May 1, 2008 Regular Meeting

Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees

May 1, 2008

Minutes

In attendance: 

Kay O’Dwyer, Cynthia Canavan, Dr John Sullivan, John McEnaney, Cathy Vaucher, Pam Wheaton Shorr, Emil Ronchi, Robert Sousa, Christopher Fauci.  Ms Cynthia Canavan arrived at 7:15.  Not Present: Nina Cullen-Hamzeh, Pam Wheaton Shorr.

Also in attendance, Dr. Albert F. Argenziano, Interim Managing Director

Location:  Community Room at the Marblehead Community Charter Public School, 17 Lime St, Marblehead MA 01945

The Chair, Ms Kay O’Dwyer opened the meeting at 7:10 P.M.   She began by calling for public comment, and noting that there were no individuals wanting to address the Board for public comment at this time.

Decision:  Mr. McEnaney moved and Ms Vaucher seconded to approve the minutes of the April 3 2008 Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees.

 Yeas:  7 Nays: 0 Abstain 0

Ms O’Dwyer then noted that Ms Cullen Hamzeh, Interim Academic Director, was not present, but that she had forwarded her report to the Board earlier today, a copy of which is attached. 

Ms O’Dwyer recognized Dr. Argenziano, Interim Managing Director for his report.  Dr. Argenziano shared his report as well, which is attached. 

The Chair recognized Dr. Sullivan, Treasurer, who provided his monthly report, which is attached.  Dr. Sullivan stressed the need to rebuild cash reserves, and until we do that, we have limited options regarding new programs, expansions, buildings, etc.  He reiterated thata healthy cash balance is important to credit markets when seeking to secure a loan.  He also noted that there is money in the budget to provide salary equity to several staff members.

The Chair recognized Ms Vaucher, Chair of the Governance Committee for her report, a copy of which is attached.  She also noted that there is an ongoing discussion within the Governance Committee about the roles of Trustees, particularly outside Trustees.  There was significant discussion among Trustees about the roles of Trustees, service on committees, and identification and selection of potential Trustees.  There was also extensive discussion about the creation of a ‘board of advisors’ who work outside the board for periodic perspective and fund raising. 

The Chair noted that Ms Shorr has resigned as Chair of the Personnel Committee, and that she has appointed Bob Sousa as Chair, effective immediately.  Ms O’Dwyer thanked Ms Shorr for her service, and then recognized Mr. Sousa to provide a report, a copy of which is attached.  Mr. Sousa also asked for Chair approval for the following members of the Personnel Committee:  Bob Sousa, Mike Ruth, Doug Plympton, Molly Wolverton, Emil Ronchi, Katie Sullivan, Pam Shorr.  The Chair appointed the members Mr. Sousa requested to the Personnel Committee, effective immediately.

Action Item:  The Board of Trustees will have meeting on May 19, 2008 devoted to the development of Interim Academic Director’s goals for the 2008/2009 academic year.

The Chair called a recess at 8:40.

The Chair called the meeting back to order at 8:50

The Chair recognized Mr. McEnaney to provide his monthly report, a copy of which is attached.  Mr. Fauci noted that Community Coffees may be better attended if held on Fridays.  He noted that there tends to be more parents at the School on Friday’s at breakfast. 

Ms. O’Dwyer recognized Mr. Ronchi to provide the Foundation report, a copy of which is attached.

Ms O’Dwyer moved into Ongoing Business.  She began by following up on last month’s motion regarding the contract for the Interim Academic Director.  She noted that Dr. Sullivan and her have successfully completed a negotiation with Ms Cullen Hamzeh for the role, and presented a copy of the contract to the Board for their review and approval (attached) 

Decision:  Ms Vaucher moved and Mr. Ronchi seconded that the Board approve the terms of the contract being offered to Nina Cullen Hamzeh as Interim Academic Director effective July 1, 2008  (Attached).

Yeas:  6 Nays: 0 Abstain 2 Mr. McEnaney, Mr Fauci

Ms. O’Dwyer went on to provide the Board an overview of the training several Trustees recently received from the ESE.  She strongly recommended that all Trustees attend that a governance training hosted by ESE.  She also noted that Mr. Fauci asked a question about interviewing candidates for school administration in open meeting.  She noted that Cliff Chuang of ESE has provided a memorandum prepared by the then DoE legal department about how certain portions of the interviewing process in Executive Session.  She will provide Trustees a copy of the memorandum electronically at a later date.

Mr. Fauci noted that the training was very helpful, and that there was an interesting ‘pre-test’ that was provided as part of the training that it would be useful for Trustees should take.  The focus of the test is what a Board can and can’t do.

