CLC Board Meeting Minutes
8/23/01
Attending: Lauri Perman, Katharine Dixon, Donna Fischer, LizKisenwether, Malena Moore, Giles Driscoll, Glenn Johnson, Mark J.Toci, Brian Rowan, Theresa Shay, M.J. Hogan, Diane Lehman, JeanMorrow, Ann Bolser, Denise Kochersperger
The Board meeting began at 9:00 p.m.
I. Approval of the Minutes
The minutes of the 7/5/01 meeting were approved.
II. Business
A. Welcome New Teacher Representatives
Theresa Shay and Mark Toci have been elected by the teachers toserve as Teacher Representatives to the Board.
B. Update on approval of all personnel contracts to date
Katharine Dixon has joined the staff as the lead teacher in Team3. Andrew McKinnon has joined as the assistant teacher with TheresaShay.
Mike Weitzel is the new assistant teacher in Team 3; he will alsobe the special education coordinator. Katharine and Donna alsobring experience and credentials in special education. The otherassistant teachers' contracts have been renewed. Brad will bereturning as a math coordinator. Michele Rivera has been hired as anarts coordinator. Kelly Kennedy has been hired as the ExtendedSchool Program Coordinator.
C. Research/Evaluation Activities for the coming school year
A table was distributed showing the research/evaluation plan forthe coming school year in contrast to the previous school year. Itwas approved that Coopersmith Self-esteem inventory be taken at homeat the beginning, middle, and end of school year. In addition, theAssessment of Learner Centered Principles will be taken at home inthe middle of the school year. These two instruments will form thebasis for Malena Moore's doctoral dissertation and will providecomparative data with the SCASD. The proposed plan was approved bythe Board. A concern was expressed that these data should be sharedwith parents.
D. New Facility
1. F unding. We have until August 31 to get the funding throughthe Ferguson Township Industrial Development Authority. If that isnot accomplished, we will get a conventional loan.
2. Permits. Glenn has been working on plans for the Departmentof Labor and Industry which are necessary in order to get thenecessary permits for remodeling. He is currently working with theCentre Region Codes office in order to secure the necessary permitsfor the renovations that are required for occupancy of thebuilding.
3. Internet status. The network was completely redesigned andshould be working in the near future. Liz Kisenwether recommendedthat the CLC investigate current eligibility for Link to Learn fundsto help pay for some of these costs.
4. The Board unanimously approved (5-0) the remodeling plan inaccordance with life, safety and ADA criteria.
E. External audit status
The auditor is expected to arrive at CLC on September 4.
F. Insurance coverages
Ann Bolser is currently reviewing CLC insurance policies andpractices. A concern was expressed about having adequate insuranceand policies to govern laptop ownership. The use of laptops posesmany new logistical challenges for families and parents. Ann wasasked to investigate the Latrobe Area School District's experienceusing laptops very broadly.
G. Annual report
On Monday, August 27, the SCASD Board will review the CLC's AnnualReport. Glenn Johnson will make a short presentation to the Board atthat time.
III. Financial
A. Election Cycle of Representatives/Financial OversightPerson
Glenn requested authority to recruit a volunteer to assist the CLCin financial oversight. The Board confirmed that Glenn has theauthority to recruit volunteer consultants to assist him and otherstaff and does not need the Board's prior permission to do so. Sincethe community representative's term ends in December, it is time tobegin recruiting prospective Board members to the position.
B. Internal Auditors
The internal auditors have nearly completed their work.
C. Budget Review
Current under-enrollment of 7 students poses challenges to ourbudget which depends on full enrollment.
D. Enrollment and Advertising
A concern was expressed about starting the school year withoutfull enrollment. The Board requested stepped up newspaperadvertising and radio advertising in the next two weeks. The Boardagreed on the importance of establishing an ample waiting list. TheBoard agreed to advertise for an unpaid public relations intern fromPenn State. A suggestion was made to try to revisit with the SCASDdistributing CLC brochures in the SCASD schools. A suggestion wasmade to distribute brochures at the Grange Fair. The Board was notcertain what the consequences would be if the CLC doesn't have fullenrollment.
E. Authorization to Pay Bills
The Board approved paying the bills.
F. CLC Receives Grant
Comprehensive School Reform Demonstration Grant for $150,000 overthe next three years was received. In addition, a mini-grant in Mathwas also received.
IV. The Board meeting adjourned at 10:40 p.m.