Regular Meeting
Odyssey Charter School
6201 Noble Ave. N.
Brooklyn Center, MN55429
December 18, 2002
6:30 P.M.
Call to OrderA regular meeting of the Odyssey Charter School Board of Directors was held on Wednesday, December 18th, 2002 at Odyssey Charter School. The meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. and was facilitated by Lori Bona.
Roll CallThe following Board members were present: Lori Bona, Stephanie Dess, Jeni Holm, Nathan Disch and Lyle Clemenson.
Acceptance of Agenda A motion by Jeni Holm, seconded by Steph Dess, to accept the printed agenda dated December 18th, 2002. The motion carries unanimously.
Approval of Minutes A motion by Nathan Disch, seconded by Steph Dess, to accept the minutes of the November 14th special meeting and the November 20th regular board meetings. Lori Bona stated that Rick Wolf’s email address was incorrect in the minutes. The motion to pass the minutes as amended carries unanimously.
Community Comments There were no comments from the community.
Consent AgendaMotion by Nathan Disch, seconded by Jeni Holm, to accept the attached consent agenda. Motion carries unanimously.
Old Business 6510 Zane Building
Lyle Clemenson reported there has been no progress in the leasing of the Zane building. Lori Bona stated she has contacted SAGE Academy about the space. She stated she had spoken to Marilyn Thompson about a letter written to the mayor and the Brooklyn Park City Council written by board member Lyle Clemenson and signed as well by board member Nathan Disch. Lori Bona went on to say that it was the perception of the Brooklyn Park City Coucil and the mayor that the letter had been written by Lyle Clemenson on behalf of the board of directors of Odyssey Charter School. Rick Wolf stated he never saw the letter. Lori Bona stated that she wrote a letter to the Brooklyn Park City Council and the mayor stating that the original letter from Lyle Clemenson was not written on behalf of the Odyssey Charter School Board of Directors. Lyle Clemenson asked for a copy of the letter that he has written, and Lori Bona stated she had only what she received via email. Lori Bona introduced the attached letter and asked for the support of the board in sending it. She added that SAGE was still interested in the space. There was discussion about Odyssey’s past relationship with SAGE. Lyle Clemenson stated he had no problem starting a conversation with parties interested in leasing the space. There was more discussion about the content of the letter.
Motion by Steph Dess, seconded by Nathan Disch, to send the letter written by Lori Bona to the Brooklyn Park city council and the Brooklyn Park mayor. Motion carries with three ayes and one nay.
Election process
Lori Bona asked about the status of the relevant bylaws that are being rewritten . Nathan Disch stated that as the board has decided to move forward with the election, he felt that rewriting the bylaws should wait. There was discussion about waiting until the new board is in place before changing the bylaws.
Transition process
Steph Dess stated that there had been a conversation between the leadership team and Design for Learning. She went on to say that the leadership team would like to recommend to the board that Odyssey look at entering into a relationship and contract with Designs for Learning. Lyle Clemenson asked about the length of the proposed contract, and added that he would like to hire Designs for Learning to consult but he is worried about how Odyssey is changing. Jeni Holm stated Odyssey needs the services of Designs for Learning now, as Anne Lindgren is no longer working with Odyssey. Lori Bona added that it was recommended that Odyssey have a 30 day notice clause written into the contract.
Mary Beth Frank, business manager, stated that the attached contract is a blueprint and can be changed to meet Odyssey’s needs. She stated that she and Ed Kossmann would be meeting with a representative from Designs for Learning on Thursday morning. Lyle Clemenson objected to the cost of the services from Designs for Learning and asked for the details of the contract and what Odyssey would be getting for their money.
Steph Dess stated the transition team would like a recommendation from the board to begin talking with Designs for Learning. . She added that any formal contract would come before the board for approval.
Motion by Steph Dess, seconded by Nathan Disch, that the transition team begin talking with Designs for Learning to determine what is needed from them during the transition period. Motion carries unanimously.
New BusinessBoard chair
Lori Bona stated she took over as board chair when Karen Johnson resigned, and she would like the board to decide if they want her to continue as chair.
Motion by Steph Dess, seconded by Jeni Holm, to have Lori Bona continue as interim board chair. Motion carries unanimously.
Business report
Mary Beth Frank stated that she had tendered her letter of resignation, and her last day would be February 28th. She went on to say that after speaking with Designs for Learning she has reconsidered. She went on to say that she now proposes she stay on with the reduced hours of 10 hours per week so that she could assist Designs for Learning with the financial aspects of the school.
Administrative Report- Ed Kossmann presented the attached administrative report.
Finance Team Report-
It was stated that at the meeting with MACS it was suggested the board go over cashflow. Mary Beth Frank stated that Odyssey will bill about $60,000 for a special education billing in January. She also stated that Odyssey was approved for $35,000 for Titles I, II, and VI, which they have not yet received. She stated Odyssey is cutting one full time staff person and that will reduce wage costs. She stated she would create a new budget in February. She also stated she is still using the $50,000 line of credit, and will continue to do so. She stated that she is working with MACS and Blessing to further the line of credit. She added that increasing student enrollment and leasing the Zane space will also improve cash flow.
Human Resources Team
Mary Beth Frank stated the human resource team did not meet and the discussion about the drug and alcohol testing policy was tabled until the next meeting.
Educational Programs
Nathan Disch stated this team has not yet met.
Lori Bona asked if the board would like to add a subcommittee that involves parent support and involvement as the MACS accountability report has many questions about parent involvement. Discussion was tabled until a future meeting.
Adjournment:The meeting was adjourned at 7:35 pm.
Next meetings:Regular meeting to be held Wednesday, January 22ndth at 6:30pm.