Ms O’Dwyer also noted there was a potential for grant money about dissemination provide we follow some ESE guidelines.  She noted that she would forward an email from ESE about this

In new business, the Chair noted that she believes that a significant portion of the June meeting be the self evaluation of the Board of Trustees.  Ms O’Dwyer, Ms Vaucher, and Mr. Fauci will put together an evaluation survey to solicit community feedback.  Further, Ms O’Dwyer will forward a Board Self Evaluation survey to Trustees ahead of the meeting.

Decision:  Chair moved and Mr. McEnaney seconded that the Board adjourn to executive session under exception three of the Open Meeting Law, MGL Chapter 30 Section 11A1/2, “to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation.”

Ms O’Dwyer, Yes; Ms Canavan, Yes; Ms Vaucher, Yes; Mr. Ronchi, Yes; Mr. McEnaney,  Yes;  Dr. Sullivan, Yes; Mr. Sousa, Yes.  Mr. Fauci, Yes

The Chair noted that the Board did not expect to return to open session at the conclusion of the Executive Session.  Additionally, the Chair invited Dr. Argenziano to join the Executive Session. 

The Chair adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 9:19 PM

Respectfully Submitted

John T. McEnaney

Clerk



Report of the Interim Academic Director, May 1, 2008

 

Marblehead Community

Charter Public School

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17 Lime Street

Marblehead, MA   01945

Tel: (781) 631-0777  

Fax: (781) 631-0500

MarbleheadCharter.org

 

5/1/08

State of the School Report

Submitted by Nina Cullen-Hamzeh, Interim Academic Director

Current Enrollment

217 students

Expected Enrollment for 2008-2009

08-09 Enrollment Report attached

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-         <!--[endif]-->full enrollment expected for opening day

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-         <!--[endif]-->to date, 114 on waiting list

Personnel

Recruitment for 2008-2009: The process will be similar to last year.  Initial interviews will be conducted by an administrator.  Second interviews will include teachers.  Parents will be included in the final stages of the process.  Newspaper ads are expensive, so the positions have been posted electronically on schoolspring.com and our website.  They will be posted in other locations soon.

International Teachers: We are hoping to host a teacher from Mexico through the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program and an intern from Korea through the International Internship Program.

PTO:

Many, many thanks to the PTO!

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-         <!--[endif]-->The “Send Your Teacher Packing” Raffle has been well received and greatly appreciated by everyone.

<!--[if !supportLists]-->-         <!--[endif]-->A Teacher & Staff Appreciation Luncheon will be hosted on Friday, May 2nd.  

MCAS:

The 2nd round of testing (Math, History,  & Science) will begin on May 12th.  We’ll also conduct the NWEA testing during this period, because the school will already be in ‘test mode.’

Professional Development

The humanities teachers attended the conference this week.  The seminar was "Connecting Boys to Books" for grades 3-8.  It was presented by Kathleen Baxter and sponsored by the Bureau of Education & Research.  The focus was finding books, activities, and strategies that would appeal in particular to boys, who make up a disproportionate number of reluctant readers.  What will entice and encourage boys to read?  Ms. Baxter shared her wealth of knowledge on the types of books boys typically read -- nonfiction (usually the more gross, the better), humor (usually the more gross, the better), graphic books/comics, and adventure/fantasy.  We, as participants, were a rapt audience for the books or parts of books that she read, and shared our experiences and thoughts.  We each left with a terrific resource book full of suggested individual titles & series, websites, ideas, and strategies. 

The teachers shared what they had learned during Community Meeting, and we all look forward to reading the books they described!

Grant Awarded

We received a grant from the Friends of Marblehead Public Schools for "Writing Across Content Areas."  Many thanks to the Friends.

MCCPS Education Foundation

As requested, a Grants Committee has been formed to assist the Foundation leadership with the dissemination of funds.  To date, parents and teachers have agreed to serve on the committee.

Upcoming Events

Nature’s Classroom – next week

PTO Spring Clean-up Sunday, May 4th

Volunteer Appreciation Night, Friday, May 16th

8th Grade Trek to Quebec – Memorial Day weekend

Spirit Week – Tuesday – Friday after Memorial Day

BACK

Report of the Interim Managing Director, May 1, 2008

To: Members of the Board of Trustees

From: Dr. Albert F. Argenziano

Re: April Monthly Report

 The month of April began with a Fincom Meeting.  We realistically viewed the FY08 budget and ascertained that our goal set in September, 2007 was met.  Our shortfall has been reduced to a workable number.  This was a given an assist by positive per pupil allotments from our sending cities and towns.  We also looked at our FY09 draft budget.  This has been decided to be a level service budget, with a pay increase for staff, and some monies set aside for staff compression inequities.  We look, at the moment, solid for September.  We have sufficient enrollment, staff and monies to be far better prepared than a year ago. 

