One City Schools
Minutes
One City Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday September 22, 2020 at 4:00 PM
Location
Normally, we will meet at One City Schools, 2012 Fisher Street, Madison, WI 53713. However, due to COVID-19, we will meet by Zoom conferencing for this meeting.
Directors Present
C. Gaines (remote), G. Derzon (remote), G. Ladson-Billings (remote), J. Krupp (remote), J. Pope-Williams (remote), L. McDonald (remote), N. Wray (remote), S. Martyniak (remote), T. Pedracine (remote), W. Akhtar (remote)
Directors Absent
T. Balsiger
Ex Officio Members Present
K. Caire (remote)
Non Voting Members Present
K. Caire (remote)
Guests Present
C. Hodge (remote), D. Stephan (remote), F. D'Abell (remote), G. Wiseman (remote), L. Allen (remote), M. Ruffin (remote), V. Ramakrishnan (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
N. Wray called a meeting of the board of directors of One City Schools to order on Tuesday Sep 22, 2020 at 4:05 PM.
C.
Approve Minutes
G. Ladson-Billings made a motion to approve the minutes from August 25, 2020. Board Meeting on 08-25-20.
G. Derzon seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. New Business -- Appointments, Special Guests recognition
A.
The appointment of Joseph Lee to the One City Board
C. Gaines made a motion to approve the appointment of Joseph Lee to One City's Board of Directors.
G. Ladson-Billings seconded the motion.
One City's Board Chair and CEO nominated Joseph Lee, the founder and Principle of of JLA Architects of Monona, Wisconsin, to serve a three year term on One City's Board of Directors. Joe has been a supporter of One City since July 2016 when One City moved its preschool into its current home. In 2019, his company, donated a significant part of their time and labor when they completed the architectural drawings and renderings for a facility One City hoped to construct in South Madison in partnership with the Nehemiah Community Development Corporation.
Although that partnership and joint construction project was discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe and his company continued to support One City, providing pro bono architectural drawings for its current 450 Coyier Lane facility. In joining One City's Board, Joe has offered to have his company provide pro bono architectural and design services for our facility and renovation projects. We are very excited to nominate Joe Lee as a member of our Board of Directors.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Although that partnership and joint construction project was discontinued due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Joe and his company continued to support One City, providing pro bono architectural drawings for its current 450 Coyier Lane facility. In joining One City's Board, Joe has offered to have his company provide pro bono architectural and design services for our facility and renovation projects. We are very excited to nominate Joe Lee as a member of our Board of Directors.
III. Regular Items
A.
Financial Review
Salli Maryniak reported that the financial report will be presented at the next Board meeting.
IV. Facility Update
A.
CEO Caire will provide an update on the new facility
One CIty COO, David Stephan, gave an update on the new facility. Staff and Board shared appreciation for Joe Krupp’s help in facilitating the move and negotiating the lease. The Facilities Committee will be revitalized and will consist of: Bob Beckman, Joseph Krupp, Vivek Ramakrishnan, Christine Hodge, David Stephan, Joe Lee, and one parent committee member to be determined. The committee will begin the search for a new facility for the school year 2020-21 in October.
V. One City Parent Board Member Input
A.
Members of the Board who are also One City parents will have an opportunity to share an update with the full Board.
Toya Pedracine-Stewart reported that the first parent meeting was held on September 1, 2020 and approximately 50 families attended. Parents reported concerns around virtual learning. Families reported that they appreciated the community and feeling of family at One City. Parents expressed agreement that new Master Teacher Pamela Ferrill is exceptional, and that they appreciate all staff accomplishments in opening the school successfully.
VI. Executive Update
A.
One City Preschool Update by Linda Allen, Interim Preschool Director
Linda Allen provided virtual and in-person enrollment numbers. Preschool staff is up to date on procedures. Procedures for parents have been shared and all waivers and paperwork signed, and COVID-19 testing is complete.
B.
One City Expeditionary Elementary School Update by Faren D'Abell, Principal
Faren D’Abell reports that volunteer tutors are being trained in math and reading to help virtual students. Volunteers have also been helping with food service. An ‘adopt a class’ program has been initiated, providing help for both in person and remote learners. Expert landscape architect Marilee Olsen is looking at Coyier’s approximately 25 acres for potential use in an organized way that is tied to One City’s curriculum. Non teaching staff are working in an assigned classroom for 3 hours each week to facilitate planning time for teachers.
C.
Family and Community Initiatives Update by Marilyn Ruffin, VP of FCI
Marilyn Ruffin reported a growing waiting list for One City. The Parent Council is active. The first virtual FAST@Home meeting will be held on October 1. Virtual home visits will begin soon. One City is exploring a new partnership around home ownership and redistribution of wealth.
D.
School Health Update by Maggie Felker, School Nurse
Maggie Felker is looking into onsite testing kits for One City. The kits would be simple for staff and
families to use. The health office is using schooldoc platform for storing health records.
families to use. The health office is using schooldoc platform for storing health records.
E.
External Relations Updated by Gail Wiseman, VP of External Relations
Gail Wiseman reported that One City will hold a 5th year anniversary celebration/fundraising virtual meeting in early December 2020. Gail will work with Gordon Derzon on a possible grant from the Caritas Foundation.
F.
CEO Executive Update
Kaleem reported that Jessica Tormey has moved on from One City to start her own business and Gail Wiseman will take her place as VP External Relations. Gail has extensive experience in nonprofit management and fundraising. Gail’s former position will not be filled. A grants writer may be hired in the future. Board members expressed appreciation for Jessica’s work with One City.
An assistant cook, a 4K teacher, and a new facilities manager have been hired. The search for a preschool director continues. Board members are invited to tour the elementary school, either virtually or in person, after a negative Covid-19 test.
Kaleem's focus in September was opening the school successfully. In October, he will focus on fundraising.
An assistant cook, a 4K teacher, and a new facilities manager have been hired. The search for a preschool director continues. Board members are invited to tour the elementary school, either virtually or in person, after a negative Covid-19 test.
Kaleem's focus in September was opening the school successfully. In October, he will focus on fundraising.
VII. Other Business
A.
Board Chair's Additional Comments
Noble Wray suggested a future discussion around ways to show appreciation for Mt. Zion.
Noble reminded Board members that the CEO evaluation process is underway and will continue into
October, when it will be important to wrap up the process and decide on a contract.
Noble reminded Board members that the CEO evaluation process is underway and will continue into
October, when it will be important to wrap up the process and decide on a contract.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
N. Wray