MCCPS Board of Trustees
Minutes
Monthly Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday September 28, 2021 at 7:00 PM
Trustees Present
Artie Sullivan (remote), Ian Hunt (remote), James Rogers (remote), Jessica Gelb (remote), Jessica Xiarhos (remote), NDack Toure (remote), Paul Baker (remote), Peter Cheney (remote), Peter Cohen (remote), Richard Doron (remote), Rodolphe Herve (remote), William Rockwell (remote)
Trustees Absent
None
Guests Present
Andrea Barlow (remote), Carol McEnaney (remote), Dean Profkis (remote), Elizabeth Burns (remote), Kim Belf (remote), Matt Cronin (remote), Meg Upton (remote), Nick Santoro (remote), Victor Wild (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Artie Sullivan called a meeting of the board of trustees of MCCPS Board of Trustees to order on Tuesday Sep 28, 2021 at 7:03 PM.
C.
Accept Remote Participation
Jessica Xiarhos made a motion to accept remote participation.
James Rogers seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Paul Baker |
Aye
|
| Richard Doron |
Aye
|
| Artie Sullivan |
Aye
|
| William Rockwell |
Absent
|
| Peter Cheney |
Aye
|
| Jessica Gelb |
Aye
|
| James Rogers |
Aye
|
| Peter Cohen |
Aye
|
| NDack Toure |
Aye
|
| Rodolphe Herve |
Aye
|
| Ian Hunt |
Aye
|
| Jessica Xiarhos |
Aye
|
D.
Approve Minutes
Ian Hunt made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 08-31-21.
Rodolphe Herve seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Ian Hunt |
Aye
|
| Jessica Gelb |
Aye
|
| William Rockwell |
Absent
|
| Paul Baker |
Aye
|
| Peter Cheney |
Aye
|
| Peter Cohen |
Aye
|
| Richard Doron |
Aye
|
| James Rogers |
Aye
|
| Rodolphe Herve |
Abstain
|
| Jessica Xiarhos |
Aye
|
| Artie Sullivan |
Aye
|
| NDack Toure |
Aye
|
E.
Approve Minutes from Dec 22, 2020
Paul Baker made a motion to approve the minutes from Monthly Board Meeting on 12-22-20.
Rodolphe Herve seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Paul Baker |
Aye
|
| Ian Hunt |
Aye
|
| Artie Sullivan |
Aye
|
| Jessica Xiarhos |
Aye
|
| William Rockwell |
Absent
|
| Peter Cheney |
Aye
|
| Peter Cohen |
Aye
|
| Richard Doron |
Aye
|
| James Rogers |
Aye
|
| Jessica Gelb |
Abstain
|
| Rodolphe Herve |
Aye
|
| NDack Toure |
Aye
|
II. Public Comment
A.
Public Comment
There was no public comment at this time.
III. New Board Member
A.
Presentation/Interview/Vote on Perspective Board Member - Nick Santoro
Paul Baker presented Nick Santoro to the Board. Nick gave a brief overview of why he was interested in becoming a Trustee and what he could bring to the Board. Nick answered questions from Board members succinctly and elequently.
Jessica Gelb made a motion to A motion to move that the Board appoint Nick Santoro as a member of the MCCPS Board of Trustees to fill a term commencing immediately upon approval by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and expiring three (3) years from the date of DESE approval.
Ian Hunt seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Artie Sullivan |
Aye
|
| Richard Doron |
Aye
|
| Jessica Xiarhos |
Aye
|
| James Rogers |
Aye
|
| Peter Cohen |
Aye
|
| NDack Toure |
Aye
|
| Rodolphe Herve |
Aye
|
| Jessica Gelb |
Aye
|
| Peter Cheney |
Aye
|
| Paul Baker |
Aye
|
| Ian Hunt |
Aye
|
B.
Presentation/Interview/Vote on Perspective Board Member - Nick Santoro - Part 2
Richard Doron made a motion to move that the Board invite the newly appointed Trustee, Nick Santoro, to all Board Meetings and activities while her approval is pending with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Nick Santoro will be entitled to participate as provisional Trustee and will be able to participate in all activities and discussions, except voting, until the formal approval from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and will not be counted when determining a quorum.
Jessica Xiarhos seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Richard Doron |
Aye
|
| Jessica Gelb |
Aye
|
| Peter Cohen |
Aye
|
| Paul Baker |
Aye
|
| Rodolphe Herve |
Aye
|
| Jessica Xiarhos |
Aye
|
| Peter Cheney |
Aye
|
| James Rogers |
Aye
|
| NDack Toure |
Aye
|
| Artie Sullivan |
Aye
|
| Ian Hunt |
Aye
|
IV. Review of Previous Meeting Action Items
A.
Review of Previous Meeting Action Items
Artie reviewed previous meeting action items.
Even after the successful appointment of Nick Santoro there are still 2 Board position vacancies.
Even after the successful appointment of Nick Santoro there are still 2 Board position vacancies.
V. Board Annual Items
A.
Upcoming Meeting Agenda Items
Self assessment fo committee/board meetings.
Committee membership is low and needs a bump..
Committee membership is low and needs a bump..
