Inspire School of Arts and Sciences Board of Directors Meeting

Monday, October 10, 2011

Held at Inspire Classroom PC11

BOARD MINUTES

1.      Call to Order at 7:00 PM

In attendance – Jay Goldberg, Rose Krepelka, Denver Latimer, Jann Reed, Dan La Bar, Eric Nilsson, Debbie Travers

Closed Session:

Regular Session called to order at 7:35 PM

Additional persons in attendance –Doris Luther, Jarred Morales-Mckinzie

2.      Consent Calendar:

a.       Approval of September 12, 2011, minutes with spelling correction to Jaxon and including feedback regarding educational relationship with Sierra Nevada. Debbie made motion to approve minutes as amended, Jann seconded, approved unanimously.

3.      Student Report: Jarred reported on Gala, and upcoming Voices of Hope concert, Halloween Dance, biology class field trip, Sojourn Club membership, Interact Club activities, and Senior Graduation Committee progress.

4.      Principal’s Report:

a.      Gala: Eric reported that he couldn’t be at Gala, but he heard it was even better than last year, both on stage and variety in lobby (Spanish class mask, cubes from Engineering, etc) Probably 60% of student body were represented.

b.      Perceptual Data from 2010-2011: Eric shared results from surveys. Highs and lows can be used to generate discussion at staff meetings and respond to student needs.

c.      Taste of Inspire made about $2500. Many parents realized the site was bigger than they thought and appreciated it. Our encroachment onto the Chapman site was a bit of a surprise, but Weissenborn thought it could be shifted a bit away.

d.     Sept 26^th meeting with Dan –Not ready to present anything. Compensation accelerated at the beginning of the career then plateauing might be a good option. Chico Country Day School uses something different; Rose has copy. It took them 3 years to develop their salary plan. Only Ron is in final third of his career, a few other teachers are in the middle 10 years, and most in the early 10 years. Salaries/benefits consist of about 73% of our budget. The meeting concluded with everyone knowing that more research is needed. No next meeting planned. Rose and Dan will talk.

5.      Discussion/Action Items:

5.1  Public Hearing/Discussion/Action:

5.1a. Charter renewal –

·        Major changes already incorporated into the Draft Version 3 (distributed to board members) include increasing enrollment to 480, clarification of Board of Directors, and reserving 10% of our freshman openings for Chapman kids.

·        Some additional changes for page 19 include adding that “The Inspire Principal serves as one of the two non-voting member…” and regarding the CUSD representative “This representative will be nominated by CUSD board of trustees (delete or Inspire) and shall be approved .…”

·        It was suggested that the student could be formalized as a non-voting member, with a whole new paragraph addressing the student, maybe someone from ASB.

·        Dan is adding supplemental info – see pg 32 of draft. Dan will ask whether changes to supplemental will be considered a material change – maybe have these outside the charter, so changes in supplemental don’t involve re-voting on entire charter.

·        Next step is legal review by Inspire’s attorneys.

·        Rose made motion to accept document with changes, Denver seconded, 4 approved, 0 against, and Jann abstained.

51b. Facilities Use Agreement – The language of the FUA was drafted by John Ya, CUSD’s attorney, and reviewed by Inspire’s attorney. After some back and forth, the base language will soon be settled. Discussion is just beginning on the financial detail and the clarification of who is responsible for providing which services. The District wants a 10-year term.

5.1c. Budget trigger – At the last meeting it was determined that the Inspire Board should have a dollar amount requiring Board approval prior to spending – After discussion, it was decided that expenditures over $10,000 must get prior Board approval. Jann motioned implementing the $10,000 trigger, Debbie seconded,  approved unanimously.

5.1d. Consultant Agreements – After discussion, Rose motioned that all agreements over $5000 be approved by the board, Denver seconded, approved unanimously.

5.1e. New Board Member Candidates - Matt Brown (Becky Anker’s significant other) is interested in being on the board. Jay will send him an email asking for a short bio, what he would bring to the board, and a question asking about his level of commitment., and invite him to a board meeting. 

