Martha’s Vineyard Public Charter School

Board of Trustees Meeting

November 2, 2011

Call to order at 7:05 by Laura Hall

Present: Rubin Cronig, Ted Bayne, Phillipe Jordi, Linda Hughes, Laura Hall, Patrie Grace, Paul Karasik, Pat Gregory, Seth Mosler, Bob Moore

Absent: Buck Reidy, Connie McHugh

October meeting minutes are voted on and approved.

The Financial report was presented by Seth Mosler. Spending is on target and there are no material changes to the budget.  Changes to health insurance are ongoing and there is a meeting scheduled for December 7^th to review changes with teachers and staff.

Bob Moore presented the Directors report. Bob shared about the positive National Writing Day Event which was held school wide in the building last week. The entire building participated in this event with mixed aged groups traveling to multiple classrooms. On Thursday, November 3^rd the school will hold a Student Showcase Evening in which students work will be shown from 5:00 to 6:30.  The Board is invited to attend.  Meetings will begin on Monday to review the State’s new mandates regarding teacher evaluations and staff members have expressed an interest in attending these meetings.  The goal is to create an evaluation standard for the school.  We did not join the MIAA in our attempt to participate in MVRHS sports activities.  The Board asked Bob to write a letter to the Regional High School Committee letting them know about our schools wish to participate in their athletics program and the response we have received from the High School principal.  Bob asks the Board to approve the 2010-2011 Annual Report. A motion was made, seconded, voted on and approved unanimously by the Board. Christina has left the school and many farewell events were held in her honor. Many applicants were interviewed for the cook vacancy within the school. Chandler Rothbard was hired for the position and comes with a wide range of experiences and interests.

Paul Karasik presented a fundraising update to the Board. The Rock Auction was a huge success and Paul thanked the Board for its participation. He reported a record breaking year for the Scarecrow Event which culminated in a Scarecrow party held at the Mansion House on Tuesday night. Paul is now focusing on the Annual Drive and is hoping to get more parent participation in this year’s fundraising effort.

Pat Gregory reported on the Salary Task Force committee meetings. Pat reports that after looking at other Charter School salaries we are within the median salary range. We come out on the lower end in comparison with our local public school salaries. The Task Force’s final findings will be presented in a formal document. Pat feels that the only way to increase salaries is by increasing fundraising and donations on a large scale. Pat sees a goal of the Task Force is to look for ways to fund equitable pay in the long run for long term staff so that salaries are more in line with local schools.

Pat reported on the Trusteeship Committee meeting held earlier in the day. There will be three possible vacancies in the next year; Ted, Buck and Pat.  A letter will be sent out to the community soliciting for parent interest in serving on the Board. The Committee will first interview and ask current Board members if they would like to continue on for another three years. There is still an opening on the Board for a Charter School graduate.

Ted Bayne reported on the Math meetings he has been attending within the building. He has greatly enjoyed these meetings. The school currently uses a text/program called Everyday Math. Bob has been speaking with a Math consultant who may come review our math work within the building.  Regarding technology, Ted is concerned that the Wiki document Mario has created is not useable. This was done through 03 which Seth and the office is no longer supporting. The use of 03 will be discussed at the next Tech Meeting which has been scheduled the first week of December.

Committee Meeting Dates: Laura reminds committee to let Amanda know about times of scheduled meetings so these can be entered on the school’s website calendar.

The next Board meeting is scheduled for 7:30 on December 7th.

Meeting was adjourned at 8:53 by Laura Hall.