Menlo Park Academy Governing Board

Minutes

Board Meeting

Quarterly Strategy Session

Date and Time

Saturday February 5, 2022 at 9:00 AM

Location

Virtual Meeting: meet.google.com/dvt-cuaq-asm

OUR MISSION: Menlo Park Academy is a public school that nurtures gifted children through an exemplary program and rewarding experiences which develop the whole child.

Directors Present

Dante Giancola (remote), Melissa Picone (remote), Susan Dornan (remote), Suzanne McFarland (remote), Teri Harrison (remote), Tiffany Randle (remote)

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

Carol Ryan (remote), James Beatty (remote), Richard Hronek (remote), Sh'Annon Caldwell (remote)

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 Saturday Feb 5, 2022 at 9:10 AM.

II. School Leader Search

A.

Research and Process Review

Following a review of goals and key results, the group discussed the ideal leadership characteristics and leadership structure to meet the mission and values of Menlo Park Academy. 

Group discussed leadership concerns at Menlo over the past few years. Resulting themes included Inconsistency, Poor communication, Lack of focus on Mission, Knowledge management/transition issues, and a Lack of Collaboration.

 

Next Steps:

  1. Review discussed structure options and finalize;
  2. Approve updated org. chart;
  3. Finalize job descriptions for new roles; 
  4. Determine search committee structure & timeline.

Ensure clear communication on process and timeline is shared with the faculty and family community. 

 

  • Ensure knowledge management Key Result Area is a top priority for current staff. 
  • Create a plan to provide strong onboarding and support of new leader(s).
  • Evaluate teacher leadership options: Curriculum, space usage, crisis response, safety, etc. (Current options limited due lab. conditions).

III. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dante Giancola made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
Suzanne McFarland seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 12:48 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Dornan