5.1f. Addition of part-time Office Assistant – Eric described need for part-time office help. He will bring for up for action at November board meeting with intent to hire during December for start in January.

5.1g. Rotary Membership – Rose Krepelka recommended that Eric join the noon Rotary group. Rotary could help Inspire by providing good connections and exposure, however Tuesday lunches are mandatory. Cost would be $350/year plus additional expenses totaling about $1500 per year. Will bring back for vote.

6.       Items from the Floor: None

7.      Announcements: None

8.       Meeting Adjourned at 9:37pm.

1. A-G Password was received today in order to submit courses for approval. It is a lengthy process and may take up to one year for all courses to obtain approval. It will not put students at a disadvantage but may need additional explanation at the time of application to college.

2. Facilities – Two plans have been reviewed by staff and the facilities planning committees for the move to the Chapman/Community park site. This is going to be a huge commitment of time and energy. There is a plan which will not require relocation of any Chapman teachers. Moaty indicated that since the site was remote that security for the schools equipment should be addressed. There is a question who will provide the furnishings for the new site. 

3. The Sojourn to the Past trip was a great success and will be occurring during upcoming school year as approved previously.

4. A Summer Social for Board Members and Teachers will be planned. Eric will work on the date.

6. Discussion /Action Items

7. Items from the floor

8. Next meeting. 

1. Call to Order at 7:00pm.

2. Closed Session
   1. Principal Eric Nilsson’s contract was approved for one more year.

3. Regular Session: called to order at 7:45pm

4. Consent Calendar:

5. Student Report – Jarred Morales McKenzie reported on the upcoming Interact/Rotary Duckie Derby and the Inspire school dance Beauty and the Geek.  

6. Principal’s Report-
   1. WASC update – approved!!
   2. Elective Pathways –

3. New Hire Information –

7. Discussion/Action Items:

8. Items from the floor
   1. Eric discussed the importance of governance for the Charter.
   2. The board approved an assistant approval position.
   3. We have 30 applications for the assistant principal position.
   4. The board will receive the schedule for interviews and a board member will serve on the hiring panel.
   5. Kim Jaxon’s students, Rough Cut Film Festival will be at Harlem Adams theatre tomorrow at 4pm.

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences

Board of Directors Meeting

Regular Session, 7pm

Monday, April 11, 2011

Minutes:

Present: Denver Latimer, Rose Krepelka, Jay Goldberg, Kim Jaxon, Debbie Travers, Moaty Fayek, Jann Reed, Eric Nilsson, Ron Pope, Jarred Morales-McKinzie

1. Open Session – Meeting was called to order at 7:06pm

2. Consent Calendar – minutes were approved from last session by Moaty Fayek and second by Kim Jaxon. Vote was 7-0 all in favor.

3. Student Report –

            a) Student Government presented on current efforts underway for the upcoming dance “Beauty and the Geek” at the Arroyo Room on Saturday, April 16^th.

            b) Interact Club reported on the upcoming BBQ fundraiser on May 14^th  at 5 mile to raise funds for water filters for the Dominican Republic, tickets are on sale for

                $10.00 in the Inspire Office.

            c) Sojourn Club presented on their journey to the South.

4. Principal’s Report:

a.       Registration for 2011-2012 School Year –

Target 360 – 390 with an attendance rate of 93%. There’s a projection of $300-$400 less ADA per student with proposed State budget cuts.  There will be $75,000 in the planning grant for next year. The Charter Block grant allots an additional $400 per student. The Inspire budget will remain in the black with $400 less per student, even with consideration of reduced funds available in the operational grant. We currently have several students on the waitlist at all grade levels. We recently received an additional $32,000 for stimulus funds to augment the operating budget.

