In light of the ongoing COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak, Governor Baker issued an emergency Order on March 12, 2020, allowing public bodies greater flexibility in utilizing technology in the conduct of meetings under the Open Meeting Law. This committee makes a motion to accept this Executive Order for this meeting of the Governance Committee, on December 14th, 2020 and hold the meeting remotely.
 

The Chair explained that he was not able to adequately update the minutes in advance of the call and therefore would present them for approval at the next meeting.

Paul Baker provided a brief update of the latest Board of Trustees' meeting, highlighting the following:

• Bylaws updates
• Trustee renewals and officer approval.

Succession planning was discussed in more detail.  The group discussed potentially providing some oversight with regards to review and discussion of potential officers to be appointed.  It was noted that perhaps the Charter School Association or perhaps Board on Track, may be able to provide some assistance.
 

Karl Smith indicated that he had received a letter of resignation from Jeanne Smith with regards to her service on the Governance Committee.  With the additional requirements of her business acquisition, she is no longer able to dedicate the time needed.  The group expressed their appreciation for her efforts and lamented her loss.

The board composition was reviewed and two potential board candidates were highlighted and discussed by the group.
Some potential dates for interview were noted.  Potentially February, one or both could be included on the agenda for interviews.

Additionally Karl Smith noted that Governance now has 5 active members and that we should be recruiting more members.



 

As has been previously indicated, there is an opportunity for the school to update our charter.  With the requested remediation efforts regarding the community enrollment, both the Board of Trustees and the Governance Committee should be looking at the Charter document to consider updates and revisions.  The group noted that some of the content either could be updated or modernized given our current status along with changes that have occurred since the document was last updated.
Some of the members expressed their opinions on the document's original purpose and background as to how and why it emerged.  This will be a continuing discussion as August will be due date on all of the changes.
 

It was noted that in January a potential general information session for board or committee services could be conducted either virtually or in person if possible.
The goal would be for everyone to more fully understand the roles and responsibilities that are available.

Additionally the January meeting could include more information for the formalization of the board member renewal process, and succession planning.

Next meeting tentatively scheduled for January 5th - Tuesday - 7PM.

Karl Smith noted that some of the Open Meeting Law trainings have been offered and taken by a couple of the board members.
This is a great time to refresh knowledge and more fully understand what is expected during these 'remote' times.
Karl indicated that he would send out a reminder to the board members, along with requesting that all committee heads send out reminders to their respective sub-committees members to attend the courses offered.

Elizabeth Burns inquired as to the school's progress and status with regards to COVID-19.  Peter provided a quick update and noted there were no current plans for extended remote learning.

Karl Smith also reminded everyone about the fundraising efforts - in specific the Little Store take-out night that is going to benefit the Charter School.