CLC Board Meeting Minutes
5/24/01

Attending: Glenn Johnson, Liz Kisenwether, Lisa Sharfstein, Lauri Perman, Ann Bolser, Brian Rowan, Katy Cleary, Theresa Shay, MJ Hogan, Sara Barley, Lynn Parker Klees

The open meeting of the Board began at 9 p.m.

I. Approval of the Minutes
The minutes of 4/26/01 were corrected to indicate that the meeting began at 8:45 p.m. The minutes were approved with this correction.

II. Business

A. Executive Session.

The Board met regarding personnel issues.

B. 2001-2002 Budget

A question was raised about how technology support needs will be met in the proposed budget. The answer was that the budget continues the current arrangement of Mark Toci and Brian Rowan providing support with Ann Bolser responsible for purchasing, with a small amount of funds set aside for contract support as needed. The resulting discussion suggested that it would be useful for the school to create a written technology plan. Many technology grants require that the school include a five year technology plan.

At this point the projected balance at the end of 2000-2001 appears better than earlier projections, approximately $60,000 rather than the $48,000. People present commended staff members for being careful with spending to make this possible.

Lauri Perman moved and Liz Kisenwether seconded that the proposed budget be approved. The budget was approved.

C. Policies

Glenn Johnson distributed two policies -- personnel (general) and personnel (hiring, full-time and/or teaching staff) -- for discussion and approval at the June board meeting. A request was made that a policy be developed for personnel release or dismissal. A suggestion was made that in the future that the school consider involving students on personnel committees. In addition, a suggestion was made that students feedback on teacher effectiveness might be sought. The whole idea of student government and students’ roles within the school is a topic to be revisited. Lisa Lenze has expertise in student evaluations and might be a resource person in this domain.

D. Amendments to CLC By-Laws.

Glenn Johnson indicated that the staff recommends that the Board change the By-Laws to add a fifth voting member to the Board. The proposed fifth member would be a second teacher representative. This change was approved in principle but members asked to see specific language for this change at the next Board meeting.

Glenn Johnson also recommended a change in the dates of Board terms to ensure continuity over the summer months. After discussion, the group agreed in principle that Board terms should begin on January 1 for one-year terms, with elections to be held in November each year. Again, members asked to see specific language for approval at the next Board meeting. Current Board members are asked to serve through December 2001 but will need to individually decide whether this is possible.

The Board also asked staff to investigate the mechanisms for changing By-Laws to make sure that we are in compliance

Further discussion about the Board’s responsibilities and decision-making authority will also take place at the next meeting.

E. NEW BUSINESS

Liz Kisenwether suggested we conduct exit interviews or surveys with each departing student and the student’s family to learn their reasons for leaving the school. Liz offered to draft an exit form. MJ thought this might be something she could do. She thought it could be coupled with handling departing logistical issues such as returning books, computers, etc. Katy Cleary also suggested that
students and families be asked if the student’s address and other contact information could be published in the newsletter so that other students could be in touch if they wanted to be.

Parents expressed the desire that staffing decisions be made public as soon as possible.

III. Financial

The Board approved the paying of the bills.

The meeting adjourned at 10:04 p.m.

The next regular meeting of the Board will be on a date to be determined.