LEBANON CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES MAY 12, 2008 Attendance: Fr. Michael Reid, Fr. Paul Fisher, Fr. Philip Burger, Fr. Joseph Scanlin, Fr. John Peck, Michele Ambrosia, Rose Kury, Ryan O’Donnell, Michael Eck, Dennis Chapman, Brian Marko, Carlene Stachura, Deb Nash, Connie Porzucek, Bev Abernethy, Monica Simmers, Tony Mohl Call to Order and Opening Prayer: Fr. Reid Review and Approval of Minutes from March 10, 2008 Board Meeting: A motion to approve the minutes was accepted by all members Dialogue: Presentation by parents of LCS students--A presentation was made by Mr. John Skulski and Mrs. Mary Earle, who were representing a group of concerned parents of LC students, as to the results of an unofficial meeting held April 20, 2008. A copy of an “Executive Summary of Parents’ Meeting” was provided to all members, along with a copy of a “Parent Survey for Strategic Planning” conducted by the group. Their concerns included communication among administration, faculty and parents; business & strategic planning; use of the Lebanon Valley College project which was conducted a few years ago; an alumni list registry; and conducting surveys regarding fundraisers and faculty. Jill Broderic, a 1988 graduate, also spoke about her belief that there is a “punitive philosophy” by the faculty of the middle school grades and that she is withdrawing her children from LC because of this perceived philosophy. Mrs. Ambrosia explained that personnel matters cannot be legally discussed without the faculty in question present. In conclusion, Mrs. Earle and Mr. Skulski advised that there are parents who want to help the school; they requested that feedback to the summary of the parents’ meeting be given at the next board meeting. Response by LCS Administration and Board--During the presentation, Mrs. Ambrosia, Mrs. Kury and board members did respond to the expressed concerns given: the LC website is being improved and donors are being secured to pay for an upgrade that would eventually allow all teachers to use the website to list assignments, provide grades, and administration to post items of interest. Mrs. Kury also advised that as of this date, we have 48 new students enrolled, and the 8th grade class is growing; LC has received accreditation from Middle States, which was soon to be formally announced (Middle States only announces their accreditations twice per year); there have been delays in certain projects being pursued and developed because of the turn-over in the Development Director’s position this past year; Mr. O’Donnell and Mr. Chapman are working on the alumni list registry; Mrs. Porzucek believes there is a general trend across the diocese, not just at LC, of middle school students leaving Catholic schools and going to public schools, part of which she believes is attributable to the increase in tuition at this level.
Mr. O’Donnell presented the results of a parent survey sent in the communication folder to all families (49 of 278 surveys were returned). Overall, the parents are satisfied with the school, but concerns were expressed about communication and student resources. Some of the positives of the school are intended to be added to our new marketing pamphlets. Some issues, such as kindergarten class size, academic resources, communication, and future surveys are being addressed. Mr. O’Donnell commented that there are negative feelings that remain from past transgressions, but he knows positive things are happening and feels that trust needs to be built between the school and parents. He agreed that there is a constant need for updates to the parents to let them know what is happening. To achieve this goal, Mr. O’Donnell has begun a Development newsletter. Assembling a wireless mailing list is a priority—parents’ e-mail addresses were requested on the registration forms, but few provided them, so it’s important they know the reason for the request. Mrs. Kury added that the goal is to have a portal up and running by the 2009-2010 school year; teachers are being trained to use this same system.
Principal’s Report: Mrs. Ambrosia Mrs. Ambrosia submitted her general and elementary report dated May 12, 2008. She also added that 48 new students were registered for the next school year as of May 12 th, and there are 5 possible transfer students. Mrs. Ambrosia had advised that Fr. Rodriguez was transferring to another parish and that Fr. Michael Rothan would replace him at St. Benedict the Abbot Church. Fr. Rothan will also be the Chaplain for LC. This transfer is to occur June 19, 2008. Mrs. Ambrosia was notified that the Commission on Elementary Schools and the Commission on Secondary Schools of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools have approved the awarding of accreditation to Lebanon Catholic School for a period not to exceed seven years, ending on May 1, 2015. The following faculty members will be resigning at the end of the 2007-2008 school year: Mrs. Karen Walker – pursuing new career challenges Assistant Principal’s Report: Mrs. Kury Mrs. Kury submitted her report for the middle and high school dated May 12, 2008. Development Director’s Report: Mr. O’Donnell LC received approximately $4,000 from the A+ Giant’s Reward Program; the back to school communication will encourage greater participation by families in this program. The Silent Auction grossed $14,328, with a net profit of approximately $12,000. Six people have volunteered to be members of the Development Committee.
