Jeff Jaroscak, Kurt Aey, and Julie Ganim were invited into the executive session.

No public comments at this time.

Cathie Leimbach was sworn into Menlo Park Academy's Board of Directors.

Jeff Jaroscak introduced Kurt Aey.

Kurt Aey presented information regarding the 9th-grade cohort addition to the 2017-18 school year. Kurt reminded the Board that 9th-grade is part of MPA's sponsor contract, but the contract needs modification regarding the school's budget. The Board asked for more clarification as to which documents the sponsor needs in order to move forward with the 2017-18 9th-grade cohort.

Jeff Jaroscak presented the following information:
          -Adopting Board policies en masse - reminder that this is due in February,
          -School remains non-compliant with the following:
                          -Academic goals - still waiting on Mrs. Veccia to deliver the updates to the 11.6 goals.
                          -Teacher evaluations: Since no observations were conducted so far this school year, sponsor requiring evidence that teacher evaluations will be completed by March 1, 2017. Until at least the first round is completed, MPA will remain non-compliant. 

Melissa Miavez reviewed the financial statements. She stated that the audit is still compliant. The auditors hope to be moving onto GAAP statement, which means that they are getting close to the end of the audit.

The Board asked for clarification on the "student incentives" label included in the document. Amber Oxley stated that this spending includes things like the Menlo Store and other nonacademic, student-centered spending.

No report uploaded for review.

Amber Oxley provided an update on policy: T. Harrison and Amber Oxley were authorized to have further conversations with Dickinson Wright law firm to revamp MPA policies. MPA staff is working with providing a first-round draft of MPA-specific policies. Dickinson Wright is also providing A. Oxley with an outline of additional policies to include in the policy update. Amber Oxley and Dickinson Wright hope to have the finalized draft of MPA policies to present at the February Board meeting. The new policies by Dickinson Wright will be House Bill 2 compliant.

The Board asked Amber Oxley for an update about volunteer engagement. Specifically, the Board wanted to know if the Volunteer Coordinator started a plan to engage MPA parents who are not reporting volunteer hours or not volunteering, how our volunteers are being engaged an honored, and appreciation events, etc. Amber responded that the Volunteer Coordinator has been in-touch with MPA parents through email. The Board requested that monthly meetings to include volunteer hour reports.

Amber Oxley reported on the following information:

-Recent student enrollment lottery for the 2017-18 school year was held. The lottery went smoothly and families have been notified. The families who won a seat at the lottery have been given a list of important MPA enrollment dates.
-Amber reported that MPA raised over $25,000 during the Winter Benefit.

A. Oxley reminded the Board and public in attendance that that there is an Open House this coming weekend. She reported that this year's Open Houses have had great attendance.

The Board asked which budget has been paying for the enrollment testings' teacher stipends. Amber clarified that the proctoring stipends are coming out of the marketing budget since testing is considered an enrollment obligation.

M. Vlasak presented an update on the campaign. The Board requests that the staff ensures that the process for pledge and payment be clarified and executed consistently and ensure thank you/confirmations are sent.

Board requests a report to compare withdrawal data between the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school year.

T. Harrison reported that the last revision of the updated budget shows that MPA's budget is close to breaking even.

MPA's sponsor recommends to keep the number of board members on committees less than quorum (ie, less than 4 members). 

Motion was withdrawn

T. Harrison reported that the entire Board of Directors will begin to meet for working sessions every other week. Board members are not obligated to attend. 

S. McFarland presented the teacher evaluation framework on January 11 to MPA staff members. Jessica Burgess spoke with the committee and will present staff questions for the evaluation framework to the committee at an upcoming meeting.

F, Hamilton Sr. presented on the status of the building project. Fraser reported that construction on MPA's new building is on-schedule. 

C. Aldrich reported that the agenda and plan for Board retreat has been set. The retreat is scheduled for January 28, 2017 from 9 AM-2 PM at Berea Public Library.

No report provided.

T. Harrison made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of an employee or official. C. Leimbach seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Motion passed unanimously. Entered at 7:28 pm. The Board invited Kurt Aey, Jeff Jaroscak, Julie Ganim, Amber Oxley, and Beverley Veccia (Amber & Beverley were invited in separately) into the executive session. Exited at 8:35.

F. Hamilton made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss matters which are the subject of pending or imminent court action. C. Aldrich seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Motion passed unanimously. Entered at 8:36 pm. The Board invited Kurt Aey, Jeff Jaroscak and Julie Ganim into the Executive Session. Exited at 8:45 pm.

F. Hamilton made a motion to authorize T. Harrison to execute the settlement agreement with Marous Brothers Construction as presented. S. McFarland seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously. 

F. Hamilton made a motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss the appointment, employment, dismissal, discipline, promotion, demotion or compensation of an employee or official. M. Vlasak seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken. Motion passed unanimously. Entered at 8:50 pm. The Board invited Kurt Aey, Jeff Jaroscak, and Julie Ganim into the executive session. Exited at 8:52 pm.

The Board requested T. Harrison to contact D. O'Malia regarding his board service.