Foxborough Regional Charter School
Minutes
Board Meeting
Annual Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday November 9, 2021 at 6:15 PM
Location
Foxborough Regional Charter School
Middle School Media Center
131 Central Street
Foxborough, MA 02035
Middle School Media Center
131 Central Street
Foxborough, MA 02035
Meeting Format
Whether in person or online, the public is welcome to attend Board Meetings and have access to meeting minutes. Meetings are held once a month and additionally, as determined by the Board Chair. All meeting Agendas are posted to the school website at least 48 hours in advance of each public meeting.
During the meeting, the Board follows the published agenda and works through business. Audience members are not part of the formal discussion or deliberations, but may raise their hand to add brief comment or ask clarifying questions. Meetings start promptly on time as noted on the agenda.
In person details:
Whether in person or online, the public is welcome to attend Board Meetings and have access to meeting minutes. Meetings are held once a month and additionally, as determined by the Board Chair. All meeting Agendas are posted to the school website at least 48 hours in advance of each public meeting.
During the meeting, the Board follows the published agenda and works through business. Audience members are not part of the formal discussion or deliberations, but may raise their hand to add brief comment or ask clarifying questions. Meetings start promptly on time as noted on the agenda.
In person details:
- Please Review COVID Guidelines if you are attending in person
- Please Enter through the Middle School Main Office
- Please remember to sign in upon arrival
Trustees Present
Badawi Dweik, Kathleen Crawford, Matthew Yezukevich, Sergio Martin, Susanna Girard (remote)
Trustees Absent
None
Guests Present
Annie Azarloza, Dana Benton-Johnson, Heidi Berkowitz, Karen Calvert, Kathleen Foley, Lori Obenchain, Luis Soria, Matt Harrington (remote), Molly Clark, Olivia Ahiman, Rosemary Rapoza, Todd, Tetreault (Parent Advisory Group)
I. Opening Items
A.
Attendance
NOTE: There was a delay in launching the zoom meeting due to technical issues. The meeting was delayed in starting until all remote participants were able to access the meeting.
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Kathleen Crawford called a meeting of the board of trustees of Foxborough Regional Charter School to order on Tuesday Nov 9, 2021 at 6:35 PM.
II. Leadership Report
A.
Executive Director's Report
Second Grade Presentation was presented by Oliva Ahlman, Molly Clark, Rosemary Rapoza and Dorothy Relyea. They walked the board through the curriculum, staff, and changes for students in the Second Grade, see attached presentation.
The board asked questions on "learning loss" from last years unique school year and the teachers explained the largest gap they are seeing in this grade is spelling. They are using the workshop period to catch the students back up.
NOTE: There was a break in the audio while Dr. Soria was introducing this months topic that impacted all Zoom Attendees. There was no vote taken during this time. The audio self corrected after about a 1 minute break.
B.
Equity & Inclusion
Nothing to report
C.
Personnel Update
The Middle School is fully staffed including all the science and art positions. The Physical Education Teacher has resigned as she is moving to Connecticut soon.
D.
Special Topic
YMCA After School Program
- There was confusion at the beginning of the year on how to handle students that are not attending the YMCA program but also not picked up on time. A system has since been worked out and they are seeing a reduction in the number of students impacted
- YMCA has been hiring both FRCS Staff & High School students to run the program. They still need to fill a few spots
- There are 20 students on the waitlist for the program.
- There are more students using the YMCA program than the old FRCS after school program
III. Committees
A.
Enrollment
The Elementary and High School enrollment numbers are above goal. Middle School enrollment is less stable at this snapshot in time.
B.
Facilities
MS Roof
- Cost estimate ~$2,000,000
- Core samples-testing (hazardous material)
- Once back, scope of work will be defined
- The board reviewed the RFP process
- Installation is planned for Summer 2022
- The board asked to see if a solar farm could be added to the roof with this project. Matt Harrington will look into the possibility.
Staff Laptops
- Arrived and they are being configured by the FRCS Technical Team
C.
Finance
- The Finance Team is currently working on the Charter School Report
- The Finance Committee is recommending a reduction in the operating budget by $135,000.
- The Finance Committee is reviewing teacher's salaries against the fair market value in the local area. They are preparing a proposal with a three year projection that will be presenting at an upcoming Board Meeting.
Matthew Yezukevich made a motion to adjust down the current annual budget by $135,000 via roll call vote.
Badawi Dweik seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
D.
FRCS Foundation Inc
- The FRCS Foundation Inc. has monthly meetings
- There are three top priorities for the Foundation at this time.
- Provide each graduating senior with a monetary gift
- Survey families on their interest in fundraising possibilities
- Recruit FRCS Alumni to be on the board
IV. Community Group Updates
A.
English Language Parent Advisory Committee (ELPAC)
Nothing at this time
B.
Parent Advisory Group (PAG)
Todd Tetreault of the Parent Advisory Group provided an update on the following activities:
- This is an advisory group, not a decision-making body
- Dr. Soria provides topics on which he would like input/parent perspective
- PAG meets on an alternating cycle:
- Without Dr. Soria to to discuss and consolidate feedback
- With Dr. Soria to review said feedback
- Review of Prior Updates (prior to previous board meeting):
- PAG provided our feedback to Dr. Soria on his draft three-year strategic plan, including feedback on structure and content. Suggestion was made to product more graphical format for general audience with short video walkthroughs for each pillar.
