A. Kittleberger noted that the board held an executive session from 5:30 to 6:35 to discuss private/confidential matters.

E. Kellett provided board with a letter outlining her comments.
 

A. Kittleberger noted that the she and the board are united in focusing on children and their future opportunities and welfare. Under the tenure of C. Maldonado,Vida's children have continued to build their affinity with their home cultures and are learning across cultures and creating strong bi-cultural bonds with each other. To lay the foundation for this culture, Maldonado has focused on staff professional development in conjunction with additional student supports like the guidance counselor.  Through Responsive Classroom, teachers and staff establishing procedures within the school to improve student behavior, learning, and confidence. Our next director needs to be an exceptional individual to continue the approach to education instituted by C. Maldonado.

M. Rosenberger reported that the Academic Excellence Committee is searching for a pre-school opportunity. L. Leonard noted that the pre-school budget must be free standing and can in no way use the funds received by our participating districts for the K-6 that Vida currently operates. The committee has created a 7-8th grade task force for exploring opportunities for possible expansion. The committee is looking into ways to  participate in the middle school opportunities such a 6th grade camp. 

C. Maldonado summarized reading level data prepared by Maribel Gonzalez which shows: • Reading level proficiency in Spanish is lower than in English, especially in and after 3rd grade. • Data is being used for Response To Intervention. Most students with Low growth/ low achievement are being part of CT (cooperative team) for reading problems. • Every year, all students are improving their reading level. As a school, we are trying to make sure that this increase matches the reading level expectations based on the students’ grade level. • Low Spanish reading levels in higher grades may be the result of low Spanish fluency and comprehension. C. Maldondo also notes that nothing like this was in place prior to her tenure at Vida.

S. White indicated that the Finance Committee held their regular meeting on April 18, 2016 at 3:30. A number of individuals were present from the stakeholder community, including teachers/assistants who raised questions ranging from job security, explanation of benefits, attorney relationships with the board, bonus payment to executive director, budget issues and cost-cutting measures. L. Leonard noted that the increased tuition rates for 2015-16 result in a positive impact on the 2015-16 budget as well as the 2016-17 budget. It is anticipated that the Finance Committee will be presenting a balanced budget to the board in May. S. White noted that unpaid costs associated with the executive director search are not evident to the public when they review invoices for the costs associated with the current executive director search, i.e., board members' loss of work and subsequent income, numerous additional meetings, etc. Other topics of discussion: marketing opportunities and technology expenditures. Lynn Leonard recorded all comments and will work with administration to provide responses to questions. 

L. Leonard noted that the rates received for tuition for the 2015-16 were recently received and will be used for the 2016-17 budget. Charter Choices, our school accountant wishes that we be very conservative in our fiscal operations. By using the new tuition rates and conservative budget analysis, the Finance Committee expects to present a balanced budget to the board for approval in May. It was noted by D. Marritz that the good fiscal management of Vida receive the same attention as the misinformation reported recently. A. Kittleberger requested that L. Leonard create a press release announcing the positive budget outcome for the 2016-17 year and forward for publication. L. Leonard noted that the executive director, C. Maldonado is doing a great job with 2015-16 expenditures and that Vida is in good financial shape.

C. Maldonado reported that she wishes to purchase technology for the 3rd grade, which consist of chrome books, technology cart and a new computer for the new 3rd grade teacher, not to exceed $17,000.00. Although the purchase will be in the 2015-16 budget year, the payment in the 2016-17 budget. The purpose is to have the hardware available for use at the beginning of the next school year. L. Leonard noted that these funds can be allocated in the 2016-17 budget. 

D. Marritz reported on the Governance Committee meeting held on April 14, 2016 at 4:30. Topic of discussion were review of public protocol which is a simplified version and is posted on Vida webpage in both languages, reviewed election details, recruitment policy and Governance Committee membership. It was also noted that the former Governance Committee chair, Kathy Cunniffe-Pena left numerous excellent resources for the continued work of the committee.  D. Marritz also noted a meeting on 4-22-16 in which 2 candidates expressed an interest in board service and represent different demographics of the existing board members.

C. Bowen noted that the Governance Committee meetings are scheduled to be the 4th Monday of the month from 4:30 to 5:30 with the exceptions being November and December.

Not discussed at this time.

It is noted that our next reguarly scheduled Board of Directors meeting will be May 23, 2016 at 6:30 with election in the lobby and will run all day with verification.