Task Force on Magnet Schools
Meeting Minutes
November 29, 2005

The meeting was called to order by Sen. Thomas Gaffey, Co-chair.

Task Force members present: Sen. Gaffey, Rep. Fleischmann, Rep. Labriola, Sen. Herlihy, Betty Sternberg, Bruce Douglas, Cheryl Saloom, Robert Smalley, Kathy Demsey, Allan Taylor, Robert Villanova, Cal Heminway, Edward Linehan for Rep. Harp.

State Department of Education (SDE) staff present: Mark Stapleton, Robert Brewer, William Magnotta, Karen Flanagan, Mark Linabury.

I. Minutes of the November 15, 2005, meeting were approved.

II. SDE presentation:

A. Transportation Expenditures (Robert Brewer)

1. Transportation simulations provided using suggested formula modifications (e.g. increase current flat rate, pay districts a percentage of their costs and include a cap).

2. It was noted that districts which receive magnet school transportation funding are also eligible for the regular transportation grant, but not until the following year, and at a fluctuating percentage rate. The grant amount is usually capped.

3. RESCs which provide transportation are not eligible for the regular transportation grant for which districts are eligible.

4. The average transportation cost per pupil is $1500 statewide.

B. Capital Needs (Mark Stapleton)

1. Discussion of requiring state coordination of siting of magnet schools, including a history of how the present system of siting came to be. Also discussed was idea of establishing magnet schools in suburban districts proximate to urban areas. Some members indicated their beliefs that suburban districts would not welcome magnet schools for a variety of reasons.

2. Also briefly discussed were the following issues: state participation in renovation of existing magnet schools and replacement of capital equipment; utilization of magnet school buildings; and establishment of parameters of waivers for magnet school construction, including the size of the buildings.

Minutes of Meeting
November 29, 2005
Page 2 –

III. Senator Gaffey indicated that he sees the big issues as the following, and suggested
subcommittees to report and recommend on these topics:

1. Transportation costs
2. Capital needs
3. Operating costs
4. Student access

IV. With the concurrence of the Taskforce’s Co-Chair, Rep. Fleischmann, subcommittees
will be formed to discuss each of the foregoing topics. There will be 3 to 4 members
in each subgroup. Subcommittees will discuss their respective topics and make
recommendations to the task force within one month. Members were advised to
contact Mark Stapleton if they had subcommittee preferences.

V. Future meetings will be scheduled when the subcommittees have formulated their
recommendations and are ready to present them. The next meeting will be scheduled
shortly after January 1, 2006.

VI. The meeting was adjourned at 4:00 pm.

g:karjan/task force on magnet schools