Meyer, Goleta Valley Junior High, for “The Golden Ratio and Ammonoids.” Mallory’s science teacher is Kim Miller.
- Junior Microbiological Division went to Zoe Brier, Santa Barbara Junior High, for “How Bacteria Can Be Reduced on a Sponge.” Zoe’s science teacher is Marilyn Garza.
- Junior Physical Science Division went to Johnny Manzo, La Colina Junior High, for “Wave Hello to Clean Energy.” Johnny’s science teacher is David Marchetti. Johnny’s project won both Best in Division and Best in Fair in the Junior Division.
- Junior Mechanical Division went to Connor Lynch, Goleta Valley Junior High, for “Hydrogen ? Clean and Powerful!” Connor’s science is Kim Miller.
- In the Senior Life Science Division, Andrew Sanchez and Esther Flores, from San Marcos High, won Best in Division and Best in Fair for “How Does the Amount of Acanthocephalan (Thorney Head Worm) Parasites Affect Swimming and Burrowing?” Andrew and Esther’s science teacher is Olin Bausback.
The 56th annual California State Science Fair will take place May 21-22, 2007at the California Science Center (formerly the California Museum of Science and Industry). Fair organizers expect 968 participants from 379 schools through California.
KBZ Architects and the Santa Barbara School Districts Honored for Design of the Peabody Exploration Center
The American Institute of Architects, California Council (AIACC) and the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH) honored Kruger Bensen Ziemer Architects of Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara School Districts with the 2007 Leroy F. Green Design Award of Honor for the design of the Exploration Center at Peabody Charter School. This top design award for new construction acknowledges extensive use of the facility as a community center where educational programs are made available to the public. David Hetyonk, director of facilities and operations for the Santa Barbara School Districts, and KBZ Architects’ Joe Wilcox accepted the award, a highly-prized framed certificate, at the CASH Conference.
“The Leroy Green Award recognizes the outstanding work KBZ did in seamlessly linking the Exploration Center into Peabody Charter School’s existing architectural style, flow, as well as use of natural light and natural materials,” stated David Hetyonk. “The award signifies the recognition by KBZ’s architectural peers. The nominations are juried by a panel of architects and other representations of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing. They review the submissions, not knowing which firm designed the structure.”
The
Peabody Exploration Center, completed on November 15, 2006, includes a new library, computer lab, and science lab.
The library consists of a literacy center with facilities for programs such as free adult literacy classes, a “great room” with comfortable chairs for reading, and an extensive collection of books and literacy materials. The Family Literacy Program offers English language instruction and parenting classes, conducted in the evenings and weekends, for parents whom English is not their primary language.
The computer lab offers an outstanding learning opportunity through after school programs such as a digital imaging class taught by a Brooks Institute of Photography graduate.
The science lab is a distinctive community resource with links to the Santa Barbara Natural History Museum and the Ty Warner Sea Center. The museum and the Sea Center provide scientific illustration taught by guest instructors who are experts in their fields of biology, zoology, geology, and marine technology.
All interior finish selections are composed of natural composition, anti-microbial and/or recycled materials. Hot water radiant heating with colored concrete floors are used throughout.
Harding Elementary School’s Nelson Parker Recognized for his Contributions to Public Education
At a May 9, 2007, banquet in Ventura, the California Teachers Association/National Education Association’s Channel Islands Service Center Council presented one of three 2007 Gold Awards to Harding Elementary School’s Nelson Parker. The awards are given to recognize the significant contributions made by individuals to the cause of public education. Recipients are honored as outstanding citizens.
The Santa Barbara Teachers Association nominated Mr. Parker because of his years of commitment to the children at Harding Elementary School. He tutors children who struggle in math and he also works with teams who are ready for more advanced math. He spends countless hours planning how he can come up with new ways to help students. Healthy minds are not his only concern, Mr. Parker makes sure that Harding’s children have sports equipment with which to play. His generosity doesn’t end there. Mr. Parker provides turkey dinners, including all the trimmings, to needy families.
Principal Sally Kingston said, “Every day, Nelson Parker demonstrates how one person can make a difference in the life of a child. In Mr. Parker’s case, he touches the lives of countless children. His generosity of spirit sets a wonderful example for students and staff about giving back to the community.”
The Santa Barbara Teachers Association and Harding Elementary School celebrate the selection of Nelson Parker as a 2007 Gold Award recipient.Santa Barbara Junior High’s Renaissance Faire will take place on May 18
After school, from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., Santa Barbara Junior High School students will put their studies to work on Friday, May 18, 2007, when they recreate the Renaissance. Dressed in medieval attire, the school’s historic Moorish architecture provides the perfect backdrop for the event.
Student-created booths are both informative and fun. Visitors get infected with the bubonic plague at a makeup booth, incarcerate a friend in an old jail, or get a Renaissance makeover in one of the many booths. Other highlights include a handsome display of student calligraphy in the school’s “scriptorium” (created by students in Cathy Dubock’s and Sandy Robertson’s classes), a Renaissance fashion show, and the arrival of Mayor Marty Blum as Queen of the Faire.