B.
Board Goals for SY 2021-2022
Artie went over the Board goals for the academic year.
It was decided that Board clerk, Paul Baker will send out a brief synopsis of board meeting content to the community each month, beginning with this evenings meeting.
It was decided that Board clerk, Paul Baker will send out a brief synopsis of board meeting content to the community each month, beginning with this evenings meeting.
VI. HOS Report
A.
Monthly Report
Peter shared his HoS report...see packet for additional information.
No remote learning offered.
Enrollment up to 227:)
Facilities..small offices nearly completed.
Facilities task force toured the building.
Awaiting updated estimates on the roof
BoT contract renewed..USE IT! Accelerator sessions offered..take advantage of the tools on offer.
Teaching Force..starting to reboot..Jess X, Mollie W, and ??? are the coaches along with Matt C, Andrea B and Dr. Cohen
Collegiality big within the staff.
No remote learning offered.
Enrollment up to 227:)
Facilities..small offices nearly completed.
Facilities task force toured the building.
Awaiting updated estimates on the roof
BoT contract renewed..USE IT! Accelerator sessions offered..take advantage of the tools on offer.
Teaching Force..starting to reboot..Jess X, Mollie W, and ??? are the coaches along with Matt C, Andrea B and Dr. Cohen
Collegiality big within the staff.
VII. Other Business
A.
Discussion and Approval of Criteria for Excellence
Jessica Xiarhos presented the fabulous work that the Academic Excellence Committee has been working on. Fantastic presentation.
Discussed voting on it tonight....tabled till next month.
Jess Xiarhos will email out powerpoint presentation to members to evaluate and vote on next month.
Jess Xiarhos will email out powerpoint presentation to members to evaluate and vote on next month.
B.
Discussion on Board Assessment SY21-22
Ian, Paul, Artie commented.
Governance and Development committee help required.
Governance committee will put together a formal review to give feedback to those Board members seeking renewal so that they might improve their performance whilst on the Board
Governance will focus on this for the next couple of Gov' meetings.
Governance and Development committee help required.
Governance committee will put together a formal review to give feedback to those Board members seeking renewal so that they might improve their performance whilst on the Board
Governance will focus on this for the next couple of Gov' meetings.
C.
Discussion of Head of School Contract Renewal Process
At October Board meeting we will discuss weather to offer Dr. Cohen a new contract, or decline to do so.
Presentation will be made by Peter, discussion, questions, and vote.
Need to inform Peter of our decision by November 15th, so will vote during the October meeting
If Board votes to renew his contract, we must offer Peter a successor contract by 1/31/22.
Negotiation committee to work with Peter, if offered/approved, will consist of Artie Sullivan, Rudi Herve and Paul Baker, the Chairs of the three standing committees.
Dr. Cohen indicated that he would very much like to renew his contract for an additional three years.
Presentation will be made by Peter, discussion, questions, and vote.
Need to inform Peter of our decision by November 15th, so will vote during the October meeting
If Board votes to renew his contract, we must offer Peter a successor contract by 1/31/22.
Negotiation committee to work with Peter, if offered/approved, will consist of Artie Sullivan, Rudi Herve and Paul Baker, the Chairs of the three standing committees.
Dr. Cohen indicated that he would very much like to renew his contract for an additional three years.
D.
Approve Committee Memberships and Vice Chairs
Governance Committee:
Paul Baker-Chair
Nick Santoro-Vice-Chair
Cyndi Canavan
Kay O'Dwyer
Dizzy Burns
Matt Cronin
Dr. Cohen
Finance Committee:
Rui Herve- Chair
Rick Doran- Vice-Chair
Dr. Cohen
Artie Sullivan
Ndack Toure
Karl Smith
Andrea Barlow
Julie Santosus
Jeff Barry
Academic Excellence Committee:
Jessica Xiarhos - Chair
Vice Chair - Matt Cronin
Ellen Lodgen
Meghan Hale
Molly Wright
Kim Sullivan
Dizzy Burns
Meg Upton
Personnel Committee:
Artie Sullivan - Chair
Peter Cheney - Vice-Chair
Dr. Cohen
Katie Sullivan
John Steinberg
Development & Communications Committee:
Ian Hunt- Chair
Jessica Gelb- Vice-Chair
Amy Leveroni
Connie DeBoever
Beth Taranto
Ellen Lodgen
Jeff Barry
Peter Cohen
Facilities Task Force Committee:
Will Rockwell - Chair
Ariane Purdy - Vice-Chair
Amy Leveroni
Christian Strom
Jessica Gelb
Marisa Fava
Peter Cheney
Andrea Barlow
Brad Rogers
Jen Stoddard
Jim Gaudette
Nathan Dye
Rebecca Whidden
Dr. Cohen
Paul Baker-Chair
Nick Santoro-Vice-Chair
Cyndi Canavan
Kay O'Dwyer
Dizzy Burns
Matt Cronin
Dr. Cohen
Finance Committee:
Rui Herve- Chair
Rick Doran- Vice-Chair
Dr. Cohen
Artie Sullivan
Ndack Toure
Karl Smith
Andrea Barlow
Julie Santosus
Jeff Barry
Academic Excellence Committee:
Jessica Xiarhos - Chair
Vice Chair - Matt Cronin
Ellen Lodgen
Meghan Hale
Molly Wright
Kim Sullivan
Dizzy Burns
Meg Upton
Personnel Committee:
Artie Sullivan - Chair
Peter Cheney - Vice-Chair
Dr. Cohen
Katie Sullivan
John Steinberg
Development & Communications Committee:
Ian Hunt- Chair
Jessica Gelb- Vice-Chair
Amy Leveroni
Connie DeBoever
Beth Taranto
Ellen Lodgen
Jeff Barry
Peter Cohen
Facilities Task Force Committee:
Will Rockwell - Chair
Ariane Purdy - Vice-Chair
Amy Leveroni
Christian Strom
Jessica Gelb
Marisa Fava
Peter Cheney
Andrea Barlow
Brad Rogers
Jen Stoddard
Jim Gaudette
Nathan Dye
Rebecca Whidden
Dr. Cohen
Jessica Gelb made a motion to Approve all committee memberships and Vice-Chairs.
