NOTE: Next Thursday, May 13th, will be the regularly scheduled Monthly Board meeting.
May 4th, 2010 Board Meeting Summary
All board members were present.
Dan Hullinger asked for the addition of an agenda item: “Possible Conflict of Interest on the Board”. This was added as the first item.
AA: POSSIBLE CONFLICT OF INTEREST ON THE BOARD
Ken Carroll has a business relationship with Phyllis Smith’s boyfriend. While this has been the circumstance for entire time Ken has served, it is perhaps time to address whether this truly does represent a conflict of interest and thus a liability for the board as a whole as decisions made could be construed as tainted. The issue was brought up by the Meridian School Board (our charter’s sponsoring organization) at a recent meeting.
There was much discussion among the board members of it NOT meaning ill towards Ken. Ken is honorable, talented. and means well for the school. In many cases in business world “perceptions is reality” and having 2 (potentially conflicting) interests could be a problem for the board/school. Board decided to seek legal counsel on what conflict of interest might mean in relation to non-profit corporation rules which charter schools operate under.
A. BOARD ELECTION TIMELINE PROPOSAL
Brenda Taylor presented a proposed timeline for upcoming board elections. There are presently 5 positions that will be open for election (see letter to parents from 4/23/2010 for which ones they are). Need to set dates for: nominations, applications due, when ballots will be available to public, and when voting ends. Discussion on whether it would be best to finish election process before school got out or allow parents more time to study out issues/candidates and mail ballots back later. One goal is to increase voter turnout (typically 20% or less): advertise, voter booths at the school, candidate forum to ask questions, etc. Board voted on a timeline — watch for it soon. This will either be from PTO or in Friday newsletter. Discussion on how to help transition as most of the board could be new.
B. BUDGET VALIDATION TEAM UPDATE
have formed group of 15 (parents, teachers, community members). Divided into 5 groups of 3 people. Each group has a list of topics (budget line items) to discuss and offer solutions.
C. FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION
As discussed April meeting, need to declare so that budget and contracts can be delayed from normal deadlines and so teacher salaries can be negotiated.
D. FINANCIAL EMERGENCY TIMELINE
May 15th — “letters of intent” given to teachers so staffing plans can begin
some public hearings will be held. dates being worked out.
June 11th — final budget to be approved by board and then contracts can be given to teachers
E. ENROLLMENT REPORT/UPDATE ON RECENT LOTTERY
Principal Smith presented the enrollment and wait list numbers. Numbers presented were from right after the April lottery. Grades K-8 are full (and have significant wait lists), 9th is mostly full.
F. STRATEGIC PLAN FOR ENROLLMENT
G. CONSIDERATION of ICSN PROGRAMMATIC AUDIT
Decided that this audit program may be a good one but the timing was not right with the budget deadlines approaching.
