WESTERN MENNONITE SCHOOL BOARD Monday, August 28, 2017 Equipping Students for a Life of Faith and Learning Present: Zach Nicoli, Allen Schrock, Robb Hunt, Linda Dibble, Naomi Quesada, Cheeri Barnhart, Chad Hochstetler, Andy Kauffman, Al Stefan Absent: Bob Baker Guest: Sandi Martin 1. Devotion: Allen heard a sermon a few months ago that came from Nehemiah. When Nehemiah heard that the people in Jerusalem were in trouble and that the city was in ruins, he cried, he fasted, he prayed. He went to the king and requested permission to rebuild the walls of the city. He received permission and when he got to Jerusalem he said to the people, “Come, let us rebuild the walls.” The people said, “Yes.” There was opposition. However, the walls were rebuilt in 52 days. The enemies realized that it was done by the help of our God. Here at WMS, we try to focus on being Christ-centered and we need to remember that. It’s not always an easy road but we need to keep Him in the forefront of our efforts and our decisions. We noted several people who need prayer for health concerns and prayed. 2. Consent Agenda: Minutes approved as submitted. Introductions made with Robb Hunt – a new member of the Board. 3. Committee assignments for upcoming year. Executive Committee made the following recommendation, which were affirmed. Strategic Planning: Allen Schrock (chair), Bob Baker, Andy Kauffman Finance: Chad Hochstetler (chair), Zach Nicoli, Robb Hunt Personnel: Linda Dibble (chair), Cheeri Barnhart, Zach Nicoli Policy: Andy Kauffman (chair), Naomi Quesada Note: per email poll, the following were approved for Executive Committee: Chair: Allen Schrock Vice-Chair: Zach Nicoli Secretary: Andy Kauffman Motion made by Chad, seconded by Cheeri to appoint Andy Kauffman as secretary of the Board. Passed unanimously. Discussion of responsibility of Personnel Committee. The role has varied over the years but it has traditionally been involved in the hiring process (for example, a board member would sit it on interviews) and this may not be necessary going forward. Perhaps some
greater involvement may be needed for key positions. Personnel Committee should discuss this. We can establish guidelines for the Executive Director to follow – a “profile” of desired employees – and allow the Executive Director to proceed with the guidelines. 4. Principal Report: •
136 students on first day of school. There was a good spirit at the school.
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Business office. We will probably need to hire someone at least part time to help out in this department.
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The new website should be up in a week or so.
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A reminder was made to get the review of financials done as we have not completed this for FY 2016.
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A question was asked about the new lunch program, but it does not begin for a couple weeks.
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Financials o All international students have paid. o Student Grants were budgeted at $176,000 o Al is working on a cash flow projection for the entire year
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Marketing: 80% of students will come from word-of-mouth referrals. That is why Al is trying to create excitement among the students who will go home and tell their parents who, in turn, will tell other families.
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The new school management system allows us to go back and contact families who have left the school. He is working with Rich Martin to make and maintain contact with these families.
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Al is interested in partnering with people who have expertise in particular areas, like marketing, to join in efforts to promote and improve the school.
5. Other Items A question was posed to Sandi Martin about how the teachers are feeling about the new year. There was some fear because not all teachers had met Al but as they get to know him there is more confidence. Bringing back health insurance played a big role because we would not have brought it back if things were not okay. There is a sense of peace around. Zach shared a positive text regarding Al. [Executive Session]
Allen discussed (1) board dues and (2) banquet. The cost to buy Bibles for 8th grade promotion is around $35 per Board member. We will discuss further giving gift cards to employees at Christmas as there are some complicating factors to this. In regard to the banquet, a number of board members are responsible for populating tables and they shared how they are doing with that. Adjourned at 7:50.