b.      Report on WASC visit on April 4th - Highlights of the visit include the amount of time they spent in classrooms and with students at lunch time. They reported observing very committed, highly qualified teachers and engaged students. Ron’s been through 6 WASC visits and felt very positive about the meeting after the visit which included sharing ideas and successes. The student lunch meeting went well; they asked questions about the arts and academics and commented on how students are engaged in every class. They suggested sending students and teachers to observe Inspire and vice versa/exchange. Jay asked if accreditation would affect senior enrollment to justify 2 sections of seniors/60.  They commented on the submitted WASC report and the emphasis on interdisciplinary project learning and asked Inspire to share where we are at with this approach. Eric suggested collaboration between teachers/classes needs to happen naturally and will be a stronger focus for next year.

c.       Foundation Fundraiser - A Night of Comedy, April 8^th at Sierra Nevada – The Inspire Foundation Advisory Board did a great job organizing the event. Students were involved in playing music, taking photos, and greeting attendees.  The event net was close to $4000.

d.      Update on new teaching positions – Eric has submitted the RFP for assistant principal. Interviewing for approved teaching positions will take place this week and next week. During the interview process Eric needs to explain to teachers that they are considered an at-will employee due to the fact that it does not state this on the Ed Join website. He also needs to state that this is not a guaranteed full – time position during the interview process. Eric will talk to Heather at the DO to add clarity to the ED Join job description.

e.       Project Lead the Way – the revised agreement was finalized and signed by Jay Goldberg.

5. Discussion/Action Items:

5.1a. Consider approval of new courses – new courses are not guaranteed but will be based on numbers that register for the new classes and enrollment. Not all classes will be offered this year, those that are not offered this year will be tabled until next year.

• MaryLou Lim divided courses into 2 different semesters. She plans to offer voice techniques and music reading prior to students going into Choir. She plans to start an entry level Corral Choir class and then a more advanced Choir class with tryouts starting next week.

• Musical theatre performing students/touring troupe would like to go into more depth and advanced learning in regards to musical theatre workshop to study musical performances combined with advance choreography. These components/classes would be offered at the same time.

• Ron Pope discussed the technology classes and would like to offer electronics at a more advanced level. There’s a challenge in teaching all of the audio/video classes and adding electronic theory/advanced courses and possibly an advanced year of video classes with only one teacher teaching all of the sections.

• Yearbook may be its own course next year versus combining it with Digital Photography. The incoming art teacher may change the fine arts courses once hired.

• Project Lead the Way is proving to be very popular with our students and we will probably offer 2 sections of the class next year.

• 13-14 new resource students will be coming in next year creating a total of 28 resource students attending Inspire. This number of resource students requires a full time position. Inspire might add a class focused on math enrichment after reviewing the upcoming IEPs.

• PE classes offer standardized based assignments – dance classes listed under Independent Study PE (ISPE) count for PE credit without double dipping.

• Rose Krepelka motioned approval for the new courses and Kim Jaxon seconded the motion.  Vote was 7-0 in favor. 

5.1. b Consider approval of Consultant Agreement for Debbie Nuzzo:

The consultant agreement for Debbie Nuzzo includes assistance with fixing transcripts and building the Master Schedule for next year. Transcripts are inaccurate due to an error in Aeries when rolling over grades.  Part of the additional $32,000 will be utilized to cover the costs. Kim Jaxon made a motion for the consultant agreement and Debbie Travers seconded it.  Vote was 7-0 in favor. 

6. Items from the Floor:

            a) Ron discussed Cammys at the Graduate last Saturday with several musical groups performing and Inspire managing all of the sound work.  The event raised

                approximately $1000 for Inspire.

            b) April 13^th - Inspire students will perform at Chapman Elementary and share a few acts from Wizard of OZ.

            c) April 22nd - Farmers Market with Inspire students performing music and dance numbers.

            d) April 28^th – Blue Oak students visit Inspire

            e) Bidwell Jr High wants Inspire to come perform when they have time

            f) May 16^th at 7pm – Inspire Night of Musical Theatre – themes from different musicals, different scenes from a series of plays/musicals all arranged around a table

               will be performed at Roger William’s Theatre.

             g) May 18^th at 7pm- Inspire Spring Music Concert at Bidwell Pres., including orchestra, guitar and choir performances

             h) May 21st at 2pm and 7pm - Inspire Dance Concert called Us includes 10 student choreographers in charge of creating and coordinating dance excerpts.

