Museum School Governance Meeting
October 2, 2007 - MINUTES

 

1.        Introductions: Erik Aker, Shannon Jarrell, Delsy Pantoja, Rosemary Metcalf, Kathy Heekin, Joan Hjortzberg, Deanne Yantis, Christina Allen, Jayne Marie, Gingerlily, Holly, Phil.

2.        Roles and requirements of Governance Council Officers
Discussed the verbal feedback we received from third party review conducted by CSDC on behalf of the District.  We had held Governance Council and School Site Council as one meeting, because with our small school many of the members were the same people.  We had since adjusted meetings to reflect more of a separation- to handle Governance business first then adjourn that portion of the meeting, and then to hold School Site/Parent Council meeting. 

Discussed roles and responsibility of the different councils including: checks and balances, communication with the greater community, keep records, evaluate the school director, evaluate school program.

There are four officer positions: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer.  Phil sits ex-oficio as the school's director.  Rachel has been advised by the Children's Museum Board not to sit as a member of our board because it would be "conflict of interest."  There are also members at large.

There is a free seminar for Charter Board members to be held by Procopio, Corey, Hargraves and Savitch on November 17th?  Phil will check on the dates.

Interested persons gave their name to Phil.  He will post and leave room for other community members to add their names.  Then leave to vote at the next meeting on November 6th. The interested persons are as follows:

Parents:

 

Mike Metcalf – President

Shannon Jarrell

Erik Aker

Rosemary Metcalf

Deanne Yantis

Blanca Sepulveda

Kathy Heekin – Treasurer

Staff:

 

Phil Beaumont

Gingerlily Lowe-Brisby

 

3.        Bylaws/Constitution
It is recommended that the Governance Council bylaws be updated and clarified. This process will be tabled in order to wait for the district's third party review recommendations (which was supposed to be completed and sent to us end of July 2007.

4.        DirectorÕs Report
Test Scores: API – 801.  This means that the Museum School has met AYP and API for 2006-07 school year.  Having met the above target, the CDE has informed us that we are eligible to apply for the Distinguished Schools Program. 

Phil also suggested that we look into Certified Charter Schools program CCSA (California Charter Schools Association)

5.        Budget Report
Reviewed the current working budget (see attached budget).  We currently face a deficit of approximately $43,000.  This is based on the approved budget in July 2007 with a deficit of $19,000 assuming 84 students. We are about 4 or 5 students short of our projected budget formula.  Need 5th & 6th graders. 

6.        Museum Move in date
The Museum still does not have a Temporary Occupancy Permit yet for the building.  The building is still under construction.  We have not been given a move-in date as of yet.

The ChildrenÕs MuseumÕs Education committee is working on the MOU and will be meeting mid-October.  They are also in charge of the vision for the Children's Museum and how the school fits into their grand vision.  Phil is hoping to be part of that meeting.  Until then, we don't expect to have a date for our move into the building.

Some of the concerns the CM have:
-School Calendar and use of the school space for CM summer programs during intersession and afterschool. 
-CM and deeper relationship with more than one school.
-Financial issues-what income do they loose on the school space.

7.        School Calendar Change
Phil checked with district to modify current year round calendar.  Testing window was not possible.  May have to change to traditional calendar.  Discussion ensued. About half the district elementary schools in the district oare The ChildrenÕs Museum would like to have access to the classrooms in the Museum School for summer programs.  This means our current year round schedule is going to conflict as are scheduled to end the school year in mid-July.  As a means of cooperation with the needs of the Museum, it was proposed that we consider a shift to a traditional schedule for the CURRENT school year, 2007-2008.  The general school population will be informed of this issue and this will be an action item at the next Governance Council meeting scheduled for November 6th, 2007.

8.        Fundraising Progress
Received garden grant and Life grant.
Fundraising Plan
Phil is exploring the service learning grants with Tiveeda Stovall.
Rick Burgess is also helping us to make appeals.
Jordan  gowns-art project
Friends and Family
Grants:
i.     LionÕs Club
ii.     State Farm
iii.     Best Buy
iv.    Donor tours

9.        Other Business
Questions:  Where will parents park at the new site?  This will be a challenge.  There is a drop off spot.  Parent volunteer to do meet kids at drop-off and drive through sign-in. 

CCDC is working on the park.

10.     Shannon Jarrell motioned to adjourn meeting.  Kathy Heekin seconded.  Unanimous.