Todd Sumner reported in on progress related to the School Coaching Project/Entrepreneurial Initiative. 
Todd said the internal team working on the project is comprised of Todd Sumner, Glenn,Penna Cindy Stack, Colleen Meaney, Katrina Tedstone, and Deb Merriam.
Todd reminded the Board that In the Spring of 2018, the Bellwether Consultant Group was hired to form a plan for School Coaching Project/Entrepreneurial Initiative. The original Executive Summary is included in tonight's meeting packet.  Todd said that the initiative is related to and flows out of the current work of Parker but is distinct in nature.   As indicated in the original plan, 2.1 million in start-up capital is needed to begin work on the Initiative.
Todd said he has begun reaching out to potential partners/funders who may be interested in funding the project.  He said that another quarter is needed to collect more information to report on.  Todd expressed the desire to report in at least once a semester about progress. 

Todd asked for approval to extend the exploratory period for the Initiative through December 2020.  The Board voted on the extension.

 

Martin Turnbull and Michelle McKenna discussed that bids for preliminary work on the heating project are expected in early January and there will be more to report in February. 
Michelle described the extent of the work to be done to the retaining wall at the front of the school. Michelle said that the money for the retaining wall work will come from facilities reserve.

Todd Sumner presented the Principal's Report.  He highlighted the current Parker student show at the Fitchburg Art Museum.  The closing reception for the show will be held on Saturday, January 11.  Todd invited Katrina Tedstone to speak about the Parker Art Show.
Todd acknowledged Nicky Dudensing's retirement and thanked her for her service.

 

Todd Sumner spoke about the upcoming January Board Retreat.  Todd highlighted feedback and hopes from last year's retreat and suggested the following outcomes for this year's retreat:

• Set direction and calibrate course/strategic perspectives
• Clear actionable goals
• Build community and investment

Todd proposed Essential Questions to the Board:

• What will it take to adequately fund our needs (capital, operations) and our aspirations (influence, dissemination)?
• How will trustees, individually and collectively, collaborate with staff to ensure adequate resources.  

Todd asked for Board members to participate in planning for the retreat, outlined the planning process, and invited members to volunteer to be part of the retreat planning team. 
 

Michelle McKenna and Glenn Penna discussed how the retaining wall work would be funded using facilities reserve money.

Katrina Tedstone thanked Board members for their contributions to the Parker Commitment Fund.  There is 100% participation by the Board.
Katrina highlighted development work:

• There may be one or two more Community Conversation events with Acton as a potential location.
• There will be raffle basket event held on PLP day again this year.
• The Parker Art Show raised a little over $2,000.
• Massachusetts Charter Public School Association (MCPSA) is encouraging the use of social media in school advocacy.  
• Massachusetts State Representative Jen Benson will attend a Gateway presentation at Parker.
• Parker Young Alumni Day is planned for Monday, January 6, 2020.
• An Alumni Advisory Council is close to being launched.

Todd Sumner led the group in an exercise to determine GovComm learning agenda interests. 
Christine Regan-Davi asked Board members to reflect on their current social and professional circles and identify people who may have experience in Finance, Development, and Facilities and who may be interested in Parker committee or Board work.

Mario Silva-Rosa inquired about the Diversity and Enrollment Committee.  Steve Roach and Todd Sumner offered to provide more information about the scope and portfolio of the committee. Glenn Penna offered to meet with Mario to discuss past Committee work.  

There were no comments from the public.