Maine Academy of Natural Sciences
Minutes
MeANS' Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday March 13, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Directors Present
A. Perkins, K. Patnode (remote), M. Harris, R. Dodge, W. King
Directors Absent
D. Gram, E. Brown, G. Bazakas, L. Karter, M. Callan, S. Beaulieu
Guests Present
A. Boudreau, A. Hyde, Danni Best, E. Coleman, E. Pariser, Grace Hilmer, P. Henyan
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
Additions/Adjustments to the Agenda
D.
Public Comment
None.
E.
HOS Search Committee Update
-Evan and Grace have been added to the Interview Committee.
-Scheduled 7 interviews between March 27th-April 1st.
F.
Staff Presentations - Apple Boxes & Project Showcase
Danni introduced one of the six students who went to the Carpenter's Boat Shop to make apple boxes - Orion Guidry.
-Orion presented a slideshow of their experience. They used both traditional and modern tools while making them. They learned how to make them, and are now able to teach their peers here at the school.
-It was a great experience, and he would like to see other students get the chance to go back.
II. Consent Agenda (action requested by Approval of Consent Agenda)
A.
Approve Minutes from 01.16.25 Meeting
None.
B.
Committee Reports
-Anna spoke about the Academic Affairs Committee Meeting - Trying to figure out the future of Threshold and MeANS. Also getting together to work on Curriculum.
-Discussed Winter Intensives, Student Ambassador work coming up, hiring Threshold teachers.
-Also discussed the Project Showcase after Winter Intensives, and how fun it was to see the kids so excited to talk about their projects.
III. Action Items
A.
Approve FY2025/26 Revised Strategic Plan Goals
Revised goals to fit our own requirements and submit to the commission.
Robert - A lot of effort went into this.
B.
Accept Letter of Resignation - Sally Beaulieu
She has been a key member of the board, and she will be missed.
C.
Nominate and Fill Vice Chair Position
-Robert messaged about a Temporary Vice Chair until June - Mary Callan volunteered.
None.
IV. Information Sharing
A.
Co-Leader (Head of School) Reports
-Pat on Enrollment - 97% chose to come back next year.
-Moving towards a lottery, so we are trying a program called "Lotteries." The Charter Commission is willing to pay for it.
-Threshold lottery is on the horizon as well.
-Evan talked about the REV folks coming to visit, and getting the word out about what our school does.
-Career and College Prep. - Working with GEARUP has been great. The offer a lot more opportunities.
-We have been short on staff in the building, but our staff has been really pitching in and helping each other out.
-The By All MeANS Campaign is launching at the end of the month. We have a letter and flyer drafted, as well as a mailing list.
-LD550 is the bill to support funding for outdoor education for public schools if Board Members want to call and support it.
B.
Q2 Financial Overview/Audit Update/Title Grants Update
Ashley - The audit - We should have the update back by the 31st.
-Q2 - Revenue right where we should be.
-We need to keep an eye on office supplies and transportation repairs, especially for next year.
C.
Board Composition and Future
Robert - We currently have 10 members (as of today) of the board. Some will be leaving in June.
1. Recruiting new board members for June.
-Kim - MOFGA's Quarterly Newsletter and Maine Farmland Trust.
2. Put together a small group to find board members - Let Robert know if you want to join.
3. Posting a notice in our newsletter, interest form, etc.
4. Who are the leadership roles going to go to? (Officers and Committee Chairs.)
Robert wants to add a Discussion item under Information Sharing - Board Composition and Future.