My monthly meeting with the Superintendent of Schools and the Town Manager have been fruitful.  We have mended the fences and barriers that were created over the years.  The partnership with Endicott College began with the offering of a three (3) credit graduate course to staff.  The weekend course dates are April 4, 5, 11, 12, 30 and May 3, 2008.  The second course offering is presently being prepared to be offered in the fall of 2008.

Attached you will find the Summer Camp Registration Forms.  We are planning on having a five-week menu of offerings.  If we can successfully achieve a high enrollment, we should have the funds available to open school in September with available free cash.

Our PTO is having a raffle to award staff during Teacher Appreciation Week.  This has been a difficult year for staff and they should be publicly recognized for a job well done.

A final note, with less than forty (40) days left in this school year, we should be thankful to all concerned for the success and continuation of our school.  In September, the sense and feeling was one of caution.  Since that time, the sense and feeling has been one of optimism. A great sign and a tribute to those that serve.

 
Thank you.

BACK

Report of the Finance Committee, May 1, 2008

 

Fin Com Report

May 2008

John D. Sullivan, Ph.D.

            FinCom will meet next week and vote on the proposed budget and Jed O’Connor joining the committee. 

            Student enrollment is forecasted to be at 230 for the upcoming academic year.   We have a long waiting list and our commitments are near complete so I’m comfortable with this projection.  A caveat that we may need to consider is whether or not the general economy and the state and federal budgets might reduce our revenue per student.

            The proposed budget that has been circulated to the board of directors appears to have $150,000 surplus as of the end of 2009.  Nina still needs to hire two faculty members and FinCom has requested that she keep within a budget of $80,000, with benefits, to ensure a positive cash flow of $50,000 as of June 2009.

            Money has also been allocated to adjust faculty members’ salaries that may be below where they need to be.  If indeed the summer school program does contribute to our cash flow, we will allocate additional dollars to this line item.

            As of July 1, 2008, expenses such as supplies will be back to normal levels.  For the upcoming year, we will not have sufficient funds for major program changes or added curriculum. 

Revenue will also require enhancements as experienced in the past through community volunteering and the auction. 

Our line of credit has been approved for the upcoming year.

The school survived a very difficult year, but it still needs to rebuild, financially.  We have set aside at least 50,000 as a surplus to begin the building of our cash position.  I hope to increase this for the 2009/2010 academic year.  Even with careful cash management, it will take us at least two years to get to where we need to be financially, although the financial condition should improve significantly by 2009/2010.  At this point, I believe that we will be in a position to bump salaries in needed areas and add some programs where academically suitable as requested by the Academic Director or smaller asset purchase options such as a school van.

In our present financial condition, we are not capable of purchasing the building.  We simply do not have the significant amount of cash on hand for a down payment without creating risk in our cash flow.  Given the credit markets, this also would complicate matters given access to capital.  FinCom will need to focus on our debt that comes due in the near term for the expansion of Charter Hall.

We also do not have the ability to expand grades in the near term.  This change in strategy and focus, even if gradually implemented, would require significant investment in both leasehold improvements and equipment, but also in working capital needs as staff would need to be added.  Other wear and tear costs would impact our existing infrastructure such as Charter Hall and the Community Meeting Room.

If indeed the board would want to move in this direction, we would need to replentish our cash sources in the next two to three years.  This would require the current 2008/2009 budget for next year with a very conservative budget for the following two years thereafter.  Only then would we have the potential option of expansion in grades, number of students, or large asset purchases.