                 Spoken Word will be one of the numbers with all of the students describing what dance means to them.

             i) Friday May 13^th The Inspire Talent show will be held during the day in the quad area on the Inspire/CHS campus. 

              j) The Chico State Fall Computer Information Systems Class is designed for Inspire students to attend two times per week to learn programming softwaretechniques and how to program Robots. The idea is to get students interested in Science and Technology. Seven students have shown interest already, the maximum per class is 15 students. Moaty stated it would be okay to add a second section if we have more students interested. The lecture portion will be offered from 4-5pm and the activity lab will be from 5-6pm. Moaty is taking his Chico State team to the programming competition, involving 1900 universities, with Chico State in the top 100 Universities competing.

7. Evaluation of the Principal – must be completed by the end of the school year in a closed session. Goals established at the beginning of the year from the vision of the charter and the WASC application need to be included in the evaluation. There is a need to form a committee for the evaluation process.

Self evaluation was suggested first for Eric to look at and reflect on. Each Board member should write a paragraph about Eric from the current evaluation and give it to Jay. The format would include time for Eric to discuss how he has performed in 3-5 areas.  The Board suggested sending a series of questions to the staff on Eric’s performance for the year. The evaluation will be added to the agenda for a closed session for next meeting. Jay will collate the responses.

We have a large group of students coming from Paradise. Paradise is considering opening up a Charter School.

8. Closed session.

Inspire Board Meeting

Monday, March 7, 2011

Present:  Denver Latimer, Rose Krepelka, Jay Goldberg, Kim Jaxon, Debbie Travers, Jarred Morales-McKinzie, Ron Pope, Eric Nilsson, Scott Jones, Jann Reed

Absent:  Moaty Fayak

1.                   Denver made a motion to adopt the minutes from our last meeting

Rose seconded the motion.  Vote was 5-0 in favor.

2.                   Student Report  by Jarred Morales-McKinzie

a)       Wizard of Oz a great success for Inspire

b)       Sojourn Trip was ‘life changing’ and an incredible experience for the students

c)       Sojourn will present a fuller presentation to ISB on April 11^th and to CUSD on ?

d)       ASB is working on a Teacher Recognition event.  There is an idea to do this monthly

e)       Denver Latimer has offered his services as an advisor for a future Inspire Journalism club which is greatly appreciated.

3.                   Principal’s Report

a)       Eric met with Jim Hanlon and Mike Weissenborn and the Asst. Superintendant , Maureen Fitzgerald, and two classrooms will be available to Inspire so that there will be sufficient space for incoming 390 students.

b)       Currently 26 students out of 60 juniors have enrolled for Inspire senior year.  There are still 15 11^th graders on the waiting list.  The hope is to have two full classes of seniors.

c)       Three positions will be opened for future hiring – Fine Arts, English/Theater and a Math/Science position

d)       Waiting lists are still strong and we continue to get new registrations in.

e)       WASC update:  Two people will visit on April 4^th.  Reports are already being written based on strong support.  This report must go to April 15 WASC meeting.  Inspire is ready and organized.  They will meet with Eric and Ron in the morning and then visit classes all day. 

f)         The Inspire Foundation is holding its first major fundraiser on April 8^th with comedian Bob Smiley at Sierra Nevada Brewery.  Some concerns about this comedian giving a Christian comic have come up.  He also does secular shows as well which is what is planned for Inspire.  Get tickets before March 31^st.  Goal is to sell 300 tickets.  Sierra Nevada has donated half the cost of the room plus tickets and flyers.  Enloe has purchased a table.  This is the first fundraiser for the foundation in addition to sweatshirts and Kleen Kanteens. 

