The meeting was held at Monticello Middle School in order to showcase its recent renovation.

Cleveland Heights Mayor Ed Kelly presented a proclamation concerning a contract between the city and Cablevision. The contract provides fiber optic connections to the schools at no cost as well as a Cablevision check to the Board for $40,000 for internal wiring. The contract was negotiated by City Manager Downey and Law Director Gibbon over the last four years.

Bob Burmeister, Treasurer for 10 years, has resigned to pursue new challenges. Carol Adams, Assistant Treasurer, is interim Treasurer. An immediate search is underway for a replacement.

The largest part of the meeting was the introduction of the redesigned Pupil Progress Report for Grades 3-5. A committee of 20 teachers, principals, and administrators worked for two years to design this new report card. Many of them attended this meeting to provide explanation, and several of them commented that it was the best committee they had ever served on in the district.

Assistant Superintendent Pam Smith explained that the rationale for the new progress report was to meet the demand for increased standards by the state. One state mandate is S.B.55: beginning July, 1998. Under this mandate we must assess reading levels of students in grades 1-4, identify those below grade level, and provide remediation. In July, 1999, we must retain students who are below proficiency in three or more subjects; and we cannot promote students who have more than a 10% truancy rate and are failing 2 or more subjects. In addition, beginning in July, 1999, the state report cards will be based on proficiency results and attendance.

Two other reasons for the new progress report are local and national thrusts to eliminate social promotion: Board goals (#1, 2, and 6).

Committee members explained that the document has been reviewed by all the teachers, and that although there are some concerns, there is consensus in using it. It was characterized as a ``work in progress''. There will be a committee which will include parents to evaluate it.