 

MCCPS FY09 Operating Budget Worksheet

 

As of

5/1/2008 10:10

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

FY08

FY09

 

ITEM

DESCRIPTION

Revised Budget

Draft V2.0

 

 

 

$9,634

$10,222

Avg PPE

CASH SOURCES:

 

230

 

1

STATE REIMBURSEMENT

$1,962,446

$2,351,134

From projection

2

FUNDRAISING - SCHOOL

$30,000

$30,000

 

3

OTHER

$3,500

$3,500

 

4

STUDENT ACTIVITY FUND

$21,600

$17,250

50% compliance

5

INTEREST INCOME

$1,000

$1,000

 

 

TOTAL CASH SOURCES

$2,018,546

$2,413,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONNEL:

 

 

 

6

SALARIES

$1,594,078

$1,519,328

see  detail spreadsheet

7

ENRICHMENT

$23,450

$25,000

 

8

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS

$0

$0

 

9

BENEFITS

$195,900

$225,285

15% increase

10

STAFF DEVELOPMENT

$2,500

$2,500

same as FY08 revised

11

SEARCH COSTS

$5,500

$1,000

 

 

  Sub-Total

$1,821,428

$1,773,113

 

 

 

 

 

 

DIRECT STUDENT SUPPORT:

 

 

 

12

TEACHER'S SUPPLIES

$3,500

$3,500

same as FY08 revised

13

CURRICULUM SUPPLIES

$17,500

$17,500

same as FY08 revised

14

STUDENT SUPPLIES

$3,500

$3,500

same as FY08 revised

15

SPED SUPPLIES

$1,500

$1,500

same as FY08 revised

16

COMPUTER SUPPORT

$2,500

$2,500

same as FY08 revised

17

COMPUTERS

$10,000

$10,000

same as FY08 revised

18

FURNISHINGS

$2,000

$2,000

same as FY08 revised

19

ALEKS

$7,210

$8,050

$35 per student

20

NURSING SUPPLIES

$1,200

$1,200

same as FY08 revised

 

  Sub-Total

$48,910

$49,750

 

 

 

 

 

 

OCCUPANCY:

 

 

 

21

RENT

$232,539

$239,515

as per lease

22

MAINTENANCE

$17,500

$20,000

increase

23

CUSTODIAL SERVICES

$20,000

$22,000

increase

24

CUSTODIAL SUPPLIES

$6,000

$7,500

increase

25

UTILITIES

$60,000

$63,500

increase

 

  Sub-Total

$336,039

$352,515

 

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICE & ADMINISTRATION:

 

 

 

26

SUPPLIES

$3,500

$3,500

same as FY08 revised

27

EQUIP & COMM

$12,500

$12,500

same as FY08 revised

28

LEGAL & ACCOUNTING

$10,000

$10,000

big question

29

PAYROLL SERVICE

$4,000

$4,000

same as FY08 revised

30

PRINTING & COPYING

$500

$500

same as FY08 revised

31

POSTAGE & SHIPPING

$4,000

$4,000

same as FY08 revised

32

INSURANCE

$18,646

$21,443

15% increase

33

ANNUAL REPORT

$500

$500

same as FY08 revised

34

BOARD EXPENSES

$1,738

$500

back to usual level

35

FINANCE CHARGES

$8,500

$8,500

same as FY08 revised

36

FUNDRAISING

$10,000

$10,000

same as FY08 revised

37

ADMISSIONS

$5,500

$2,500

back to usual level

38

HoS DISCRETIONARY

$1,500

$1,500

same as FY08 revised

 

Sub-Total

$80,884

$79,443

 

 

Sub-Total, Cash Disbursed

$2,287,261

$2,254,821

 

 

 

 

 

 

39

DEBT SERVICE

$47,000

$10,789

34K from Foundation

40

CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

$13,500

$15,000

? Budget from Erbetta

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL CASH DISBURSED

$2,347,761

$2,280,610

 

 

 

 

 

 

41

Excess/(Deficit)

($329,215)

$132,726

 

42

Surplus FY07

$480,000

 

 

43

Ending Cash

$150,785

 

 

BACK

Report of the Governance Committee, May 1, 2008

 

We have been continuing to review the Charter.  We have two potential new members to the committee.  We are continuing to attempt to recruit new members the serve on Committees of the Board or the Board themselves.

<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->

<!--[endif]-->

Sincerely,


Cathy Vaucher
Governance Chair

 BACK

 

Report of the Personnel Committee, May 1, 2008

 

Marblehead Community

Charter Public School

Personnel Committee

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17 Lime Street

Marblehead, MA   01945

Tel: (781) 631-0777  

Fax: (781) 631-0500

marbleheadcharter.org

 

Meeting of the Personnel Committee

April 28, 2008

Minutes

In attendance: 

Robert Sousa, Mike Ruth, Doug Plympton, Emil Ronchi.  Not Present:  Pam Shorr, Katie Sullivan, Molly Wolverton, Chris Fauci

Location:  Room 8S at the Marblehead Community Charter Public School, 17 Lime St, Marblehead MA 01945

The Chair opened the meeting at 7:07 PM

The Committee began by identifying members of the committee for approval by the Board of Trustees.  The following expressed interest either at the meeting, by telephone or by email: Robert Sousa, Mike Ruth, Doug Plympton, Emil Ronchi, Pam Shorr, Katie Sullivan and Molly Wolverton.

