Saint Theresa Parish Board of Education Minutes

Tuesday, March 23 2009  5:45 PM

 I     Prayer - 5:52 Kelly

 II   Open Forum/Visitors’ comments 5:53 None

 III  Acceptance of March Agenda 5:54 Move Cassie Kendzora and “Art” to just before “Administrators’ Reports.” Geri moved acceptance of the amended March agenda, which seconded by Kelly and approved by the Board.

 IV  Approval of Minutes from February meeting 5:55 Geri moved approval of the February minutes, which was seconded by Tom and approved by the Board

 VIII. New Business 6:55

A. Cassie Kendzora discussed the benefits of art for STS students, including development of fine motor skills, use as a cross-curriculum resource, and development of creative thinking and problem-solving. Specific to K-5, students in K-2 were working on creative process-making and learning art history, while also interpreting art on their own level. Cassie reviewed the web gallery, Art Sonia, where students’ artwork can be ordered on products and a percentage of the sale benefits the school. Students’ work follows them through successive years of school, and while the site can be shared, it is private and secure. Grades 3-5 were studying cultural art. In middle school there was a struggle with students having not had an art program before. Goals included in-depth technique studies, exploratories, an artist in residence, and real world and career application. The artist in residence would help students see art as part of a career path and as part of the community. Time for art was limited for middle school, and there was mention of expanding Cassie’s teaching time. Space for the art program was also an issue, and various possible solutions were discussed. The first annual STS art show was scheduled for April 17 and 18. The goal was for every student to have a piece in the show. An opening reception was planned and volunteers would be needed. Art would be among the summer camp offerings which would also be open to all parish children. There was discussion of the art program, including the possibility of private art lessons and an art club. K-5 students had 45 minutes of art class weekly and middle school students had 40 minutes each week. 

 V Administrators’ Reports 

1. Director of Faith Formation 6:28
   Kathy distributed her report. Wed. Faith Formation would meet that week for session #23 of 28. Eighth grade would celebrate Reconciliation Mar. 24. Faye Akers’ 7^th-grade class had observed a half-hour of Adoration Feb. 3. WFF students participated in group activities on Passover and Holy Week on Mar. 10. Positive feedback was received from sponsors from the Confirmation retreat. Ignite sessions were being held that week for STS students and WFF in 8^th- grade. WFF 7^th-grade would be in April. Confirmation was scheduled for Mon, Apr. 12. First Communion learning centers would be Wed, Apr 14 and the sacrament would be celebrated May 1 and 2. Prayers were requested for those approaching Rite of Christian Initiation at Easter. There would be one more Generations of Faith Festival, offered Wed, Apr. 21 or Sun, Apr. 25. Kathy was still awaiting word on Totus Tuus dates. Faith Formation Council had met Thurs, Mar. 18 and new council members were being sought. Kathy had participated in the Faith in Action service activity over spring break. Kathy, Barb Woods and John Gaffney would participate in the faith formation fiesta at Ss. John and Paul in Altoona on Tues, Apr. 6. Kathy and Barb Woods would attend the Connecting Catholic Families with the Bible workshop on May 20. Kathy commended Children’s Liturgy of the Word and Sunday school catechists. Her report included a previously published newspaper article and photos on the Stations of the Nativity.
2. Parish Manager 6:40 Bob had forwarded a number of reports in advance of the meeting. The Board reviewed the various reports. Ellen said the second payment from the Des Moines Public Schools for pre-k was due Apr. 1, and that the budget looked good for the school. Tom said the holes in the gym floor would be repaired.
3. School Administrator 6:45 The diocesan CFO and controller had been out to the parish and school for a week to conduct a review, which was labor-intensive. They would likely recommend consideration of the Smart tuition collection service, which was used by St. Anthony. A full report was forthcoming. Ellen said the goal was for parents to be billed for tuition appropriately, with a bill that was easy to read, and for procedures to be followed. There was discussion of tuition billing. There would be no decrease in CTO funds at the State level. Twenty-six St. Theresa families had completed the FAIR application and two incomplete applications had been received. CTO awards were lesser amounts when received with the second deadline. Marketing would be stepped up on CTO awareness. Ellen would share with the Board a PowerPoint from the Finance. The number of STS students eligible for free or reduced lunches had increased to 44. Plans were in progress for a representative from Attorney General’s office to come speak to parents and students about social networking sites. Ellen would attend the National Catholic Education Association convention in Minneapolis. She would gather information on different structure options for middle school. Two-hundred-forty-four students were currently registered for the coming year. The Board discussed the maintenance staff search. ITBS scores had been received the prior day and looked good. There was discussion of enrollment and budget planning. The Board discussed Spanish Immersion versus Spanish language class. There was also discussion of the art space and the schedule for conferences.
4. Other None

VI Committee Reports 7:50

The Transportation Committee had discussed cost and route lengths. The PTC had met but nothing to report. The Health and Wellness meeting had not been attended. Track was off to a great start, and a $650 private donation had been received. A bulletin announcement would be used to call for Athletic Committee members. All other committee work had been discussed. The Board discussed recent dances at St. Theresa.

  VII Old Business

1. Visioning Process for Parish Council 7:58 The Board would meet Mon, Apr. 5 at 6:30 at Geri’s house.
2. Financial review process update 8:07 Previously discussed.
3. Policy Review 8:08 Committee did not meet.
4. Registration update Previously discussed.

   VIII New Business 8:09

       A. Cassie Kendzora - moved earlier in meeting

       B. Program/Budget goals There was discussion of the budget development process. The Board discussed planned summer camps. Ellen would meet with the Finance Council and department heads to compile financial data. The Board would meet Tues, Apr. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Media Center.  

   IX   Other Business 8:20 A long-term music substitute had been secured. Board elections would be coming in May.

   X    Adjournment 8:22 Date of next meeting: Apr 20, 5:45 p.m.

   Geri moved to adjourn, which was seconded by Cindy and approved by the Board.

      Next Meeting - 5:45 Apr 20, 2010