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Explorations Charter School

Minutes

Governing Board Regular Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday April 18, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Directors Present

Ginni Block (remote), Hilary Paden (remote), Robert Peterson (remote), Sarah Annis Haynes (remote)

Directors Absent

Bill Hallam, Lori Noto, Melony Brady-Shanley

Guests Present

Jill Johnson (remote), Joe White (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Robert Peterson called a meeting of the board of directors of Explorations Charter School to order on Tuesday Apr 18, 2023 at 5:38 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

Ginni Block made a motion to approve the minutes from Governing Board Regular Meeting on 03-21-23.
Robert Peterson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

II. Financial

A.

Monthly Report

Ginni Block made a motion to accept the Monthly Report.  Robert Peterson seconded.  Motion passed unanimously. 

B.

Accountants found that Explorations could qualify for a tax credit for non-certified teachers. Explorations could possibly receive up to $16 thousand per the 5 non-certified teachers which equates to a possible $40 -80 thousand dollars.

C.

A grant from Northwest Community Bank was just completed to work on funding for Board on Track; The Weather station and Equipment for the Technology Lab.

D.

Robert Peterson wanted it noted a huge thank you to Jill, Bill and Joe for all of their tireless work with the Finance Committee to come up with solutions due to the current financial constraints.

III. Public Comment

A.

Communication Received

Email correspondence was sent to the neighbor stating that Explorations would look into it.  No response was received.  

IV. Committee Updates

A.

Finance Committee

Ginni Block made a motion to approve the minutes from Finance Committee Meeting on 04-05-23.
Robert Peterson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Education Committee

No report at this time

C.

Policy Committee

Ginni Block made a motion to to reaffirm Policy 5121 Non-Discrimination policy.
Robert Peterson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Ginni Block made a motion to to approve policy 1110.11 Community Relations.
Robert Peterson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Ginni Block made a motion to update Policy 1331 Community Relations Smoke Free Environment.
Robert Peterson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Robert Peterson made a motion to approve revised policy 5131.7 Weapons and Dangerous Instruments.
Ginni Block seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Personnel Committee

Ginni Block made a motion to approve the minutes from Personnel Committee Meeting on 04-06-23.
Sarah Annis Haynes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

V. School News

A.

Attendance/Chronic Absenteeism Update

March chronic Absenteeism is 43%.  Year to date is 55.2%. 

Teachers and administration continue to reach out to parents.  

Unfortunately it is a common problem affecting all schools.  

School Absentee Committee continue to collaborate with SERC to come up with alternative ideas to help this issue.  

VI. Other Business

A.

Upcoming Events

Jr./Sr. Prom  is May 25th at the Elks in Torrington. 

Currently waiting to hear back from the Thomaston Opera House in regards to Graduation. 

Last day of school is June 21. 

 

VII. 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 6:25 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Hilary Paden
Documents used during the meeting
  • March 2023 Monthly Report.pdf
  • 1331 - Smoke Free Environment (New Language).pdf
  • 5131.7 - Weapons _ Dangerous Instruments.pdf
  • 0521 - Non-discrimination (to be reaffirmed).pdf
  • 1110.11 - Encourage Parent-Teacher Communications_Parent Involvement.pdf