Amended to recognize that Peter MacDonald was present at the meeting.

Board members built on the individual pre-work done by Trustees and created a network map of the collective contacts of Board members.  Names and why they could be useful to the organization and a service to Parker were collected.  Different categories were created, including:  Philanthropy, Education Business, Branding and Marketing, Post Secondary Education, Finance, Information Technology, Fundraising, City and State Government, Human Resources, Architecture and Construction.  Board members discussed how to spend their time on development and fundraising. 
 

Todd answered questions about his Principal's Report and added additional information around the current political situation regarding charter schools in Massachusetts. Laura talked about recent work that the Justice Committee has been doing around peer mediation and restorative justice, including a visit to the Sizer School in Fitchburg.

Miriam, on behalf of the Development Committee, reported that we are very close to our goal for the Annual Fund ($125,000) and that a spring celebration for donors is in the works.

Joe shared that Todd and Michelle had presented to the Finance Committee about the financial options for the school regarding capital expenditures and will return to the Board with a recommendation next month. He invited Board members to attend next month's Finance Committee meeting if they would like to be part of this discussion.

Julie reported that the Principal evaluation survey is active for Board members and senior staff and asked people to complete it by April 25th.

Bob reported that the request for nominations has gone out to the community. As expressed in the request letter, the committee is “particularly interested in those familiar with developing strategic partnerships and with capital campaigns and fundraising, especially those from outside organizations, those with graduate school connections, and/or those with non-profit development experience.  We would encourage nominees from areas outside of our local region, particularly Worcester and the surrounding towns.  As a Board, we are committed to enhancing the diversity of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences that are represented.”

There were no comments from the public.

Matt raised the question of whether the Board should include students, which it did in the early years of the school. Mary-Wren raised the option of students serving on committees and sub-committees.