Action Item: Robert Sousa will present the names to the Board of Trustees at the May 1, 2008 Board of Trustees meeting for approval as members of the Personnel Committee.  He will also solicit more parent members.

The Committee next discussed having a regular monthly meeting date and time.  They decided to meet monthly, at the school, in Room 8S, on the second Monday following the monthly Board of Trustee meeting.

Action Item:  Robert Sousa will inform the Board of Trustees and develop a schedule for the members.

Next the committee reviewed the Personnel Committee description in the MCCPS Charter for accuracy and relevance. After reviewing it, they agreed, that as far as anyone could remember, the committee had never recommended compensation/benefits packages for anyone working at the school, had not assisted the Head-of-School (HOS) in developing job descriptions for school employees, and had not, at least in recent memory, reviewed recommendations for hiring/firing employees.  The committee decided to present this review to the Governance Committee of the Board of Trustees for consideration in the MCCPS Charter review.

Action Item:  Robert Sousa will present findings to the Board of Trustees and the Governance Committee for guidance.

For the fourth agenda item, Robert Sousa proposed creating a continuity binder containing members names and contact information; the meeting schedule; committee vision, mission, goals and objectives; monthly agenda; meeting minutes and other documents pertinent to future committee leadership/management.  Members agreed this was a good idea.

Action Item:  Robert Sousa will begin collecting available documents and organize them in a Personnel Committee continuity binder to facilitate committee management and insure it’s viability during changes in membership.

The last part of the meeting was dedicated to reviewing the process used by the Board of Trustees for evaluating the current Interim HOS.  Reports concerning the deployment of the process at the April Board meeting described it as tedious at the least.  Personnel Committee members in general thought that perhaps the evaluation rubric tool was designed for a different process than was used, namely for a subcommittee interview with the interim HOS with a report and recommendation to the Board for approval, and was not an appropriate vehicle for the full board to deploy in an open meeting.  Members decided to concentrate on the process initially rather than the rubric. Members made the following suggestions for the Board:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.      <!--[endif]-->Review the Interim HOS job descriptions, so that all job requirements for a permanent HOS are identified and prioritized for future requirements

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.      <!--[endif]-->Identify key elements from the signed contract for Interim HOS for ’08-’09 evaluation

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.      <!--[endif]-->Through the Board of Trustees, identify key academic, budgetary, enrollment, fundraising and professional development goals for HOS focus during the ’08-’09 academic year

<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.      <!--[endif]-->Using the current rubric, HOS job description, and other charter school job descriptions, develop a new, more simplified evaluation tool,

<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.      <!--[endif]-->Create an HOS performance review/evaluation subcommittee for the ’08-’09 academic year

<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.      <!--[endif]-->Using requirements from the Interim HOS job description and Board of Trustee/Personnel Committee ’08-’09 goals, provide Interim HOS with a mutual initial orientation of expectations for the year

<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.      <!--[endif]-->Subcommittee will meet again after the first term with the Interim HOS to provide initial feedback/mentoring, review performance for the term, review/triage goals for ’08-’09, provide assistance

<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.      <!--[endif]-->Subcommittee will meet again after the second term with the Interim HOS to provide feedback/mentoring, review performance for the year, review/triage goals for ’08-’09, provide assistance, evaluate HOS ’08-’09 performance for review and approval of the Board of Trustees at the April ’09 meeting

<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.      <!--[endif]-->Make contract recommendation

All members present agreed that this process would not only allow for a more accurate HOS evaluation, but would also assist the Interim HOS to meet or exceed requirements, make continuous improvements, and achieve focused goals.  The only problem or consideration identified at the meeting was whether this process would conflict with open meeting law provisions, so the committee decided to present the process to the Board of Trustees for direction.

Action Item:  Robert Sousa will present the process to the Board of Trustees for discussion.  He will also contact Dr. Argenziano for guidance in researching job descriptions and evaluation processes at other charter schools.

