Ogden Preparatory Academy

Minutes

OPA Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday March 22, 2018 at 4:30 PM

Location

1415 Lincoln Avenue, Ogden UT 84404
VISION: Ogden Preparatory Academy’s vision is to create a positive, nurturing environment for students to grow and learn as they develop the skills necessary to become tomorrow’s leaders. Through high academic expectations and experiences, bilingual exposure, leadership roles and commitment to community, OPA students will gain confidence and a sense of self worth that will prepare them to face the challenges in a competitive world.

Directors Present

L. D'Hulst, N. Neider, S. Ballard, S. Shupe, T. D'Hulst

Directors Absent

N. Bowsher

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

S. Shupe

Ex Officio Members Present

A. Campbell, D. Deem, K. Kennington, S. Mathers

Non Voting Members Present

A. Campbell, D. Deem, K. Kennington, S. Mathers

Guests Present

Jeff Biesinger

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

S. Ballard called a meeting of the board of directors of Ogden Preparatory Academy to order on Thursday Mar 22, 2018 at 4:35 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

L. D'Hulst made a motion to approve minutes from the OPA Board Meeting on 02-22-18 OPA Board Meeting on 02-22-18.
T. D'Hulst seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Reports

A.

Financial Report

Reviewed during finance meeting.
School is doing well. On target in most categories, except those that are front loaded.
Federal funds have been requested, and we should see those coming in now.
Metrics look good. Still working on increasing Days Cash on Hand.

Jeff Beisinger left after report.
S. Shupe arrived.

B.

CEO Report

  • Honors conversation is in the works.
  • 5x5 JH schedule. Asked teachers about moving to a 5x5. Ogden School District is moving to a 5x5 schedule in their secondary schedules next year. This increases opportunities for credit recovery, and allows students to have daily Math and Language Arts in lieu of supplement classes.  Reduces class sizes. Provides more electives. 
  • SAGE testing will start in April.
  • End of year activities are on the Blog.
  • Ecuador trip leaves next Thursday.
  • Literacy nights are happening weekly.
  • Art appreciation month, JH has been holding art workshops.
  • Staffing
    • Kindergarten teacher resigned after not meeting expectations and excessive absences. Filled with a former TA who is working on certification.
    • Some Elementary teachers moving to different grade levels or positions. Some due to team dynamics; some personality styles. 
    • Few changes at the JH due to retirement, life and family changes.
  • Leader in Me, please reflect on your position for discussion in April. Grant has concluded. Amie and Stephanie are certified in training. Can keep the program with minimal involvement of the Corporation. 
  • Facility: Door damages have been completed; new hinges were installed. Door propping issues have decreased. Magnetic locks are being installed over Spring Break. All exterior doors were re-keyed last week.
  • Insurance has compensated us for the robbery.
  • Amie's house was burglarized. Her computer and keys were taken. Her computer was remotely locked and wiped.
  • Spring pictures are tomorrow. Students can wear best dress.
  • Parents received opportunity to accept text messages from One-Call. Messages are going in English and Spanish.
K. Kennington left.

III. Policy Updates

A.

Field Trip Policy

T. D'Hulst made a motion to approve the field trip policy.
N. Neider seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Procedures and forms have been updated to match policy.
Teachers will be trained.
Courses for drivers of personal vehicles have been set up.

IV. Other Business

A.

Board OnTrack Invoice

N. Neider made a motion to approve the full payment of Board OnTrack strategic membership.
L. D'Hulst seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

FY19 Calendar Minimum Days

Currently, all teachers meet on Wednesdays until 4:30. Students are unable to access teachers on Wednesdays.
Ogden and Weber Districts have early release or late start in their secondary schools.
Ogden secondary schools have early out on Fridays.
We are proposing early out on Fridays. 2 Fridays/month would have professional development to reduce the late Wednesday requirement. Remaining Fridays would increase teacher work time.
It will cause some issues for 1/2 day kindergarten. State is reviewing funding for all-day kindergarten; however, that is not going to happen for a couple years.
Communication would go out to the community over the summer.
Can be a struggle for some families with child care. YMCA is available and based on income level. 
Teacher reaction is mixed. A handful of teachers will be concerned with loss of class time; however, increased collaboration can offset the loss.
Marketing and communication of the change is crucial to a positive change.
Discuss in pre-board and prepare a plan for implementation. Vote during April Board meeting. Board will prepare a statement for release including teacher and family benefits. Board and Administration will collect input from teachers and community members to help with decision.

V. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

April 26: Board meeting
May: No meeting
June 13: Board Retreat
 
N. Neider made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
T. D'Hulst seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
D. Deem

B.

Separate for Committee Meetings