The Exploris School
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday September 26, 2017 at 4:30 PM
Location
Middle School
Directors Present
B. Kingery, C. Gray (remote), C. Hutchens (remote), C. Jones, J. Frawley, J. Gerdts (remote), K. Byars-Nichols, K. Furr, K. Von Weihe, M. Mitchell-Neal, T. Miller
Directors Absent
None
Directors who left before the meeting adjourned
C. Gray, C. Hutchens, J. Gerdts
Guests Present
M. Gargan, R. Wingo
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
Keely recorded attendance.
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
K. Byars-Nichols called a meeting of the board of directors of The Exploris School to order on Tuesday Sep 26, 2017 at 4:30 PM.
C.
Approve Minutes
K. Furr made a motion to approve minutes from the Board Meeting on 08-22-17 Board Meeting on 08-22-17.
C. Jones seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Public Comment
Tom noted that guidelines noted above will be how we will handle public comment moving forward.
II. Development and Facilities Updates
A.
Capital Campaign Steering Committee Chair Update
The Capital Campaign Steering Committee (which consists of three subgroups: Anne Bryan and Gordon Smith Founders Fund, Corporate Fundraising Committee, and the Alumni Fundraising Committee) has been working to develop lists of potential investors. A fourth group of potential donors consists of current families, is no longer part of this Steering Committee; Ellie will now work with Leigh-Ashley to reach out to this internal group. Kim also noted that having a Center for Innovation and Learning creates an additional avenue for funding since some donors are reluctant to donate to schools.
B.
Facilities Chair Update
Bob updated the board on facilities plan. Ellie noted that developer estimates a November ground breaking date.
Bob and Ellie noted that fundrasing goals had increased to 1 million due to interior furniture/fixture costs and exterior recreation, play-space and facade costs.
Tom noted that the board needed to create a unified front around this new space. Questions were raised around the type of tenants the school would have as neighbors. Kim and Bob assured the group that there were specific criteria that tenants had to meet.
III. Executive Director Report
A.
Executive Director Monthly Report
Ellie updated the group on current data on student growth and noted several strategies (including study teams) already in place to address the fact that we did not meet growth this year. She also noted the attached teacher survey.
Ellie also updated us on a small rent increase, current enrollment data (see meeting packet), and the plans for training and publicity and messaging for the capital campaign.
J. Gerdts left.
B.
Budget Update
Tom suggested that the administrative team discuss policies around continuing to admit students, since the school does not receive local funding once admitted after the start of the year.
B. Kingery made a motion to accept the surplus amount into the current year's budget.
K. Furr seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
C. Hutchens left.
C.
Strategic Discussion: What will the parents see five years from today?
Greater diversity
Center for Learning and Innovation
Community Outreach: First Friday events and Showcase events
Maintain Exploris values
Broader community partnerships
Center for Learning and Innovation
Community Outreach: First Friday events and Showcase events
Maintain Exploris values
Broader community partnerships
C. Gray left.
IV. PTO Report
A.
The Board will hear a general report from the PTO Chair
PTO has held events for new K parents, a teacher breakfast, Open House, fundraising (Spirit Wear, soap), family picnic (300 people attended!), teacher stash, and a coffee fund. PTO is also working on a building and grounds day.
V. Board Committee Updates
A.
Governance Committee Update
B.
Educational Excellence Committee
K. Byars-Nichols made a motion to approve the EEC's two documents defining Educational Excellence.
K. Furr seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Commitments for October
Diversity/Weighted Lottery Policy: update
Other basic lottery policy updates
Development: financing questions
Other basic lottery policy updates
Development: financing questions
B.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:17 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
K. Byars-Nichols