Why does the school board start every meeting reading the school mission and the board mission? The board does this to ground its work in the board mission which is different from the school's mission.
School Mission
Great River School, an urban Montessori learning environment, prepares students for their unique roles as responsible and engaged citizens of the world.
Board Mission
The Board of Directors exists on behalf of the public to ensure that Great River School achieves the student outcomes for which it is chartered and provides exemplary stewardship of resources while at all times operating within all required parameters. Accordingly, as the governing body of the school, our intent is to refrain from co-managing.
Karen Anway and Anne Springfield, guides at Great River read the oath of office and were officially appointed to the board to fill the vacated faculty positions on the board.
All GRS Board Meeting agenda items fall into three areas:
All GRS Board Meeting agenda items fall into three areas:
- How are the students doing?
- Is everything occurring appropriately?
- Board assessment and development
The Student Performance Factors for April were reviewed and discussed. The Board was especially appreciative of the chart to the left that quantifies the non-traditional work that Great River students do.
The Student Achievement Committee Chair offered recommendations of questions to be added to the student survey that will be administered in May.
Is Everything Occurring Appropriately?
The Finance Report was presented and approved. A request was made to add a column to the report that identifies what percentage of the budget a line item represents. The school has spent 73.5% of the budget with 75% of the year complete.
A proposed new outdoor environment to be constructed on the East side of the South parking lot was discussed next. The plans were reviewed. The Board discussed the value of this work and the impact that it might have on other unforeseen building requirements. The total cost of the project will come from the capital improvement fund; this fund must be used on direct improvements to the building or grounds. Great River can not use this fund on any other expenditures; it stays 'with' the building. The board discussed the value of improving the outdoor area now versus having this fund as a bargaining chip to offer if we were to sell the building. A motion was made to approve the expenditure on this project, and it was passed. Start watching the South parking lot this summer to see the work on the outdoor play area start!
Fiscal Year 2016 Budget review began and was tabled for approval at May's meeting so that come suggested changes could be incorporated. Charter Compliance was discussed; our authorizer's request for different possible scenarios for new/other/improved facilities and the financial goals. The Resource Committee will develop these and Board Operations will come up with governance goals. The Faculty will develop math, student observation, mindfulness, and independent work goals.
Every month the Consent Agenda, things that require approval but not discussion was passed. This month the board pulled the calendar from the Consent Agenda for discussion; dates were discussed and updated, and the Academic Calendar 2015-16 was approved.
Board Assessment and Development
Motions to approve amend the Board Operations Mandate, to dissolve FY15 ad-hoc committees, and to amend bylaws to establish three standing committees: Board Operations, Resources, and Student Experience Committee that serves as the District Advisory Council were all made and approved. The Board is encouraged to fill out the self-assessment shared in the training plan for individual development.
The Board adjourned.
The next Great River Board Meeting will be Wednesday, May 27th at 6PM. This meeting is the Annual Meeting and Board Elections! Families are encouraged to attend!!
The Student Achievement Committee Chair offered recommendations of questions to be added to the student survey that will be administered in May.
Is Everything Occurring Appropriately?
The Finance Report was presented and approved. A request was made to add a column to the report that identifies what percentage of the budget a line item represents. The school has spent 73.5% of the budget with 75% of the year complete.
A proposed new outdoor environment to be constructed on the East side of the South parking lot was discussed next. The plans were reviewed. The Board discussed the value of this work and the impact that it might have on other unforeseen building requirements. The total cost of the project will come from the capital improvement fund; this fund must be used on direct improvements to the building or grounds. Great River can not use this fund on any other expenditures; it stays 'with' the building. The board discussed the value of improving the outdoor area now versus having this fund as a bargaining chip to offer if we were to sell the building. A motion was made to approve the expenditure on this project, and it was passed. Start watching the South parking lot this summer to see the work on the outdoor play area start!
Fiscal Year 2016 Budget review began and was tabled for approval at May's meeting so that come suggested changes could be incorporated. Charter Compliance was discussed; our authorizer's request for different possible scenarios for new/other/improved facilities and the financial goals. The Resource Committee will develop these and Board Operations will come up with governance goals. The Faculty will develop math, student observation, mindfulness, and independent work goals.
Every month the Consent Agenda, things that require approval but not discussion was passed. This month the board pulled the calendar from the Consent Agenda for discussion; dates were discussed and updated, and the Academic Calendar 2015-16 was approved.
Board Assessment and Development
Motions to approve amend the Board Operations Mandate, to dissolve FY15 ad-hoc committees, and to amend bylaws to establish three standing committees: Board Operations, Resources, and Student Experience Committee that serves as the District Advisory Council were all made and approved. The Board is encouraged to fill out the self-assessment shared in the training plan for individual development.
The Board adjourned.
The next Great River Board Meeting will be Wednesday, May 27th at 6PM. This meeting is the Annual Meeting and Board Elections! Families are encouraged to attend!!
