Saint Theresa Parish Board of Education Minutes


Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 6:00 PM

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

  1. Prayer 6:02
  2. Open Forum/Visitors’ comments – 6:05 None
  3. Acceptance of September Agenda – 6:05 Lori moved approval of the September agenda, seconded by Jen and approved by the Board.
  4. Approval of Minutes from August meeting – 6:06 Visitors: Correct spelling of Veronica Degen’s last name; Board Members Present: Add Jennifer Donaghy; Administrators’ Reports/Director of Faith Formation: Amend to state, “Kathy would stay until a replacement is found;” Old Business – Amend to state, “Jen Jorgensen would post policies on Edline.” Jim moved approval of the amended August Minutes, seconded by Lori and approved by the Board.
  5. Guest Speaker – Dr. Luvern Gubbels  - Role of a Board Member– 6:08 There is a difference between a board of education and a school board, the model of a public school board differs from that of a Catholic school board, the public board is more administrative than policy making. With a Catholic board there is representation of the parish, the board gives advice and counsel and the pastor is part of the discussion. Advice can be taken or not. Importance of confidentiality of executive session was stressed. Basic function, hierarchy, process and boundaries were discussed. The role of the pastor is to approve policies put forth by a board. The administrator is trained and educated for certain functions included in oversight of the school. A Catholic board of education advises, gives counsel and makes policy to allow the administrator to carry out the school program. A board has authority as a board only when meeting as a board.
  6. Administrators’ Reports
    1. Director of Faith Formation – 6:42 Sun, Sept 18 was catechetical Sunday, WFF classes began Sept. 14, 122 students K-8 enrolled, the Edge program was in place for 6th and 7th grade and Kathy and some catechists attended a Sept 10 workshop on the program. There were three new catechists, yet still the need for more. Sacramental prep and Generations of Faith details were given. No update on Kathy’s replacement. There was discussion of proposed future restructuring of Faith Formation. Kathy distributed and evangelization hand-out.
    2. Parish Manager – 6:50 August budget numbers for tuition would need to be re-evaluated, actual was appropriate. Parish is above budget for tithing and below budget for expenses through August, less cost for new phone system, which was covered by the Foundation. Curt Chicoine was working in his Eagle Scout project, Project Moses, a granite monument containing the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes. The Knights were working on a new sidewalk near Pre-Kindergarten. Thanks to PTC for mulch, drainage was working well. Other general improvements include carpet cleaning and veneer repair in the parish hall.
    3. School Administrator – 7 p.m. School is busy, with Ellen in classes observing more frequently, sacred space in each class, Everyday Math going well, new teachers doing well, amply mentored. Drop-off and pick-up going well, greater sense of community with increased visibility of and interaction between staff and parents. Tom Downey would send a letter to band parents regarding missed Monday lessons. PTC meeting last week was fruitful. Work in progress for procuring more Smart Boards, goal of one in each grade. Pre-K contracts still not received, law specifics were in play in determining exact amount to be received per student from Des Moines public school system in the wake of budget cuts. Tom McCarthy is the new Athletic Director. Ellen is seeking grants for electrical work in the building. The school will apply for Blue Ribbon status.
    4. Other - None
  7. Committee Reports 7:16 Policy review: Complete, revisions and additions would be forwarded to the Board for review. PTC: A lot of fundraising would take place, including Stampede.
  8. Old Business 7:22
    1. Board Book Study – Strengthfinders 2.0 – Ellen distributed copies of the book, the Board held discussion. The board would take the quiz from the book in advance of the next meeting and Ellen would have John Gaffney join her in a subsequent meeting to facilitate results.
    2. 2011-12 Board Goals 7:27 Geri would bring goals to a subsequent meeting for Board review.
  9. New Business
  10. Other Business 7:28 Additional Board member input needed on policy revision, the Board discussed specifics of individual policies in need of input. Geri would email suggested meeting dates and times for this. Board visioning specifics would be forwarded for parish review. Geri would send committee volunteer options to the Board for their participation.
  11. Adjournment 7:36

Date of next meeting - Oct 11
Prayer Jim moved approval of adjournment, seconded by Rachael and approved by the Board.