DUNWOODY HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 10, 2020

1. Meeting started at 4:36pm

In attendance: Ms. Priscilla Cole, Ebony Greene, Kevin Travis, Bob Fiscella, Dave Levy, Fran Hughes, Yolando Smith-Parker (Randi Siegel and Davina Profit were excused).

Recognition of distinguished guests: PTSO co-presidents Lisa Beiger, Julia LeDoyen; BOE candidates Andrew Ziffer, Anna Hill

A motion was made to approve the March agenda and February minutes by Dave Levy and seconded by Fran Hughes. The motion was unanimously approved.

2. Teacher’s Report

Kevin Travis spoke of security issues with students remaining in the building after hours, some being stubborn at times about leaving. Ms. Cole said security is addressing the issues. Not many reasons students should be remaining in the building after hours.

Ebony Greene spoke about the two new programs she is championing: “Dunwoody Teachers Intervention and Prevention, ”which is helping promote positive behavior; and “I am a Wildcats Keeper,” which is a mentor program headed up by Dr. Nash to help students who are isolating themselves from their fellow students and teachers. This is a program to help engage these students. 20 teachers have volunteers to mentor 50 students who have signed-up for the program.

3. Principal’s Report

Ms. Cole said by the end of the week, we’ll be able to project the number of teachers needed for next year. She estimated about ten additional teachers for a projected enrollment increase of approximately 45-70 students (current enrollment is 2,245).

Ms. Cole said the marquee sign is near completion, just needing a couple of dry days to finish the project.

Ms. Cole said everyone at the central office and at the high school are on high alert concerning the Coronavirus. Administrators and teachers are keeping students calm. Teachers have been provided ample supplies of Lysol and Clorox wipes, Kleenex and aerosol spray disinfectant. The school’s janitorial staff was scheduled to do a deep clean on Friday (3/12) when no students were in the building.

Ms. Cole said a teacher lunch would be provided by the PTSO on Friday. There would also be a teacher appreciation day after spring break.

Ms. Cole said one additional modular unit (a unit with four classrooms like the units already on campus) was on schedule for next year. It is to be placed at a location near the corner of Vermack and Vanderlyn Drives. Expect tree removal the week of spring break. None of the current modular units have the latest version of active boards.

4. CAC Report

Chairman Dave Levy said with the addition project put on hold, the committee was no longer necessary. A motion was made by Mr. Levy to disband the committee. It was seconded by Fran Hughes and unanimously approved.

5. New Business/Unfinished Business

The chairman updated the committee on the changes in the central office. Interim Superintendent Ramona Tyson has named former DHS principal Noel Maloof as the new deputy COO and Melanie Pearch as the new Region 1 superintendent, replacing Sherry Johnson. Ms. Tyson also announced that interim COO Dan Drake would move to a position in the IT Department. The chairman updated the committee on a meeting with Ms. Tyson on 3/12 at the school. Ms. Tyson was expected to tour the campus. The meeting pertained to the placement on the new modular unit, the possible moving of the tennis courts to behind the softball field, the anticipated turf installation and the potential paving over of the retention/detention pond.

6. Public Comment (5 minutes)

Ms. Hill and Mr. Ziffer both spoke about the upcoming BOE election. There will be a public forum (sponsors by the Dunwoody Homeowners Association) on March 29 at the city’s annex at 4470 N. Shallowford Dr. Committee member Yolando Parker-Smith also spoke of her upcoming election for county superior court judge. Ms. Parker-Smith has served the county as a prosecutor and public defender for the past 20 years.

Because of spring break the prior week, the scheduled April 14th PAC meeting may be canceled. A vote is forthcoming.

Meeting was adjourned at 5:45pm.