Governance Committee Meeting Minutes

September 29, 2025, 9:00-10:15 AM

Monday September 29, 2025 at 9:00 AM

J. Dixon, L. Schwartze (remote), L. Vowell, N. Johnson (remote), S. Haigler

D. Smith

C. Huck, C. Schell, S. Miner

J. Dixon called a meeting of the Governance Committee of City Garden Montessori School to order on Monday Sep 29, 2025 at 9:20 AM.

S. Haigler made a motion to approve the minutes from Governance Committee Meeting on 08-25-25.

L. Schwartze seconded the motion.

The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

Jesse shared updated priority list for committee feedback, based on discussion from August meeting
- Note - shift around policy hygiene priority for this year, given staff capacity and focus. Will prioritize this for SY27.

Discussion around shift in by-laws to allow for more flexibility in board composition AND keep goal of 4 members for SY26
Claire shared refresher with group on upcoming onboarding approach for Michelle Chlebowski
Recruitment:
- Continued need for fundraisers/connectors
- Strong agreement about the importance of diversity, especially related to caregivers
- Information session for caregivers -
  - Highlight board role/expectations; highlighting different opportunities to engage
  - Consider January session with broader community; opportunity to do this on an annual basis
  - Next step: Schedule for mid-November and develop outline - Claire, Sherita, Christie
- Need for clearer/consistent material for recruitment
  - Next step: Claire and Christie to develop one-pager about the board - responsibilities, meeting expectations, breadth of expectation

Public comment
- Striking the balance around mission/values and interest in meaningfully engaging community AND formality/Robert's Rules
- Revisit the input form to understand what they're sharing in advance - and ensure board chair and admin both have visibility
- When someone comes to the board, they want a board response (should come from chair)
  - Written response, similar to board questions
  - Christie to share draft/approach with executive committee
  - Follow-up in next meeting as agenda item
Student engagement with board
- 10.24 board meeting to include dedicated time with board, in small group discussions, for strategic planning
- Consider opportunities for board engagement with Student council throughout the year

Christie, Sarah and Deb are going to take on the initial set of drafts to ensure alignment with MCPSA updates.

CEO evaluation - process underway! Updates:
- Fewer, more focused, priorities
- All of the stakeholder input not necessary every year (more like a 360, every 2-3 years).
Reminder to sign up for strategy labs!

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 10:15 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,

J. Dixon