technical issue with access to minutes in Board on Track; motion tabled until minutes are available at the next meeting.  

Goals of the committee were reviewed at the last board meeting; no further comment or suggestion has been made for revision.  Governance priorities were reviewed with the entire committee for final discussion, including a multi-year recruitment plan, board succession plans, support for board engagement, learning and development for board members on topics of effective governance and equity, and plans to support advocacy across the organization.  The committee discussed ways in which the committee and board as a whole will support and implement these priority areas of work.

Overall update shared about progress toward the goal of bringing on new board and committee members prior to the close of December. This action plan was approved at the last board meeting.  Discussion was held about expanding the original timeline to allow greater flexibility through waves of recommendations.  Processes might include touch points with candidates,  alumni, and families as well as board and staff.  Follow up communications will be shared with all board and committee members based on revised timelines, following this meeting.

The planning for next spring's board retreat has begun, in order to ensure an exceptional experience for our board and meet the goals of the retreat.  Historical information has been gathered about previous retreats as part of this process. The governance committee discussed ways in which the group might achieve the goals of the board retreat in the coming school year.  

Some experiences highlighted that might be included were the focus on clear retreat goals, strategic planning, speakers on critical topics, team-building activities, and connection with students, families, alumni, and community.  Time dedicated to relationship-building may be an investment, potentially connected to committees. Pre-work or a pre-retreat meeting experience for committees might support committees to align prior to the committee and would allow committee members to share input on priorities if unable to attend the retreat.  An effort to facilitate in a way that leads to clear next steps for each committee was requested to expedite application of ideas generated at the retreat, in service of board goals.