St. Mary’s School Board Minutes

April 18, 2007

 

Guests:  None

 

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

 

Norm Hale made a few additions to the agenda, motion to approve made by Gene Soukup, seconded by Sharon Spencer.  Vote:  All in favor, none opposed.

 

Merri Schneider asked for clarification on a few items, and the minutes were approved as amended with a motion by Gene Soukup, 2nd by Lawrence Reiman.  Vote:  All in favor, none opposed.

 

Principals Report:

             I.      Long Distance Learning – Merri reported on the meeting she and Paula Atkeson held with Anne Ausedemore from NECC and upcoming junior and senior students’ parents, regarding college credit opportunities.  Next school year, these students will be allowed to take an extra study hall, if they choose to take college credit classes.

          II.      School climate – Things are going well, with students exhibiting good behavior, seniors are getting ready to graduate.

       III.      NDE Visit April 11, 2007 – Norm presented final external team report on the school improvement process.  Items of interest were that they verified Norm’s credentials were up to date, would like to see the guidance program improved with technology. We were notified that St. Mary’s lacked curriculum to support the fine arts. Mr. Hale met with diocesan officials yesterday and has received curriculum standards for these programs.   Recommendation that there be a certified teacher in the library for at least four periods per day, at this time, we only have one in the library three periods.  They also reviewed the school safety manual, stated that it was one of the best ones they had seen. 

     IV.      NCA Exit Report – NCA came in and looked at the formal plan for student achievement.  Norm shared the final External Team Report and their recommendations for continuous school improvement. 

        V.      “Cut Policy” – Norm requested that the school handbook be revisited regarding the no-cut policy.  After discussion, the final recommendation was made by Sharon Spencer to revise the handbook to eliminate the no-cut policy and re-word it to state that the criteria for athletic/activity is to be set by the sponsor and approved by the School Board.  Motion by Lawrence second by Sharon Spencer. Vote:  All in favor, none opposed.

     VI.      WAIT Training will be held on Sept. 5, 2007.  This will be presented by Shelly Donohoe of Colorado, who will speak to the student body during the day, and the parents in the evening.   Before this school year ends, St. Mary’s will also have Dr. Barbie Gutshall speaking to the freshman class with a priest in attendance, regarding sexually transmitted diseases.

  VII.      Internet Safety – The internet safety program will be presented to the high school students on 04/30/07 at 8:00 a.m.  The grade school students will have a presentation at 11:00 a.m. on that same day in the high school music room.  Parents will be invited to attend

VIII.      On 04/26/07 there will be a speaker at the school at 1:00 p.m. to speak to the high school students about Alcohol Awareness.  There will also be an evening program for parents, and students can attend this session as well.

      IX.      Last Day of School – Last day of school will be May 18, 6th grade promotion will be May 17th at 7:00, this is a Holy Day, mass for 6:00 p.m. Ascension Thursday.  The date for the May school board meeting will be May 16.

 

Pastor’s Report:

             I.      May 4th activities all are being planned for by the Home and School, and the Booster Club.  Several board members have offered to help.

          II.      Father discussed the process for elections.  Executive Board members will call each potential candidate to determine those interested in filling the positions.  Elections will be held in church the weekend of Mother’s Day.

       III.      Scholarships – Father shared criteria and the blank application for the four special St. Mary’s Scholarships.  The applications will be sent to all sixth graders registered at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. 

     IV.      Building committee – After the most recent meeting, these improvements will be underway:  The office will be moved to the high school music room, other offices will be moved to other areas as well.  The entrances to the building will also change.  Groundbreaking will occur in August, and should be enclosed before winter, with a six month time frame, and proposed completion by March of 2008.  The gym will be completed before school opens this fall (07/08).  New bleachers will be on stage, old bleachers will be refurbished.  Parking will be completed, and paved areas will be repaired, roofs repaired, handrails added, etc.  All of these areas will be completed before school begins in the fall.  Father will make one more appeal to school families in order to attempt to acquire enough funds to install air conditioning within the school.  He is currently looking at bids for this system. 

        V.      Money – Father is going to put out tuition comparisons of what other area grade schools and high schools charge, and also those in urban areas, to confirm that we are getting a really good deal.  Alice updated the Board on the situation with unpaid tuition.

     VI.      May 4th – Teacher Appreciation will be honored with cash gifts to each of the teachers, based on number of years of service to St. Mary’s Schools.

 

Motion to go into closed session by Gene Soukup, 2nd by Sharon Spencer.

 

Motion to come out by Lawrence Reiman, 2nd by John Boyle

 

With there being no further business the meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer led by Lawrence Reiman.