Elgin Math & Science Academy
Minutes
Master Planning & Facilities Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday April 10, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Location
Admin Building - Social Studies Classroom
1600 Dundee Avenue
Elgin, IL
Our Mission:
The Elgin Math and Science Academy is an EL Education public charter school.
We strive to support the whole child and develop socially responsible leaders who aspire to create a better world.
Committee Members Present
C. Flaherty, G. Swick, S. Bennett
Committee Members Absent
D. Haight, K. Kelly, R. Manderschied
Guests Present
D. Alexander
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes of the January 18, 2024, Meeting of the Master Planning Committee
II. Campus Environment & Historical Character Support Group
A.
Pollinator Garden
Gary reported this was proceeding, with the grant in hand.
B.
City of Elgin - Mayor's Award for Historic Preservation
The Committee discussed the outreach for the May 15th tour associated with this award. Dan agreed to coordinate notice to families, and publicity through Facebook, LinkedIn, the website. The Front Office will take registrations from those who respond. Board members will be invited to come and to tour through classrooms.
C.
AIA Illinois - October 2024
Dan reviewed the purpose and likely format of this event, which will be on a date to be finalized in October. It should be another good opportunity to welcome newcomers to EMSA's campus. Wheeler Kearns will play the major role in the tour.
D.
EMSA hosting community events in summer 2024 - environmentally themed
The Committee welcomed this initiative as an opportunity to build relationships with environmental educators, and to extend the opportunity for environmental education to parents and students, as well as staff.
E.
Better World Projects
The Committee decided to continue this conversation into the forthcoming Expeditions group meeting. There was discussion of doing some big project. There was extension discussion of the goal of clearing the final part of the pathway around EMSA's campus in particular.
III. COO Report on Facilities and Grounds
A.
Update on EMSA Facilities & Grounds
Dan spoke to Preston's process. He said that invitations to the interviews from Preston would be coming out later in the week. He noted that many responses to the survey request had been obtained.
B.
Solar Power Possibilities
Dan reviewed the proposal for solar panels on the Gym Building, and committed to follow up some more and then report back to the Committee.
C.
Expeditions/Gardening
Dan noted the Kinder garden had been built already by the students. The remaining seven boxes were able to be built, with gravel and soil on site for the purpose. The Expeditions group would take this up at its next meeting.
IV. State of Illinois Issues
A.
IDOT and Entryway concerns
The Committee discussed the update, and suggested a new sign opposite the exiting one, on the south side of the entry drive.
There was not quite a quorum, so the Minutes were not approved.