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Aurum Preparatory Academy

Minutes

Monthly Board Meeting

Date and Time

Wednesday October 28, 2020 at 6:00 PM

Aurum Prep is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
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Directors Present

A. Benedetto (remote), C. Davis (remote), J. JORDAN (remote), M. Knutson (remote), P. James (remote), V. Hayes (remote), V. Toke (remote)

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

D. Hardin (remote), S. Samanth (remote), William Holsey (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

P. James called a meeting of the board of directors of Aurum Preparatory Academy to order on Wednesday Oct 28, 2020 at 6:06 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

M. Knutson made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 09-23-20.
C. Davis seconded the motion.
Correction under item 5 section B. "Should read M. Knutson made a motion FOR $1500....not to"
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Benedetto
Aye
J. JORDAN
Aye
V. Toke
Aye
C. Davis
Aye
P. James
Aye
M. Knutson
Aye
V. Hayes
Aye

D.

Approve Emergency Meeting Minutes

V. Toke made a motion to approve the minutes from Emergency Board Meeting on 10-02-20.
V. Hayes seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
A. Benedetto
Aye
P. James
Aye
V. Hayes
Aye
M. Knutson
Aye
J. JORDAN
Aye
V. Toke
Aye
C. Davis
Aye

II. Public Comment

A.

Public​​ Comments​​ on​​ Non-Agenda​​ items

Bill Holsey joined the meeting. David described the work that he has done for the school over the past two years. 

III. Governance

A.

Governance Committee Report

  • A settlement agreement was settled with Yardstick. The funds will be sent later this week. 
  • Revision of Conflict of Interest Policy and fiduciary duty section of the Handbook are still being revised. 
  • Committees are asked to review the onboarding and succession plan suggestions contained in Governance Report (see attached) in the next couple of meetings so that the operations of each are accurately captured. 
  • Discussion on the optimal size of the board (9 members was discussed). Potential candidates should be referred to the governance committee. 
  • Board members must do the board assessment on Board on Track prior to the November meeting. Parren will make sure that the link is sent to the Board members. 

IV. Academic

A.

Academic Committee Report

  • Committee reviewed the data from Trimester 1 and challenges faced by teachers on academic performance.  There's a challenge on work completion. Reviewed grading practices and expectations to put in place for Trimester 2. 
  • Emphasis will be placed on students "on the bubble". Strategies were discussed to increase subject mastery. 
  • Abby & Maggie led a PD session with the teachers on a virtual "Week Without Walls" strategy. 
  • James asked about 8th grade high school preparation.  David described how the counselors will work with students during the Week Without Walls week. 
  • Parren asked about reopening plans. David explained that it will most likely be a hybrid model with students attending on certain days and the facility build out needs to be completed. January 2021 would be the most likely time to start having in person instruction on site. 

V. Finance

A.

Finance Committee Report

  • Vincent reviewed the financial reports (see attached). He explained the identification of expenses that are COVID related that could qualify for reimbursement from the different grants that we have received. David agreed to look at the options for our after school program expenses.
  • Despite our strong fund balance, there will be deferrals in payments so later in the year we may need to borrow in order to maintain cash flow. 

VI. ED Report

A.

Executive Director Report

  • David reviewed his ED report where he reviewed student data and the strategies they are using with the bubble tracker.  
  • David proposed switching to a new law firm, Hansberger & Klein. For consideration this year, we need to review now for a vote at our next meeting. 
  • November 6 - virtual College Day 
  • November 16-20 - Week Without Walls ending with an online exhibition on November 20. 
  • Two new hires - 6th/7th Grade Science Teacher and 6th Grade Math
  • Assistant Principal resigned last week. 

VII. Closed Session: Personnel Exception

A.

Closed Session

Board discussed reasons for the teacher's resignation and the potential for adjustments within the school for any positive COVID-19 case.  

VIII. Closing Items

A.

Final Thoughts - Board Reflections

B.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. JORDAN
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
J. JORDAN
Documents used during the meeting
None