Brighter Choice Charter Schools
Minutes
Governance Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday August 13, 2020 at 8:30 AM
Location
remote due to covid-19 closure
Committee Members Present
M. Snyder (remote), N. Maresca (remote), N. Velilla (remote), R. McLaughlin (remote), T. Hanmer (remote), Z. Nelson (remote)
Committee Members Absent
S. Wallace
Guests Present
K. Ford (remote), K. Mclean (remote), L. Licygiewicz (remote), S. Jahn (remote), T. Stutsrim (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
M. Snyder called a meeting of the Governance Committee of Brighter Choice Charter Schools to order on Thursday Aug 13, 2020 at 8:30 AM.
C.
Approve Minutes from July 16, 2020 Governance Committee meeting
T. Hanmer made a motion to approve the minutes from Governance Committee Meeting on 07-16-20.
R. McLaughlin seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Governance
A.
Charter Renewal - BCCSG - Renewal Application
Trustees were asked to review the application and, if necessary, offer suggestions for edits.
B.
Charter Renewal - BCCSB - Renewal Application
Same issues as above (BCCSG - Renewal application)
C.
Charter Renewal - Shared Items
Cover letter:
Complaint Policy - no changes suggested.
Mission and Key Design elements:
K. Mclean shared that it was recommended the two schools combine these elements into one Mission statement and one list of Key Design elements.
- One misspelling - of Martha Snyder's last name - found.
- Z. Nelson suggested changing some wording.
Complaint Policy - no changes suggested.
Mission and Key Design elements:
K. Mclean shared that it was recommended the two schools combine these elements into one Mission statement and one list of Key Design elements.
D.
Covid-10 Closure / Reopening Plans
M. Snyder and T. Hamner recently met with the Principals to discuss re-opening and shared that the schools cannot fully meet the 6 foot social distancing requirements due to the size of the classrooms if all enrolled scholars are in school at the same time.
Two surveys have recently been sent to parents to gauge their preference for a re-opening model. A low percentage of these were returned. Teachers were also surveyed. Based on the results and the social distancing limitations the Principals plan to re-open the school using a hybrid model. Grades K - 2 will be in the school buildings on Mondays and Tuesdays, Grade 3 - 5 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and then all scholar will receive remote instruction on Fridays.
This plan will be presented to families through a remote "Town Hall" event, scheduled for three dates - 8/14, 8/17 and 8/19 at 7 pm.
Discussion ensued regarding whether families will want a remote-only model. M. Snyder stressed the importance of having more information about the parent preferences, given the low number of returned surveys. She and others are concerned that if parents want this option and will withdraw their scholars if we do not or cannot offer it. K. Mclean will present the plan but also encourage parents to share their concerns. If many parents want a remote-only model, the schools may have to re-assess if this is possible.
Z. Nelson recommended that the schools also be prepared for remote instruction in the event that schools have to close again.
Two surveys have recently been sent to parents to gauge their preference for a re-opening model. A low percentage of these were returned. Teachers were also surveyed. Based on the results and the social distancing limitations the Principals plan to re-open the school using a hybrid model. Grades K - 2 will be in the school buildings on Mondays and Tuesdays, Grade 3 - 5 on Wednesdays and Thursdays and then all scholar will receive remote instruction on Fridays.
This plan will be presented to families through a remote "Town Hall" event, scheduled for three dates - 8/14, 8/17 and 8/19 at 7 pm.
Discussion ensued regarding whether families will want a remote-only model. M. Snyder stressed the importance of having more information about the parent preferences, given the low number of returned surveys. She and others are concerned that if parents want this option and will withdraw their scholars if we do not or cannot offer it. K. Mclean will present the plan but also encourage parents to share their concerns. If many parents want a remote-only model, the schools may have to re-assess if this is possible.
Z. Nelson recommended that the schools also be prepared for remote instruction in the event that schools have to close again.
III. Closing Items
A.
Future Items
* Renewal process
* Re-opening
* Re-opening
B.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:08 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Z. Nelson