03.01.04
All Board Members (Adair, Schaefer, Loudon, Hatcher), McCoy Present
Meeting opened in prayer at 5:30AM - moved into executive session.
The meeting returned into open meeting.
Vision Meeting Update - There has been some 'angst' from some of the teachers concerned that 'wild ideas' are being considered by the board. This has been articulated to board members by individual teachers. The meetings are creating a level of anxiety among the staff. The board needs to make clear that we are moving towards ACCS accreditation and a classical Christian school that follows the guidelines of the ACCS. We will also develop a philosophy committee that will be a place where the board will have ongoing dialogue with interested teachers and parents.
Tim's Updates - Tim has mailed teacher evaluations to the board.
Tim presented notes to the board including:
All Staff is returning next year and will be continuing in their current positions.
Director of Instruction is open with Erb's departure (although she could work 4 hours/week possibly next year). DOI for secondary is also needed.
Three applications have also arrived for teacher positions.
Teacher Training -
Several staff we wish to send to ACCS and/or teacher training. Many teachers are unable due to summer job requirements and other family commitments. Budget constraints are also an issue for the school. No final decision made.
Student and Enrollment - The board was brought up to date on the status of children who may need to be retained in their current grades next year as well as the positive review on several new children added to the program. To date we have 164 enrolled for next year, including 8 new families.
Accreditation - ACCS has our package and we are awaiting notice of their arrival schedule.
Curriculum - Committee meeting has been scheduled for March 10th. Tim mentioned that we need to begin implementing the review rotation - one large subject each year - now that the curriculum is in place.
Financial - Statements for January were reviewed by the board. In addition information on donor contributions and the auction proceeds were presented. We will be having a matching gift campaign in March in order to meet the gap needed to complete the year.
Facility - Tim updated the board on several short and more long term facility needs for the school and their budget implications.
Athletic Expenses - A committee has been established and will discuss Athletics and PCCS and bring recommendation to the board. It was reiterated that to date, athletics is to be a zero-budget item. Funds for athletics are to be procured from parental underwriting gifts and participant fees.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Hatcher
04.05.04
All Board Members (Adair, Schaefer, Loudon, Hatcher), McCoy Present
Meeting opened in prayer at 5:30AM
Budget Discussion -
We reviewed the Development Expense details. Adjustments to Payroll were also considered. The Final 2004-5 Budget with $811,000 projected income, and $135,536 deficit beyond the 20%, with a total deficit of $304,193 (cash deficit) was put forward. Motion (DH/SS) to approve the budget. Discussion. It is understood that the Board is responsible for raising one-third of that deficit through outside personal development. The Development Office will seek to raise one-third through fund-raising events and one-third through specific donations. Passed 4-0.
Moved into executive session.
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Hatcher
04.19.04
Board Members (Schaefer, Loudon, Hatcher - Adair Absent ((Schaefer served as chair))), McCoy Present
Meeting opened in prayer at 4:25pm.
Board Member Ballot - For Mike Castle went in the mail today. Ballots will be returned to the secretary of the Board.
Matching Gift Campaign - Letter will go out. We have a 50K gift for a matching campaign and need to collect a 50K in matching funds in order to pay operating expenses for the remaining fiscal year. Loudon is on point to get the letter out. We will look to get volunteers to stuff an approximate 800 letters.
Superintendent Update - Officially we have had six contacts. We have received one completed application and we have had one initial board interview.
Hatcher is on point to provide an update to the staff/administration as we move ahead and give an overview of the process.
PTF - Statement of Purpose was presented and discussed, along with details of responsibilities. Loudon will return with Kitty next board meeting. There are many details that still need discussion and approved by the board.
Philosophy Committee - Schaefer presented ideas from a meeting with Scott Weatherhogge. Steve asked that the following be put into the minutes -
April 19, 2004
To: PCCS School Board
From: Steve Schaefer
Re: Philosophy Committee Recommendation
This past year we have been directly engaged with the staff by means of the Vision Meetings we have held. While there has been much good that has come as a result of these meetings, it is my opinion that our school, and school board, will be best served by the formation of a Philosophy Committee in lieu of Vision Meetings beginning in the 2004-2005 school year.
Form a historical perspective; a Philosophy Committee was formed in 1997. After one meeting, however, it was determined that the work of the committee was redundant given the philosophical discussions occurring at the board level. We were enabled to have such discussions because of the lack of complexity of running a school with no students. Over the years, it is my opinion that the school board became more pragmatic (by necessity) in its discussions, and less philosophical. It has also been my experience that the board responds more effectively from recommendations (diverse or unified), and thus I believe the school board would now benefit from such a committee.
Mission
Operating at the pleasure of the
Agenda
· Co-chaired by board member Steve Schaefer and teacher Scott Weatherhogge (not confirmed).
· Meet 1x/month for three hours (3 to 6 PM) beginning September 2004.
· Limited membership, with a balance of grammar and secondary staff and administration. Seeking the philosophically minded who are interested in participating in discussion. Final inclusion determined by the Board. Ad hoc invitations extended based on issue/conversation. Public Disputatio’s to receive feedback (creating dialectic/rhetorical culture), then re-circle back into committee for further discussion.
· Initial Agenda: Who are we (PCCS)? Why are we here? What is our purpose?
· Future Agenda: Board determined, with recommendations from the committee to the board.
· Majority/Minority recommendation papers written to the board regarding philosophical issues. Board to evaluate and assess, providing final philosophical direction and vision for the school (Articulated to Administration, Staff, and Curriculum Committee).
Motion (DH/RL) - The Philosophy Committee will be reinstated by September 2004. Steve Schaefer will be the chair. Board will approve members forthcoming. Discussion - It was decided to ask Steve to be the Board Chair and Weatherhogge the Vice-Chair. (passed 3-0).
Music Proposal - Motion (DH/RL) - Tim is directed to implement Mr. Erb’s request for the music program in the grammar years (1-6) aiming at the time requested but not required to get there as he works with teachers on final schedules. Secondary is to remain the same at 3-days per week next year while additional study, philosophical/theological, and pragmatic concerns are addressed. Discussion - Tim received several responses from teachers which, in the end, influenced the board to make the motion above. Passed: 3-0.
Moved into executive session
Respectfully submitted,
Dave Hatcher