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Vida Charter School

Minutes

Board Meeting

Date and Time

Monday November 16, 2015 at 6:30 PM

Location

Vida Charter School

Trustees Present

A. Kittelberger, C. Bowen, D. Marritz, L. Leonard, M. Novoa, M. Rosenberger, S. White

Trustees Absent

J. Brandauer, K. Cunniffe Peña

Ex Officio Members Present

C. Maldonado

Non Voting Members Present

C. Maldonado

Guests Present

Amy Hunt, Bryan Hunt, C. Lair, Cecilia Martin, Chloe Ruff, Chloe Ruff, Christine Miller, Daniela Bard, Elizabeth Kellett, Jenny Dumont, Magdalena Varas, Maria Gellman, Michelle Pickett, Mike Galvani, Samantha Brandauer

I. Opening Items

A.

Call the Meeting to Order

S. White called a meeting of the board of trustees of Vida Charter School to order on Monday Nov 16, 2015 at 6:33 PM.

B.

A Moment of Silence for the Victims in France

C.

Record Attendance and Guests

D.

Approve Minutes

L. Leonard made a motion to approve minutes from the Board Meeting on 10-27-15 Board Meeting on 10-27-15.
C. Bowen seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

E.

Announcement of executive session & adjustment to agenda

A. Kittleberger noted an executive session was held on 11/16/15 from 5:32 to 6:29, for the purpose of board training and discussion of personnel matters.

F.

Teacher's report: Maria Gellman (ELL & Reading at Vida)

M. Gellman reported on her successes as the ESL/Reading Specialist.

G.

Board finance training - MOVED from Governance section to accommodate Charter Choices Consultant

Ryan Schraum of Charter Choices provided the board with finance training.

H.

Call to the Public

A. Lair, Elizabeth Kellet, Chloe Ruff, Jenny Dumont, Brian Hunt, Christine Miller and Amy Hunt made comments.
The board wishes to thank all individuals for attending and making their concerns known.
A. Lair left.

I.

Director's report

C. Maldonado provided a power point presenttaion on Leadership, Academic Excellance and the Focus on Health and the Whole Child.

J.

Board priorities report

A. Kittleberger commented on inaccuracies of comments made in the call to the public. The board has been focusing on its main priorities (in no particular order): 1. Supporting academic 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.

II. Governance

A.

Finance training - COVERED in Opening items to accommodate consultant travel

B.

Nov 16 committee meeting update

C. Bowen provided overview of meeting held on 11-16-15, 4:30 to 5:30. The Governance Committee (GC) is concerned with making board meetings more accessible to Spanish speakers. The minutes and the agendas will be translated. The GC is actively looking for ways to involve the Spanish speaking community. The Recruitment Form will be posted to the Vida website.

III. Academic Excellence

A.

The LIU is providing Vida with assistance with design and delivery of the teacher evaluation system.

C. Maldonado noted that Sue Kanigsburg is assisting the staff with smart goals, using the curriculum. 

B.

Overview of Gettysburg College student project

M. Novoa reported that the Gettysburg College is reviewing our PSSA's and NWEA's and their affect on Vida students.

C.

1st Reading: Homework Policy

 M. Rosenberger noted the first reading of the Homework Policy-changes will be incorporated and presented at second reading.M. Novoa reported the new changes to the report cards.

IV. Finance

A.

Approve October financials

S. White noted the October Financials as provided by Charter Choices.

B.

Treasurer's report

L. Leonard noted that there is no Treasurer's Report due to moving the board meeting forward to accomodate the Thanksgiving holiday. It is noted that the school auditor has found everything to be in good order and no recommendations have been made.

C.

Relationship with AFLAC

L. Leonard notes that AFLAC wishes to establish a supplemental insurance for employess at no cost to Vida.

D. Marritz made a motion to approve AFLAC relationship for Vida employees.
C. Bowen seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. Other Business

A.

Recommendations from Sue Kanigsberg from the LIU about PTO

C. Maldonado noted that Sue Kannigsburg, C. Maldonado and the PTO officers met to discuss ways to better facilitate working relationships between themselves.

B.

PTO report

It is to be noted that the PTO has provided no report for inclusion for the board.

C.

Comprehensive Plan July 1, 2016-June 30, 2019

C. Maldonado noted that the 07/01/2016 to 06/30/2019 Comprehensive Plan has been on public display for 28 days and she recommends the board accept the plan.
L. Leonard made a motion to approve the 07/01/2016 to 06/30/2019 Comprehensive Plan.
C. Bowen seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

C. Bowen made a motion to adjourn the meeting.
M. Novoa seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 7:53 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
S. White