Ian Hunt seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Artie Sullivan |
Aye
|
| Richard Doron |
Aye
|
| Jessica Gelb |
Aye
|
| Paul Baker |
Aye
|
| Ian Hunt |
Aye
|
| Jessica Xiarhos |
Aye
|
| Peter Cohen |
Aye
|
| Peter Cheney |
Aye
|
| Rodolphe Herve |
Aye
|
| James Rogers |
Aye
|
| NDack Toure |
Aye
|
VIII. Committee Updates
A.
Governance Committee
Governance interviewed Nick Santoro and voted to put him forward to the Board.
B.
Finance Committee
See meeting packet. Rudi presented. He stepped it up this week. Was quite good actually!
C.
Personnel Committee
Internal assessment tool in tandem with other tools.
John Steinberg and Katie Sullivan discussed revisiting a previous incarnation of assessment tools that had been discarded by the previous administrative head.
John Steinberg and Katie Sullivan discussed revisiting a previous incarnation of assessment tools that had been discarded by the previous administrative head.
D.
Academic Excellence
See the above presentation by Jessica Xiarhos.
E.
Development & Communications
Ian Hunt presented.. committee met 9/27/21.
Bottom line..good conversation/meeting
Goals for next 2 years.
Long and near term sustainable goals
Networking
Playbooks for committees to use for big events.
Funding platform for payment submissions.
Building out brand/stories/ PTO
2023-2026 perhaps finally get a decent Development Director
Great ideas..Action Items..Ian will share info' out via email after the meeting.
Bottom line..good conversation/meeting
Goals for next 2 years.
Long and near term sustainable goals
Networking
Playbooks for committees to use for big events.
Funding platform for payment submissions.
Building out brand/stories/ PTO
2023-2026 perhaps finally get a decent Development Director
Great ideas..Action Items..Ian will share info' out via email after the meeting.
F.
Strategic Plan Committee
Committee has not formed.
G.
Facilities Task Force
Will Rockwell presented.
Committee met last week/ walk thru of school/ new offices/warehouse.
Offices almost complete.
Appraisal update
Beautification of outside..Mosaic.
Roof project..looking for 3 quotes.
Electrical bills/solar panels for/into roofing
Offices almost complete.
Appraisal update
Beautification of outside..Mosaic.
Roof project..looking for 3 quotes.
Electrical bills/solar panels for/into roofing
IX. Public Comment
A.
Public Comment
Parent Dean Profkis commented on what a great job MCCPS had done during Covid.
Parent Kim Belf and and his wife thanked Jessica Xiarhos for a great presentation.
Kim explained that his family are very upset and concerned regarding negative vibes, and feel that the school is still "playing catch up" after Covid. Kim believes that other families have similar concerns. Peter will contact them personally to discuss their concerns.
Parent Kim Belf and and his wife thanked Jessica Xiarhos for a great presentation.
Kim explained that his family are very upset and concerned regarding negative vibes, and feel that the school is still "playing catch up" after Covid. Kim believes that other families have similar concerns. Peter will contact them personally to discuss their concerns.
X. Board Member Comments and Resolutions
A.
Board Member Comments and Resolutions
Paul introduced parents Victor Wild and Dean Profkis who are both interested in joining MCCPS committees and/or Board of Trustees.
Joint meeting (October 20th, 2021) of Finance committee and Board to approve annual audit.
Joint meeting (October 20th, 2021) of Finance committee and Board to approve annual audit.
XI. Closing Items
A.
Recap Action Items
B.
Meeting Evaluation
Long but productive!
C.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:28 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Paul Baker
Documents used during the meeting
- Board of Trustees Letter of interest (1).pdf
- Nick Santoro Resume 2021.pdf
- HOS Report to Board of Trustees 9_28_21.pdf
- FINAL - MCCPS Criteria for Excellence -6.pdf
- SY21-22 Board Assessment, Recommendations.pdf
- Board Assessment Report, 21-22.pdf
- Fin Rpt, 8-21.pdf
- FinCom Notes, Aug-21.docx