C. Maldonado is continuing to improve communications and incorporating more ways to communicate with stakeholders. C. Maldonado also reported that great things are happening at Vida! Daily announcements alternating between Spanish and English; the Book Fair just wrapped up; there is an upcoming winter assembly; the students will be going on walking field trips; the STAR Reader program is ongoing and we are collecting food for SCCAAP; the Read-a-Thon was a great success and the music program and the dance troupe are terrific and are working very hard for the winter assembly.

Amy Hunt reports that the scholastic Book Fair resulted in $5,468.24. Vida is entitled to 50% of that dollar amount on scholastic dollars for Ms. Gellman to purchase books for the reading room.

There is no report.

A. Kittleberger noted that the board entered Executive Session today at 5:32 and exited at 6:27. The purpose was to discuss the CEO evaluation process and personnel matters.

There is no report.

Speakers: Paul Kellett, Elizabeth Kellett and Chloe Ruff.

A. Kittleberger notes that the board is taking all comments made by stakeholders very seriously and thanks everyone who has taken the time to prepare and present to the board.

A. Kittlberger notes that it was apparant at the November board meeting that the process that was used for public comment did not work and apologized on behalf of the board for not handling it better. It is noted that the board will review a public comment protocol later in the meeting

A. Kittleberger notes that the board maintains its priority to to keep the "main thing, the main thing". The three items that the board named are: 1. Supporting acedemic growth and achievement of all students 2. Supporting the well-being of all students physically, emotionally and socially 3. Supporting students in becoming bilingual and multi-cultural. 
The board is guided in all its decisions by these specific objectives.

M. Rosenberger notes that a student from Gettysburg College has been evaluating the PPSA's and NWEA Assessment and will provide a formal report in January meeting.

M. Novoa notes the the Homework Policy is in its second reading. He comments that he would like to see it in Spanish as well. It is noted that the staff are in agreement with the policy. 
The board recommends that the policy be translated and used as a working draft until a vote for adoption can be taken in January.

S. White reviewed the October 2015 Financials and requets approval.

J. Brandauer notes that the Finance Committee did not meet in November. The October meeting was for the purpose of discussing the audit performed by Peter Place of Lopez, Teodosio & Larkin, LLC for the 2014-15 School Year. Further comments will be provided in Audit Report section.

L. Leonard reviewed the status of Vida's budget, noting that the November numbers look good, and there nothing unusual to report. Paul Kellett of Gettysburg, made an objection which was referred to counsel and is hereby noted.

J. Brandauer reports that the Finance Committee met with Peter Place of Lopez, Teodosio & Larkin, LLC to discuss the 2014-15 Annual Audit. The auditor has made no recommendations. Discussions occured concerning GASBE Act 68 in which the audits must reflect the unfunded liability of state pensions. This is a statewide issue and all schools are addressing it. This unfunded amount will not affect the financial stability of the school. J. Brandauer recommends approval of the audit.

S. White has prepared and read guidelines for public comment protocol. Minor changes will be made and forwarded to attorney for review and comments. The board will use this as a working protocol until comments are made.

In Don's absence A.Kittelberger covered this section.  She noted that the board is looking for new board members. There will be three total seats available. 1 elected, 2 for appointment.  Vida is looking for individuals versed in specific skill sets that will enhance the board. The skills sets may include technology, law, human resources, marketing, and finance.

Vida is welcoming applications and inquiries which should be made to C. Maldonado in Vida's main office. The Governance Committee has created an Interest Form which is the first step in becoming a board member, followed by submission of required information, including a formal statement of interest and background checks.  The committee will conduct interviews and will foward candidates to the board for interview.  The board accepts candidates by vote.  Appointed candidates are approved directly by board vote.  Elected candidates are approved by majority vote during an election held by current Vida parents and staff.

C. Maldonado notes that the Leadership Circle at school level (6 teachers) is to include parents into monthly meetings to share ideas with staff and teachers.  This will allow parent inclusion in a forum most directly relevant for hearing, considering and acting on parent input.  Meeting dates will be added to Facebook, the website and will be included in the January newsletter.

M. Rosenberger notes that Mr. Sanjuan will be missed.

Record of votes.  Aye: Novoa, Brandauer, Leonard, White, Kittelberger.  Nay: Rosenberger.

A. Kittleberger notes that last year's CEO evaluation process followed a modified approach that did not take full advanatage of Board on Track's tools for inter-linking with board and organization evaluations. This year the board pilot the use of Board on Track's function for the CEO Evaluation Process. A committee will be formed and all board members will create written responses to various measures of the Executive Director's performance. The full board will have a retreat in order to review each evaluation domain based on individual input and the full board will jointly agree to an assessment of each domain. The committee will then write a performance evaluation occuring by the end of April or beginning of May. In the interim, J. Brandauer  will work cooperatively with C. Maldonado to prepare and complete an in depth parent/staff survey which should be completed by the end of March. J. Brandauer wants input for question topic suggestions by early January.

C. Maldonado notes that the Comprehensive Plan has been submitted on time, but will take approximately 2-3 months for a response from PDE.

J. Brandauer wants to recognize the work of Jack Steiner and Kelly Phiel for the work on the web pages and newsletter. A. Kittleberger noted the excitement and energy she's saw during the book fair amongst staff and students at Vida.