Berea-Midpark PTSA Meeting Minutes
September 15, 2015
Meeting was called to order at 7:05pm by President Gerri Beres, who led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Introduction of new Board Members and all other attendees.
Treasurer’s Report - Kim McLaren
Proposed budget for PTSA 1015-16 school year was presented. Discussed what student appreciation is as well as
how the money was spent for last year’s Turkey Trot. Sandy Franz moved to accept the 2015-16 budget, seconded
by Kim Evans. The 2015-2016 Treasurer’s Report was approved. Audit from last year was completed and the
numbers were good.
Principal’s Report - Vincenzo Ruggiero
Principal Vincenzo Ruggiero stated that we currently have 45 staff members who have joined the PTSA. He went on
to share the date of the Principal’s Forum has been changed to November 10th @ 7pm in the library where all are
invited to attend an open discussion with him.
Administration will need the help of the PTSA throughout the year selling various tickets during the lunch times. He
has expressed that it is important for the kids to see the PTSA involved. All volunteers need to be finger printed and
approved by the board office. This is done free at the board office, call in advance to ensure Debbie Shanahan is
available.
Mr. Ruggiero expressed that these meetings, as well as the open forums are great to express concerns, issues and
bring questions to; an opportunity to be open, to feel free to speak up as well as to contact him via phone or email.
Google Classroom is being piloted this year with a select few teachers and that if computers are not accessible to
students at home that teachers are making accommodations to those students.
President’s Report - Gerri Beres shared some examples of what the PTSA assisted with during the beginning of the
school year; stuffing all student packets, distributing student schedules, Sophomore Orientation and Open House,
selling spirit wear, and soliciting membership.
We are looking for help selling tickets for Homecoming during lunch times, 10-12:30pm. The PTSA will be hosting a
Community Rally just before the homecoming football game from 5-6:30pm in the parking lot of BMHS. Free hot
dogs, popcorn and water while supplies lasts. We are selling raffle tickets for the 2016 Chevy Cruze donated by
Serpentini of Strongsville. Tickets are $10 and are for sale until December 8 th with the drawing to be held on
December 18th at the basketball game.
Conference dinner will be on Wednesday, October 7th and will be provided by the PTSA. We also need volunteers for
a spirit wear table, graduate signs, as well as membership sign ups, and raffle ticket sales. PTSA dinner will begin for
the staff at 2:15 and can be knocked down at 4pm in the cafeteria. There are 80 staff members who will be provided
dinner.
We are looking for a Reflections Chairperson, all submissions due on January 13th 2016; April Thomas has agreed to
chair. We are also looking for an advocacy chairperson to help keep up to date on local and state issues that would
be helpful to our families and students. The Health, welfare and safety chairperson is also needed. This person will
help keep us informed with hunger, nutrition, and bullying within the community.
The PTA fall conference is on Saturday, October 12th at Brush High School from 9am-2:30pm. Anyone who would
like to attend should contact Gerri Beres. Gordon Foods, GFS and Target do not have a donation program anymore.
Discussion started as to how the PTSA can help with the transition for 9 th graders to 10th grade create an identity as
freshman at the Jr High. Please like our Facebook page.
1st Vice President - Tammy Corrigan
2nd Vice President - Leslie Postel
Leslie stated that current membership count is 114 members, membership cards are available. It was mentioned
again that we are looking for volunteers for conference dinner.
3rd Vice President - Sandy Patrick-Stary was unable to attend. They are currently forming committees and the next
meeting is September 22nd at 7pm.
Secretary’s Report - Tracey Warzel
Please be sure to sign in at each meeting as well as keep track of all volunteer hours as they need to be reported to
state.
Council Delegates - Merri Karp, Lisa Weaver
Merri Karp stated that budgets were balanced for the beginning of the year. The district needs $8 million in the bank
at all times to run the district, but will need $11.9 million to carry over to next year. The district will lose $1.8 million
annually from the state. The district will begin a survey initiative to start in January to figure facility needs, 9 th
graders moving to the high school, a communication plan, how we will deal better with social media and the new
website. There are 41 new staff members in the district this year. All treasurer audits must be filed from the past
school year. Meet the candidates night is at Ford Intermediate School on Tuesday, September 29th at 7pm. Also, at
Ford on October 29th at 6:30pm the district will host a Hidden in Plain Site observation and discussion forum. This is
an adults only meeting and will show parents and families the things that may be being missed in your child’s
bedroom by setting up a mock bedroom to explain what to look for to ensure our children are making good choices.
We need to assign a scholarship chair by October 1st. Sandy Franz, Brenda Witkowski and Lisa Barnett all
volunteered. The bowling league is October 3rd for the Committee for Good Schools. 5 people on a team, each
bowler is asked to sell 10 tickets. Bowling is from 1-4pm at Fairview lanes. Kim Evans and Lisa Barnett are creating a
team and looking for more bowlers. BW Community day is September 26th. Community Relations is looking for
distinguished alumni and staff. Raffle tickets are for sale for the 2016 Chevy Cruze; 50% of ticket sales goes to the
group selling and the other 50% goes to technology.
The next BMHS PTSA meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 20th 7pm in the Titans room.
8:39pm meeting adjourned
Minutes submitted by Tracey Warzel