Artie Sullivan explained that remote participation is now allowed in light of Covid 19 outbreak based on Governor Baker's order regarding public bodies' meetings, and his motion will reflect that.

Mr. Sullivan polled each of the public participants to determine if anyone had comments.
The general consensus from the group were hopeful statements and wishes that everyone was doing well.

Artie then took the opportunity to thank Peter, the teachers, and administrative staff present.
Several board members also expressed their gratitude and appreciation for everything that has been accomplished to date.

Artie Sullivan briefly reviewed the action items, noting primary concerns regarding new board members, alumni participation, etc.

 

Artie Sullivan indicated that the determination was made to hold off on the following items:
 - Satisfaction surveys
 - HOS goals presentation and evaluation

The group then determined that June 13th would be the preferred date for the board retreat.

 

For the Board goals - Artie Sullivan reviewed the main goals including:

• Strategic plan
• Board health and sustainability
• Board training

Dr. Cohen discussed the Essex County training session which was converted to more of a virtual training session. He has only been able to attend one on-line session and is looking forward to other possible on-line offerings.

Peter Cohen - reviewed the HOS report in detail.  
Please refer to the report for all of the detailed information covered.
Key topics discussed included:

• Staffing and personnel updates
• Interaction and communication with counterparts at Marblehead Public Schools, Board of Health, Police, Fire departments, etc.
• The overall on-line learning community - and the MCCPS approach
• Enrollment

Jeff Barry responded to numerous questions regarding the major off-site trips that were cancelled due to the pandemic.  While all of the dust is yet to settle, the administration believes there will be a combination of refunds / reimbursements along with some potential pre-payments on alternative future trips or activities. 
For the Washington DC trip, Jeff believes there will be some lost deposit money - expected to be somewhere around $250 per participant. 

One of the board's primary function is to complete the evaluation of the Head of School and present him with an employment contract before the end of the current school year. 
In order to accomplish this, surveys need to be completed, Peter needs to present his self-assessment, and the board appraisals need to be performed.
The group discussed the anticipated timing of all of these items and also discussed potential modifications from the Personnel Committee for the evaluation.
The members understood the anticipated timing of events and committed to having all of the elements completed in time to present an updated contract to Peter by the end of the school year.

Karl Smith provided an update to the group regarding ongoing initiatives of the Governance Committee.  Overall there have been productive - although somewhat protracted discussions regarding updates to the school's by laws.  The hope if for a draft that has been reviewed by outside counsel to be presented to the board during the May meeting.

Rudi Herve and Jeff Barry provided the update regarding the financial status of the school.
It was noted that the state will continue to pay tuition even if school isn't officially in session.
Based on the cost saving measures enacted from the beginning of the school year (due to the known decrease in enrollment) the school appears to be able to operate a break-even levels through the end of June.
 

There were no major updates from Personnel - they are preparing for evaluation training for next month's meeting.

The teachers have been focused on remote learning activities and on-line interaction with the students.

Ellen Lodgen noted the 25th anniversary party for the school would be postponed.
The group is looking into alternative options and a potential on-line auction.  More updates will be presented as the team navigates through the pandemic.

At the second opportunity for public comments, there were none noted.

Overall everyone was pleased with the remote call and will look to enhance or improve these zoom meetings as they become more standard or the new 'normal'.