- PAG reviewed feedback document with Dr. Soria on his request for recommendations on expanded athletic facilities.
Current Cycle(up to current board meeting):- Per Dr. Soria's requested PAG to provide feedback on his entry plan into the FRCS Community.
- Suggestion for similar format for reporting progress on strategic plan
- Also gave feedback on test of info video. Largely positive, suggested improvement in production quality.
- Discussion of go-forward engagement plan on sports facilities.
- Suggested something similar to engagement with Kaboom (group that helped with playground)
- Next cycle: working on updated objectives and mission statement for PAG
C.
Partners in Education (PIE)
Dr Soria shared with the board the email from PIE with their update which included plans for:
- A book fair
- Staff Appreciation event
- Homecoming
- Holiday Fair
D.
Special Education Parent Advisory Committee (SEPAC)
Nothing at this time
V. Annual Board Meeting
A.
Governance
Renewal of Trustee Terms
Susanna Girard made a motion to renew Matt Yezukevich term as a board member for a three year term running from 01DEC2021 to 30NOV2024 via roll call vote.
Badawi Dweik seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
Susanna Girard made a motion to renew Sergio Martin term as a board member for a three year term running from 01DEC2021 to 30NOV2024 via roll call vote.
Badawi Dweik seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
The Board of Trustees Officers for the coming year
Badawi Dweik made a motion to nominate Kathleen Crawford to a new term as the Chair of the Board of Trustees beginning 01DEC2021 to 30NOV2022 via roll call vote.
Sergio Martin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
Badawi Dweik made a motion to nominate Matt Yezukevich to a new term as the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees beginning 01DEC2021 to 30NOV2022 via roll call vote.
Kathleen Crawford seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
Badawi Dweik made a motion to nominate Susanna Girard to a new term as the Secretary of the Board of Trustees beginning 01DEC2021 to 30NOV2022 via roll call vote.
Matthew Yezukevich seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
The Board discussed the committees membership and considered changes to the board members participation on each board.
Susanna Girard made a motion to nominate Kathleen Crawford to the FRCS Foundation Inc Committee, Enrollment Committee and to Chair the Governance Committee for the period starting 01DEC2021 and ending 30NOV2022 via roll call vote.
Matthew Yezukevich seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
Kathleen Crawford made a motion to nominate Matt Yezukevich to Chair the Finance Committee for the period starting 01DEC2021 and ending 30NOV2022 via roll call vote.
Susanna Girard seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
Kathleen Crawford made a motion to nominate Susanna Girard to Chair the FRCS Foundation Inc Committee and Enrollment Committee for the period starting 01DEC2021 and ending 30NOV2022 via roll call vote.
Matthew Yezukevich seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
Kathleen Crawford made a motion to nominate Badawi Dweik to Chair the Facilities Committee for the period starting 01DEC2021 and ending 30NOV2022 via roll call vote.
Matthew Yezukevich seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
Kathleen Crawford made a motion to nominate Sergio Martin to Finance Committee for the period starting 01DEC2021 and ending 30NOV2022 via roll call vote.
Susanna Girard seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
The Board reviewed the Charter School's By-Laws
Matthew Yezukevich made a motion to accept the current By-Laws that were previously approved and adopted on 10SEP2013 via role call vote.
Sergio Martin seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
The board was reminded to complete the following paperwork
- Their Annual Financial Disclosure documentation that was emailed to them by the DESE
- Review Open Meeting Law materials
- Complete the annual self assessment
Expanding the Board's Membership
- The board agreed that continuing the process with the current Governance Sub-Committee is the appropriate course of action.
- Dr. Soria was invited to add an appropriate member of his leadership group to the sub-committee after he has had time to consider whom should be added.
- We have 5 resumes to consider.
- The Board members were encouraged to send proposed questions for the interview process to Sergio Martin for consolidation and consideration.
- Interviews are projected to occur in January 2022.
VI. Policy Review
A.
New/Old Policies
Nothing at this time
VII. New/Old Business
A.
COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics on School Property
Sergio Martin raised a concern about the school hosting COVID-19 Vaccination clinics on site. His concerns included the newness of the vaccine and some age groups that are still in emergency use approval by the FDA, which means their complete clinical trial data is not completed yet.
Kathleen Crawford, Matt Yezukevich, and Susanna Girard expressed the opposing position as they felt it is our role to provide convenient opportunities to our community. Their position is that it is not a mandate to get the vaccination and that ultimately the decision still lies with the parents to participate or not regardless of the location.
Badawi Dweik asked a clarifying question to see if the opposition to the clinics was for only COVID-19 Vaccination or all vaccinations. Sergio confirmed his opposition to it was limited to the COVID-19 Vaccination.
Having all board members given the opportunity to comment and no vote proposed the discussion ended.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Approval of Minutes:12OCT2021
Tabled
B.
Approval to release Executive Session minutes to the public
Tabled
C.
Adjourn Meeting
Badawi Dweik made a motion to Adjourn the meeting via roll call vote.
Matthew Yezukevich seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Kathleen Crawford |
Aye
|
| Susanna Girard |
Aye
|
| Matthew Yezukevich |
Aye
|
| Sergio Martin |
Aye
|
| Badawi Dweik |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Kathleen Crawford