The Exploris School

Minutes

Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday January 23, 2018 at 4:30 PM

Location

The Exploris Elementary School

Directors Present

B. Kingery, C. Gray, C. Hutchens, C. Jones (remote), J. Frawley, J. Gerdts, K. Byars-Nichols, K. Furr, M. Mitchell-Neal, T. Miller

Directors Absent

K. Von Weihe, S. Burroughs

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

B. Kingery, J. Gerdts

Ex Officio Members Present

E. Schollmeyer

Non Voting Members Present

E. Schollmeyer

Guests Present

A. Reidel, C. Greer-Banks, F. McKay, L. Perry-Lawless, L. Ruto, M. Gargan, S. McKay

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

T. Miller called a meeting of the board of directors of The Exploris School to order on Tuesday Jan 23, 2018 at 4:30 PM.

C.

Approve Board Meeting Minutes 11/28

K. Byars-Nichols made a motion to approve minutes from the Board Meeting on 11-28-17 Board Meeting on 11-28-17.
C. Hutchens seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Approve Minutes from Special Meeting 11/9

B. Kingery arrived.

E.

Public Comment

None.
J. Gerdts arrived.

II. Education Excellence

A.

Review of Diversity Work by EEC

Keely introduced a student presentation on diversity at Exploris and in Wake county schools. Frank and Cori then presented information on committee and faculty work in this area. Keely ended by inviting questions to the board as we prepare to bring a formal proposal for lottery mechanisms and supports needed in April.

III. ED Report

A.

Personnel

M. Mitchell-Neal made a motion to increase the EC Director position by $3,000.
B. Kingery seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Ellie updated the board that Koren has assumed the position of 4/5 Teacher. They are interviewing for the Administrative Assistant position left by Mae's departure.
Building Transition Study Team has proposed changes to grade groupings and classroom sizes and spaces (effective 2018-2019 school year).
B. Kingery made a motion to approve the proposal as presented, including preliminary numbers, with the understanding that more concrete numbers will be reviewed next month.
J. Frawley seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Closed Session: ED Report

Tom moved that the board go into closed session to discuss legal matters that prevent the disclosure of information that is privileged or confidential pursuant to the law of North Carolina. Motion was seconded and unanimously approved.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Keely moved to come out of closed session. Motion was seconded and unanimously approved.

C.

Organization Update (Academics, Operations and Finances)

Christine updated the board on recent financial reports and plans to meet with auditor for help with the Foundation's finances. She also discussed plans for the committee to develop policies around "allowances" than the ED could work within without requesting board approval. The school is operating within its budget for the year.
Board moved to approve a tentative start date for the 2018-2019 school year.

D.

Facility and Development

Ellie updated the board on fundraising progress so far, and plans to publicize the matching donation from our partners in the new building.
Ellie and Bob updated the group that some of the financing process for the new building partners has started.

IV. Governance Committee

A.

Recommendations of policy changes (Promotion Policy)

K. Furr made a motion to approve changes to the grade promotion policy as revised.
C. Gray seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Present metrics of HOS Goals as Requested

No comments, questions or suggestions

C.

Grievance Committee Update

Jess expressed concern over the fact that currently she serves as both Chair and Liaison, since it presents a conflict. Tom asked the committee to determine roles within the committee, and report back to the group next month.

V. Closing Items

A.

Update on the February Retreat Plans

Center for Innovation
Growing Staff
Finances: 18-36 months
Development and Steering Committee Role
Growing the Board

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:43 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
K. Byars-Nichols