Ogden Preparatory Academy

Minutes

OPA Board of Directors Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday September 17, 2020 at 4:30 PM

Location

1435 Lincoln Avenue, Ogden UT 84404   
Library
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

M. Ward, N. Bowsher, S. Zwygart, T. D'Hulst, W. Davis (remote)

Directors Absent

S. Mejeur

Directors who arrived after the meeting opened

T. D'Hulst

Ex Officio Members Present

D. Deem, K. Kennington, S. Mathers

Non Voting Members Present

D. Deem, K. Kennington, S. Mathers

Guests Present

Andrew Smith, Elizabeth Callison, S. Adams, S. Wright, T. Young

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

W. Davis called a meeting of the board of directors of Ogden Preparatory Academy to order on Thursday Sep 17, 2020 at 4:34 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

N. Bowsher made a motion to approve the minutes from OPA Board of Directors Meeting on 08-19-20.
M. Ward seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Public Comment

A.

Opportunity for Public Comment

Camie Walker, 5th grade teacher, spoke about the challenges that elementary teachers are facing. She thanked the Board for giving them Fridays without in person students. Preparation takes hours of time. Students having Fridays to work through remote efforts is helpful. Teachers can hold students accountable. Parent-Teacher Conferences can be an opportunity to address these issues. CANVAS is difficult for elementary teachers. Teachers are burning out. Friday helps teachers collaborate and is necessary not wasted.

Bill expressed appreciation for the teachers' efforts to keep students safe.
Bill asked for a Junior High spokesperson. 

Joshua Hoopes, ELA teacher, spoke regarding some of the technology issues that he has experienced. Having staggered schedule is helpful for preparing for classes and videos. Much work has to be done at home due to space issues particularly for teachers who switch rooms. When students are in person he is able to make individual connections. 

Bill asked for any suggested resources that may be beneficial. No comment.
Bill invited additional comments. None were given.
T. D'Hulst arrived.

III. Finance

A.

Financial Review

Spencer reviewed the budget report. Red items indicate 5% or more behind. Nothing is surprising with what we have received. State revenue is on track. Federal funding is typically allocated later in the year.

Expenses are on track as expected. 
We need to continue to watch enrollment and the effect on the budget. Funds are based on ADM and the October 1 count. 

We are in a position to absorb a little lower enrollment if necessary. 
Unrestricted days cash on hand is over 100!

B.

Ellevation

N. Bowsher made a motion to approve the purchase of Ellevation $13,501.
T. D'Hulst seconded the motion.
Stephanie Wright explained Ellevation. It is an EL management software. The State is providing the funding.
Bill inquired 
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. School Update

A.

Administrative Board Report

Stephanie Mathers, Kasey Kennington and Debbie Deem reviewed the Board report.

B.

Plan to continue or adjust hybrid learning model

N. Bowsher made a motion to continue with the structure as is until December Board meeting.
M. Ward seconded the motion.
What is happening is working. Parents have adjusted, and it isn't ideal; however, it is doable.
It has been beneficial to have the Friday for teachers to work with families. 
Stephanie Zwygart asked for public opinion. Jeremy Coleman, elementary computer teacher, has used his Friday time to support teachers with CANVAS. He has seen many 5th and 6th grade students completing their work. 
The 1st grade focus has been on student independence. 
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

C.

Spain Trip Discussion follow-up

An initial meeting was held with only 6 students. There have been a few other students reach out. We typically like to have 25-35 students interested as some drop off over the course of the year. 
Rosa and Angela would like to start working on fundraising and not make a final decision for a couple months. 
We can defer the revenue if no field trips are able to be taken. 
With fundraisers, we can communicate that the funds may be used for other items. 

D.

Survey for Parents and Staff

Bill, Tyler and Stefanie will create a survey.

V. Policies

A.

OPA LEA-Specific License and Endorsement Policy

N. Bowsher made a motion to approve LEA Specific License and Endorsement Policy.
T. D'Hulst seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

LEA-Specific License Approvals

N. Bowsher made a motion to approve the LEA specific licenses for the recommended list.
M. Ward seconded the motion.
Reviewed the list of candidates.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VI. Board Training

A.

Trello Board Review

Debbie reviewed the Trello Board structure.

B.

Online Trainings

Board members have been working through the trainings. 

C.

State Statute Training

Board members will watch the video, and then it will be discussed in October.

D.

Junior High Core Programs Training

Stephanie reviewed JH Core programs. She will share the presentation with the Board to watch the videos.

VII. Committee Reports

A.

Governance

We haven't received any interest in the Board position.
Poster on the glass; social media; parent communication.
Administration will work on finding potential applicants.

B.

Academic Excellence

Stefanie and Molly met. 
Need additional feedback for what goals should be. 
Will review testing results as they are received.
Some subjects were not given emphasis in the Spring.
They want to make sure teachers are reaching out to support all subjects. So many resources are available. Stefanie is happy to help connect with resources.
Administration should push that teachers are pushing all subjects and moving students forward.

C.

Development

Development committee met twice. Standing meeting 2nd Tuesday of each month.
Fundraising will not be a big push this year.
Goals:
Marketing plan and calendar to be developed.
Lottery and Retention goals.
Website improvement.
New "customer" packet created.

Social Media committee has been formed. 

VIII. Other Business

A.

Discussion

Nothing to discuss.

IX. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:51 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
S. Zwygart