Special Meeting
Odyssey Charter School
6201 Noble Ave. N.
Brooklyn Center, MN55429
January 13, 2003
4:30 P.M.
Call to Order A meeting of the Odyssey Charter School Board of Directors was held on Monday, January 13th . The meeting was called to order at 4:35 p.m.
Roll Call The following Board members were present: Lori Bona, Jeni Holm, Steph Dess and Rick Wolf.
Additions to Agenda It was noted that was item 4 should be striken as it was a repeat of item 3.
Acceptance of Agenda Motion by Jeni Holm seconded by Rick Wolf, to accept, as amended, the agenda dated January 13th, 2003. Motion carries.
Approval of Minutes None
Consent Agenda None
Community Comments None
Old Business Designs for Learning
Lori Bona stated that Lyle Clemenson wanted to be at the meeting but was unable to attend. Jeni Holm stated that she would like a synopsis of the meeting that was held regarding the contract with Designs for Learning (DFL), and how the contract was changed.
David Alley from DFL stated that the greatest change was the reduction by 10% in the daily rate DFL will charge Odyssey. He added that he wanted the relationship to be both substantive and cost effective.
He stated that the contract term was reduced to 60 days as opposed to the typical 90 so that both parties would feel comfortable with the contract.
He stated that the number of contact days each month was reduced from 15 to 13, and those days are priced separately from the business manager/financial management piece.
Lori Bona stated that she wanted to convey Lyle Clemenson’s reluctance to agree to the details in the contract with DFL for consulting services. She stated that Lyle Clemenson feels things have changed since Anne Lindgren has left. He would like DFL to do an analysis of what needs to be done and would like the contract to be of a shorter duration. He would like the new board to be able to make this decision. She added that some of his concern is based on the financial condition and cash flow situation.
Jeni Holm stated that some of the money from the Walton grant could be used for DFL and the management of the school, and asked if the money had to be used in that way. Steph Dess stated that the money could be used for DFL but it did not have to be used in that way.
Rick Wolf stated that the proposal is comprehensive and it attends to the issues that need attention. He stated the new board wouldn’t be ready to deal with DFL as soon as they start. He stated that he did have a question about how the board is dealing with the issue of director. Steph Dess stated that the contract does not address that issue. She stated the board needs to set up a job description. She added that is important for the community to know the board is being responsible regarding the leadership and the financial situation of the school. Rick Wolf stated he would like director information built into the contract with DFL. He added he would like DFL to provide feedback regarding what Odyssey needs from a director.
Ed Kossmann, associate principle, stated that items seven and eight address the issue of director. David Alley stated DFL would provide support for Ed Kossmann in the role of interim director and they would also help determine a job description for the position of director.
Lori Bona asked David Alley what would happen if the board signed a contract with DFL that details the duties they will perform, and the new board comes on and disagrees. David Alley stated that the new board would have a right to overturn any decisions made by the current board, and that was why the 60 day clause was written in.
Rick Wolf stated he would like language that at the end of the contract there would be a recommendation from DFL regarding what Odyssey needs from a director. David Alley stated that can be elaborated in the contract.
Lori Bona stated that Odyssey has a lease at another building, some of which Excell Academy is using. She added that SAGE Academy is interested in using the remainder of the space. She asked how or if DFL would be involved in those negotiations. David Alley stated that DFL would provide support for Ed Kossmann during the negotiations.
Motion by Rick Wolf, seconded by Steph Dess, to approve the contract with Designs for Learning with a footnote that we designate Ed Kossmann as interim director. Motion carries unanimously.
Approve Ed Kossmann to sign checks
Motion by Jeni Holm, seconded by Steph Dess, to approve Ed Kossmann to sign checks. Motion carries unanimously.
Approve Ed Kossmann to have a school credit card
There was discussion about why Odyssey has a school credit card and what it is used for.
Motion by Jeni Holm, seconded by Rick Wolf, to approve Ed Kossmann to have a school credit card.
Adjournment:Meeting adjourned at 5:15 p.m.
Next meetings:Next Regular meeting is Wednesday, January 22nd , 2003 at 6:30 p.m. at Odyssey Charter School.