Reviewed edits to previous redlined version of the by-laws which incorporated (a) correction of an overlooked typo and (b) addition of the definition of voting staff (full-time exempt and non-exempt employees of ERA).  GC agreed that these changes looked accurate and are ok with them proceeding to the board meeting for vote at end of March.

Reviewed a modified application which included a new question highlighting the skills an applicant brings to the board.  GC discussed how to make the application shorter and agreed to remove three questions which were not deemed to be useful in the application process.  Several other slight modifications were made to ensure the qualities the board determined to be useful were able to be highlighted by the applicants, such as passion for our school, working in groups, etc.  It was agreed that Dave would incorporate these changes into the application packet and provide to Jeremey to implement.  Jeremy will also update the board on these changes at the March board meeting.

There was also discussion about potentially asking parents what they want to know about the applicants, but it was determined that this might be an idea for future years.

We discussed and agreed Jeremy will implement the following process and timing:

• call for applications  - application period April 6-27
• parent seat voting period May 1-11
• community member Zoom interviews May 13-15
• board packet for pre-read wk of May 18
• board vote for community seats May 26

Side conversation also occurred regarding constraints of new board composition.  It was discussed that highly qualified parents could not be selected by the board, but rather would have to be chosen by voting ERA members.  It was discussed that the enhanced application that now highlights applicant skills should help.  Also parents with high qualifications can become involved in committees without being board members.

GC reviewed and reflected on training in 2025-26.  

• M&R capital campaigns
• Stella Law - general overview
• pockets of self-motivated training
• new member training (1:1s, strategic elements, committee and officer descriptions, by-laws, BoT as a resource, handbooks, charter agreement, previous board meeting minutes)

Ideas to enhance training for 2026-27 includes:

• Tom Miller facilitated training (focus tbd)
• Community Director school orientation training (perhaps join in the school new hire training to get better understanding of school)
• Retreat - consider 3 strategic Saturdays to focus on Strategy allowing board meetings to be more operational and concise.

GC quickly reviewed Mar board meeting draft agenda.  Agreed that Elliot will provide the GC 5 minute update on training and branding initiative.