Saint Theresa Parish Board of Education Minutes


May 24, 2011, 6:00 PM   Media Center

Present: Rachael Seymour, Lori Mordini, Steve Kouri, Tonya Eaton, Cindy Mumm, Kathy Wipf, Geri McMahon, Tom McCarthy and Ellen Stemler
Absent: Father Neal, Jim Wainwright, Rob Jackson, Mary Baker
Visitors: Ms. Castellano, Regan Castellano, Ms. Clark, Ms. Hingtgen, Ms. Roling, and Ms. Stromer

I.       Prayer – 6:04
Lead by Geri

II.    Open Forum/Visitor’s Comments -None

III. Acceptance of May agenda: 6:06

Under New Business – removed Data Analysis (Ellen will email)

Under Administrators  Report – Parish Manager (Mary absent)

Lori moved to accept the amended agenda, Seconded by Tonya: motion carried

IV. Approval of Minutes from April: 6:09

Cindy Mumm was present at last meeting

Under section V subsection C strike line that reads “Payments for band would be made directly to the band director going forward.” 

Cindy moved for approval of the April minutes, seconded by Tom; motion carried

V.    New Business – 6:10

A.    Josh Faber – not present

B.      Presentation by math book committee.  Handout given to the Board regarding comparison of series being considered.  The teachers have looked at several books – the two of the series being given consideration are Everyday Mathematics and Saxon Math .  The text preferred by the group is the Everyday Math.  This text contains spiral learning as well differential learning.  The reason they want new math text is because the current text are not challenging enough and teachers are using different supplement teaching materials, which is causing teachers to not have standard language between the different grade levels.  The Everyday Math series has a greater ability to challenge higher level learners.  Question by Geri regarding  that given the current change in Core standards, would we be better off waiting a few years until there are more texts available.  Response was the Everyday Math does seem to address the Core standards.  The Everyday Math series is only pre-k through6th grade.  Veronica Degen, Dowling H.S. math chair, has looked at both texts and recommends the Everyday Math Series.  Saxon series is more data driven, while Everyday Math is more student driven.  Saxon series seems lacking in the differential learning area.  Several of the other schools in the area have decided to use the Saxon series.  Everyday Math is a consumable text book which is a cost consideration but teachers noted that some of the portions can be reused. 

VI. Administrators’ Reports

A.     Director of Faith Formation – 7:00

Report provided at meeting.  There will be need for 6 new catechist next year – a couple have moved to new parishes or have other commitments on Wednesday nights.  8 of 14 are returning.  There have been some conversation regarding changes for confirmation but we are waiting on direction from Bishop Pates.  “Edge” is the new middle school component of Life Teen which we will be using.

B.     School Administrator  - 7:05

ITBS skills information was not able to be printed off.  That information shall be provided via email.

Executive Session - 7:07 p.m. Based on request of Ellen, Tonya motioned we go into executive session.  Tom seconded the motion.   Tom moved to end executive session, seconded by Cindy.  The motion carried at 7:20 pm.   

Discussion regarding tuition collection.  There are two families who will not be allowed to return unless the pay remaining balance.  According to current report we have $17,125.16 not collected.  There is belief that about $10,000-11,000 will not be collected.

The current enrollment number is at 285.  Ellen believes we will meet the enrollment number of 305 – which is the number our budget is based on.

Ellen placed an ad in the Des Moines Register for Art and Middle School Science positions.  We have several candidates for the elementary positions.  The teachers will be meeting after the end of school to restructuring the schedule for next year.  PBS team is going to ISU for two days later this year for more training.  The documentation indicates there are more referrals for the boys, this is going to be addressed as Ellen agrees there are equal issues with girls but maybe more subtle but no less concerning.  Steve questioned the effectiveness of PBS, especially in the middle school.  Ellen is meeting tomorrow with the Title I reading resource teacher tomorrow.  The was discussion regarding lunch program.

VII.          OLD BUSINESS

A.     Budget  - 8:02

Budget was provided.  There have been some minor changes – additional money budgeted for fuel, food and unemployment.   Mary has sent letters to all parishes and the schools regarding need for verification from the home parishes to show the family is an active member of that parish.   The finance committee has approved the current budget.   

B.     Policy

Motion to approve the following policy as revised: 350, 440,  450, 500, 510, 520, 530, 540, 560, 600 and 610.  Lori made a motion to adopt the policies as revised.  Rachael seconded the motion.  Motion carried.  Policy 550 is tabled until next meeting.  Discussion regarding Policy 255, the tuition collection policy which will be typed up and adopted at the next meeting.  Geri also talked about proposed policies and asked Board members to review those and provide comment via email.

C.     Board of Education Elections

There are 4 positions that are open.  Geri has not had anyone contact her

regarding interest in the positions.  Board members are encouraged to speak directly to person who may be interested in this volunteer opportunity.   

VIII.        Committee Reports

A.    Athletic committee – doing some restructuring for next year.  Participation is good. 

IX. Other Business

A.     Approving Ellen’s contact – Geri and Toyna shall check into whether this is

necessary or a formality. 

X.    Adjournment – 8:45

Toyna made a motion to adjourn.  Tom seconded the motion.  Motion carried.

XI. Prayer – 8:49  

Next meeting is June 14, 2011.