Saint Theresa Parish Board of Education Minutes

Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 6:00 PM

Present: Lori Mordini, Geri McMahon, Rachael Seymour, Father Mark Neal, Ellen Stemler, Kathy Wipf, Kerry Harrington, Tammy Pingle, Jennifer Donaghy, Katie Olsen, Jim Wainwright
Absent: Mary Gisler
Visitors: John Gaffney, Angela Wolfe

Secretary: Lisa Bourne

1. Prayer 5:59
   Led by John Gaffney
2. Open Forum/Visitors’ comments – 6:04
   None
3. Acceptance of October Agenda – 6:04
   Rachael moved approval of the October agenda, seconded by Lori and approved by the Board.
4. Approval of Minutes from September meeting – 6:06
   Lori moved approval of the September Minutes, seconded by Tammy and approved by the Board.
5. Guest Teacher –John Gaffney – Board Development – 6:06
   Background on Strengthfinders program and author. Focus on strengths, Catholic approach includes acknowledgement of the dignity of the human person. John distributed a reflection assessment and strengths self-efficacy scale to the Board based on the Strengthfinders assessment previously taken by the Board. He discussed individual results with the Board.
6. Guest speaker – Angela Wolfe – STS Nutrition Director – 6:49
   The Federal Government is mandating an increase in school lunches to be in effect by January 1, 2012, and another increase for the next school year. Significant financial penalties would be incurred by the school nutrition program in lieu of implementation of the increases. Rachael moved approval to increase the price of school lunches from $2.25 to $2.30 as if December, 31, 2012, for the first increase, seconded by Katie and approved by the Board.
7. Administrators’ Reports
   Kathy distributed her report electronically prior to the meeting. An increase in students that are behind in sacraments and religious education is prevalent at St. Theresa and elsewhere.
1. Parish Manager – 6:56
   The Board reviewed a copy of the current budget. The Board would refer any questions to Ellen prior presentation to the Finance Council.
2. School Administrator – 7:02
   Ellen distributed goals on Reading, Math and Science proficiency for the 2011-2012 school year and a current update from Smart Tuition. Experiments in Middle School Science have students engaged. New teachers are doing very well. PTC goal is $20K this year.
3. Other
8. Committee Reports
   PTC did not meet since the last Board meeting.
9. Old Business 7:15
1. 2011-12 Board Goals
   Discussion next Board meeting
2. Policies
   The Board reviewed Policies 255 and 550. Proposed changes would be put before the Board for approval at the November Board meeting. 550 would be reviewed by the school nurse.
10. New Business 7:32
1.  Constitution change
   The Board discussed transference of Faith Formation oversight to the Faith Formation Council from the Board of Education. Table the issue for November. Various Board members would attend the Faith Formation Council meeting October 20.
11. Other Business 8:18
    None
12. Adjournment

Date of next meeting – November 15
Prayer 8:18
8:19 Rachael moved to adjourn, seconded by Jen and approved by the Board.