Board meeting minutes November 2015
Flagstaff Arts and Leadership Academy Governing Board
FALA campus, room 1
November 18, 2015
Minutes
Board Members Present: Annette Zinky, Rand Jenkins, Laurah Hagen, Stephanie Stackhouse
Staff Members Present:Deirdre Crawley, Laura Kelly, Taylor Smith, Jelenann Day, Stephanie Burns, Leslie Baker, Dustin Kuluris, PattiSchwartzendruber, Sara Buss, Betsy Hammill, JaneeceHenes, Alana Miller, Vrendi Will, Robert Corbin, Kelly Walker
Visitors: John Faccone, Eli Cohen, Elizabeth Driebe
Call to Order:Annette called the meeting to order at 4:04 pm
Approval of Minutes: Annette called for a motion to approve minutes, Rand seconded.
Approval of Consent Agenda: Annettecalled for a motion to approve agenda. Stephanie motions to approve. Annette seconds. Annette makes a motion to approve October minutes. Rand moves to approve minutes. Laurah seconds motion.
Information Items:
Deirdre is introduced to board. Expressed that she has been experiencing a lot of “firsts” on campus. Appreciated that students interviewed her, and is looking forward to earning the trust of the staff.
Discussion of and introduction to Board candidate Eli Cohen. Eli described his interest in community and education, strong believer in empowerment through community engagement, appreciates FALA for its ability to turn out students who are “citizens of the world.” Eli shared his background in actuarial math, IT, insurance, and companies helping to develop systems and manage accounts. States his love is to serve students.
Stephanie and Annette explain process for selecting board member for the benefit of the visitors in the room.
Stephanie moves to approve Eli’s membership to the FALA board, Rand seconds. Motion approved.
Public Comment: Request to include individuals with teaching background on the board.
It was noted in response that another Board candidate will be here in December, her background is in education. The Public is welcome to attend and meet the new candidate.
ED Laura Kelly introduced John Faccone who will be taking over accounting for FALA. John shared his background in working with other charter schools in Flagstaff. John gave overview of school accounting, how he operates on an accrual basis to most accurately reflect school accounts. John reviewed some unique elements of school accounting. John reviewed Statement of Financial Position. John stated that he looks forward to revising budget with input from Board and staff. Johndiscussed bonds, and responded to Public questions clarifying options for refinancing. John is enthusiastic about helping FALA continue to become stronger financially to attract lower interest rates.
Public comment: There is a discrepancy in teacher payment and experience;would like a pay scale designed to clarify their worth to the school.
Public comment: Payment has not been commensurate with experience and what was promised on initially signing contract with FALA.
Public comment: Expressed feeling of being in an abusive marriage, they love FALA but it’s not good.
Public comment: There is a discrepancy and lack of transparency around who is getting paid what and why.
Public comment: It feels like whoever fights hardest gets paid the most; there is not a policy that is being fairly administered.
Public Comment: Pay scale should reflect professional experience as well as educational experience, particularly in the arts.
Public comment: Arts professionals may have gained experience working with the most talented people internationally, this should be recognized.
Public comment: The revolving door of staff looks bad in town and for getting more financial support, we need to take care of our teachers first.
John Faccone comments that pay scales are articulated at other schools very clearly. John continues review of the statements he prepared. John comments that he’s impressed how FALA has been able to weather the storm that it’s gone through.
Stephanie clarifies with John how the layout of the financial statements will change in the coming months.
Stephanie moves to approve October financials. Annette motions, passed unanimously.
Board reviewed and discussed audit; Audit does not require approval.
ED summarized the Brain Trust meeting, including its purpose and process. Discussion of continuing to improve this program so the intent is clear to staff and they are informed of its gatherings, and takes into account contributions they would love to make.
Public comment: Staff feels concerned that there’s a division between administration and staff, and a lack of clarity on job descriptions. Staff is concerned that so many staff members have been leaving, and exit interviews have not been happening. Laura K mentioned that she has been doing exit interviews informally.
Public comment: Requested opportunity to deliver performance feedback ED. Shared concerns about policies for snow and sick days, hiring practices, salary scales, clarity of job description between administrative positions as they see evidenced in practice vs. outlined in the staff handbook.
Annette expressed anticipation for the Board meeting in December, looking forward to hearing more regardingthis list of concerns articulated by Public once it has been informed by input from all staff members. Requests updates from staff becomes a standing item on the agenda until leadership transition is complete.
ED welcomes Kelly Walker as the new sub coordinator.
Annette makes a motions to adjourn, Stephanie motions to adjourn, Eli seconds. Passes unanimously