The board will go around the room, introduce themselves and share why they are here on the board and what they would like to see one year from today (60 seconds each).
B.
Board Culture Discussion
The Exploris School lives by its values. As leaders in the organization it is our responsibility to know them, understand them and live them as representatives of The Exploris School. It is important to understand which each Core Value looks like, sounds like and feels like during our meetings.
Let's take a time to understand each other more, why we are here and how we behave.
CURIOSITY- True knowledge does not occur without curiosity. Students are empowered to ask questions about the world around them and to explore possible answers. REFLECTION- In an ever-changing world of new ideas, the importance of reflecting on one’s thinking and the thinking of others cannot be underestimated. Exploris values the creation of time to slow down, to reflect, and to build connections. CRAFTSMANSHIP– Producing an exemplary product is challenging. It takes attention to detail, grit, perseverance, revision, and tenacity. It takes a growth mindset and a dedication to competing with one’s own personal best. ENGAGEMENT- People learn best when they are exposed to meaningful, complex issues that are applicable to their own lives. Teachers engage students in current, relevant issues by solving authentic problems that are being addressed beyond the four walls of the school building. Student work is tangibly connected not only to the local community, but also to other regions of the world and to past and future events. COLLABORATION- Learning is a democratic process that is enhanced through the sharing of different perspectives and life experiences. Collaboration results in a tapestry of learners who know they can depend on each other and work together in almost any situation. With collaboration, the end product is deeper, and Exploris students experience a collective sense of accomplishment and ownership. RELATIONSHIPS- A nurturing school environment is one where students are encouraged to build and maintain positive relationships with their teachers, parents, peers, and community. With a keen understanding of the unique development of the age group that they teach, teachers are intentional about the structures and relationship-building activities that they design. CONNECTIONS TO NATURE- When students witness the power and elements of the natural world through adventure and stewardship, they begin to view themselves as just one species within a larger system. SOCIAL EMPOWERMENT- Students realize that they have the power to change how their world works. They know how to navigate public systems, lobby public officials, and present their research and opinions as responsible citizens. INNOVATION- In a constantly changing world, the ability to approach challenges in a new way is vital. Exploris teachers and students design projects that encourage divergent thinking, creativity, ideation, and risk-taking. BALANCE- To be fully human, students must be healthy in mind, in body, and in spirit. Emphasis on students’ physical and emotional health prepare them for the mental challenges necessary in achieving total success in school.
III.
Board Committees
Development
A.
Purpose, Goals and Schedule
Each board committee will provide a short synopsis of the charge of their committee for the 2018-2019 year, announce their schedule and recruit members.
Camesha Jones: Governance
Keely Byars-Nichols: Educational Excellence
Christine Hutchins: Finance
Kim Von Weihe: Development
Bob Kingery: Facilities
Jessica Frawley: Grievance
B.
Board on Track Training
Board on Track training is REQUIRED of all committee chairs and is optional, but encouraged, for all board members (as we are all expected to be ready to chair committees if needed). Keely will facilitate training. Details TBA.
IV.
Executive Director Report
Education Excellence
A.
Academic/ Personnel / Operations
Academic:
EOG Comparative Summary and preliminary results for 2018 were provided for Board review. The data will be discussed with staff at the opening of school so that improvement goals can be developed.
Personnel: Board approval requested for the following Personnel and Staffing changes:
Recommend that the Board accept the resignation of Instructional Technology Specialist, Chris Blacker, effective 6/19/18.
Recommend that the Board accept the resignation of Marg Rush elementary Music Teacher.
Recommend that the Board approve the use of Joyner Consulting for IT Services to ensure continuity of IT Services and evaluate the cost / benefits of utilizing an IT consultant in lieu of hiring an IT employee.
Recommend that the Board approves the following new hires
Teacher Working Conditions Survey attached for review. The survey results will be reviewed with all staff at the opening of school so that team goals for improvement can be created.
Operations Board Approval is requested for the 2018-2019 Personnel Handbook and Parent / Student Handbook
Renovations, security, and enrollment update provided for Board reference.
2017-2018
The Finance committee has worked with Charter Success to analyze our monthly budget variance reports and project the latest for end of year activity. There are June bills that have come in during July and still need to be finalized in the end of year accounting. At this time, the 2017-2018 end of year surplus is estimated to be $56,669.70.
The balance sheet and income statement along with the YTD budget are attached for your review. 2018-2019 Budget impact
The Wake County 2018-2019 per pupil state rate is $5,233.73, which is a 3.23% increase over the 17-18 rate. Revenue projections were flat in the 18-19 budget and did not include this increase.
Capital Campaign/ Foundation
Input from the Board is needed to recommend a replacement for The School Foundation Chair position since Cal Cunningham completed his tenure in June.
Final statistics revealed that 83 % of all Exploris families have contributed to the capital campaign.
Foundation Account Balance as of 6/30/18: $477,226.63
Policy Updates (Conflict of Interest and Nepotism)
The current Nepotism Policy and Conflict of Interest do not meet the state policies. The governance committee will bring recommendations for adoption of a new policy at the August board meeting.
DPI has provided four places where we needed to revise our proposal. They are relatively minor, but require board approval. See attachment for recommendations and revised proposal (on same doc).