The Acting Chair adjourned the meeting at 8:45

Respectfully Submitted

Robert Sousa

Acting Chair

BACK

Report of the Community Relations Committee, May 1,  2008

 

Marblehead Community

Charter Public School

Community Relations Committee

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17 Lime Street

Marblehead, MA   01945

Tel: (781) 631-0777  

Fax: (781) 631-0500

marbleheadcharter.org

 

TO:                 MCCPS Board of Trustees

                        Kay O’Dwyer, Chair                 Cindy Canavan              Dr. John Sullivan

                        Emil Ronchi                              Cathy Vaucher              Pam Shorr

                        Bob Sousa                                Chris Fauci                   Nina Cullen-Hamzeh    

 

CC:                 MCCPS Community Relations Committee

Kathy Cormier                          Mary McRae                Joanne Osborne                                    Ryan Redmond                         Tim Stonecipher            Alexandra Pineros-Shields

Cathy Vaucher             

Dr Albert Argenziano, Interim Managing Director

DATE:            May 1, 2008

SUBJECT:  Report of the Community Relations Committee, May 2008

Community Coffee

We hosted our April Community Coffee on April 16, 2008.  We had a reasonable turnout, including several new parents.  Thank you to Kay, Nina, and Cathy for joining us. 

We will finalize a date for the May Community Coffee in the next several days.  We will also be looking to advertise this event differently, including signs in the pick up and drop off line for several days ahead of the meeting.  We will be looking to see how different marketing will adjust the turnout.  I will forward you the date of the event once we have scheduled it and you are all welcomed and encouraged to attend.

Press Outreach

We will hosted our Press Outreach day on April 9, 2008.  I have previously provided you a summary of that under different cover.  Thank you to Nina, Al, Kay, and John for participating, as well as to the members of the Committee that joined us – Joanne, Cathy, and Kathy.

Positive Press

We have had two positive press stories in the last month including stories on the fifth grade’s study of the revolutionary war, and an Earth Day themed story focusing on the Save the World enrichment.  We will continue to author and submit stories, keeping in mind the guidelines shared by the press at the Press Outreach day. 

Respectfully Submitted

John T. McEnaney

Chair, MCCPS Community Relations Committee

BACK

Report of the MCCPS Educational Foundation May 1, 2008

 

Trustees,

The mission of the MCCPS Educational Foundation is to develop community partnerships that enhance the resource capacity of MCCPS to deliver according to its fullest potential as an innovative public charter school.

The MCCPS Educational Foundation met on April 16, 2008.  No motions were made or passed other than to accept minutes from the previous meeting.

We will be making another appeal via letter to the community for fundraising, on or about May 1.

We are organizing an event on or about June 10 to reach out to potential partners and future trustees of the Foundation.

We have delegated responsibility for the next Auction to Jeff and Eileen.

We discussed several initiatives.  We now need to bring the administration in to coordinate and support efforts.

We express our appreciation to teachers who acknowledged funding (e.g. written thank you from MCCPS Science Teachers) as this formally substantiates the value of the Foundation to potential donors.

Emil

BACK



Employment Agreement of the Interim Academic Director

 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

 
            THE PARTIES INTEND THIS AGREEMENT made this _____ day of ____________, 2008, between the Marblehead Community Charter Public School (hereinafter MCCPS) and Ms. Helena(Nina) Cullen-Hamzeh (The Interim Academic Director), to reflect the terms of the employment agreement between said parties as understood and agreed upon.

                                                 TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

            MCCPS agrees to employ Helena (Nina) Cullen-Hamzeh, as Interim Academic Director, and she agrees to accept the position, pursuant to the terms and conditions contained herein;

            In consideration of the terms contained herein, the sufficiency of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties agree to the following: 

<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.                  <!--[endif]-->Employment Term: The School agrees to employ Helena Nina Cullen-Hamzeh, (hereinafter Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh) as the Interim Academic Director, for a term commencing on July 1, 2008 and continuing until renewed or until June 30, 2009 subject to earlier termination as provided herein or subject to the By-Laws of MCCPS, whichever occurs first (hereinafter called the “Employment Term”).

<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.                  <!--[endif]-->Duties: Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh shall hold the position of Interim Academic Director of MCCPS and agrees to perform the duties normally incidental to that office, or as assigned to her and subject to the direction and control of the Board of Trustees of the School.  Furthermore, Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh, as the Interim Academic Director shall undertake all necessary actions to uphold the Charter granted to MCCPS, specifically with reference to the details of the charter application upon which said Charter was granted, and the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as they apply to Charter Schools

<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.                  <!--[endif]-->Extent of Service: Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh, as the Interim Academic Director, shall work full time for MCCPS, giving her full attention, skills, and energy to the business of the School. 

