Paul O'Neil (MPA parent) expressed significant concern with the operations of a Program Excellence Committee meeting held on April 26th that he and his wife attended.  He believed that the School Director was disrespected by committee members during the meeting.

Laura Lusk (MPA parent) asked the following questions: Are special meetings open to public?  Where is notification of special meetings published? She expressed concern that she senses there is not clear leadership. It isn't clear to her who has ultimate decision-making responsibility; the School (Director) Admin or the Board of Directors.  She urged the Board to provide clarify around roles and ensure there is transparency in their work. Chairwoman Harrison thanked her for her comments and confirmed that Special Board Meetings are open to the public and that notices are provided on the web site with all the other board meetings.

Melissa Ferchill - Owners Representative Update
Construction budget still has a gap of approximately $400,000.  MCM, Gies along with Directors T. Harrison and F. Hamilton have meet to continue working through Value Engineering process in an attempt to identify options to bring the budget in-line with financing.  MCM along with B. Figgie were successful in helping MPA get an additional award of New Market Tax Credits; however, this allocation is restricted to a building maintenance reserve fund and replenishment of the soft cost reserves (the owner's representative costs were taken from that budget line item) so cannot be allocated to filling the gap. M. Ferchill reported her strong belief that MPA will receive a State Historic Tax Credit award ($2 million). Awards will be announced in mid-June.These funds have no restrictions and could be used to fill this gap. In the meantime the value engineering process will continue, as well as other alternative funding opportunities such as the OFCC grant.
 

T. Harrison asked why the work performed was not covered by the Cuyahoga County EPA Grant- J. Zampino thought that this work would have been covered by the grant, but due to unforeseen circumstances was not covered by the grant (and the look back period which normally applies to these kinds of projects did not).

D. Massa discussed monthly financial reports. MPA is projected to close the year strong.

Miscellaneous expenses (business credit card) statement was uploaded for Board review.
Melissa from D. Massa's office presented on the 5 year forecast based on the Pro Forma (this includes 3 years of actual financials and 5 years of forecasts).

J. Jaroscak - HB2 Public Document & Sunshine Law training - recommended Board and Staff use the Attorney General's online course to meet this requirement. Must be completed by 6/30/16.

B. Veccia presented monthly Directors' Report
 

F. Hamilton asked the reason for seeking the waiver?  A. Ross explained that the Board Approved, at April meeting, the DCRC to hire a part-time Development Consultant at a cost up to $5,000.  F. Hamilton asked how many firms/consultants were interviewed.  A. Ross explained that L. Sierk, MPA pro-bono Development Consultant, talked with three firms; one particular firm seemed to understand Menlo and fit our needs. The DCRC feels they offer the most value. C. Aldrich asked what the impact would be if the Board waited to approve the longer term agreement. or amended the length of the contract. There is concern that it could limit the benefit.

A. Ross provided an update on the enrollment growth plan. The TV interview was well-received. The admissions team is fielding many calls. Additional free testing will take place this Saturday. SY16-17 Enrollment is currently at 405 with several more waiting for testing and/or paperwork.

A. Oxley presented. T. Harrison clarified that the budget is adjusted in the fall when enrollment numbers are stable. T. Harrison asked if there are any anomalies from the draft presented last month. A. Oxley commented that they kept the roll of an additional coordinator in the budget. Also heath care costs have been budgeted conservatively and actuals will be added once the renewal is finalized.

C. Aldrich reminded the board to abide by the meeting procedures, including how items are added to the meeting agendas. She reviewed the process in Board on Track. 
 

Questions were raised regarding frustrations with the new version of Board on Track. Governance Committee assigned to research potential alternative software options.

D. Doran presented on the new position of Director of Institutional Advancement

T. Harrison and D. Doran presented information on BVU's Encore Fellows program. Board agreed to forward movement in exploring this potential option for MPA.

S. McFarland discussed the Dress Code Revision (Board delegated policy review to PEC at March board meeting).  T. Harrison asked if there was differentiation between  K-4th and 5th-8th. D. Doran asked about the limitations in color of leggings/tights as well as the bottoms for PE days. Changes from current policy not clear.
 

The board asked that the PEC bring it back to the full board at the June meeting.

Suzanne presented Special Education reports.  Ms. Veccia passed around a different form. T. Harrison clarified that the board requested reporting that demonstrates the various special education services that students are receiving, and that the report needs to track that the proper processes, protocols, and services are being administered. S. McFarland and the PEC will continue to work on these items with the Director.

This is a required policy. B. Veccia to upload for next month's board meeting. J. Jaroscak explained that schools should document the process in the Student/Parent Handbook.

B. Veccia to present a Restraint and Seclusion Policy based on ODE's sample policy at the next board meeting.

All camps must have a minimum number of participants to ensure there is not a financial loss before continuing.

F. Hamilton asked A. Ross to explain why she is rescinding her intention not to seek reelection.  A. Ross shared that she has spoken with Board members, DCRC committee members, and with MPA Sfaff about the needs of the organization and believes she has much to offer at this time. 

J. Jaroscak was invited to join the session.

The board exited Executive Session at 9:45pm.