Idea Transcript
Mission: To empower a diverse student community to become independent, creative, and socially responsible learners through adherence to the principles and models of instruction set forth by Maria Montessori. The Ozark Montessori Academy, held by Ozark Education, Inc., is a public charter school with a charter being renewed in October 2019.
OZARK MONTESSORI ACADEMY BOARD OF TRUSTEES MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES Date & Time: August 25, 2016, 5pm Location: Ozark Montessori Academy, 301 S. Holcomb Ave. Springdale, AR 72764 Name 1
Larry Ash
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Benjamin Temple
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Trenton Harris Jennifer Keith Maria Solis Tamara Ash Austin Simpson Dr. Christine Silano
BOARD MEMBER ATTENDEES Office Presen Absent t President & x Chair Vice President x & Chair Secretary x Treasurer x Member x Member x Member x Executive x Director & Non-voting Member
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Additional Attendees: Rochelle Nichols, Director of Finance, Ozark Montessori Academy Jitka Sitter, OMA Assistant Principal Jennifer Joyner, Patron Guest Ricardo Suarez Patron Guest Minutes Recorded by: Trenton Harris, Secretary
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Mission: To empower a diverse student community to become independent, creative, and socially responsible learners through adherence to the principles and models of instruction set forth by Maria Montessori. The Ozark Montessori Academy, held by Ozark Education, Inc., is a public charter school with a charter being renewed in October 2019.
RECORD OF MINUTES MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY BOARD PRESIDENT Having determined that a quorum is present, the Chair announced that the Ozark Montessori Academy monthly meeting was hereby called to order at 5:38pm. PRE-MEETING ACTIVITIES-PARTICIPATIONVOLUNTARY 1. Reading from the Absorbent Mind, by Maria Montessori, Dr. Christine Silano 2. The Pledge of Allegiance MEETING AGENDA APPROVAL BY SCHOOL BOARD Christine requested the amendment to the agenda to include the financial update for the month. The Chair motioned that the agenda be approved pending the amendment mentioned above. 2nd by Jennifer Keith. No on opposed. The motion carried. READING OF MINUTES from the PREVIOUS MONTH’S BOARD MEETING Note: the Secretary will date and sign the approved minutes and forward the signed copy to the Executive Director and OMA Webmaster to be posted on the OMA website for public record. Meeting Minutes from last month’s meeting were read by Trenton Harris, OEI Secretary The Chair, Larry Ash, announced that the minutes stand approved as submitted. 2nd by Vice Chair, Benjamin Temple No one opposed. The motion carried. PATRON COMMENTS (Time set aside to briefly address the Board concerning matters relevant to the OMA. The Board will listen to the patron’s remarks, but will not discuss or take any official action at this meeting. If action is required, the Board will discuss and decide an appropriate time by which actions will be taken.) Jennifer Joyner & Ricardo Suarez joined the meeting. No comments were given.
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Mission: To empower a diverse student community to become independent, creative, and socially responsible learners through adherence to the principles and models of instruction set forth by Maria Montessori. The Ozark Montessori Academy, held by Ozark Education, Inc., is a public charter school with a charter being renewed in October 2019.
DISCUSSION OF OLD BUSINESS 1. Discussion of Form a Governance Committee for the OEI (Tabled from last month’s meeting) Ben Motioned that the committee be created. Tamara made a 2nd The motion carried. The Committee will consist of Benjamin Temple Tamara Ash, and Trenton Harris The meeting will be on every 2nd Thursday of each month at 6pm beginning in September 2016. 2. Discussion and review of the upcoming school year’s academic schedule and calendar. (Tabled from last month’s meeting) The board agreed to Motion was made by Jennifer to approve the calendar as published with the addition of the monthly committee meeting. Tamara Made a 2nd. The motion carried. 3. Discussion on the ASPIRE Test Score for the School (Reasoning behind the test scores/What are the next steps?) (Tabled from last month’s meeting) Christine and Jitka provided reasoning for the scores and explained the planned approach in which the school would seek to meet the test score requirements for the next near. 4. Discussion on the Grievance Policy (compliance & enforcement) (Tabled from last month’s meeting) Christine handed out copies of the Staff Dispute Procedure and a grievance policy for the board was discussed. A motion was made to have the Governance Committee review this item in regards to the process that the board would follow according. 2nd was made by The motion carried Follow up Activity: the Governance board will discuss in its first meeting.
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Mission: To empower a diverse student community to become independent, creative, and socially responsible learners through adherence to the principles and models of instruction set forth by Maria Montessori. The Ozark Montessori Academy, held by Ozark Education, Inc., is a public charter school with a charter being renewed in October 2019.
DISCUSSION OF NEW BUISINESS 1. Monthly Financial Report The board received a financial report, the Board Financial Report from Rochelle Nichols, OEI Finance Director, and was placed them on file. The Fiscal Year starts July 1st and ends on June 30th. Pending the Financial Oversight Committee’s approval, the approval of the Financial report will be given at the next board meeting. Follow up Activity: the Board will provide a vote of approval at the next monthly meeting. A request was made by Jennifer to discuss the upcoming yearly Audit and its requirements at the next monthly Board Meeting. 2. New board member Recruitment and Procedure The board agreed to have the Governance Committee review the following: o A yearly rotation o Diversity of professional experiences o Establishing a procedure of selection and recruitment that is based upon the OMA’s needs. 3. Parent Handbook and Staff Handbook Updates The board reviewed the Policy of Behaviors, Interventions, & Responses that Christine’s sent out to the Board previously this week. Benjamin motioned that the pending the suggested updates provided to Christine by the Board, be made to the policy mentioned above and be approved. A 2nd was made by Larry Ash. No one opposed. The motioned carried. Christine requested that a Technology Policy be discussed at the next monthly board meeting. 5. Discussion on the school security alarm Larry motioned that we get 3 bids from security companies that would be able to provide a quality security system for the school. A decision would be made after this information is received. Page 4 of 5
Mission: To empower a diverse student community to become independent, creative, and socially responsible learners through adherence to the principles and models of instruction set forth by Maria Montessori. The Ozark Montessori Academy, held by Ozark Education, Inc., is a public charter school with a charter being renewed in October 2019.
Jennifer made a 2nd. No one opposed. The motion carried.
6. Discussion on adoption of the Board Code of Conduct from Brian Carpenter Ben moved to approve on the condition that the board signs a copy of the code of conduct. Jennifer made a 2nd. No one opposed. The motioned carried. Follow Up Activity: Bring a copy for all board members to sign to the next monthly meeting. 7. Discussion of creating a Diversity Committee Christine asked that the board support efforts to foster diversity within the school Ben moved to agree to have at least one (1) board member who will provide support as a Diversity Committee. Larry made a 2nd. No one opposed. The motion carried. ADJOURNMENT
After asking if there was any further business, the meeting was declared adjourned by President Larry Ash at 7:45pm
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