August 17 2008 Regular Meeting

Regular Meeting of the Board of Trustees

August 7, 2008

Minutes

In attendance: 

Emil Ronchi, Kay O’Dwyer, Christopher Fauci, Bob Sousa, Nina Cullen Hamzeh, Matt Cronin, Pam Shorr.  Mr. McEnaney arrived at 7:20. Ms Canavan arrived at 7:25.  Ms Vaucher arrived at 7:45  Not Present:  Dr Sullivan.

Also Present: Dr. Albert Argenziano, Interim Managing Director.

Location:  Mrs McAuliff’s Seventh Grade Classroom at the Marblehead Community Charter Public School, 17 Lime St, Marblehead MA 01945

The Board of Trustee Chair, Mr. Emil Ronchi opened the meeting at 7:00 P.M.   

In the absence of Mr. McEnaney, the Chair requested Ms O’Dwyer server as Clerk Pro Temp for the time being. 

He went on to call for public comment, and noted that there were no individuals wanting to address the Board for public comment at this time.

Mr. Ronchi recognized Ms Cullen Hamzeh, Interim Academic Director for the State of the School Report, a copy of which is attached.  She noted that there is Full Enrollment for the coming academic year.   Additionally, she noted that the Annual Report was submitted on time, and approved by the ESE effective August 7, 2008.

Action Item:  All Trustees to read Annual Report in full; Discussion opportunity will be at the September Regular meeting, and hold a discussion about the Board Approving it before submitting it in the future. 

Mr. Ronchi recognized Dr. Argenziano to provide the Interim Managing Director’s report which is attached. He informed the Board that today he met with Mr. Paul Dulac, Superintendent of Schools for Marblehead.  He also noted that he recently met with Mr. Nick Kosten, Superintendent of Schools for Lynn. 

Mr. Ronchi recognized Mr Sousa for the Personnel Committee Report.  Mr. Sousa noted that the Committee met July 21^st to develop tentative indicators for the Interim Academic Director .

Mr McEnaney arrived and resumed duties as Clerk at 7:20 PM.

Mr. Ronchi briefly discussed the format for the remainder of the Board, and with the concurrence of the Trustees, moved directly into the Goal Setting portion of the meeting. 

Ms Shorr asked to be recognized briefly to discuss a new business item out of order.  The Chair recognized her.  Ms Shorr suggested that the Board consider working with local education reporters to discuss highlight how North Shore schools and administrators are working together to on an ongoing basis to discuss what’s going on in our districts, to share ideas about academics and finances.

Mr. McEnaney asked to be recognized to cover a Governance Matter, and Mr. Ronchi acknowledged him. Mr. McEnaney informed the Board that we have received a letter dated July 18, 2008 from the ESE approving Mr. Cronin as a Trustee.  A copy of the letter is attached. 

Mr. Ronchi returned to Goal Setting.  Trustees suggested potential goals, and there was significant discussion among Trustees which were the appropriate goals.  The Board decided that the Goals for the year as follows:

• Identify leadership model and hire appropriate leaders
• Create a Strategic Plan
• Ensure financial stability and restore the school’s surplus
• Increase non-tuition  income to 10% of the school’s budget
• Ensure sound governance and trustee training.

In further new business, Mr. Ronchi recognized Mr. McEnaney who reminded Trustees that last year’s motion appointing the Interim Academic Director as the Chief Staff Person for purposes of the By Laws and ex officio membership on the Board of Trustees was about to expire, and recommended that a new motion be approved identifying the Chief Staff Person.   

Decision:  Mr. McEnaney moved and Ms. O’Dwyer seconded a motion that for the purposes of Article V, Section 1 of the By Laws, the position of Interim Academic Director be considered the School’s Chief Staff Person, effective immediately, and until June 30, 2009, unless this Board redefines Chief Staff Person prior to that date. 

Yeas:  10 Nays: 0 Abstain 0 Motion Passes

Decision:  Chair moved and Ms Vaucher seconded that the Board adjourn to executive session under exception three of the Open Meeting Law, MGL Chapter 30 Section for the express purpose of reviewing, approving, and determining the release status of the Executive Session Minutes for July 23 2007, October 11, 2007, December 6, 2007, January 30, 2008, February 25, 2008, April 3, 2008, and May 1, 2008.

Emil Ronchi – Yes; Kay O’Dwyer – Yes; Christopher Fauci – Yes; Bob Sousa – Yes; Nina Cullen Hamzeh – Yes; Matt Cronin – Yes; Pam Shorr – Yes;  Mr. McEnaney – Yes; Ms Canavan – Yes; Ms Vaucher  - Yes     Motion passes

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

The Chair adjourned the meeting to Executive Session at 9:00 PM

Respectfully Submitted

John T. McEnaney

Clerk

Report of the Interim Academic Director, August 7, 2008

8-7-08

State of the School Report

Submitted by Nina Cullen-Hamzeh,

Interim Academic Director 
 

It was a very busy month.  Summer school and summer camp were both successful and enjoyable experiences for the children who participated.  The annual report was submitted on time thanks to everyone’s concerted efforts.  Hiring for next year is nearly complete.  Room changes have been occurring, and we’re sprucing up the building from all directions.   
 

Annual Report  (attached)

• the new accountability plan facilitated the reporting of process
• several goals have been met
• some areas of need are apparent & should be addressed immediately in order to effectuate a successful year

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Report of the Interim Managing Director, August 7, 2008

To: Board of Trustees 

From: Dr. Albert F. Argenziano 

Re: July Report 

The month of July has rapidly come to a close.  Staff is being hired.  Cosmetic changes have been made to the building, and summer school has come to a close.  The mini version of our Enrichment Summer School, i.e., music camp and woodworking profited $1,000.00.  Next Summer we hope to expand our offerings as well as our profit margin. 

I have continued my work with neighboring superintendents. All our feeding communities are facing difficult economic times, and those with school buses and oil heating costs are in the most difficult of situations. 

We continue to monitor our finances and look forward to our first quarterly check at 230 students instead of 192 students.  Staff salaries and cosmetic changes to our facility have been done in a manner of fiscal seriousness. 

In four weeks, we will be welcoming staff and students for the 2008-2009 school year.  I feel confident that this coming year will be a positive one for our school. 

I look forward to seeing you on August 7, 2008. 

Thank you, 

Dr. Albert F. Argenziano

Interim Managing Director

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