The Exploris School

Minutes

Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday January 24, 2017 at 4:30 PM

Location

Exploris Middle School campus - 401 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh NC

Directors Present

C. Cunningham (remote), C. Gray, J. Frawley, J. Gerdts, K. Byars-Nichols, K. Furr, M. Fields, M. Mitchell-Neal, T. Miller

Directors Absent

B. Kingery, C. Hutchens

Ex Officio Members Present

L. Perry-Lawless, S. Clayton

Non Voting Members Present

L. Perry-Lawless, S. Clayton

Guests Present

C. Oliver, R. Wingo

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

J. Gerdts called a meeting of the board of directors of The Exploris School to order on Tuesday Jan 24, 2017 at 4:34 PM.

C.

Approve Agenda

M. Fields made a motion to Approve agenda.
J. Frawley seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Approve Minutes From Last Meeting

C. Gray made a motion to approve minutes from last meeting Board Meeting on 12-13-16.
K. Furr seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Public Comment

A.

Board Member Comment

Mike Fields suggested that we take the opportunity to remind ourselves of the school's mission and that we might want to return to it regularly as a board.

III. ED's Report

A.

Recommendation for Development Officer

T. Miller made a motion to approve Summer's recommendation for the hire.
K. Furr seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Updates Requested by Board

Summer reviewed that new hires from last year were Director of Development, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and an Intervention Specialist. She next explained some demographic information to help contextualize why and how the hires were helpful.
  • 10.2% Experiencing economic hardship
  • 18.7% Non-white
  • 10.2% in Special Education
  • 14.5% At-risk
Summer notes that the positions that Amanda and Michelle are serving in are greatly helping not only these students in need, but all students. The board expressed gratitude for this information. Mike Fields asked if Amanda could present briefly next meeting on how her role impacts classroom teachers' days.
Summer reviewed the process of switching from Acadia to Charter Success. Administrative staff has been very happy with the services they have provided.

C.

Calendar for SY2017-2018

Summer explained the many factors that she takes into account when creating the calendar: teacher, parent and student needs. She asked for board approval of calendar as presented.
C. Gray made a motion to approve calendar as presented.
K. Furr seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Finance

A.

Monthly Financials

Mike presented the financial report and income statement, included in packet. Audit has been filed and will be presented at next board meeting.
In viewing the budget, the board digressed into an important but not relevant to this item: the need for better support around student behavior and mental health issues. We agreed to return to it in March, when Summer thought she may have a recommendation from the Kaizen Team.

B.

ModSpace Lease

M. Fields made a motion to approve the lease renewal.
K. Furr seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
In discussion Cal and Kelly noted minor revisions to be made prior to approval. Revisions were made. Lease approved as amended.

V. Governance

A.

Board Nomination Discussion

Tom advised the board that at next meeting he will present a proposal to amend the bylaws to include 15 board members (to include voting and non-voting).
The Governance Committee interviewed and approved two nominees, which we will be asked to approve at next board meeting (after new bylaws are approved).

B.

Grievance Policy

James expressed the need for a more formal way to handle grievances that are brought to individual board members. He asked for volunteers to serve on this committee. Tom, Christine, and Jessica. James asked Jessica to chair and she agreed.
J. Gerdts made a motion to approve the formation of a new committee to handle grievances when they are presented to the board.
K. Furr seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VI. Educational Excellence

A.

Committee Job Description

Governance and EEC job description were presented for board approval. Both committees have approved each description. Minor revisions were made.
K. Byars-Nichols made a motion to approve committee job descriptions as revised.
C. Gray seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VII. Closing Items

A.

Future Agenda Items

February: Audit, Board bylaws and member nominations, Amanda's presentation of meeting the needs of diverse learners.
March: Administrative roles and job titles.

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
K. Byars-Nichols