THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OF

VANCE CHARTER SCHOOL

MINUTES

OF

DECEMBER MEETING

 

The Board of Directors of Vance Charter School held its regular meeting on Monday December 9th 2009. The following members were present and constituted a quorum:

 

Jill Pike, Chairperson                                        Bill Satterwhite

Jay Andrews, Secretary                                    Cydne Sharpe

Pat Olmert, Treasurer                                       Gina Harris

Harrison Ford                                                   Karen Bobbitt

Susan Johnson, Faculty Representative              Clem Seifert

 

Also present was Dr. John von Rohr.

 

WELCOME

Chairperson Jill Pike called the meeting to order at 7:02p.m.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Chris Ayscue expressed concerns about the cleanliness of some parts of the school and wondered if more could be done to insure that proper cleaning is performed on a more consistent basis. Dr. von Rohr reported that the school will be participating in a Federal Government program which will provide extra janitorial services (4 hours per day) at no cost to the school.

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Gina Harris made a motion to approve the minutes of the November meeting. Pat Olmert seconded. The minutes were approved.

 

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dr. John von Rohr reported that the current head count for EC students is 60.

The 4th and 7th grades had their writing tests today.

Dr. von Rohr passed out the following proposal to amend the current athletic eligibility policy. It reads:

All middle school students are eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics, to include those who have modified grading assignments. To wit: if a student has an IEP, is in the seventh grade, and they are doing the work at a fifth grade level as a result of a learning disability, the grade they receive for their academic performance at the level for their modified grading/assignments will be given the same validity for athletic eligibility as a student in seventh grade who receives a grade for doing on-grade level work. The standard for athletic eligibility is a “C” average on each Progress Report or Report Card.

 

With this amendment to the policy:

However, if a student has an “F” or two “D” s in a core class described as Language Arts, Math, Social Studies, and Science, the student athlete shall be deemed academically ineligible. Per eligibility policy, the “Student Athlete” will not be able to participate in practice nor in scholastic competition, until which time the student athlete has improved his or her standings at the 4-wek mark within the grading period.

 

 Cydne recommends returning this to the middle school teachers for input and with the idea of implementation next fall.

NC Wise training will take place January 14th 2010. Dr. von Rohr, Ms. Upchurch, Ms.  Cash, Ms. Forbes, Ms. Wilson, and Ms. Johnson will be in charge of training the rest of the staff. Cydne recommended that they go through the complete process and decide which tools will be useful before spending money on something we may not use.

ISS (K-3) will now be held in Ms. Stevenson’s old office.

Ms. Upchurch met with parents and students about possible AIG projects. Three proposals were submitted and include working with a local animal shelter on increasing public awareness for controlling the pet population, working with a nursing home where they could grow a vegetable garden, and raising the awareness of hand washing to prevent the spread of disease among all elementary students.

 

LONG RANGE PLANNING

Clem Seifert reported that he had recently reviewed a piece of property that includes an existing building. He plans to take the committee back for a visit soon.

 

CAPITAL CAMPAIGN

No report.

 

FINANCE

Pat Olmert reported that Acadia Northstar sent an e-mail saying that everything has been going well and if no money is taken back at the end of the year, we will be well ahead of budget. Dr. von Rohr stated that if there are any extra funds they should be looking at upgrading technology in the school. Cydne reminded the Board that all expenditures for technology are directed to the technology committee.  Cydne recommended that Mr. Weaver prepare a report on improving the connectivity of the building.

 

STUDENT RECRUITMENT

Bill Satterwhite reported that the first informational meeting will take place January 12th . Bill said he would e-mail everyone with more info by the1st. All Board members and teachers are welcome to attend any or all of the meetings.

 

POLICY AND PERSONNEL

Cydne wanted to confirm the pay schedule for December as the 22nd  , which is the last work day of the month. The search committee has identified 6 outstanding applicants and after a second round of interviews, has narrowed the field to 3. The committee is now in its due diligence phase and hopes to ask the Board to schedule a called meeting after the first of the year to hopefully resolve the matter.

 

BUILDING AND GROUNDS

Harrison Ford reported that A B Hair has been hired to replace the floor in the multipurpose room at a price of $8345. The project is scheduled to begin on 12/22 and be completed by 12/31. Mr. Cheatham will polish the floors before school returns.

Harrison was asked if the student lockers could be secured to the wall for safety reasons. He assured the Board that the committee would take care of it.

Playground Equipment  -There has been no recommendation made yet.  Clem will call Gary Church from Factory Direct to meet Wednesday at 10:00 am and finalize the decision. Pat will call Tom Betts to consult with the landlord. Add this to the agenda of the special called meeting.

 

PERFORMANCE

No report.

INCLEMENT WEATHER

No report.

 

FACULTY REPRESENTATIVE

Susan Johnson reported that Phyllis Gore wants financial help on providing a K-5 and possibly 6-8 program for Black History Month. The price she has quoted was $2,000. Dr. von Rohr was approached about the money and he said no. The Board recommends that Ms. Gore refer this back to Dr. von Rohr and give him more information to help determine whether this would be worth the money.

 

NEW BUSINESS

Clem asked about getting new table and chairs for the cafeteria. There never seems to be enough.  Jill said she would speak to Dr. von Rohr about it.

 

OLD BUSINESS

Jill reminded the Board of the staff Christmas luncheon on the 18th from 11am-1pm.  Fred Lemmond will be catering. She asked the Board to help with the desserts and drinks.

At this time, Cydne made a motion to adjourn. Karen seconded. The meeting was adjourned at 8:49 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jay Andrews, Secretary