Final

Elgin Math & Science Academy

Board of Directors

Date and Time

Tuesday August 24, 2021 at 6:00 PM CDT

Location

Online viewing: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/93483783981?pwd=QmJCVStBMVJxdVN1d2FXYlpuQ0gxZz09
Meeting ID: 934 8378 3981
Passcode: EMSA
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Meeting ID: 934 8378 3981
Passcode: 602429
 
At EMSA, students and teachers will reach their highest potential through active exploratory learning and social responsibility. 

Agenda

     
I. Opening Items
 
Opening Items
  A. Record Attendance and Guests
  B. Call the Meeting to Order
  C. Motion to Enter Executive Closed Session
  D. Executive Session
   
The EMSA Board proposes a closed session to discuss specifically items enumerated below and in accordance with the Open Meetings Act which provides:
(c) Exceptions. A public body may hold closed meetings to consider the following subjects:
        (1) The appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance, or dismissal of specific employees, specific individuals who serve as independent contractors in a park, recreational, or educational setting,***

 

 
  E. Motion to Exit Executive Closed Session
  F. Public Comment
   
Public comment: The time for public comment will take place at the end of the meeting due to the online nature of our gathering. If anyone would like to participate, we ask that you sign-in with your first and last name, subject of your comment/question and the best way for us to contact you (if you want feedback) in the comments bar provided on screen. We welcome this and consider it seriously, but we cannot respond immediately unless the President or meeting chair decides that an immediate response is needed and can be made during public comment, s/he will refer it to the appropriate person for a brief response. Due to this virtual format, individual comments and questions submitted will be read into record at the end of the meeting.

In order to allow more public input, the Board welcomes written comments or inquiries submitted before the meeting to board@emsacharter.org.
II. Community
  A. Community Crew
  B. Approve Minutes
    Approve minutes for Board of Directors on July 27, 2021
  C. Approve Minutes
    Approve minutes for Board Retreat and Planning on June 24, 2021
  D. Decision-Making Practices
   
  • Review the decision-making pitfalls at the beginning of each meeting.  Consider a rotation: pick one pitfall to focus on at each meeting.
  • Decision Making Challenges and Biases:
    • Common information effect 
    • Escalation of commitment 
    • Failure to seek disconfirming information 
    • Availability bias 
    • Anchoring 
    • Decision Fatigue
  • As a board focus on asking at least 1 disconfirming question at each meeting
III. Financial and Operations Report
  A. SY2021-22 Staff Handbook
  B. Interim Financial Statements FY22 - July
  C. Audit Committee Report
   
Audit Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday August 24, 2021.

Board is asked to approve the TKO Engagement Letter unanimously recommended by EMSA's Audit Committee at its February 23, 2021 Meeting.
  D. Resolution to make Board President, Treasurer, COO, and Principal signatories on bank accounts
  E. Expansion Project - Financial Tracking
   
The Gym Building was occupied on August 4, 2021 on the return of staff.  The COO Report to Board and financial tracking document is attached. 
IV. Principal's Report
 
Board
  A. Principal's Report
  B. New Policies Vote
V. EMSA Parent Teacher Crew Report
VI. Master Planning Report
  A. Environmental Work Group (Subcommittee)
   
8/29 volunteer effort to work on the gymnasium playground.
Trail planning--looking for a parent co-chair.
VII. Outreach: Families and Community
 
Outreach: Families and Community
  A. Update on Outreach Activities
   
Outreach has a calendar of events that EMSA would like to attend.  Let Kimberly know if you would like to pitch-in at one or more of these events.
VIII. Governance
  A. Board Member Recruitment
   
Process for new board members:
  B. Committee Chair Opening
IX. Academic Excellence
  A. Committee Chair Opening
X. Principal Support & Evaluation Committee
XI. Other Business
  A. Audience Comments and Questions
   
Audience Comments and Questions will be read into record at this time.
XII. Closing Items
  A. Adjourn Meeting