Regular Meeting
Odyssey Charter School
6201 Noble Ave. N.
Brooklyn Center, MN55429
Wednesday, August 18, 2004
6:30 P.M.
All motions approved unanimously unless otherwise noted.
1. The meeting called to order by John at 6:35, the roll was called; directors present were Lori Bona, Kari Mitchell, Dave Rand, John Sedey, Destiny Sparks, Steve Skramstad -- a quorum was declared.
2-3. Kari moved and Destiny seconded approval of the revised agenda; motion carried.
4. Community comment -- no comments
5. The minutes of June 28 were revised adding Steve as present; Dave moved, Steve seconded, and the motion was approved. Spelling and technical revisions were approved for the July 21, 2004 minutes.
6. Presentations and special reports
6.1 In the director's report, Judy reported current enrollment for fall is 208. She recommended salary changes for art and music teachers (from hourly to salary) and a salary increase for Kari Mitchell. Lore moved and Steve seconded acceptance of these recommendations; Kari abstained, all others voted in favor; motion passed.
An unemployment compensation appeal is being pursued.
The school's first community night is scheduled for September 16.
6.2 Nancy Schultz from DL reported on school finances. The June P&L shows a revenue decline due to a drop in student enrollment at the end of the school. The combined fund balance for the school is projected to be $70,000. The audit is scheduled for August 30th.The July P&L shows modest activity typical for this time of the year. Staff will investigate and report back to board on recent legal costs, energy costs due to system failure, and security system issues. Copies of the check register were distributed.
7. Consent agenda -- was approved on motion of Kari, seconded by Dave.
7.1 Payment of bills, including payroll
7.2 Personnel actions
7.2.1 Licensed (elections) hiring Sheila Prokott -- 1 FTE Special Education
7.2.2 Non-licensed (elections) hiring Patrick Purdette -- .75 FTE Instructional Assistant.
7.3 Board meeting calendar -- 3rd Wednesday of each month at 6:30; future board meetings will start at 6:00 pm in December.
7.4 Judy Hinck was named LEA representative on a motion by, seconded by, and was approved.
8. Financial
8.1 In discussing the proposed Designs for Learning contract, Judy noted that the current agreement for 2004-2005 is for finance and accounting services only. She is interested in additional services in government reporting evaluation. After discussion by the board, Dave moved, Destiny seconded, and the board approved authorizing Judy to enter into a contract with DL, extending the FY 04 agreement for July and August and adding specific government reporting and evaluation services for $12,000, prorated over 10 months.
8.2 The sub-lease with Arena Early Learning Center (formerly known as Atrebla Early Learning Center) was discussed. Concerns were expressed about having the center leasing directly from the school instead of the Osseo district, the amount of space desired by the program (which would drive up the lease cost for the school), the costs associated with the program's 24 hours/day schedule, including increased garbage collections fees. Charlie Ravine, attorney with the MAP project, and Nancy Schultz both raised concerns about legal and financial liabilities for the school if it hosts the Arena program. After discussion the board recommended pursuing the agreement with Antonio Smith, Arena's Director, and that he should seek approval to lease from Osseo. Kari agreed to check on the availability of default insurance.
8.3 2004-2005 budget approval -- approved previously.
8.4 Lore moved and Kari seconded approving Judy as a signatory on the schools bank accounts.
9. Policy considerations
9.1 A Data Privacy Policy was handed out for the board to review.
10. Board structure and planning
10.1 Strategic planning -- Judy recommends doing this soon, i.e. after next week before September 15th, that it be facilitated by Bob Kreisher (recommendation of MACS), and deal with pressing strategic issues like grade-levels, and facilities. Bob suggests the retreat be a 6 hour session. Board members will let Judy know whether the 18th or 25th are better times.
10.2 Board training -- Judy recommended doing this later with Bob Kreisher.
10.3 Judy suggests that the board establish the following committees, finance and budget, HR, technology, academic and curriculum, fundraising and special events, and facilities. Board members should be on each committee but not chair. Committee meeting should be held generally on a monthly basis, prior to the board's meeting to try and get parents involved. Information about these committees and the opportunity for parents to be involved will be publicized in the school's early September newsletter. The volunteer coordinator can also assist with the committees.
11. Sedey adjourned the meeting at 8:38 pm on a motion by Destiny, seconded by David and passed without objection.
Respectfully submitted by David Alley