Board Meetign Minutes September 20, 2013- Stamford Academy

Board meeting minutes – September 20, 2013- Stamford Academy

Present – Craig Baker, Steve Baker, Chris Emmerson-Pace, Julienne Foy, David Williams, Owen Davis, Edwin Naval, Mary Martin, Johan, Wendy Block, Felicia, Alison Soler, Tina Mathias, Curt Battles

For the first meeting, a joint information session for Stamford Academy and Trailblazers Academy began.

Craig Baker, Chief Educational Officer, welcomed everyone. He began by updated all board members on newspaper and TV report on a students incident. The school had written an editorial response to s Stamford Advocate article, stating our position on the matter. He explained that the incident between our student and others, did not happen on school grounds and once we were notified, we followed all proper protocols.

A discussion ensued. All agreed that we handled the situation properly.

Mr. Baker then discussed the negative impact this news had on our enrollment, as a few families withdrew because of perceived safety issues.

Mr. Baker then informed all about the new teacher and administrator evaluation system SEED (System for Educator Evaluation and Development). We have been trained and have had information sessions with our staffs and we are implementing for the school year 2013-14.

Lastly, he informed both boards of the standardization of professional development. He has targeted 4 areas; student motivation, explicit instruction, data systems and trauma informed. He, Tara Clancy (Literacy coordinator), Michelle Ihrig (Special Education coordinator) and Chris Emmerson-Pace would be facilitating the training throughout the year.

Michael Duggan, Chief Executive of Domus addressed the board. He announced that two staff members had welcomed new babies into the world and wished them well. He also announced that Craig Baker, Chief Education Officer, was the recipient of Sacred Heart University’s Alumni award. This prestigious award is given to graduate that have demonstrated leadership in their field. He also thanked a donor for funding our summer school program for the year. Lastly, he announced that we were awarded $5 million in non-liquid preferred stock, which should yodel an annual dividend of $150-200,000.

Alison Soler – Development – addressed the board. She reported on the golf outing and the Domus Niner, both event raised a significant amount of money for our schools. In addition, Nancy Fertig was this year’s winner of the Joseph Paquan Award for service to Domus.

Both Schools then adjourned and went to their respective Board Meetings.

Noah LaPine was unable to attend. Mike McGuire – Director of School Support Services ran the meeting.

Dave Williams, Director, gave the school report. He stated that 100% of the seniors graduated and that 100% had been accepted to post secondary school. Also, 95% of his staff was returning. He ahs Co-teaching fellow position open. The beginning of school has gone well. Attendance is up and the census is full. Basketball going well. Staff preparing their goals for SEED process. The school has joined the League of Innovative Schools and is looking to convert graduation requirements for over- aged, under-credited to mastery based. A number of his staff has participated in the initiative.

Marina Schreiber, Chief Operating Officer for Domus distributed the working copy of the by-laws. Our attorneys have reviewed, made changes and she is asking that we take up a motion at the next meeting, October 18th, to approve. A motion was made to adjourn the meeting, seconded – meeting adjourned at 9:10.

The next meeting is October 18, 2013.