4.                   Discussion/Action Items

5.1a) Scott Jones joined this meeting to review the 2^nd Interim 2010/2011 Budget Analysis

• Major highlights include:  we’ve added $53,000 to the general operating budget.
• ADA has increased showing increased attendance
• Donations have also increased somewhat
• Total of $54,000 increased in revenue
• Clerical office salaries have increased with the hire of Lisa McWhorter
• The message is good.  There is an increase of grant funds available which is good.
• We will start building next year’s budget this month

Denver made a motion to approve the budget which was seconded by Kim Jaxon.  Passed unanimously.

5.1b)  Consider approval of new courses:

• We still have 20 quarter classes being developed for next year which allows a lot more flexibility for students.  Eric will bring a complete package of course proposals at the next meeting.
• If this board does not approve any courses, changes will be made
• Scheduling is very difficult, because of the benefits of creating a plethora of choices for students to explore their interests and develop their talents (as stated in the mission statement.)

5.1c)  Discussion on long term school sustainability

• Kim Jaxon sent an email today from DIIGO – a book marking site to share articles (mostly policy reports from PACE) for all board members to use with research.  The first links pertain to teacher pay.
• Kim recommends a Saturday working session for board and teachers to look at models.   There are a lot of innovative ideas to discuss – bonuses, grants, possibilities of moving away from salary schedules, non-competitive ways to think about salaries. 
• UCB is teaching a course on Charter Schools with a focus on High Tech High in San Jose which is a great inspiration
• Kim just returned from a conference on digital media and ?  There is now research showing ‘gaming’ in a PBL style.  Their assessment is robust – not just standardized tests.  Can we assess more creatively?  (Yes!)
• Staff can be invited onto DIIGO and Eric will send emails to Kim
• Last time we discussed looking at the school’s vision as a board and staff.  That should still be kept in mind.  This might be done on a Saturday before the end of the year.
• Ideas also raised that we meet with Chapman staff beforehand.
• It is still important to bring the board and staff together to revisit and review the mission, vision and charter of Inspire.  Denver feels a facilitated discussion about these aspects.  The board might be included at the retreat, or some sort of work day.  This could allow us to look at the strengths of the schools and think about how to make it even better.  This enthusiasm can help create a school people want to be a part of.  It is important to define what it is about the arts and about sciences we are all about. 
• Discussion about putting April 16^th on the calendar for a celebration of the future school at the actual site.  This would be a meeting for the board and the staff.  Jay will meet with Eric to set this up. 

5.1d)  Discussion/Action on considering approval of Assistant Principal

• Range of salary is $65 - $80,000/year for full time. 
• Comprehensive High Schools staff 600 – 650:1 with usually four individuals working on a team.  Eric feels with almost 400 students at Inspire, we should look at having a full time AP to help make school safe; test coordination; use of facilities and discipline.  Eric would like to keep instructional leadership on his plate. 
• Having two Principals full time in a team effort would be tremendously helpful. 
• Numbers are the concern.  Can we hire someone at 3/4s time? 
• Is it possible to share this position as a PT AP and PT Teacher?
• The budget has been adjusted to include a full time AP next year.  The need is enormous. 
• Rose made a motion to hire a new AP in the salary range between $65 and $75,000 for next year.  This was seconded by Denver.  Passed unanimously.

5.1 e)  Discussion/Action:  Consider approval of Project Lead the Way Engineering Program

• The intention is to get the PLTW signed tonight so Scott Gunderson can begin training this summer. 
• PTLW includes a partnership with CSUC
• ‘The Entity’ needs to be cleaned up to say Inspire School of Arts and Sciences in the PLTW Agreement rather than CUSD.  See Pg 6
• Eric will make changes and Jay will come down to sign
• Kim Jaxon made a motion to approve PLTW under the condition that we change CUSD to Inspire School of Arts and Sciences.  This motion was seconded by Rose.  Passed unanimously.