 The duties of the Interim Academic Director shall include, but not be limited to the following:

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Supervise all elements of curriculum development and enhancement;

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Provide leadership and guidance to the faculty and staff and evaluate all faculty and staff at least once a year using objective performance based criteria and oversee faculty My Achievement Plan (also known as “MAP” goals);

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Manage, direct, and oversee MCCPS’s short and long term academic programs and educational services; 

<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Manage and oversee the student disciplinary policies of MCCPS and make appropriate changes to that policy as necessary and needed;

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Oversee student services and reporting to appropriate government agencies;

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Lead the professional development team;

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Provide communications to the stakeholder community at least twice a month and work with the Interim Managing Director on strategies for the improvement  of community relations to foster a sense of trust and credibility to the stakeholders and community;

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]--> Work with the Interim Managing Director on strategies for maintaining and stabilizing enrollment and maintain records documenting fluctuations in enrollment;

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Understand the finances and budget of MCCPS and work within its guidelines and in accordance with any policies approved by FinCom and/or the Board of Trustees;

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Understand and follow DOE regulations, state and federal laws, guidelines and other directives, and recommend when necessary appropriate corrective actions and strategies for compliance at MCCPS;

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Develop and implement educational and personnel policies for MCCPS in conjunction with Interim Managing Director and amend as needed;

.<!--[if !supportLists]-->·        <!--[endif]-->Attend meetings of the Board of Trustees as an ex officio member of the Board as defined in the By-Laws, and provide monthly reports detailing and updating the status of MCCPS to the Board and Stakeholders.

 he job performance of the Interim Academic Director shall be evaluated bi-annually by the Board of Trustees in its capacity as “Employer”, pursuant to objective assessment criteria developed by the Personnel Committee and approved by the Board

 
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.                  <!--[endif]-->Salary and Expenses:  During the Employment Term, the School agrees to pay Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh, as the full-time Interim Academic Director a salary of ninety-five thousand dollars ($95,000), reflecting a 3% increase and $4,360 designated for Master’s program tuition. Such salary shall be payable in installments in accordance with the regular payroll policies of MCCPS as in effect during the Employment Term of the Interim Academic Director for the period July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.

 Any anticipated expenses to be incurred by the Interim Academic Director on behalf of MCCPS during the Employment Term shall be submitted to the Board of Trustees in advance.  All requests for reimbursement of expenses shall be itemized in writing with the date(s) corresponding to the specific expenses incurred and containing a full and complete explanation of the relationship and nature of the business and expenses to MCCPS, with copies of any and all receipts attached.  Any and all anticipated and/or incurred expenses shall be subject to reimbursement at the discretion of a vote by the Board of Trustees and are subject to the By-laws and policies of the Board and FinCom.

 
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.                  <!--[endif]-->Termination of Agreement: 

 (a) Death: This Agreement shall automatically terminate if Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh as the Interim Academic Director dies during the term of her Employment Term.  The School shall pay to the estate of Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh any salary accrued to the date of death, and Board approved reimbursable expenses.  After such payment is made all of the School’s obligations and duties under this Agreement shall cease.

 (b) Termination for Cause: At any time during the Employment Term, the School, upon 10 days written notice to Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh, may discharge her and terminate this Agreement recognizing the School’s obligation to pay to her accrued salary for services performed on behalf of MCCPS pursuant to this contract to the date of his discharge.  For purposes of this Agreement, a “discharge for cause” shall mean a discharge resulting from a determination by the Board of Trustees that the Interim Academic Director (i) has admitted to or been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, including but not limited to fraud, theft, or embezzlement, (ii) has willfully failed to or refused to follow policies, directives, or orders established by the School, (iii) has committed acts amounting to gross negligence or willful misconduct to the detriment of the School or its Students, (iv) has willfully or persistently failed to attend to her duties hereunder, (v) has mismanaged or mishandled funds of the school, or (vi) has otherwise breached any of the material terms or provisions of this Agreement.

 The Interim Academic Director agrees to conduct herself with due regard to public conventions and morals, and agrees that she will not engage in or commit any act that will tend to degrade or bring herself into public humiliation, contempt, scorn or ridicule or that will shock, insult, or offend public morals and cause harm to the goodwill and reputation of MCCPS.  If the Interim Academic Director breaches this clause the Board of Trustees may take such action as is appropriate to protect the interests of MCCPS.

 In the event of termination, the Board of Trustees shall incorporate by reference in this document all applicable procedures as contained in the MCCPS By-Laws governing the Termination of the Chief Staff Person.

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->6.                  <!--[endif]-->Benefits:   

 Medical insurance shall be made available to the Interim Academic Director under the terms of the plan offered by a state certified medical insurance carrier selected by MCCPS.  The school shall pay 75% of said medical insurance and Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh shall pay the remaining 25% of said medical insurance premium.  There is no cash equivalent if the employee declines this benefit.

