St. Andrew Apostle School
School Advisory Board Minutes
September 6, 2007
St. Andrew Apostle School
Members Present: Monsignor Mellone, Kathy Kilty, Peggy Mazzola, Andrea Morgan, Tara Roche, Nori Limarzi, Dustin Watson, Dorothy Primrose, Yicell Rosales, Mary Ahearn, John Vittone, Curtis McKay, Tim Breen, Andrew Price, Daniel Simpson (parent) and Felicia Lester (parent)
Members Not Present: Robin Tomaselli, Angela Solomon
Recorder: Dorothy Primrose
Order: Order was called by Andrea Morgan at 7:12 PM.
Meeting:
Prayer was led by Monsignor Mellone based upon a reading from the Book of Solomon.
Andrea introduced herself as the new Chair of the Board, initiating self-introduction of the rest of the members and parent participants in attendance at the meeting.
Monsignor Mellone reported on new agenda items for the 2007-2008 school year. All projects require appropriate planning and need to commence as soon as possible, in order to be completed or close to completion by the school’s 50th anniversary in 2009-2010. One major project is initiation of construction plans for a new gym and social center have been revisited from years passed. This major project will require a significant fundraising effort. Monsignor Mellone reminded members that the Archdiocese requires 75% of the total funds on hand prior to commencing any construction project. It is suggested that fundraising for the project should emphasize our desire to have the school’s physical plant commensurate with the quality of education St. Andrew’s provides to its students.
Ms. Kilty described the new school year’s progress as “smooth sailing,” thus far. She commended parents on their concerted efforts to arrive on time for morning drop-off while following the rules and remaining aware of the safety of the children. She notified board members that on Monday, a revised student handbook will be sent home with students, one handbook per household. Two new items have been added to the handbook, specifically a statement addressing the use of social or popular culture internet web sites and the use of cellular telephones by the student body. St. Andrew’s received a gift from the exiting 8th grade class and from parents, the funds of which were used to purchase four units of a teacher-student interactive teaching tool called a “School Board,” for use as a pilot in the elementary grades this year. If the pilot program is successful, Ms. Kilty might consider purchasing additional units as the system is expandable. She also mentioned that enrollment numbers have increased over last year. Inexplicably, one or more families that registered and were accepted did not appear during the first week of school.
No minutes were reviewed for the last (June 2007) meeting of last year’ s school board. Andrea suggested that someone contact Janice Whitesell, former Secretary to obtain the minutes from February 2007 for review and final approval by the next meeting on October.
Yicell Rosales presented the S.A.P.A. report updating board members of summer and fall events and general information. The summer distribution of SAPA’s welcome packages to new and returning families was very successful. Yicell spoke of the decision to decrease the number of required volunteer hours from 30 to 25. Instead, a mandatory family contribution of $50.00, is now required with the money earmarked for certain needs. First, it would help offset the lost volunteer hours, and second, it would provide a base operating fund for SAPA at the beginning of the school year, allowing an expedited first installment toward its obligation to the rectory. Yicell also enumerated upcoming fundraisers and events, including the Parish Potluck & BBQ, Back-to-School Night, Sally Foster and Movie Night (a huge success last year).
Nori Limarzi gave an update on the Phyllis K. Schultz Faculty and Staff Support Fund, explaining to new members and attendees the purpose of the Fund, procedures for applying for funding and implementation of the Study Abroad Program initiated and approved by the Board last year. Nori met with faculty to distribute new policies and procedures and emphasized the requirement that staff properly document their activity prior to and following each course. She reported that teacher appreciated the allowance of “substitute days” and to No Teacher Left Behind Program. One (1) pending request for Peggy Mazzola from last year, four (4) new requests, and three (3) additional requests to continue in the Notre Dame program were submitted for vote. All applications were voted upon and approved by show of hands.
Andrea Morgan notified board members that their committee reports this year should be submitted to the Board one (1) week prior to the meeting dates, in order to decrease turn-around time for preparation and submission of proposed minutes for approval. This strategy would also help keep meetings within time constraints. She also suggested that minutes should be distributed via e-mail. Reports should be submitted to the Secretary prior to meeting dates. Angie also mentioned adding closing prayer as an item in the regular meeting agenda. A sign-up sheet was circulated for board members to sign up on a rotational basis to lead the prayer. A snack sign-up sheet was also circulated.
Another topic of discussion was the Phyllis K. Schultz Annual Golf Tournament is coming up and board members were encouraged to participate and in this event hosted by the School Board. A tag day is offered for students whose families contribute $25.00. Angie also announced an organizational meeting at Nick Luketic’s house to be held next week. Board members were reminded of the initiative addressed last year concerning the parent/guardian gifts and talent survey. Martha Lester has volunteered to assist in preparation of the database. However, the logistics of how to share database still needs to be determined. This year, the survey will also be given to parishioners. Data gathered from previous surveys is now dated and will not be used.
Lastly, Angie informed members of the following upcoming events and thanked the parent participants for their presence at tonight’s meeting:
Prayer was led by Monsignor Mellone. The meeting was adjourned at 8:35PM by Angie Morgan.