Menlo Park Academy Governing Board

Minutes

Board Working Session

Date and Time

Thursday May 5, 2022 at 6:00 PM

Location

Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/rud-xdqg-kgz

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

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

Directors Absent

Dante Giancola

Guests Present

April Carson (remote), Becky Karkoff (remote), Brandi Larsen (remote), Carol Ryan (remote), Catherine DCruz (remote), Chandra Lubben (remote), Geoffrey Belanger (remote), Richard Hronek (remote), Sarah Grady (remote), Sarah O'Bryan (remote), Shruti Aring (remote), Twana Rogers (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 Thursday May 5, 2022 at 6:03 PM.

II. Board Members

A.

Prospective Member Q&A

Prospective new board members Shruti Aring, Twana Rogers and Geoff Belanger were introduced.  Current board members were able to ask prospective members about their interest in MPA and experience.  Prospective members were given the opportunity to ask questions regarding board membership to current members.

III. Action Items

A.

Resignations

Tiffany Randle made a motion to acknowledge resignation of Chris Staats effective May 27, 2022.
Susan Dornan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

5-Year Forecast Update

Melissa Picone made a motion to accept the 5 year forecast as presented.
Tiffany Randle seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Board Task Forces

A.

DEI

Tiffany Randle reviewed the DEI proposal as presented.  

B.

Safety & Security

Tiffany Randle reviewed the Safety and Security proposal as presented.

V. 2022-23 Planning

A.

School Procedures

Teri Harrison reviewed the Internal Procedures Project page on Basecamp. The purpose of this page is to facilitate the review and organization of policies and procedures

B.

2022-23 Board Meeting and Deliverables Calendar Draft

Teri Harrison reviewed the 22-23 BOD Meeting and Deliverables Calendar draft as presented. Board members are to review and notify of any calendar conflicts.

C.

FY23 Budget Process

The Recommended Process for Developing Annual Budget document was reviewed as presented. 

VI. School Leader Search

A.

Survey Results

Suzanne McFarland reviewed results of leadership survey.  Most important qualities determined by survey include: visible and accessible to community, makes ethically informed decisions, ensures an orderly and organized school, adheres to and commits to a whole child role, uses child attributes to develop appropriate educational activities and  manages new technology to advance the program.  Currently have had a large number of people who have applied for principal role.

B.

Committee Members

Suzanne McFarland made a motion to approve School Leader/Principal/School Director Committee.
Susan Dornan seconded the motion.

Leadership committee members to include:

Chair: Suzanne McFarland
Board Rep.: Tiffany Randle
Teacher Rep: Doug Thompson
Staff Rep: Jenn Ingraham
Parent Rep: Talley Fruchtman
Consultant: Sarah O’Brian

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VII. New Business

A.

Charter Modification 13

The Spring 2022 Community School Modification Guideline, the Spring 2022 Modification Summary and Modification 13 documents were presented and reviewed.  

Suzanne McFarland made a motion to authorize Board Chair Teri Harrison to execute the modification as presented.
Susan Dornan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

SEL Conference Proposal

Outline of SEL Conference Proposal reviewed as presented. 

VIII. Executive Session

A.

Executive Session

Teri Harrison made a motion to enter into executive session to discuss the performance of a public employee.
Susan Dornan seconded the motion.

Dr. Hronek and Sarah O'Bryan invited in executive session.

Entered into executive session at 7:43pm.

Exited executive session at 8:56pm

The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Melissa Picone
Aye
Dante Giancola
Absent
Tiffany Randle
Aye
Teri Harrison
Aye
Suzanne McFarland
Aye
Susan Dornan
Aye

IX. 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 8:56 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Susan Dornan