5.1f)  Discussion:  Mission and Vision of Inspire

• This tool is critical for the board’s evaluation of the Principal.
• We need to see goals written by Inspire staff and think about robust assessment
• The more visible this school is, the more important it is to show success
• Examples:  Must be quantifiable and qualifiable

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 pm.  Next meeting will take place on April 11^th.

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences Board of Directors

Regular Session

Monday, February 7, 2011

7:00pm 

Held at Inspire Classroom PC11 on the Chico High Campus

901 Esplanade Chico, CA

Minutes

Present:  Rose, Jay, Denver, Eric, Jann, Debbie, Ron, Jarrah, Eric

Students:  Jarred McKinzie-Morales, Anna Firth, Giovanni Quezada

Absent:  Kim Jaxon

1. Open Session – Call to Order – 7:00pm
   

2. Consent Calendar (5min.)

·         Consider approval of minutes of regular session on January 10, 2011.

·         Denver made a motion to approve minutes from last meeting, seconded by Rose.  All approved

3.  Student Report:  Giovanni Quezada and Jarred Morales-McKinzie -

           a.  Putting on Wizard of Oz production March 3, 4 and 5.  It will be a big show incorporating Inspire’s orchestra, tech, theatre, etc. 

           b.  At the District Gala next week many from Inspire will be participating. 

           c.  Sojourn will be heading to the south on Wednesday February 16^th to Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, etc… 

           d.  Theatre classes went on a field trip to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival at PAC. 

           e.  Interact will be holding a ‘duck derby’ BBQ at Five Mile, April 16.  the team is raising money to buy and install water filters for the Dominican Republic. 

           f.  The Newspaper Club was formed with the intent of printing but due to budget concerns, students are instead posting an e-newsletter on line.  Challenge is finding writers.  Photography has been easier.  Word has gone out.  Could Inspire find a way to make this class an elective, or infuse it into one of our English classes?  If student interest exists, we could consider starting a journalism class.  Might it be possible to work with CNR in some way?  Denver has offered to help this group / club.  Stian Rousseau’s father has also offered to help.  Could we try a ‘person on the street’ kind of series? 

           g.  Announcement:  Giovanni is Inspire’s newest ASB president.  Given there is no common meeting place, speeches were shown on YouTube to all Advisories with voting taking place right afterwards.

4. Principal’s report (20min)

1. Incoming meeting for 2011/2012 9^th grade students and parents:  On January 26^th, Inspire held a meeting for all incoming 9^th graders and their families.  This was held in the CHS gym and the stand was packed.  Most staff was there and Ron created a PowerPoint highlighting the structure and strategies of Inspire.  Overall this was a very good night.  The full 120 slots are filled with applications.  When it comes time to register we’ll know for certain about actual numbers. 
2. Report on Planning Grant:  We have $175,000 implementation grant to help us get started this year.  Because the federal government changed the rules for the reporting of this grant, several things changed dramatically.  Their fiscal year began August 1^st, while we started planning and spending July 1^st.  That spending now must come out of our operating budget.  Secondly, the grant noted that every single expenditure in the grant needed a scanned invoice.  Third, all expenditures need to adhere to federal government procurement process with two quotes for every expenditure.  Eric spoke with one of the grant overseers who told Eric that the reason we didn’t hear about this earlier was due to them being understaffed.  Unfortunately, we must go back and document all expenditures in spite of six months passing.  Inspire is now having to justify all expenditures coming from legitimate vendors.  Money was spent the following way:  $39,000 helped purchase two computer servers and science equipment in July for school implementation.  This was not approved by federal government.  Money from this grant can be spent on release time, and professional development.  It must be documented very specifically.  Ultimately we do have extra money we can use for Inspire.
3. Project Lead the Way:  This upcoming year we will add two sections of Engineering and Design which are the underlying courses for this course progression.  These will lead to pathways such as aeronautical engineering.  Scott Gunderson will be trained in the instruction of these introductory courses.  Eric can provide additional information if board members wish. 
4. Wizard of OZ – Marketing and ticket sales:  Ticket sales will be through Chico Theatre Company for reserved seating.  100 tickets will also be for sale on site.  We are waiting for the email to begin selling.  The big publicity hit will begin on Wednesday at the CUSD Gala.  Posters will be distributed Thursday.  PSAs will be on TV stations.  Eric will send out an inclusive email to all families connected to Inspire.  The Board could help spreading the word.  The goal is to sell 480 tickets for each show for three shows.  There are still many needs (including a trained dog!)  Stay tuned for an email from Jarrah about details. 
   

