St. Mary’s School Board Minutes
Guests: None
Board Vice President, Gene Soukup called the meeting to order with an opening
prayer. Board members present included
Gene Soukup, Merri Schneider, Lawrence Reiman, John Boyle, Mel Ohri,
Jill Everitt, Dian Edwards, Sharon
Spencer, along with Norm Hale, Father Nigli and Alice
Marx. Board members absent were Luann
Shields, Jim Sibbel and Janet Fletcher.
After review of the proposed
agenda, with the addition of the election of officers, Mel Ohri
made a motion, seconded by John Boyle, to approve the agenda. All in favor, none
opposed.
After review of the minutes
from the
Pastor’s Report:
I.
Review of Letters – Father asked for a review of the letters which were drafted, to be
sent to concerned parents regarding individual matters. Motion by Mel Ohri,
to send letters to the various groups, this motion was seconded by Lawrence Reiman. Approved by
board in vote, all in favor, none opposed.
II.
August Parish Activities Calendar – After discussion of the August calendar, Gene
requested that this calendar be mailed out the first week of July, followed up
by a postcard to mark the dates of potluck, “parent-only” informational
meeting, and fall sports scrimmage/cookout.
III. Policy – Father informed the board that the Finance Council had
some concerns regarding families who are unable to pay tuition. Finance Council wanted to verify that any students
requesting free tuition are applying for need-based scholarships that are
supplied by the archdiocese. Motion was
made by John Boyle to revise the policy to require that if a family wants to be
eligible for tuition assistance from the parish, they must first apply for
archdiocesan assistance. Forms will be
available at the parish business office, and all applications will be handled
with the strictest of confidentiality.
If the archdiocese declines the application, the pastor will still
consider their financial needs. This
motion was seconded by Lawrence Reiman. Motion approved by vote, all in favor, none
opposed.
IV. Fundraising – Each separate fundraising group associated with St.
Mary’s Schools has completed all the necessary paperwork to have all funds
channeled through the parish business office.
For the upcoming school year, Father will ask that all teachers that
have determined needs for their classrooms must first go through the business
office for these requests, rather than going directly to the fundraising
groups, i.e., Home & School. This
will allow for cohesive planning at the classroom level, to ensure proper
budgeting for each classroom’s needs. Father
asked for a member from the School Board, (Dian Edwards & Jill Everitt volunteered), to meet with Home & School, and
Booster Club, to discuss the planning process and formulate a policy regarding
requests.
V.
Adopt-A-Class
– Father suggested that the Adopt-A-Class sponsors be invited to the school
building inspections each year, along with the existing school and grounds
committee. They would be able to give
additional insight, from an outsider’s perspective.
VI. Purchase of
a 33 passenger bus – Proposals
received to date were used cost - $65,000, new cost would be $80,000. Norm discussed the details and expenses
associated with travel expense. Drivers
would need a CDL, and chauffeurs endorsement.
There would still be some duplication of the use for this bus, when
students need transported for band on the same day that there is another activity
i.e., track meet, one-acts, scholastic contests. Much discussion was held concerning this
proposed purchase. Gene Soukup suggested that the purchase of another smaller
vehicle, such as a mini van, or used suburban.
Norm will continue to investigate the purchase of a bus, although for
the upcoming school year, will also secure a van or suburban. Motion was made by Dian Edwards to authorize
the purchase the second small van or suburban to secure the transportation of
the students to and from the other school for band purposes. Second by Sharon Spencer. All in favor, none
opposed.
VII. Senior
Portraits – After discussion
regarding the annual full class composite photos, Dian Edwards made a motion
that Senior portraits submitted for use in the
official class photo composites shall be modest and dignified head and
shoulders portraits. (Please refer to
page 65 in the high school handbook for the actual policy for this
matter.) Second by John Boyle, all in
favor, none opposed.
VIII. Extreme Hair
Styles - The policy regarding extreme
hair styles is clear, and must be followed during the summer months, if a
student is to represent St. Mary’s during summer league sports, or any other
activities associated with the school.
This is the same for piercings and tattoos as
well. School board and administration
fully support coaches in enforcing that policy.
IX. School
Improvement Project – Father gave an
update on the project. Asked for
volunteers for any workers for the various phases of this construction and
remodeling project.
X.
Anonymous Letters – Father discussed issue with regard to propriety with different
groups. There will be a leadership in-service regarding responsibilities
associated with leadership in the individual organizations. This short meeting will be held on August 13,
at
Principal’s Report:
I.
NDE Accreditation Certificate – Mr. Hale received a letter from the NDE to state
that St. Mary’s has been granted accreditation for the upcoming 2007/2008
school year.
II.
Staffing –
Position for part-time math teacher, for high school lower level math is still
available. There have been two excellent
candidates that have been interviewed for the art position. Norm is checking references and
credentials. Will try to make a
decision, and offer the position by Monday or Tuesday of next week. Vocal Music – have held a phone interview
with a very accomplished musician, and will arrange for a person to person
interview early next week.
III.
Program Evaluation – As we look towards school improvement, Mr. Hale will review the
coaching programs. A football camp is
being planned for July 11 & 12, to invite area schools. Summer leagues are in place for all
sports. He is also evaluating and
verifying that all coaches are certified and are being fully utilized.
IV.
Grievance Procedures – Previous to this year, there was not a grievance procedure for
students that have school/activities-related issues. Mr. Hale shared a proposed policy to include
in the school handbook. After review of
the proposed protocol, Jill Everitt, Sharon Spencer
and Mel Ohri volunteered to work on the policy
changes to the student handbook. Jill
made the suggestion that a “parent-only” meeting be held with K-6 and 7-12 in
order to cover the handbook changes for both schools.
V.
Athlete of the Year - Lawrence Reiman led the discussion
regarding the revision of the policy for Senior Athlete of the Year. The committee had some suggestions, and will
go back to these with Tony Allen. Mr.
Allen will finalize the proposal, and Mel Ohri made a
motion to recommend proposal #2 with changes, to propose to Mr. Allen. Dian Edwards seconded. All in favor, none
opposed.
VI.
Election of Officers – School Board President - Gene Soukup was nominated
by Mel Ohri, seconded by Dian Edwards. Lawrence Reiman made
a motion that nominations cease, seconded by John Boyle. Vote: All in favor,
none opposed.
VII. Vice President – Dian Edwards nominated Sharon Spencer,
seconded by Lawrence Reiman. Mel Ohri made a
motion that nominations cease, seconded by John Boyle. Vote, all in favor, none opposed.
VIII. Secretary – Merri Schneider was nominated by Dian
Edwards, seconded by Mel Ohri. Lawrence Reiman
made a motion that all nominations cease, seconded by John. Vote: All
in favor, none opposed.
IX.
Policy Revisions – Will be emailed to all board members, with vote on approval by
email. Revisions will be submitted for
approval by board before June 27. Board
will meet at
Gene Soukup
expressed his appreciation for the service of Lawrence Reiman
over the past four years, and thanked him for sharing his time as a member of
our board.
There being no need for executive
session and no further business, a motion to adjourn was made by Lawrence Reiman, seconded by John Boyle. Meeting was adjourned with a prayer led by
Father Nigli.
As we will not hold a meeting
in July, the next school board meeting will be held on