Stargate School

Minutes

Governance Board Business Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday August 25, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Location

All meetings will be virtual unless otherwise noted. 
Zoom Info: Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/83148823532?pwd=qLJr9OMQdsLBsjht95dyr3CcdC5G4M.1
Meeting ID: 831 4882 3532
Passcode: eagles

Directors Present

A. Falken (remote), H. Sonnenahalli (remote), L. Challa (remote), L. Paquette (remote), L. Steele (remote), S. Howorko (remote)

Directors Absent

None

Guests Present

R. Greene (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

L. Paquette called a meeting of the board of directors of Stargate School to order on Tuesday Aug 25, 2026 at 6:01 PM.

B.

Roll Call

C.

Reading of Stargate Mission

D.

Recognitions and Appreciations

II. Approve Consent Agenda Items

A.

Approve Consent Agenda

L. Paquette made a motion to approve the minutes from Governance Board Meeting on 05-14-25.
S. Howorko seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

B.

Approve Minutes from July 21, 2026 Business Meeting

L. Paquette made a motion to approve the minutes from Governance Board Business Meeting on 07-21-26.
S. Howorko seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

C.

Approve Minutes from the June 16, 2026 Executive Session: ED Year-End Eval

L. Paquette made a motion to approve the minutes from Executive Session: ED Year-End Eval on 06-16-26.
S. Howorko seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.

III. School Operations

A.

AI Committee Update

Are teachers required to use Gemini as it is trackable and certified safe to use (Ferpa)?

 

  • Not required at this time, but it’s encouraged. 

 

Can school counselors use AI to help students plan for college?

 

AI Edu and Cosin - AI tools to consider from board member

 

Board members can add comments to living document 2026 Questions Re: AI

 

 

B.

Finance Quarterly Update

  • Surplus due to miscalculations in property tax
  • 50% of expenses account for teacher salaries and benefits 
  • more to come after financial audit. 

C.

Executive Director Report

IV. Action Items (Discuss and/or Vote)

A.

Fundraising Allocation to Principals

S. Howorko made a motion to approve $5,000 allocation from fundraising dollars for each principal to use at their discretion this school year.
L. Challa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
S. Howorko made a motion to approve $25,000 from fundraising for sports equipment for the new gym.
L. Challa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Executive Director Evaluation Rubric & Process

Need to approve before or on strategic planning meeting

 

  • try to reduce the heavy lift on ED
  • Vote on it next eating 

C.

First Reading of Policy 1.6 Election Policy_2026-2027 Revision

L. Steele made a motion to Revise language for election policy as presented.
L. Paquette seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

D.

Voting platform funding approval

L. Steele made a motion to approve $2,200 for two elections with Simply Voting.
L. Challa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

E.

First Reading of 1.10 Board Training Policy_Revision 8.2026

L. Paquette made a motion to Update training policy as written.
A. Falken seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

F.

Committee Handbook

L. Paquette made a motion to use 2025-2026 Committee Handbook with no changes.
L. Challa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

G.

2026-2027 Board Calendar

L. Paquette made a motion to approve the 2026-2027 Board Calendar as written.
L. Challa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

H.

Strategic Planning Session Prep

I.

Ongoing Monitoring of Key Board Responsibilities

V. Future Planning

A.

Next Board Meeting Agenda and Board Packet

B.

Next Admin Sync Meeting

9/9- Andrea/Samantha about ongoing legal matters

C.

Upcoming Events

VI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
L. Steele