In attendance: Emil Ronchi, John McEnaney, Cynthia Canavan, Chris Fauci, Matt Cronin, Nina Cullen Hamzeh. Not Present: Cathy Vaucher, Dr. John Sullivan, Bob Sousa, Dr. Alice de Koning.
Also Present: Dr. Albert Argenziano, Interim Managing Director.
Location: Community Room 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 7:40 P.M.
He went on to call for public comment. Noting there was no public comment, he continued.
He called on Ms Cullen Hamzeh to address the Charter Renewal Application. She provided a copy to Trustees, which is attached.
Decision: Mr. McEnaney moved and Mr. Cronin seconded that the Board of Trustees adopt the Application for Charter Renewal as attached. The Board authorizes Ms Cullen Hamzeh to exercise editorial license prior to submission provided there are no substantives changes to the application and/or annual report.
Yeas: 6 Nays: 0 Abstain 0 Motion Passes
Mr. Ronchi called on Dr. Argenziano to provide his report to Trustees, a copy of which is attached. Dr. Argenziano also noted that the State has acknowledged an error in its funding calculations for the School, and we will be receiving an additional $80,000 in tuition reimbursements. He also noted that our landlord’s father passed away, and that Dr. Argenziano formally expressed his condolences on behalf of the School.
Mr. McEnaney asked the Chair for a follow up on the status of the appointment of Mr. Jonathan Lederman to the Personnel Committee. The Chair indicated that he is still waiting for the completion of some of requested research.
Mr. Ronchi informed the Board of Trustees that the Board’s counsel, Ms Barbara Buell
Decision: Mr. Ronchi moved and Mr. Cronin seconded that the Board of Trustees authorize the school to use the services of Hollender & Carey LLP on an as needed basis in addition to as school Counsel.
The Chair tabled the motion to enable the language to be refined to better represent the intent of the Board.
The Board agreed that its August meeting will be held on Monday, August 31 at 7:30 PM.
Action Item: The Clerk and Ms Cullen Hamzeh propose a Board Meeting Scheduled to present on August 31.
Decision: Chair moved and Mr McEnaney seconded that the Board adjourn to executive session under exception 3 of the Open Meeting Law, MGL Chapter 30A Section 11A1/2 for the express purpose to discuss strategy with respect to litigation.
Mr. Ronchi -- Yes, Mr. McEnaney -- Yes, Ms Canavan -- Yes, Mr. Fauci -- Yes, Mr. Cronin -- Yes, Ms Cullen Hamzeh -- Yes Motion passes
The Chair noted that the Board will not be returning to open session at the conclusion of Executive Session. Additionally, he invited Dr. Argenziano to participate in Executive Session.
The Chair adjourned to Executive Session at 8:45 PM
The 2008 – 2009 school year is rapidly coming to a close. The 2007 crisis has passed but the students that were accepted to make up the loss of 38 students did present quite a challenge.
Financially, the 2007 shortfall and this year’s economic downfall in our state and country has presented another major challenge. We are asked to provide the same level of services with less staff and less income. This daunting task we face for FY010 will be a challenge. We are prepared and will do our best to keep the school on its steady course. With this in mind, internally and externally, we must seek alternate funding sources as well as seeking other ways of reducing our expenses.
As I reflect on this past year, we have achieved the following:
- Leadership model approved and adopted
- Professional Development Inclusion with Marblehead Public Schools
- Full Enrollment – 230 students
- Strategic Plan approved, adopted, printed
- Newsletter reinstated
- Recruitment program for Board Members, Fin Com Members
- Academic Head hired full time
- Academic Head enrolled in one year intensive masters program thru
Endicott College- completion date May 2010
- Met with owner of facility to entertain use of final available space
- Blue Ribbon Task Force established, recommendation made, Board approved
- Endicott College Professional Development – second course offering
- Extended Learning Grant
- Cosmetic changes made to building in the areas of Art, Music, Technology,
HVAC
- Successful Auction
The Marblehead Charter School has turned the corner and our program, staff and waiting list provide a promising future. To be a small part of that turn around, is quite an experience. I am humbled and quite proud of our school. The Trustees, staff, students and parents need to take an extended applause and our heart felt thank you.
