There is a two part structure that includes a faculty advisory committee spelled out in the contract that deals with nuts and bolts issues and a site planning team that is a visionary concept that deals with curriculum, instruction and student performance. (Attachments 9, 10)

Role of site teams:

The role is visionary, driving the building forward, redesigning their curriculum and instruction.

Site budgets:

Every site gets a school site budget; however, the majority of the budge is preordained. To the extent that there is flexibility (greater at title 1) the Site Based Planning Committee does have a role.

Contract/rule waivers:

There is a contractual procedure for waiving the contract.

Other major reform efforts(Description, scope, relationship to union)

Class Size Reduction:

The District is eligible for federal funding for class size reduction in the amount of $405,000. The district and the union decided to reduce the class size to 10 in three elementary school sites - 2 title 1 buildings, one of which is the lowest performing building, and a third school that is non-title 1 in an effort to measure the difference in gains. The dream is to have all kids in first or second grade in classes of ten. The site is required to do a certain model in literacy and mathematics, they must integrate science and social studies, and they must do parent conferences and home visits - which are not done in the other schools in the district. The District met with the HFT President, principals and others in reaching a decision on how to accomplish the above. The entire process evolved with meetings with the principals, meetings with the staff at the school. The process is funded for two years.

Comprehensive School Reform Grant

One school has qualified for a comprehensive school reform act grant under title I. The school needed flexibility in staffing. The union waived the contract and permitted the school to select staff without regard to the transfer procedure in the agreement.

Laptops in the Home

Clark Middle Schools -The staff worked together with support from the Academy, drafted a series of grants, and have been able to provide a laptop for each student, which can be taken home. The school has had the program for three years, and it was phased in. Students have exit interviews and must to a power point performance as a requirement to promotion. There is a computer technician at the site paid for by grants.

Attachments:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Collective Bargaining Agreement
HTF Constitution and Bylaws
"The Voice of the Teachers - Undated "The Voice of the Teachers - January 19, 1999 HTF Audit, September 30, 1998
HTF "Flyer" TGIF

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