Building and Grounds Report: Mr. Mohl Mr. Mohl advised that there is a federal Safe Routes to School Program (funded through Federal Enhancement Funding) to which we can apply for grant money to be used to replace the pavements at the school (the grant cannot be used for the parking lots). The grant application time period opened May 5 th and ends August 1 st, so Mr. Mohl will complete and send the application before that deadline. Maintenance Report: Mrs. Ambrosia Mrs. Ambrosia submitted Mr. Heagy’s maintenance report from March and April, 2008. She added that Mr. Heagy advised that replacement of the uneven sidewalk outside the school entrance should be completed prior to graduation on May 23 rd. Finance Committee Report: Mr. Chapman The approval of the budget for the school year 2008-2009 will be discussed at the closed session of the voting board members immediately following this meeting. As of May 12th, there is $69,000 in past-due tuition; of that amount, $40,000 is due from 12 families. At this rate, we are on target to collect 98.6% of total tuition due. May tuition statements included outstanding fundraising bills that are due. Fr. Reid advised that he has had parents contact him wanting a list of the fundraisers that count toward profit sharing; it was noted that these are clearly identified. Fr. Reid also suggested that if students would staff a LCS table at church it could go towards profit sharing; the other priests present agreed, but were concerned that if there is a table for LC, that the public schools of their parish would also want a table, so this might not work. The new profit sharing plan information will be included in communication sent to the parents this summer; Mr. O’Donnell, Mr. Clentimack and Mr. Chapman will get together in late June to prepare this information. They will monitor the new plan during the school year to make sure that LC doesn’t lose money with this plan. Old Business: Student Parking Update--Mr. Mohl showed the parking lot plans that were prepared. The plans show 48-60 parking spots, 12-15 additional spots for teachers; $1,500 must be paid in advance to the City before they will review them for approval. The architect wants 40% of the entire cost of planning and engineering, the total of which is $8,500 (includes the $1,500 to the City). The plans are good for up to 5 years. Fr. Reid asked for a written bill, which Mr. Mohl will see is provided. Payment of the planning and engineering cost will come from the Capital Campaign. Scholarship Policy--Mrs. Ambrosia requested that the second reading of the clarification of the Scholarship Policy be conducted. Fr. Reid gave the second reading of the policy and moved that it be approved; Mr. Chapman gave first approval, Fr. Fisher gave second approval, and all voting members present approved. This policy will be entered into the school’s handbook. Drug Policy Update--Mrs. Kury and teachers attended the Berks County SAP program; the drug policy proposal should be ready for first reading at the School Board meeting in September, 2008. New Business: All-day Kindergarten Class--Mrs. Ambrosia presented a request to the Finance Committee that the limit to split kindergarten classes after 25 students (which is the current policy) be reduced. As of May 12 th, there are 23 students enrolled, and this size class makes some parents hesitate to register their child at LC. This would require a second kindergarten teacher. There is currently an aide who helps the pre-K and kindergarten teachers. If there were two kindergarten classes, the aide wouldn’t be needed as often and could devote more time to the pre-K class. The ideal size for a kindergarten class is 17 students, which is the local public school average. The cost of a second teacher has been calculated into the proposed budget for the next school year. The Finance Committee recommended that the School Board vote on this issue. The voting School Board members present approved the following: “When kindergarten enrollment reaches twenty-two students, the administration can make the decision to divide the students into two classes.” Based on this approval, there will be two kindergarten classes for the 2008-2009 school year. LC Website: posting School Board Minutes—The Finance Committee suggested that the School Board meeting minutes be posted on the school’s website, making them more accessible for all parents to read. Fr. Peck suggested that we advertise to the parents that we will be doing this. The minutes cannot be posted until they are approved (which has normally occurred at the next board meeting), but in order to post the minutes more timely, Mrs. Ambrosia will e-mail the prepared minutes when received by the recording secretary, and will post it to the website when the Board members respond with their approval of the minutes. Next School Board Meeting: Monday, September 8, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. in the LCS Library (first meeting of the school year) Closing Prayer: The meeting was adjourned with a closing prayer by Fr. Reid. Voting Board members then attended a closed session. Respectfully submitted by |