Ogden Preparatory Academy
Minutes
OPA Board of Directors Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday January 12, 2022 at 4:30 PM
Location
1435 Lincoln Avenue
Ogden UT 84404
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
J. Howell (remote), M. Swenson (remote), S. Mejeur, S. Zwygart, T. D'Hulst, W. Davis
Directors Absent
M. Ward
Directors who arrived after the meeting opened
M. Swenson
Ex Officio Members Present
A. Perez, D. Deem, K. Kennington, S. Lopez, S. Mathers (remote)
Non Voting Members Present
A. Perez, D. Deem, K. Kennington, S. Lopez, S. Mathers (remote)
Guests Present
E. Callison (remote), S. Adams, S. Wright, T. Young
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
S. Zwygart called a meeting of the board of directors of Ogden Preparatory Academy to order on Wednesday Jan 12, 2022 at 4:31 PM.
C.
Approve Minutes
T. D'Hulst made a motion to approve the minutes from OPA Board of Directors Meeting on 11-11-21.
W. Davis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Approve Minutes
T. D'Hulst made a motion to approve the minutes from OPA Board of Directors Electronic Meeting on 12-09-21.
W. Davis seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
E.
Consent Calendar
J. Howell made a motion to approve Black's Lawn for snow removal.
S. Mejeur seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
F.
Opportunity for Public Input
There were 3 members of the school faculty who were present: Ramsay Andersen, Teresa Hislop, and Coleman Baker.
Ramsay Andersen spoke regarding his students' experience with a make-up day. He thinks that giving students time to make up work is effective in helping them be successful with their work.
Teresa Hislop asked a procedural question regarding time to speak. Has taught at OPA for 12 years. Is drawn to OPA because the students are held accountable. She wants a system to assist with this. She knows that opportunities to meet with individuals is always successful in helping them succeed. She is thrilled with the "C" day to help students meet expectations. The system will send the message "at OPA we succeed as students".
Bill asked about assigning individuals to come regardless of grade. Teresa addressed this that she could hold honors students accountable for their projects. Science fair preparation would also be helpful to call students in.
Coleman Baker, social studies teacher at OPA. He currently uses Fridays for make up and enrichment. Is supportive of the new system.
Tyler asked the teachers about the consensus of teachers. Teresa responded that all science teachers were in favor.
Coleman mentioned that all social studies teachers are on board.
G.
Opportunity for Public Input on FY23 Fee Schedule
No one in attendance wanted to address the fee schedule.
II. Finance
A.
Financial Review
Spencer reviewed the financial documents.
Most State revenue has been adjusted. May see a couple additional changes.
Still waiting on Federal revenue final numbers, particularly IDEA.
Most expenses are in line with where we are in the year.
We will continue to monitor those that are trending high.
B.
Professional Development
W. Davis made a motion to approve $7,500 to bring Brian Mendler in for next year.
J. Howell seconded the motion.
Teryl talked about Brian Mendler for Professional Development.
RCD would be trained specifically in house.
III. Administrative Report
A.
Administrative Board Report
Administration reviewed the Board report.
B.
Junior High "C" Day Implementation
Shevon surveyed staff regarding their interest in "C" days. All teachers were on board, 2 TAs were against, the remaining on favor.
Discussion for this started in November; Shevon put together a plan and distributed it to the Board.
Stefanie asked Bill to address NUAMES' implementation of "C" days. It has been very successful for NUAMES, and he has been thrilled with the results. Bill thanked Shevon for bringing up the idea.
Shevon presented:
- Teacher discussion started with this last year, and Shevon has developed it with her staff.
- Parent input was solicited. Parents could fill out a response digitally or on paper. 42% response rate.
- Are you in favor? 86% of respondents were in favor of the change.
- Would you send your child regardless? majority would keep their child home.
- Shevon has put all steps in place to be able to start this for 2nd Semester.
- The hard deadline for teachers and students will improve communication.
- Successful students would be able to give input for enriching their education.
- Concern: negative connotation for those attending. Upon review, the felt it would set the mindset for growth, When we need help we get it.
Bill mentioned that his children did not have a negative experience with having to attend a "C" day.
Freddy attended an online high school and was able to be virtual when his grades where completed. He had a great experience with this system.
Stefanie thanked Shevon for addressing Molly's concerns and for getting parental input.
M. Swenson arrived.
T. D'Hulst made a motion to implement Junior High "C" days with associated attendance changes.
W. Davis seconded the motion.
Bill asked if the Board had to vote. Yes, due to the attendance changes.
Mark inquired regarding parents who responded "no".
Shevon reviewed the comments from the no responses.
Question regarding lunch requirements: lunch will still be available either for pick up or take home.
Mark thinks that this is going to be a burden to families particularly during COVID. Tyler asked for clarification.
Mark explained that parents who can't leave students home for whatever reason could bring a negative stigma. He thinks it is a good idea, but the timeline is inappropriate.
Jessica expressed that as a parent she is in favor, because she has children on both sides.
Mark voted against.
IV. Policies
A.
Archive Dress Code Policy
Stephanie reviewed the proposed archival of the dress code policy. Dress code is updated annually in the Parent and Student Handbook.
Stephanie reviewed all the policy changes as proposed.
W. Davis made a motion to approve policy changes just discussed.
T. D'Hulst seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Fee and Fee Waiver Policy
C.
Update LEA Specific Licenses Policy
Keep 6.30 and archive the other.
D.
Conflict of Interest Policy and Disclosure Form
Bill mentioned that the signature line needs to remain, and only remove the notary section.
E.
Security and Crisis Management Plan
V. Committees
A.
Board Committees
Administration will communicate needs to the Board.
VI. Other Business
A.
Other Discussion Items
Sara brought up the discussion of what would happen in such a situation at OPA.
Principals reviewed what they would do in similar situations.
VII. 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 5:46 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
S. Zwygart