St. Mary’s School Board Minutes

September 20, 2006

 

Guests:  none

 

Janet Fletcher called the meeting to order, and Father Nigli began with an opening prayer.  Board Members present included Janet Fletcher, Lawrence Reiman, Merri Schneider, John Boyle, Gene Soukup, Luann Shields and Sharon Spencer, along with Norm Hale, Father Nigli and Alice Marx.  Board members absent were Dian Edwards and Mel Ohri.

 

John Boyle made a motion to approve the agenda after additions, and Gene Soukup seconded the motion.  Vote:  All in favor, none opposed.

 

After review of the minutes of the August 9, 2006 meeting, Gene Soukup made a motion to approve, and John Boyle seconded.  Vote:  All in favor, none opposed.

 

Pastor’s Report:

·       Father Nigli reported that things are going very well.  The grade school and high school are engaged in a common prayer daily.  He also stated that he is hearing good things about the school in public.  Father encouraged everyone to keep up the good work.

 

Principal’s Report:

·       Academic Report (Spanish Grading) – Mr. Hale reported that Spanish is being taught grades 1 – 12.  Grading for the 1st – 3rd grades will not receive a specific letter grade on their reports, but 4th – 6th grades will be graded, as they are in all other subjects.  In the high school, some of the Junior class is struggling somewhat due to the limited knowledge of Spanish from the prior year Spanish I class.  Norm will visit this issue with Neah Galloway.  Father recommended that there would be arrangements made for these students to obtain help outside of class.

·       School Climate – Overall, this is the beginning of a very positive school year.

·       Dean of Students Position – Norm Hale reported that he has recommended Gary Cvahla for this position, to work as a mentor to the AD and assist with discipline for students.  This will free up additional time for Mr. Hale to focus on North Central Accreditation, and other academic standards.

·       North Central Accreditation – Barb Schwager has been out to review records with Norm Hale and it has been determined that there will need to be an adjustment and improvement to the type of data we report.  She will be coming next week to spend the day setting up a plan with Norm.  This plan must be developed entirely in one month.

·       Substitute Pay – Currently St. Mary’s pays $65 per day for substitute teachers.  This is something that we may want to consider increasing for the next school year.

·       Homecoming – Mr. Hale handed out a schedule for Homecoming Week.  This will be reported in the newspaper and the public is encouraged to attend the events for the week.

·       Home/Schooled Students – Norm reported that the State says that if a home/schooled student wants to compete in athletics and activities, they must be in at least three classes.  St. Mary’s would require two core classes and one elective.

 

Policy Revisions:

Janet Fletcher asked for further discussion regarding the Student Policy 5000 - 5006, which she had emailed to Board Members the first part of September.  She read the revised policy which included suggestions by members.  Motion by Sharon Spencer to approve as revised, seconded by Gene Soukup.  Vote:  None opposed.

 

New Business:

·       Father suggested that once a month, when other students leave early for games/activities, the remaining students would have the opportunity to have a “relaxed” supervised afternoon.  This could include games, study time, etc.  After discussion, it was decided that Norm will get together with Paula and set up a schedule.

·       Mr. Hale mentioned that the Butte-Lynch game at Vermillion starts at 6:00 p.m.  Due to the number of parents and students who will need to leave town by 2:00 or 2:30 in order to arrive at the game on time, he requested dismissal at 1:30 p.m. for that day.  After discussion, it was determined that there would be no need for a late start the following day.

 

Motion was made by John Boyle, second by Lawrence Reiman to go into Executive Session.  Motion to come out of Executive Session was made by John Boyle, Second by Gene Soukup.

 

The meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer led by Father Nigli.