Present: Rick Halperin, Chair; Rick Kidder, Weimin Yuan, Ned McNaughton, John Dainotto, Diane Abdelrahman, John Martelle
Also: Ben Redmond, Teacher Representative; Julie Hicks, Parents Representative; Dr. Beall, Director; Dee Duncan, Principal.
Absent: Nimish Bhatt.
The meeting was called to order at 6:36pm by Mr. Halperin. The CIS mission statement was read by Mr. Redmond.
Review and approval of Minutes from January 12, 2006 meeting. John Dainotto moved and Weimin seconded.
Treasurer’s Report. Ms. Vielbaum reported that:
· Budget spent to date as of January 31st, revenue of $1.7M, paid $974, expenses $1.4, $80K in bank, just received $92,500 federal grant
· 2006-7 budget prepared and being refined
· 5-year projections also being prepared
· The lawsuit with CMS went to a mediation session, but after several hours it went to an impasse. Our lawyer will ask for a summary judgment. Charter schools are asking for back payment of the specific funds in question and for disclosure in advance of the funds available. CMS agreed to most points but wanted to include 3500 pre-K students in their student count.
Proposal to return board meeting day to second Thursday. The proposal was moved by Rick, seconded by Diane. Passed unanaimously.
Committee Reports
Academic Standards. Mr. Redmond commented on the discussions of curriculum planning and academic schedule (modified block schedule). Mrs. Duncan emphasized research and interning as the primary features of the high school program.
Buildings and Grounds. This committee is focusing both on the current campus and is assisting with plans for the future development. Current projects include
Finance and Development Committees. The Committees combined their last
meeting because of common interest and members. Judy Baker, a friend of CIS,
brought a consultant in charitable gift annuities to benefit the school’s future
construction plans. Their service would be on a commission basis.
The CIS Educational Foundation, organized by Julie Paul, has had its Articles of Incorporation submitted.
Teachers’ Representative Report. Mr. Redmond thanked the board for having representation from the teachers. As the first in this position, Mr. Redmond sought the advice of board members to inform of ideas for his functions, or questions about his role. Teachers were pleased by having the Spring vacation moved to the second week of April in 2007.
Principal’s Reports. Mrs. Duncan described the training she has had recently in TPAI and Title II. Students kicked off our environmental focus, led by 6th graders performances about composting, for all of our classes. Recycling was presented by 5th graders. 7th graders educated others on air quality. Last week was our 100th day, and the K-2 students celebrated with a festive parade. We also conducted field testing of an alternative assessment for students with special needs.
Finance Committee. Committee members requested a monthly budget to date. Ms. Vielbaum is organizing our financial reporting to provide for this by next month.
Because we will not be receiving the anticipated federal grant, we will not contract for capital campaign consultation. Julie Paul, Chair of the Grants Committee is working on the formation of the CIS Foundation. Articles of Incorporation, By-Laws, and other forms are being prepared for submission to the IRS to obtain 501(c)3 status.
Bob Broom with Capital Development Partners has been helpful in assisting with contacts and plans for consideration of a bond to fund school construction.
Mr. Halperin has also made some preliminary contacts with banks to consider the $2 million loan request.
Diane moved and Weimin seconded , calendar approved.
Awnings for doorways. Mr. Bhatt has arranged financing for the awnings to be installed, to be paid back by the receipts from the school picture sales.
Lottery campaign: NC SELF (Support for Equitable Lottery Funding). Dr. Beall will provide more information about the campaign being organized by the NC League of Charter Schools. Press conferences are being planned to inform the media.
Board appointments were tabled until the next meeting.
As Board Chair, I certify that these minutes have been reviewed and approved as they appear above.
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Signature Date