M. McRae reviewed the goals for the meeting which are to review specific questions on OML with the Governance Committee, to vote on the FY16 budget, and discuss a date for the HOS Mid-Cycle review meeting.

N. Cullen-Hamzeh presented HOS Report. MCCPS has been selected by DESE as the location for the Charter Presentation Ceremony on Mary 4. Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh and Ms. Lodgen attended the Essex County Foundation Institute for Trustees and recommended that this event be added to the Board calendar. Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh will begin her doctoral studies in the fall. Mr. Ruth resigned his position; Mr. Sullivan will take over as Interim Asst. HOS for the rest of the year, in addition to his teaching duties. Ms. Solomon will retire at the end of this year. Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh reported that all faculty/staff, enrichment teachers, interns and chaperones are CORI/SORIed. Mr. Barry will be responsible for processing CORI/SORI checks in Mr. Ruth's place. 20th Anniversary Gala is April 11. The HOS and faculty would like to invite Mr. Commeret to attend; majority of the Board did not object so this was left to HOS's discretion. Development Director job description was distributed but not discussed.

Governance provided OML overview with specific focus on email communication between Board members. P. Gold contacted the AG office to clarify this issue. Bottom line is email communication should be limited to procedural activities only. Facts may be shared but not opinions. L. Robinson suggested that board members be given individual Board email addresses to conduct all Board communication.

D. Hausler reviewed FY16 budget and Budget Narrative that explained changes since previous version of budget. Foundation has informed the school that it will no longer contribute $20K to operating budget. Also, tenant will end his lease as of Aug. 1, reducing expected revenue by $41,800. The budget was adjusted to accommodate these changes: Expected state revenue was changed from level funding to 2% increase (consistent with historical average); school will undertake fundraising activity in place of Foundation contribution. Also, bids are being reviewed for new benefits provider that can supply our existing coverage at a lower cost.

Board discussed the need to develop fundraising goals at the May meeting. N. Cullen-Hamzeh will provide "real needs" funding amounts at the May meeting, including dollar amount needed to bring teacher salaries to a competitive level.

M. McRae reviewed the need to conduct this meeting in April. Possible dates include April 13, 14, 16, 27, 28, 30. M. McRae will send an email to Board members to determine a date.

D. Hausler provided an update on the current budget. Budget is projected to break even this year, as increase in state funding is offset by increased costs of snow removal and new HVAC system. Potential budget pitfalls include money not yet received from the Foundation for Innovation Grants and for the second half of the $20K commitment. N. Cullen-Hamzeh will send a formal letter to the Foundation to request these payments and will copy the Board. M. McRae will invite Foundation members to the May meeting to discuss if necessary.

L. Robinson announced that committee membership has grown to 9, and includes a mix of parents and teacher. Committee goal is to have a draft plan to the Board by the end of this school year.