Music will be provided by the Santa Barbara Junior High School band and Linelle Glass, the school’s librarian.
According to faire organizer, William Zeledon (Mr. Z), the event is successful on two levels, “It stimulates student curiosity and learning about social studies, history, medieval times and it is a positive experience many students will carry forever in their nostalgic memories of Santa Barbara Junior High.” He continued, “An event of this scale and scope is possible because of the volunteer work of teachers, parents, and the PTA and the support of local businesses. Countless volunteer hours go in to this event. Volunteers help with making costumes, donating items, participating in booths, selling baked goods, and some even offer to come and barbeque.”
The seventh-grade Social Studies Department has been in charge of coordinating this event for the past ten years. Established as a learning opportunity for students, the annual faire is funded with proceeds from the previous year's faire.
McKinley Elementary School to Receive $193,793 in QEIA Funds
QEIA Funds to Continue Through the 2013-14 Fiscal Year
Santa Barbara School Districts’ McKinley Elementary School will receive $193,793 in fiscal year 2007-08 in state Quality Education Investment Act (QEIA) funds. As a high-poverty school with complex educational needs, McKinley Elementary School qualified to file the requisite QEIA funding application. The timing meshed perfectly with the school’s revised plan to boost academic achievement.
Over the next seven years, QEIA will provide $2.7 billion to K-12 schools. According to a recent California Department of Education news release, the 2007-08 funding will be slightly lower than the formula to be used in 2008-09, when the Act is fully implemented. In 2008-09, funds will be distributed on a basis of $500 per pupil for grades K-3, $900 per pupil in grades 4-8, and $1,000 per pupil in grades 9-12.
QEIA funding is earmarked for applicants that are in the bottom two deciles, as determined by the 2005 Academic Performance Index (API), and that meet specific requirements, such as schools that:
- implement class size reduction (grades K-3, 20:1 and grades 4-6, 25:1);
- ensure that that all teachers are highly qualified, per No Child Left Behind;
- have a teaching staff with teaching experience that is at least the average for the school district;
- exceed the school-wide API growth target, on average, during the first three years of full implementation and at least meet the school-wide API growth target in subsequent funding years;
- meet all Williams v. State of California agreement requirements;
- assign an administrator with exemplary qualifications.
After the first three years of full funding, QEIA-funded schools must exceed their API growth target averaged over the first three years of funding. QEIA-funded schools that continue to meet the program and achievement requirements will be funded annually through the 2013-14 fiscal year.
According to the California Department of Education, 1,455 schools in the state were eligible for QEIA funding, 12 of them in Santa Barbara County. The selection process accounted for statutory requirements for geographic and grade-level distribution. McKinley Elementary School, a K-6 school, was one of 488 schools selected by random drawing to be funded. Two schools in Santa Barbara County were also selected: Bonita Elementary, in the Santa Maria-Bonita Elementary School District, and Santa Maria High School, in the Santa Maria Joint High School District.
McKinley Elementary School is located on the Mesa at 350 Loma Alta Drive. The school serves 435 students; 100 percent qualify for the federal free/reduced lunch program. A delighted Dr. Juanita Carney, McKinley Elementary School principal, said, “We are absolutely thrilled because we will be able to put in place some of our ideas to help students achieve grade-level standards. Our students will benefit from the 25:1 class ratio required in the upper grades. Equally important, QEIA funds will enable us to strengthen our teaching staff through additional, comprehensive, targeted professional development.”
“Over the last two years, McKinley has made significant growth in the performance of their lowest achieving students. These funds will continue to support the progress that has been made to date,” added Robin Sawaske, the Santa Barbara School Districts’ assistant superintendent of elementary education.
The Quality Education Investment Act settles a lawsuit filed by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell and the California Teachers Association against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the California Department of Finance for not fully funding Proposition 98 in budget years 2004-05 and 2005-06.
American Charter High School Petition Denied by the Santa Barbara School Districts’ Board of Education
At last night’s meeting, the Santa Barbara School Districts’ Board of Education denied the charter petition for American Charter High School on several grounds. The board found that the charter petition: presented an unsound educational program, was unlikely to successfully implement the program, did not contain the required number of signatures (only one of the three potential teachers has a California credential), and did not contain reasonably comprehensive descriptions of the required elements or an affirmation of the required conditions.
The charter petition, as presented, would initially serve students in grade nine. Board members expressed concerns about identification of the student population, sufficient focus on the development of three programs (liberal arts, construction technology and design, and school of public safety and emergency preparedness), English and math components of the program, development of student skill levels that would prepare them to be both work-ready and college-ready, insufficient staffing to help students plan for their future, plans to serve English learners, ability to offer university-approved A-G courses, service to special education students, and tracking students. The vote was 4-1 with Robert Noel dissenting.