J Brandauer recorded attendance/guests

No announcements were made.

The governance quarterly report was reviewed and discussed. Related, staffing changes on the committee have altered the needs for external input. It was decided that the input of S Brandauer may be more productive on another committee (e.g., Academic Excellence).

Discussion began with a thorough discussion of recruitment needs and timelines. Previously used documents were disseminated via hard copies and briefly discussed.

Successful recruiting strategies during the last board election season were discussed. S Brandauer mentioned how last year’s governance committee interviewed many qualified candidates on a compressed timeline. Several teachers contributed to the discussion of board recruitments with valuable suggestions. The question of what makes a ‘good’ Vida Charter School board member was discussed.
Logistics were discussed; C Bowen and J Brandauer asked for suggestions for new board members to be sent directly to them. C Maldonado will contact potential candidates subsequently and introduce them to the Vida community.
A discussion of where to post the call for new Board members in order to reach a diverse pool of applicants followed and to be as transparent as possible about the call and outreach. Suggestions were: Casa de la Cultura, St Francis Church bulletin, Vida Charter School web site, Adams County public library, and media outlets with a multicultural listenership.

P Kellett identified himself as willing applicant for the interim position; voiced concern that the cost for security clearances may be cost prohibitive to some candidates. Are barriers keeping out a diverse community/applicant pool? Having a vote for 4 members with only 4 candidates in last year’s election reminded him of “North Korea”.   
S Brandauer commented that many more candidates were interviewed than ended up agreeing to go on the ballot last year; Board service it is a substantial commitment and many individuals withdrew from consideration.

P Kellett inquired why candidates for the Board need to be approved by governance committee. S Brandauer commented that the governance committee serves an important role in identifying potential board members whose personal, and professional background meets Board needs. E.g., it is important to have Board members that are not Vida parents, represent the diversity of the school and community, and bring much needed skills to the board and school. P. Kellett expressed his interest to run for an elected position if is application for the interim position was not accepted.

P Kellett feels that bylaws are not articulated clearly as to what qualities we seek in potential board candidates and suggested changing bylaws to clarify. A conversation about bylaws and potential improvements for clarity followed.  

Decision was reached to accept P Kellett’s documents of application (applicant left the meeting at this point).

A discussion of factors and strategies for recruitment for board position followed including not have an interim candidate or waiting a month until the board could do the process accurately versus quickly. A central point was a need for clarity and transparency. 

No action was taken – candidate did not attend.

Jack Steiner and C Maldonado are exploring options for replacing the existing Vida Charter School web site. The current format is cumbersome, particular when it comes to posting documents via Board on Track.