Grandfather Academy

Grandfather Academy Advisory Council September 11, 2015 Page 1 of 3

Grandfather Academy Advisory Council Minutes September 11, 2015

The Grandfather Academy Advisory Council met on the Hayes campus of Grandfather Home for Children in Banner Elk at 12:43 PM on September 11, 2015. Proper notice was given to comply with the North Carolina Open Meeting Law.

Trustees Present: Mary Jo Brubaker, John Merritt, Stephanie Knowles

Trustees Absent: Kathryn Gatewood

Others Present: Frank Rosato, Michelle Griffin, Wendy Turbyfill, Karen Magner, Tiffany Laws, Andrea Ormsby, Gail Draughon, Reggie Wiles, Shanon Myers, Greg Dobbins, Mary Merritt, April Miller, Rita Watts, Don Ramsey, Penny Wright, and the student body.

Prior to the start of the meeting, the students paid tribute to 9/11 with a slide show. They led the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.

The students performed “Lean on Me” for the Advisory Council. They were led by music teacher, Karen Magner.

Call To Order Dr. Mary Jo Brubaker officially called the meeting to order at 12:45 p.m. She welcomed everyone and reviewed the agenda. She asked if anyone had other business to declare and no one had anything to add. The agenda was accepted as written.

Reading of Mission Statement Dr. Brubaker read the mission statement aloud: To provide special education opportunities for students who have been estranged by emotional, sexual or other abuse.

Review and Approval of August 14, 2015 Meeting Minutes Dr. Brubaker asked for a motion to approve the minutes from the August 14, 2015 meeting. Stephanie Knowles made a motion for approval and John Merritt seconded. The motion for approval was unanimous. Q&A/Public Comments Dr. Brubaker asked if anyone had questions or comments. There were no questions or comments from the public.

Mrs. Knowles advised we have a new charter school consultant and we’re waiting to hear who it is. She also advised that the Academy’s Charter is up for 10 year renewal and the self-study will need to be completed soon.

Michelle Griffin gave an update on enrollment numbers.

Dr. Brubaker asked if Neale Cottage would be reopening. Mrs. Knowles told her it would not reopen as a service for the IDD population. They are exploring substance abuse opportunities and it is possible that it could serve students with substance abuse issues in the future. Currently the plan is to begin with Intensive In-Home Services. Fifteen staff members of Children’s Hope Alliance are obtaining credentials to serve this type population.

John Merritt said he and his wife recently volunteered in Campbell Cottage and they observed a behavioral incident with a child that escalated. He wanted to commend the staff for the way they handled the situation. A general discussion was held regarding some of the behavior issues in Campbell Cottage.

Mr. Merritt asked for an update on residential staff turnover and how the process to replace them is going. Mr. Rosato said 3 new staff members are currently going through orientation and there are five interviews next week. He said he is meeting with unit supervisors weekly and other cottage staff to address their concerns. He also meets with staff members that are leaving to gather information on why they decide to leave.

Dr. Brubaker asked Mrs. Griffin about her goals and vision for the school year. Mrs. Griffin said that one of her goals is to make Grandfather Academy as much like a traditional middle and high school as possible. She said she is still learning to balance the educational and clinical issues. She tries to remain in constant communication with the teachers to see what they can do better or what things need to change. She said staff is currently working on math interventions since most of our students struggle in this area. She said she plans to sit down with Mr. Rosato and Mrs. Knowles to discuss the vision for the school year. Mr. Rosato added that Mrs. Griffin attends the clinical meetings each week and they are really working on communication between educational and clinical staff.

Mrs. Griffin advised that Larry Shook, the father of the late Tina Shook, has agreed to pay the renewal fee for the library each year. He also told her that some of Tina’s friends would like to make donations to the library, in her memory, as well. She said that the software has helped organize the books and help the students find what they need. She said that our library volunteer, Mrs. Staton, has offered to create A/R tests for any of the books that don’t have those available. She asked everyone to stop by and take a tour before leaving. Grandfather Academy Advisory Council September 11, 2015 Page 3 of 3

Date and Time of Next Meeting The next meeting is scheduled for October 9, 2015 at 12:30 pm in the Grandfather Academy Gymnasium.

Stephanie Knowles made a motion to adjourn the meeting. John Merritt made the second. The meeting adjourned at 1:17 pm.

______Signature Date