Greg Wallis motioned to postpone the approval of the minutes due to technology challenges and board members not having the appropriate rights. 2nd by Ted Givens. Motion approved, no objections.

 

Greg Wallis began his report with an overview about the IPS loan payback plan that Edison School of the Arts has set up with IPS. Greg presented the statement of activities report with the revised budget that was previously approved. Motion to accept the Treasurer’s Report made by Ernest, 2nd by Ted Givens. Motion approved, no objections.
 

Greg will meet with Brian Anderson and Nathan Tuttle to begin exploring the options available for making retirement contributions. The exploration process will begin with the review of current conditions for PERF and TRF, and projections for future.

Ted Givens reported that after reading through the Innovation School agreement with IPS, that anything inside the building is owned and maintained by IPS. Ted suggested that for the following year we may need to add a budget for facilities. Givens stated we will go through a couple other things in the agreement at a later date.

Ernest Disney-Britton led a discussion regarding the tools of the evaluations on Board on Track for the CEO as well as the board assessment. These involve the board as well as the staff. The online function allows us to assess how we (the board) are tracking our goals and responsibilities. We will have one place where we can go and track everything. There will be additional tabs with a variety of documents available to the public. Edison has all of the necessary and proper insurance coverages already set up was confirmed. Discussion around allowing the facility to be rented out was also covered. Certificate of Insurance must be provided. Edison will charge a fair and equitable rate for the use of the facility. This is in section 8.02.

Nathan Tuttle began by stating that they are still continuing to refine general day to day procedures. We have a new 4th grade teacher starting as well as we are hiring a permanent sub that has been covering the class throughout the school year. There are times it is very difficult to secure a substitute teacher. The lady that we are hiring does a great job with all grade levels and students. While she is not being used to cover a classroom, she will be used to work with small groups of students.
Our focus continues to be on academics as well as restructuring our behavior management and climate in the building. The focus is on increasing positive behavior supports as well as building student accountability. There is a committee comprised of staff members that will be meeting to work in this area. 

Amy Berns mentioned that the ISTEP local infrastructure test was held on November 9th with all 3rd and 4th grade students (6 total classrooms). Approximately 1/3 of our devices were not working due to software issues. A work order was submitted. The statewide readiness testing will be held in February.
Arts integration PD is continuing to take place. Teachers will submit a lesson plan along with a proposed date and time that they would like for us to observe their lesson.

Penny Guthrie started her report with an update on current enrollment. We are currently at 588 students. Compared to last year we are doing quite well. It equates to just about 1 ½% with draw rate. We only had about a week or so to relax on enrollment. The Showcase of Schools is this Saturday at the State Museum. All IPS Schools will be there. The Enroll Indy app opens tomorrow.
The PTO continues to meet monthly. Edison had a record number of parent volunteers at our fall festival with more family members interested in taking an active role at the school.

Student handbook comparison still in progress.  

Amy Berns began by stating teacher surveys went out to collect information regarding holding after school clubs. The majority of the teachers surveyed would prefer to have two clubs that would run approximately an hour and 15 minutes. Teachers and staff also submitted several ideas of different types of clubs they would be interested in holding. A parent and a separate student survey also went out to determine what types of clubs or after-school activities our parents and students would be interested in having. Ernest Disney-Britton mentioned he would follow-up with the CEO of Music for All in regards to the funding and any grant options.

Next meeting is December 12th.