 Dental insurance shall be made available to the Interim Academic Director under the terms of the plan offered by a state certified dental insurance carrier selected by MCCPS.  The school shall pay 75% of said dental insurance and Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh shall pay the remaining 25% of said dental insurance premium.  There is no cash equivalent if the employee declines this benefit.

The Interim Academic Director shall be enrolled in the Massachusetts Teachers Retirement System (MTRS).

 The Interim Academic Director’s participation in a retirement and/or tax sheltered annuity program is at the discretion of the employee.

 The Interim Academic Director shall be enrolled in, and covered by, MCCPS’s short and long-term disability program.  Complete policy details are available in the Business Office and an abbreviated Statement of Coverage appears in the Faculty Handbook. 

 The Interim Academic Director shall be entitled to twenty (20) paid vacation days during the contract year, which shall be taken only when school is not in session.

 In addition, the Interim Academic Director shall have all holidays recognized by MCCPS and made available to any other MCCPS employee.

Unused vacation days may not be carried forward into the next contract year or anticipated before the start of the contract year, nor will the Interim Academic Director be compensated for unused vacation days. 

The Interim Academic Director shall be entitled to ten (10) paid sick days during the contract year.  After five (5) consecutive days of absence, medical verification may be required.  Unused sick days may neither be carried forward into the next contract year nor anticipated before the start of the contract year, nor will extra compensation be paid for unused sick days.

 The Interim Academic Director shall be entitled to two (2) personal days as made available to any other MCCPS employee. Unused personal days may neither be carried forward into the next contract year nor anticipated before the start of the contract year, nor will extra compensation be paid for unused personal days.

The Interim Academic Director shall be entitled to three (3) bereavement days. Unused bereavement days may neither be carried forward into the next contract year nor anticipated before the start of the contract year, nor will extra compensation be paid for unused bereavement days.

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->7.                  <!--[endif]-->Notices:            Any notice required or permitted to be given under this Agreement shall be sufficient if in writing and if sent, postage prepaid, by certified or registered mail, return receipt requested, (i) to Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh, Interim Academic Director, at her last known address 61 Blaney Street, Swampscott, MA 01907 , and (ii) to MCCPS, 17 Lime Street, Marblehead, MA  01945.      

                  Notification regarding extending or non-renewal of the position of Interim Academic Director as delineated in this Agreement must occur no later than April 1, 2009, or at a later date with the mutual agreement of both parties, Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh and MCCPS.

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->8.                  <!--[endif]-->Severability: In case any term, phrase, clause, paragraph, section, restriction, covenant, or agreement contained in this Agreement is deemed invalid, such invalidation or unenforceability shall not defeat or impair the remaining provisions contain herein.

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->9.                  <!--[endif]-->Waiver of Breach: The waiver by either party, and/or both parties, of a breach of any provision of this Agreement by the other party(s), shall not operate or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach.

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->10.              <!--[endif]-->Entire Agreement: This Agreement supersedes, replaces and merges all previous agreements and discussions relating to the same or similar subject matters between Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh, the Interim Academic Director and MCCPS, and constitutes the entire agreement between Ms. Cullen-Hamzeh and MCCPS with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement.

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->11.              <!--[endif]-->Governing Law. The substantive laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, excluding any conflicts of laws, rules or principal that might otherwise refer to the substantive law of another jurisdiction, will govern the interpretation, validity and effect of this Agreement without regard to the place or execution or the place for performance hereof.

 <!--[if !supportLists]-->12.              <!--[endif]-->Modification. This Agreement may not be changed or terminated orally, and no change, termination or waiver of this Agreement or of any of the provisions herein contained shall be binding unless made in writing and signed by both parties, and in the case of MCCPS by the Chair of the Board and the Treasurer of the Board of Trustees or by their Board approved designee.

 

 

THE AUTHORIZED PARTIES AS HAVE SIGNED BELOW HAVE EXECUTED THIS Agreement and agree that its terms shall commence and be effective as of July 1, 2008

 
BY: Helena (Nina) Cullen-Hamzeh

TITLE: Interim Academic Director

 

SIGNATURE:_________________________

 

DATE:_________________________

 

BY: Kay O’Dwyer

TITLE: Chair, MCCPS Board of Trustees

 

SIGNATURE:_________________________

 

DATE:_________________________

 

BY: John Sullivan

TITLE: Treasurer, MCCPS Board of Trustees

 

SIGNATURE:_________________________

 

DATE:_________________________

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