Board of Trustees Meeting

The Board of Trustees for Rockwell Charter High School held a meeting:
Date: June 10, 2008
Time: Executive session at 6:00 p.m.; Public session at 7:00 p.m.
Place: The Ranches Academy
7789 Tawny Owl Circle

Executive Board Meeting

WELCOME AND CALL TO ORDER: 6:05 P.M.
Board Chair, Mr. Redge Hudson, called the meeting to order.

School Director, Mr. Darren Beck, requested a reordering of agonized items to have sufficient time to discuss the open board position vacated by Mrs. Jennifer Maroney, preferring to defer personnel discussion to the next item.

Board Vice President, Mrs. Suzanne Burdick, discussed the only applicant for the open Board position mentioning the applicant’s energy and desire to serve on the Board, stating that she is “a believer” in the High school. And she would be behind her being on the Board. The question was brought up if an e-mail was sent to all the founding families. Mrs. Burdick explained that it would be nice to have someone from the community on the Board that doesn’t necessarily have kids in the school, for their completely objective opinion. The point was brought up that the board has had that before with Mrs. Maroney and currently with Mrs. Julie McNair. Rockwell's Business Manager, Mrs. Virginia Bowser, mentioned possibility of sending out an e-mail to families for the Board opening. Mrs. Burdick did not think right now would be a good time to do that, due to the two week turn around and whether the Board had the time, due to the need to begin the hiring process. Mrs. Burdick made reference to possibly in the future going out and approaching the public when there were Board openings. Mr. Hudson asked if anyone had any objections to appointing Mrs. Lisa Webster to the Board. Mrs. Burdick read the letter Mrs. Webster sent to the board--she was unable to attend due to a final she had to take for her program through the University of Phoenix.

Mr. Hudson stated the Board would vote on this matter in the public session and could now move on to the next order of business.

Mrs. McNair asked for a point of order to address the Board regarding her resignation. She stated she will finish Spirit Week and gave a list of her jobs on the Board of Trustees to the Board. She also handed in her binder and the tapes. She said she will hard copy the internet files to the board and stated she e-mailed School Secretary, Mrs. Shellene Young, a copy of the list of Founding Families and their information. She also stated that she will e-mail the Board with this information. Mr. Hudson expressed the Boards thanks and appreciation for all of Mrs. McNair’s efforts with Spirit Week and the many other things she was over. Mrs. McNair stated that she had a lot to say to the Board, but that she wouldn’t say it. She stated that there were two things she would say and that is (1) she was often given information late for meetings and that required a vote and (2)things were brought to her by people that were only discussed in an Executive session. She stated if that continues “I would be the first on the band wagon to recall the board out of love.” At this point Mrs. McNair excused herself and left.

Mr. Darren Beck asked for a point of order to address the Chair about the need for confidentiality. He stated this would prevent any heartache and headache in the future. He stated that this was a concern that Board member, Mrs. Mary Lifferth, had brought up and he would yield his time to her.

Mrs. Lifferth stated she was not prepared for a big schpiel about it, but expressed her sadness over the fact that she had people come up to her and talk to her about things she had said in executive sessions. She mentioned that Mrs. Burdick had expressed the same concerns. She recommended a policy put in place to keep this from happening. Mr. Beck added that Ranches Academy has suffered from this as well. He stated information shared in executive session, by the very nature of it, cannot be disclosed outside of that setting. Mr. Beck went on to say that confidentiality and finances are the two biggest things that can torpedo a project.

Mrs. Burdick asked the question of how many people are really questioned by people about the Board, and went on to say that she rarely has anyone come to her and say, “I heard this and this.” Mr. Hudson stated he hasn’t seen a big change in the types of e-mail he gets. He hasn’t seen the worry and complaints that some Board members are stating they get.

Mrs. Burdick stated she didn’t know what kind of policy could come out of this, to which Mrs. Lifferth stated she is looking for more of an understanding. Mrs. Lifferth reminded the Board members the importance of confidentiality regarding Executive session discussions. Board Treasurer, Ms. Jenny Foss, went further to remind the Board that they need to act as a board and not individuals. Mrs. Bowser expressed that any negativity regarding the Board could trickle down and negatively impact the school. Mrs. Burdick stated she knows of many people that are excited about the High school and the efforts of the Board.

Mr. Hudson asked if Mrs. Maroney and Mrs. McNair are in the same ward. The answer was given that yes they are. He expressed the need to remember not to refer to the area as a ward, but as a neighborhood. Mrs. Burdick expressed the need for the Board to remember the services the two previous Board Members performed for the school. He went on to say our goal is to get students enrolled.

There was general discussion surrounding amending the charter to go from a 7-person Board to a 5-person Board. The conversation covered all bases and it was determined that the best interest of the school would be better served by a 7-person Board. Mr. Beck further expressed that no one Board member has authority, that the Board has authority as it acts as a quorum. Board members need to avoid prolonged discussions that parents or others might perceive as implied consent.

Ms. Foss expressed that the person who wants to apply for Mrs. McNair’s position is also from the same neighborhood, and that Mrs. McNair had wished her well having also told the person of her impending resignation. Mr. Beck expressed his view that Mrs. Webster is a fantastic lady and would be a great addition.

Mr. Beck discussed the need for a huge push on enrollment. Mrs. Young is busy doing her job and getting used to it all. Mr. Beck gave some details on potential hires and where things are in terms of hiring, but cut it short in the interest of getting the public meeting started.

Mr. Hudson asked for a motion to close this portion of the meeting. It was motioned by Mrs. Burdick and seconded by Ms. Foss. Executive session adjourned by unananimous consent.

Public session was called to order at 7:05 by the Chair.
Mr. Hudson led all in the pledge of allegiance.

No public comment was made due to no one having signed up.

Final May meeting minutes were discussed and approved; Mrs. Burdick motioned and Board member, Mr. Greg Driggs seconded.

Chair called for public vote to replace Jenn Maroney on the Board. Ms. Foss motioned which Mrs. Lifferth seconded. Vote was unanimous to make LIsa Webster the new Board member.

Julie McNair's resignation was announced and the assignment to get the word out was given to Mrs. Bowser. It is hoped to fill this position at the next meeting.

Mr. Beck gave a brief overview of the resume count (well over 300), that interviewing is in process, and that Spirit Week is upon us.

The Board, by way of reporting out on various committees, went over upcoming activities, events, and deadlines. A walkthrough of the school was also discussed. Mrs. Bowser and others communicated about the need to update the website. Mrs. Bowser discussed someone she knows that would do the website for a very reasonable price. Mr. Driggs discussed setting up some Saturdays in July for enrollment purposes at Smiths. He also stated that people in his neighborhood do not know about Rockwell. Some discussion was made by Mr. Driggs about a yard sign. Ms. Jenny Foss made the point of needing to advertise for the next two parades, to get students involved. The next parade dates are the 21st and 28th. Mrs. Webster will not be at the parade on the 21st, which is Saratoga Splash.

No further comments or discussion was had, so a motion was called for by the Chair and Mr. Driggs motioned to adjourn with Ms. Foss offering a second. Meeting adjourned at 8:37.