| 1. | Call to Order/Welcome
-4:14 Call to order by Renee Fauset -In attendance: Staff- Vanessa Fitz-Kesler, Audra Morales, Gina Andress Board – Mark Neumayr, Renee Fauset, Bryan Cooperrider, Kathy Lampros, Kim Khatibi; Sandra Dihlmann absent | Renee Fauset, President |
| 2. | Action Item: Adoption of Agenda -Motion carries -Mark Neumayr makes a motion to reorder the agenda and adopt; Brian Cooperider second; All in favor; none opposed -Item 14 – Executive Session to Item 17 so staff that need to leave are able to do so. | Renee Fauset, President |
| 3. | Call to the Public -No one from public present | Renee Fauset, President |
| | The call to the public provides an opportunity for the Board to receive information or inquiries regarding items not on the agenda. The Board may not discuss or take legal action regarding matters that are not specifically identified on the agenda. Therefore, pursuant to A.R.S. §38‐431.01(H), action taken as a result of public comment will be limited to directing staff to study the matter, responding to any criticism or scheduling the matter for further consideration and decision at a later date. Public comments relative to a specific agenda item may be heard during the discussion of that item. |
| 4. | Disclosure of Conflicts | Sandra Dihlmann, Secretary |
| 5. | -None Action Item: Approve April 20, 2021 Meeting Minutes -Motions carries; Agenda approved with corrections -Mark Neumayr makes a motion to approve the minutes with minimal corrections/clarification, Kathy Lampros seconds; All in favor, none opposed | Renee Fauset, President |
| 6. | Action Item: Correct the name of the 4th Amendment to the bylaws that was initially approved and signed on April 18, 2019. -Motion carries; Agenda item approved -Bryan Cooperider makes the motion to correct the name of the 4th Amendment, Mark Neumayr seconds; All in favor, none opposed | Vanessa Fitz-Kesler, Executive Director |
| 7. | Action Item: Accept the resignation of Jason Aulwes as board member and treasurer -Motion carries – agenda item approved -Discussion around written resignation needed from a Board member and follow up with sending an acknowledgement of his service to the Board. -Mark Neumayr makes a motion to accept Jason Aulwes resignation from the board and as treasurer, and Kathy Lampros seconds; All in favor, none opposed | Vanessa Fitz-Kesler, Executive Director |
| 8. | Action Item: Elect a board treasurer -Motion carries -Bryan Cooperider makes a motion to have Kathy Lampros serve as the Board’s Treasurer, Kim Khatibi seconds; In favor: Mark Neumayr, Renee Fauset, Bryan Cooperrider, Kim Khatibi; Kathy Lampros abstains | Vanessa Fitz-Kesler, Executive Director |
| 9. | Action Item: Discuss and approve top 5 legislative priorities for Arizona School Board Association for FY22 -Motion carries -Board discussed the following priorities and if other priorities should be identified (in specific order): Adequately and Equitably Fund District SchoolsManage the Impact of Covid-19 on Public SchoolImprove Outcomes For All StudentRequire Public Accountability Taxpayer Dollars Spent on EducationPreserve and Strengthen Local Control -Board discussed the possibility of asking for a employee benefit consortium for charter schools to make it more feasible for charters to participate; Add the following to the political ASBA agenda – Expand the ability of Charter Schools to participate in insurance consortiums -Bryan Cooperrider makes the notion to prioritize the ASBA political agenda items in order (see above) and add the additional item pertaining to insurance consortiums ; Mark Neumayr seconds; All in favor, none opposed | Vanessa Fitz-Kesler, Executive Director |
| 10. | Agenda Item: Working session for 5 year budget projections -Kathy Lampros shared and presented an annualized projected budget worksheet FY21 – FY26 with a global overview of revenues and expenses. -Discussion around financial stability looking at future projections where the school may not increase ADM or revenue, but expenses continue to grow. This year is not a good example due to unforeseen Covid-19 costs, and the new staff structure. -Discussion around restructuring the school’s debt and refinancing the loan. Vanessa Fitz-Kesler researched if there is a prepayment penalty and there is. The Board discussed the positives for refinancing with the current interest rates and the overall savings that may happen and if this could help plan with future finances and planning. Kathy Lampros is willing to look into this process on behalf of the Board to see what the figures might be and if we can do it without the IDA (Industrial Development Authority). John Falcone (Accountant) has recommended that the Board look into this process. Further discussion around how to have a sustainable model with a continued focus on supporting teachers and staff. | Kathy Lampros |
| 11. | Agenda Item: Working session for FY22 budget -Kathy Lampros shared and presented a Profit & Loss worksheet. The budget reflects ESSER money, changes to the preschool, employee salaries, etc. Board went over the worksheet and asked questions regarding specific line items. Audra Morales made a note that Student Services Counseling needs to be a new line item outside of Special Education services. The worksheet is a work in progress and will change to reflect ongoing updates. | Kathy Lampros |
| 12. | Action Item: Approve playground improvements initiated in 2020 -Motion carries -Discussion around the quotes provided by Vanessa Fitz-Kesler regarding playground updates. -Kathy Lampros makes a motion to accept the quote to have playground updates completed, not to exceed $50,000; Bryan Cooperrider seconds; All in favor, none opposed | Vanessa Fitz-Kesler, Executive Director |
| 13. | Agenda Item: Discuss changes to PTO policy for new hires Vanessa Fitz-Kesler presented the recommendations from the auditor to change the policy for PTO carryover. Current employees would be grandfathered in and new employees would fall under the new policy. The current policy can create a liability for the school. The Board discussed percentage of payouts (50%), amount of carry over (TBD), and days per year (10 days). | Vanessa Fitz-Kesler, Executive Director |
| 14. | Agenda Item: Executive Session: on personnel matter and contract negotiation discussions – moved to item 16 6:25pm- Mark Neumayr makes the motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter, Renee Fauset seconds; All in favor, none opposed. 6:42 pm – Kathy Lampros makes a motion to exit the executive session, Mark Neumayr seconds; All in favor, none opposed. *Bryan Cooperider left meeting at 6:25 pm. | Renee Fauset, President |
| 15. | Agenda Item: Director’s Report
Summer School update: Summer school funding can come out of some of the ESSER money, but requires staffing and other expenses to balance the needs of students with the school’s resources. Subsidized tutoring will be offered to students, as determined by staff.
Staffing update for 2021/2022: Currently looking for:1.0 FTE 1/2 Grade Teacher.5 FTE KindergartenTeacher Aides
Internet service provider update: E-Rate will pay 40% of the costBoth providers will be up and running and E-Rate will pay for both and expected withdrawal of funding for one the following year.
AZ State Board for Charter Schools review update: Audit outstanding items were completed and cleared up and this is now complete. The next AZ Charter Board audit will be in 5 years. | Vanessa Fitz-Kesler, Executive Director |
| 16. | Agenda Item: Sign Vouchers | Vanessa Fitz-Kesler, Executive Director |
| 17. | Future Agenda Items & Meeting Dates Principal evaluation process
Renee Fauset & Mark Neumayr will continue to work with Vanessa Fitz-Kesler to finalize this process and present to the board.
FY22 BudgetProposed Budget meeting will happen on 6/23/21 at 1:00 PM
New board member search
June board meeting dates (2 needed)6/23/21 at 1:00 PM and 7/13/21 at 10:00 AM (Tentative) | Sandra Dihlmann, Secretary |
| 18. | Action Item: Adjourn meeting 7:00 Mark Neumayr made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Kathy Lampros seconded; all in favor, none opposed | Renee Fauset, President |
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