The committee discussed Open Meeting Law going back to requiring in-person attendance at meetings and the importance of having a quorum in the room. We have consistently had a quorum present with remote participation. We will try to be strategic about lining up critical topics and votes at specific meetings to prioritize in-person attendance as needed.

Rachel presented the rationale for having a policy on teachers and staff driving students in their personal vehicles. Given the increase in extracurricular activities and the growing quantity of employees and coaches in the organization, Rachel and Lynne have worked with our insurance company to draft a policy that largely reflects what this looks like in practice. 

Committee members reviewed and asked questions. 

Xiomara asked if the policy would discourage transporting students as this is a helpful thing to families?

Rachel said she worried about that too but ultimately wanted the team to understand their responsibilities and make the best personal choice for themselves. 

Aaron wondered if there is an option of first dollar coverage?

Rachel explained they based the policy in our current coverage plan and did not explore adding coverage. 

Follow up: Rachel will go back to the agent and explore first dollar coverage and how much it would cost, if it is an option. This policy will come back to the committee next month with those answers. 

Rachel presented slides which illustrated the various early college course sequences students could participate in if they were to express interest in specific career pathways. There is a general studies course sequence that can be customized using the electives to enable students to access more specialized courses aligned with their career interests. As part of the STEM Tech partnership with STCC and WSHS, Rachel and team will be developing employer partnerships and work-based learning experiences to complement the early college courses for students in one or more of the pathways. 

Veritas has developed a college and career advisory board (CCAB) consisting of employers/industry experts and college admissions folks to serve as a steering committee as we develop the work-based learning aspects of the high school program. We are looking to add people to this group as a way to get them more involved in the school and solicit active feedback from the field as we develop the high school program. This is a great pipeline for prospective trustees.