WESTERN MENNONITE SCHOOL BOARD Monday, March 20, 2017 Equipping Students for a Life of Faith and Learning Present: Kirk Jespersen, Zach Nicoli, Naomi Quesada, Eric Martin, Cheeri Barnhart, Bob Baker, Chad Hochstetler, Allen Schrock, Andy Kauffman Absent: Linda Dibble Guests: Scott Baker, Sandi Martin [Executive Session] (Sandi was asked to return after the executive session) Devotion: Andy shared the story of Nehemiah rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and drew a parallel between Jerusalem and Western this year – we are rebuilding the “walls” of Western. When opposition comes from the Enemy, we need to remember that God is the great God and ask him to strengthen our hands. The Minutes from February 27 were approved. Questions on the Admin reports included the lunch program, finances, Title I & II programs, accreditation, school calendar for 2017-18. Lunch program is in process. The person from Sodexo said he would be unable to offer it to Western due to cost and their decreasing workforce. Andy asked him if there was a way Western could set it up so he could make it happen. There has not been a response yet. We are on track to need $100,000 in cash to finish the year. This is available from the endowments. Title I & II funding are government programs that have money set aside for private schools. There have not been any strings attached with regard to religious freedom. The Title I funding is dependent upon where a student lives (which Salem-Keizer SD school) and student performance measures. It would help several of our teachers with their student loans. Andy will continue to pursue this. The school calendar next year has school starting on August 28, 2017 and ending on May 25, 2018, plus Mini-Term the following week: May 29 to June 1. The finance committee was asked to review tuition rates and bring back a recommendation. Motion by Eric, seconded by Bob to accept the calendar as presented. Vote was 8-1 in favor with Zach voting no. On accreditation it was suggested that a graphic of the outcomes be posted in the entryway. Eric and Andy shared information they received at the Education Leaders Gathering in Jacksonville, Florida. Some written summaries have been sent to board members.
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The Old Business matter of exit interviews, which had been delegated to the personnel committee, was deferred to a later meeting. We discussed the revised and simplified “Faith Statement” that the executive committee has presented. The first page is acceptable. The second page needs to be revised for language and Andy said he would do this and email it to board members. Once the two pages have been vetted, Andy will send to faculty & staff for feedback. The board will take further action after faculty & staff has responded. [Executive Session] Following discussion in executive session, the board decided to re-open the executive director position as a combined principal/head of school position and pursue a candidate via several avenues. Also, the Board affirmed the steps necessary to right-size the staffing for the number of students and revenue the school will have next school year without cutting so much that it will harm the school. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 [Public Minutes – may be redacted for confidentiality]
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