The Assumption Board of Education met on March 22, 2007. Chairperson Chandel Dietz called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m. Members present: Chandel Dietz, Fr. Alan, Bob Schneider, Suzie Eklund, Tom Thooft, Mary Zosel, Mike Mahoney,
Faith Formation: Tom Noel, Kim Gullickson
H & SA Representative: Kristin McNeill
Teacher Representative: Casey Sayles
Others Present: Darla Loher, recording secretary
Guests: Kristin Ohren, Amy Clark, Lynn Nelson, Laura Rentz, Deb & Dean Solvie, Carol Burke, Larry Mahoney, Jay Dietz, Joan Riedner, Amy Kehoe, Kim Jenc, Barb Spaulding, Tricia Rohloff, Suzette Fitzgerald, Rose Murphy, Jerry Loher, Sr., Sharon Papiernik
All shared in opening prayer.
Chandel welcomed the personnel committee along with the trustees and visitors.
Fr. Alan reported he, along with the trustees and personnel committee has had much communication from the Diocese regarding the return of Susan Hennen. The Human Resource consultant at the Diocese suggestion and advice is to not pursue this. Fr. Alan, the personnel committee and trustees came to a consensus to honor this advice.
A limited time was offered to hear comments/concerns before moving to the agenda for tonightÕs meeting.
a. Motion by Bob, seconded by Mike to approve the agenda with the addition of New Business d) 2007-08. Motion passed.
b. Motion by Suzie, seconded by Mike to approve the minutes. Motion passed.
c. Motion by Mike, seconded by Tom to approve the finance report. Motion passed.
C. Unfinished Business
1. Tom reported viewing the video regarding safety of participating in the Adopt A Highway project. He suggests including 5th and 6th graders and pairing them with adults. This will involve students from both Faith Formation and St. Mary's School. Tom will communicate date chosen.
2. FF fees for 2007-08
a. & b. Discussion was held regarding the fees, policy will be discussed and approved during the St. MaryÕs School portion of meeting.
c. Sacramental Prep.: First communion is May 6, centers will be held and interviews should be scheduled with Fr. Alan.
d. Vacation Bible School: Kim Gullickson and Tricia Rohloff will co-chair.
a. Students are back in the classroom focusing on Lent including upcoming class on Stations of the Cross.
b. No classes will be held Holy Week, but Tom is seeking participation from Confirmation students in liturgy on Holy Thursday.
c. Collection of registration fees: a follow up letter is going out soon.
d. 2007-08: Tom expressed concern about the program in the coming year.
He will schedule a meeting with the steering committee for input.
Tom also reported a fantastic response to Castaway with 20-21 students registered. Twelve students are registered for the Confirmation retreat.
Fr. Alan reported the Òteam conceptÓ would most likely continue, recognizing it is too work for one person. Input from the steering committee will be sought.
The personnel committee and Fr. Alan will be reviewing all job descriptions.
RCIA update: two candidates
Tom and Mark communicate exceptionally well with the youth
Review priorities
Review long term goals and planning
Staff contracts
Family questionnaire
None
Financial Report: fish fry approximate profit $2600-$2700
Pizza Hut Night: Suzie Eklund is chairing.
Lions Breakfast held April 15, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at American Legion, all proceeds go to SMS playground.
Parish Appreciation Breakfasts:
Assumption: April 22 between Masses
Chokio & Herman: April 29
Celebration for Education: spreadsheet was presented with recommendations and was unanimously approved at the Home and School Association meeting held last week.
It is noted that the Board of Education members approve the recommendations as well. These recommendations will now go to the Parish Council/Parish Finance.
1. Motion by Tom, seconded by Mary to approve the agenda with the noted addition of Playground committee report to be discussed first. Motion passed.
2. Motion by Mike, seconded by Suzie to approve the minutes. Motion passed.
3. Motion by Bob, seconded by Mike to approve the finance reports.
4. Unfinished Business
a. Tuition Policy: #602. Motion by Bob, seconded by Tom to approve with discussed changes in wording of policy. Motion carried. Motion by Suzie, seconded by Mike to approve with anticipated tuition changes. Motion carried. Motion by Mike, seconded by Bob to approve the tuition rates determined. Motion carried.
b. Next year staff: Fr. Alan reported opening for the Spanish teacher position.
c. Adopt A Highway: Chandel will communicate with parish council and choose date.
5. New Business
a. Playground Committee report: Deb and Dean Solvie and Mike Mahoney presented the plan for the new playground and a letter explaining the details was read. The letter will be filed in the school office. Costs were discussed. Darla reported $500 playground donation was made this last weekend. Westmor has offered to donate sandblasting and painting of merry go round, balance beam if these items can be saved for use. Many thanks were expressed to the Playground Committee for their thorough, hard work. The Board of Education endorsed presenting this plan to the Parish Council/Finance Committee at a special Council meeting next week.
Fr. Alan suggested a reconciliation process and creatively apply the concept of tithing for those less fortunate. Discussion was held.
b. Motion by Suzie, seconded by Mike to approve the policies with the discussed changes, motion passed.
c. Motion by Bob, seconded by Tom to approve the employee contract with the discussed change. Motion passed.
d. Board Self Evaluation: board members were asked to complete and bring to next monthÕs meeting (April 10)
e. Ed. Fund Report: Darla reported the committee met on March 21,
$6000 will paid to SMS in July and again in December fulfilling the $12,000 commitment for the 2007-08 school year. Ed. Fund members commended the Celebration for Education Committee on a great job.
f. Curr. Exp./Tech. Committee: no report, will report at next months meeting
g. Report on review of staff: in absence of a principal, Darla will review.
h. Election Ballots: Mike reported there were many nominations. Suzie and Mike will contact nominees. Tom announced he is declining to run for Board of Education, but would like to run for Parish Council.
i. Motion by Mike, seconded by Mary to strike Finance Committee Report from the agenda, will discuss in an executive session following the meeting.
j. Easter Monday/last day of school: Motion by Suzie, seconded by Mary to not hold classes at St. MaryÕs School on Easter Monday. Motion carried.
Motion by Mary, seconded by Suzie that the last day of classes remains Wednesday, May 30.
k. Board of Ed./H & SA roles: Fr. Alan reported the Diocese encourages and recommends forming standing committees under the Board of Education, moving the responsibilities of fundraising from the H & SA. Home and School focuses on fun.
The Home and School Assoc. constitution was reviewed; proposed changes would need ratification by H & SA at the May Home and School meeting. Recommendations will be taken to the H & SA officers and brought back to the Board of Education in June.
Communications & Reports:
Casey Sayles, kindergarten teacher reported her year is going well.
Questions from the Board: none
Meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.
All shared in closing prayer.
Respectfully submitted,
Darla Loher, recording secretary