Menlo Park Academy Governing Board
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday February 18, 2016 at 6:00 PM
Location
MPA
OUR MISSION: Menlo Park Academy is a public school that develops the potential of gifted learners through an exemplary program of rewarding experiences that nurtures the whole child.
Directors Present
Amanda Ross, Cathy Aldrich, Dawn Doran, Fraser Hamilton Sr, Suzanne McFarland, Teri Harrison
Directors Absent
Andrew Hudak, Jehad Deir
Guests Present
Amber Oxley, Beverley Veccia, Dave Massa, Jeff Jaroscak, Jim Kennedy, Lisa Sierk, Melissa Vlasak, Sarah Gunnoe
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Teri Harrison called a meeting of the board of directors of Menlo Park Academy Governing Board to order on Thursday Feb 18, 2016 at 6:05 PM.
C.
Public Input
Chairwoman Harrison offered to hear public comment. There was no public commentary given at this meeting.
D.
Approve Minutes
Cathy Aldrich made a motion to approve minutes from the Board Meeting on 01-21-16 Board Meeting on 01-21-16.
Dawn Doran seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
E.
Approve Minutes
Cathy Aldrich made a motion to approve minutes from the Board Strategic/Goal Review Meeting on 01-09-16 Board Strategic/Goal Review Meeting on 01-09-16.
Dawn Doran seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Sponsor Report
A.
Sponsor Update
Mr. Jaroscak gave the Sponsor Report. A discussion was had regarding various topics of interest, including meeting notices and cancellations.There was positive comments regarding a recent site visit and Special Ed file review; all appeared in order.
III. Treasurer Report
A.
Monthly Financial Statement
Mr. Massa provided the Treasurer Report. The financial statements were brought forward for consideration by the Board. A discussion was had. Expenses were below expectations. The Financial Reports were brought forward for adoption by the Board.
Fraser Hamilton Sr made a motion to Adopt the Financial Report as provided in the meeting materials and as presented.
Amanda Ross seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Expenditure Approval
Ms. Oxley shared the expenditures. A discussion was had regarding school activities. Written expenditure report was passed around for board signature.
IV. School Administration Report
A.
Assessment Analysis
The School report card data was brought forward for discussion. There was an error in MPA's data (along with other schools) regarding resubmission of data. The date of MPA's full report card release from the State will be delayed as a result.
B.
9th Grade Survey
Ms. Veccia brought forward discussion regarding the 9th grade survey. Responses were requested by February 17th from interested parties. Approximately 82 responses total were received from parents of students in grades 5 through 8; approximately 22 responses were 'Not Interested'; while approximately 60 responses were in favor of 9th grade for the School. There was discussion regarding when 9th grade could be offered, whether for the 2016/2017 academic year or the 2017/2018 academic year. Conversation continued regarding the number of potential students for 9th grade; whether combined classes or separate would be cost-effective. School Director and admin team to move forward with determining the course possibilities and communicating same to families.
The testing calendar was brought forward for consideration by the Board. A discussion was had regarding testing standards and scope of testing.
The testing calendar was brought forward for consideration by the Board. A discussion was had regarding testing standards and scope of testing.
V. Development & Community Relations
A.
Capital Campaign
The Capital Campaign Plan was brought forward for consideration by the Board. A discussion was had. Committee plans and the overall goal of approximately $2.5 million were topics of conversation.
Amanda Ross made a motion to approve the Capital Campaign Plan as outlined and overall goal of $2.5 million.
Fraser Hamilton Sr seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Fraser Hamilton Sr |
Aye
|
| Andrew Hudak |
Absent
|
| Suzanne McFarland |
Aye
|
| Amanda Ross |
Aye
|
| Jehad Deir |
Absent
|
| Cathy Aldrich |
Absent
|
| Dawn Doran |
Aye
|
| Allen Mix |
Absent
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
Secretary Aldrich temporarily absent and not present for vote; The Motion passed by unanimous affirmative vote of members present.
B.
Updates
Ms. Ross provided an update on fund raising activities. Approximately two-thrids of the total goal has been raised to date; The Winter Concert and Cleveland Browns fundraisers contributed to the total raised for the School activities.
VI. Facility Expansion
A.
Project Update
Mr. Hamilton provided the Facility Update. There was discussion regarding financing and anticipated construction bids. A report on various aspects of the facility expansion is anticipated for presentation to the Board at an upcoming meeting.
VII. Finance
A.
Audit Update
The Finance Update was brought forward for discussion. The Board agreed the topic was addressed in Mr. Massa's report.
B.
FY2017 Budget
The FY 2017 budget draft is anticipated for Board consideration at the March 17, 2016 Board meeting.
VIII. Governance Committee
A.
Board Succession Planning
The report by the Governance Committee will be provided at a future Board meeting.
IX. HR
A.
Performance Assessments
Ms. Doran gave an update on the staff Performance Assessment plans. Faculty renewals should be completed by admin before spring break and voted on at the next board meeting.
X. Program Excellence
A.
Assessment Tool
The Program Excellence Committee Report and consideration of the Assessment Tool will be brought forward for discussion and consideration at a future Board meeting.
XI. Other Business
A.
Committee Appointment
Suzanne McFarland made a motion to appoint Susan Zambo to membership of the Program Excellence Committee.
Amanda Ross seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Andrew Hudak |
Absent
|
| Teri Harrison |
Aye
|
| Cathy Aldrich |
Absent
|
| Suzanne Hanselman |
Absent
|
| Dawn Doran |
Aye
|
| Fraser Hamilton Sr |
Aye
|
| Suzanne McFarland |
Aye
|
| Jehad Deir |
Absent
|
| Amanda Ross |
Aye
|
| Allen Mix |
Absent
|
Secretary Aldrich absent temporarily and not present for vote; the Motion passed by majority vote of members present.
B.
Executive Session
The topic of Executive Session was brought forward for consideration by the Board. A discussion was had.
Dawn Doran made a motion to enter Executive Session to discuss with designated legal counsel pending or imminent court action. A roll call vote was taken.
Teri Harrison seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Secretary Aldrich temporarily absent and not present for vote.
The Board entered Executive Session at 7:41 p.m.
Board Members in Attendance in Executive Session: T. Harrison, D. Doran, F. Hamilton, S. McFarland, A. Ross
Invited to Attend Executive Session: J. Jaroscak, S. Gunnoe and Attorney N. Sarkar by phone.
Member C. Aldrich returned and joined Executive Session while Executive Session underway.
The Board returned from Executive Session at 8:22 p.m.
The Board entered Executive Session at 7:41 p.m.
Board Members in Attendance in Executive Session: T. Harrison, D. Doran, F. Hamilton, S. McFarland, A. Ross
Invited to Attend Executive Session: J. Jaroscak, S. Gunnoe and Attorney N. Sarkar by phone.
Member C. Aldrich returned and joined Executive Session while Executive Session underway.
The Board returned from Executive Session at 8:22 p.m.
XII. 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 8:25 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Anne Trakas
Fraser Hamilton Sr made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Cathy Aldrich seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.