F.W. Parker Charter Essential School
Minutes
May Governance Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday May 2, 2023 at 8:00 AM
Committee Members Present
A. Jolly (remote), B. Harrigan, F. Fernau (remote), J. Fredericksen, M. Edgar, M. Lindsey, N. Odekirk Hatlevig, S. von Conta, T. Testa
Committee Members Absent
G. Penna
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Governance
A.
Updates on Current Candidates
B.
Approve Slate of Board Nominees
Matt Lindsey noted with the addition of Richard Madamba, the current slate of nominees for the Board stands at five. Three new trustees and two returning trustees. Nicole will construct the PowerPoint for the presentation of the nominee and officer slate at the June Annual Meeting.
C.
Finalize Recommendations for Committee Chairs & Board Officers
Brian Harrigan shared that Stef Reinhorn has agreed to be the Development Committee chair. Matt Lindsey shared the proposal for Board Officers is to remain the same as the current year. Committee members were appreciative of the current officers' willingness to continue to serve.
III. Other Business
A.
Welcome Materials & Goals for next year
Brian Harrigan shared his intention to ask other board subcommittees to have the proposed welcome materials for new members and a committee goal ready for the September Board Retreat.
B.
Orientation of New Members
Fletcher Fernau asked how new trustees are onboarded and when they are informed about state compliance and disclosure forms. Matt shared that typically begins following the June meeting through email, connecting them with Monique Beganski to set up Board on Track and complete state compliance forms. The committee discussed revisions to orientation materials to improve the August onboarding process. Brian will gather a small group of trustees for input on potential additions and revisions.
Brian reminded the committee of Richard Madamba's qualifications and his reasons for bringing Richard forward as a potential trustee. Committee members engaged in a discussion of potential challenges related to personal connections to the Head of School or other trustees. Amy Jolly noted current parents can also present challenges similar in nature to candidates with personal connections, and the committee agreed being mindful of roles and providing clear guidance is important. Brian noted that Richard would not serve on the CEO Evaluation committee or Head of School Contract Negotiation committee due to the personal connection. Committee members agreed when considering candidates with personal connections focusing on the qualifications and skills the candidate adds to the board should be a driving factor. Mara Edgar suggested the committee develop a process and guidelines for situations involving a candidate with personal ties to the Head of School or other trustees. Matt agreed that would be valuable work to do to start next year.