St. Mary’s School Board Minutes

October 10, 2007

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

Guests:

Tony Allen and Mike Zakrzewski were recognized as guests. Mike approached the Board with the question about the Athletic/Activities Banquet. Last year after we had the speaker, Coach John Cook lined scheduled to speak, he was approached by the Public School Booster Club to share the speaker for the banquet. At that time, it was not able to be worked out. Mike wanted to be prepared to discuss this with the Board in advance this year to see if we would want to share speakers for the banquets each year. After discussion, it was decided that it would be in the best interests of both schools if each would be able to keep their own speaker for the duration of the evening.

After review of the proposed agenda, a motion to approve was made by Mel Ohri, seconded by LuAnn Shields, Vote: All in favor, none opposed.

After review of the September 19 meeting minutes, a motion was made by Sharon Spencer, seconded by John Boyle, Vote: All in favor, none opposed.

Pastor’s Report:

I. Father expressed that he appreciated all of the calls, cards, thoughts and prayers from everyone after the event of his Father’s passing.

II. Letters to send from last meeting – Father state that in his absence, the letters were not able to be finalized and approved, so they have not been mailed out yet. This will be accomplished in the next week or two.

III. There were many students at the Life Chain on Sunday, this was a pleasing site.

IV. Building Project – There will be slight changes once again. The date has been set up to have the final bids cleared (10/22/07) and final approval of the project will be received from the Archdiocese.

V. School Crest – The drafts have been reviewed by Father Nigli and Father Hoesing. In order to make the design easily reproducible, it had to be revised, and they are looking at how to change the design to reflect the appropriate aspects of the school.

VI. Catholic Symposium – Father reported on the symposium that he recently attended. There will be a big push to attract the Catholics to come to Catholic Schools. He is asking for ideas or means that some of the Board members may have that would assist in the process of meeting with people and getting them into our school. We have an obligation to attempt to get all families to come over to the school, or come back to the school. Would like to put into place the practice of talking to the parents/families of each student that leaves the school. Would like to proactively recognize people who have children in pre-school to invite them to the school. The decisions to change schools need to be made by February and March, in order to have everything in order for the next school year. Sharon Spencer mentioned that at the homecoming cookout, that there were families there that do not have children in school yet. Father asked if we are communicating with the new families, to get ongoing feedback from these families as to how the transition to St. Mary’s is going. The Welcome Committee would be able to visit with the families, and Student Council could do some proactive discussions with the new students. There was discussion regarding revival of a recruitment committee.

VII. Letter – Father is going to send a letter regarding processing of needs in the classroom, so that the needs are prioritized and are being met in the proper order. This letter will discuss accountability of groups, support and funds, and highlight that portion in the handbook. This letter will go out to all parents and teachers, signed by Father Nigli, Norm Hale, and Gene Soukup. If we know of parents who want to help with specific classroom or school projects, they need to be steered through the proper channels.

Principal’s Report:

I. School Climate- Students in both elementary and high school have been doing very well. Discipline in the high school has been very good, and there have only been a few issues with elementary students. Improvements to the football and volleyball programs have added to the good mindset, mock trial and one-acts are up and running, and things are going well. We also have picked up an additional student this past week.

II. Cardinal Connection – In the biography section of last month’s newsletter, there were some misquotes in Quana Laursen’s biography. Mr. Hale and the journalism class would like to apologize for any confusion and hard feelings that this misprint may have caused. This became a valuable lesson regarding proofreading and editing, and should not happen again. There will be a correction in the next edition of Cardinal Connection.

III. Calendar Discussion (Spring Break) – Mr. Hale has fielded several phone calls and concerns regarding the school calendar and the scheduled Spring Break. Elementary school teachers had requested two consecutive days for spring break, while high school teachers requested two separate days because they felt that they were being allowed fewer instructional hours, because many students are always gone for Boys State Basketball. Mr. Hale wants to make it clear to parents that students are expected to remain in school for the full day. After discussion, it was determined that March 6^th and 7^th will be the Spring Break dates and not February 29 – this will be a school day. A note will be sent home with the students to state that new Spring Break dates will be March 6 & 7, with a shortened day of school on Wednesday, March 5. School will be dismissed at 1:30 that day.

IV. Walk To School Day – 102 out of 122 students participated, 83%. This was a good day for all involved.

V. Accreditation In-Service – Next Wednesday will be the first meeting with the teachers, to introduce and explain the process, inform of the steps, and sign up for committees. Reading Writing Math and Technology Committees will be in place, and will be filled by teachers. Parents will also be asked to be on the technology committee.

School Board Presentation – Goals for 2007-2008 School Year:

Reviewed the goals Sharon Spencer handed out.

Jill Everitt expressed a concern regarding sweatshirts for the elementary school and high school, that both shirts should say the same thing, so that as students move into the Junior High from the elementary school, they will not need to purchase new sweatshirts. After discussion on this matter, Jill made a motion that the school sweatshirts should have “SMH” under the logo, rather than “SME”, for both high school and elementary school. Seconded by LuAnn Shields. Sharon Spencer will contact Denise Litz to have her make the change to the logo.

With no further business, and no need for executive session, the meeting was adjourned with a motion to adjourn by LuAnn Shields, seconded by John Boyle. Meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer led by Mel Ohri.