Saint Theresa Parish Board of Education Minutes

Tuesday, November 15, 2011, 6:00 PM

Present: Lori Mordini, Geri McMahon, Rachael Seymour, Ellen Stemler, Tammy Pingle, Jennifer Donaghy, Katie Olsen, Jim Wainwright, Mary Gisler, Amy Thompson, Father Mark Neal
Absent: Kerry Harrington
Visitors: John Gaffney, Luvern Gubbels, Sarah Byrd, Jean Hemmer
Secretary: Lisa Bourne

1. Prayer – 6:03
2. Open Forum/Visitors’ comments – 6:08
   None
3. Acceptance of November Agenda – 6:08
   Add Luvern Gubbels after John Gaffney; Jennifer moved approval of the amended agenda, seconded by Lori and approved by the Board.
4. Approval of Minutes from October meeting – 6:09
   Lori moved approval of the October minutes, seconded by Rachael and approved by the Board. After approval, Amy Thompson was introduced to the Board.
5. Guest Teacher –John Gaffney – Board Development – 6:12
   Presentation and small-group discussion of how to have greater understanding of who we are and how we use our strengths. Breakdown of: What consists of a strength, a talent, a skill, and knowledge.
6. Luvern Gubbels – 6:48
   Role of Committees: Committees are recommended, they increase the Board’s ability to do its work. There is no specific diocesan policy on Board committees. Two committee types: ad hoc, to handle specific tasks; and standing committees for ongoing matters. Budget Committee is recommended. Board Development and Marketing Committees recommended. Building and Grounds Committee recommended if not otherwise in existence. Policy Committee is recommended as is a Planning Committee.
7. Administrators’ Reports
   1. Parish Manager – 7:02
      First meeting of the Building and Grounds Committee will be in January. Trying to jump-start committee, to have involvement from varying parish groups and individuals, and to perform short and long-term planning. Currently in the midst of tithing drive, work continues on phones in the church. New school entrance looks good, STS logo proposed. Financials: Parish income is on budget, slightly up. ADA goal should be met in the near future. Parish cash counting guidelines would be explored after Mary reviews diocesan guidelines.
   2. School Administrator – 7:13
      Angela Wolfe gave birth to son Gabriel that day. Smart Tuition currently looked good. Blue Ribbon application materials arrived and Ellen will communicate with various people in the school committee in preparation of the application. Next year is the school’s 60th anniversary and this would be good to celebrate in conjunction with the Blue Ribbon designation. The result of the work on the entrance overhang was positive, as was the pre-k sidewalk and the new bench. The busses needed front tires, some windows and one needed an exhaust pipe. Procurement of a floor scrubber was under consideration. Geri and Ellen would meet with a representative of Heartland AEA for strategic planning and increased parish-wide input for this would be sought. John Pogemiller had died and the St. Theresa Parish and School community had stepped up to support the family as it usually does. Rose Sullivan had also died. She had been a volunteer in the school as far back as the 1950s. Staff and students had paid tribute at the wake through a quilt project.
    Other – None
8. Committee Reports – 7:20
   PTC met Nov1; report was made on Stampede and Book Fair, both of which were included in Ellen’s report. One-hundred-five attended the skate party and $100 was raised for STS. A possible diocese-wide middle school skate party organized by STS was discussed. A father-daughter dance and staff appreciation event were discussed for Feb; with the latter potentially involve collaboration with the Board and Knights of Columbus. The Board discussed the staff appreciation event.
9. Old Business
   1. 2011-12 Board Goals – 7:22
      Geri distributed proposed goals. Regarding Budget Committee, budget target vote date should be in Jan each year to then be prepared to refer the budget to the Finance Council at its Feb meeting. The Board discussed goals, and also discussed improved communication between the Board and school staff and communication between STS and Dowling department chairs to facilitate best transition for STS students into Dowling.
   2. Policies 7:35
      Geri had sent proposed policies prior to the meeting for Board review: 255 - Delinquent Tuition Collection, and Policy 550 – Medication. Biggest change to Medication-550 allows parents to give permission for over the counter pain relief medicine via phone. Lori moved approval for the amended Medication Policy-550, seconded by Jim and approved by the Board. The Board discussed the language of Policy 255. Jim moved approval of the amended Policy-255 Delinquent Tuition Collection, seconded by Rachael and approved by the Board. The policies would have second reading at the next meeting.
10. New Business
    1.  Constitution change – 7:51
       Geri offered background on Board oversight of Faith Formation as contained in the Board Constitution. Sarah Byrd and Jean Hemmer spoke about their role on the Faith Formation Council and the Council’s function. The Board discussed the Council’s function.  
11. Other Business – 8:11
    Father Mark distributed material regarding criteria for determining supporting member of the parish.
12. Adjournment 8:26 – Date of next meeting – Jan 17