St. Mary’s School Board Minutes

August 22, 2007

 

 

Guests:  Tony Allen

 

Board President, Gene Soukup called the meeting to order and Mel Ohri gave the opening prayer.  Board members present included:  Gene Soukup, Merri Schneider, Lawrence Reiman, John Boyle, Mel Ohri, Sharon Spencer, Jim Sibbel, Luann Shields, along with Norm Hale, Father Nigli and Alice Marx.  Board members absent were Jill Everitt and Dian Edwards.

 

Tony Allen was the lone guest, and was recognized and asked to speak regarding changes to the Senior Athlete of the Year Award.  After the Parent Meeting which introduced the changes to this activity, there were many questions by the parents, as to how this would be determined for the next few years, while we are in the transition stage.  Discussion was held regarding ensuring that all the co-op sports are included in the running for the award.  There was discussion regarding several sports which do not have a Conference.  Mr. Allen will review the policy again and meet with committee members, John Boyle, Jim Sibbel and Mel Ohri to review recommended changes.  These individuals will be charged with drafting a more comprehensive explanation of how a student will receive this honor.  They will be present at the next Board meeting to discuss any changes and receive approval.  All efforts will be made to make all the available sports as comparable as possible.  Areas of this policy that will be reviewed will be the changes regarding allowing the points previously earned to be retrospective, grandfathering in the rule that a candidate must be involved in 3 sports each year, and previous alcohol/substance abuse violations. 

 

After review of the proposed agenda, with the addition of a Homecoming discussion, a motion was made by John Boyle, seconded by Luann Shields.  Vote:  All in favor, none opposed.

 

After review of the June 13, 2007 minutes, with noted corrections, motion was made by Mel Ohri, with a second by John Boyle.  Vote:  All in favor, none opposed.

 

I.                 School Climate – School has begun, and the revisions in the handbook has been reviewed with the students and also the parent groups in both grade and high school.

School Goals – Mr. Hale shared goals with the board and stated that he also shared these same goals with the students.  St. Mary’s School Goals for 2007-2008: 

1.               To continue promote a Christ-centered learning environment

2.               To provide a safe learning environment.

3.               To enhance academic proficiencies for all students.

4.               To enhance all aspects of communications with stakeholders.

These goals will change from year to year.

II.             WAIT Training – Why Am I Tempted Training, presented by Shelly Donohue, will be held at St. Mary’s High School on September 5.  For the sake of better participation in the groups, each of the 7th grade girls, 8th grade girls, 7th grade boys, 8th grade boys, and the high school girls and high school boys are going to be in separate groups.  There will also be a parents meeting at 6:00 p.m. on that same date.  A letter will be mailed out to the parents in order to explain this program.  The speaker will also have a special lunch with teachers as well. 

III.         Athlete of the Year Revisions – This was already discussed with Mr. Allen present during the guest portion of the meeting.

IV.         Evaluation of Handbook Meetings – Mr. Hale asked for comments and suggestions for future beginning of school parent meetings.  John Boyle recommended that we have both of the evening meetings start at the same time, allowing Father to speak, followed by Mr. Hale, and then dismiss the grade school parents after discussion of the rules changes for the grade school handbook.

V.             School Improvement Process – Mr. Hale and Paula Atkeson will begin the process of compiling all the high school test scores, and other various information, in order to review for improvement.  Gene Soukup asked what time of the school year will the Iowa Basic Test Skills tests be given to elementary students.  Mr. Hale stated that our students will be tested in the Fall, as this is the request of the Archdioceses.  He also mentioned that our curriculum is geared towards Fall testing as well.

VI.         Calendar – September 5 – W.A.I.T. Training, September  21 – Homecoming

 

 

Pastors report:

           I.      This year the Home and School group will be coordinating clean up projects and improvement projects to be coordinated with Clint Morrill.  This will enable those who are in need of service hours to volunteer time, and Clint will determine the projects that are necessary to be completed.

       II.      Father recommended that as we hear things in the marketplace, we should try to formulate them into goals, and add them to the agenda to be discussed at future board meetings.  We need to talk about the great things going on at St. Mary’s Schools.  Lots of people are working really hard to build up our schools.  Father asked that we formulate prioritized goals (broken down by #1, #2, and #3 for significance) for the School Board to achieve during the year.  We should have at least six goals, and work on moving them up the ranks.

 

There being no further business, and no need for executive session, a motion to adjourn was made by John Boyle, seconded by Jim Sibbel.  Meeting was adjourned with a prayer led by Father Nigli.

 

Due to conflicts with calendars, Sharon made a motion that the next meeting be held on the 19th of September, seconded by John Boyle.