5. Discussion/Action Items (90min)

5.1 Public Hearing/Discussion/Action

5.1a. Discussion/Action: Consider approval of new courses.  Courses for Approval include Dance 1A and 1B; Dance 2 & 3; AP English, Spanish; Spanish for Spanish Speakers; Algebra Readiness and Algebra Support; AP Stats and AP Calculus; Anatomy/Physiology; Economics; American Gov’t and AP American Gov’t and Introduction to Engineering and Design.  Note:  we have found many students are truly in need of a class to prepare them for Algebra, hence Algebra Readiness is being proposed for those students.  Algebra Support could be taken as an additional class along with Algebra.  Many of these courses are aligned with CUSD courses and necessary for seniors.  The Introduction to Engineering and Design is design for 9^th and 10^th grade students but should be open to older students as well – at least in the first years.  Finally we have Resource students enrolled in a study hall who lose time first checking in with Study Hall before going to their Resource teacher.  We would like have these students report directly to their Resource teacher.  ISPE Dance should also be a new course not to be confused with Inspire’s Dance class.  Denver made a motion to approve these courses.  The motion was seconded by Moaty.  Motion is passed with full approval of the board.

5.1.b.  Discussion:  Long term school sustainability:  Kim Jaxon has done a lot of research on how charter schools handle salary schedules for employees.  Kim will provide a presentation at the next meeting. 

5.1.c. Discussion/Action: Consider approval of Lisa McWhorter’s contract:  Lisa has been on a daily-rate pay until the board can approve a contract – the same we are using for all classified employees.  Once the contract is approved by this board she will be on a regular time card.  Rose made a motion to approve the hiring of Lisa McWhorter.  Debbie seconded this and all approved.

5.1.d.  Discussion/Action: consider approval of Assistant Principal position in 2011/2012 based on projected enrollment:  This discussion has been tabled until Eric can do more research into how Charters handle AP salaries.  Hiring would take place in July.  The ratio of students to AP is ~ 600:1.  With Inspire, it might be structured to be an AP/teaching position.  This is in the budget for next year already.  In spite of the smaller number of students, this year Eric as Principal is in great need of support. 

5.1.e.    Discussion:  consider the decision by the CUSD Board regarding move to Community Park in fall of 2012:  At a CUSD board workshop this past week, the decision was made to move Inspire to Chapman.  Many were disappointed.  Though many feel this is not the best choice, there is a collective positive outlook to make the best of this situation.  Concerns included the eating situation, though Jay is wondering if a portable could be leased to various food sellers for a fund-raising food court. 

We need a vision for where this school is going to go – the physical location, the program, who and what we are. 

With this new situation, we can move forward.  In the beginning Inspire will be all portables.  There is no timeline for building anything.  At best it will be ‘shovel ready.’ 

Parental feedback is mixed.  Some families are now changing their minds about attending Inspire.  Some are worried about transportation through the neighborhood; or the Theatre program.  There are a lot of challenges for the theater and music program.  It might be possible to use the one octagonal building.  The gym is not possible to use for Theatre. 

What is the vision from CUSD and/or the District?  There is an attitude around the district that we are not always part of the district – that we are a ‘charter’.  The question is really, how do we fit.  This will influence discussions. 

This is a very thin line that Inspire is on.  A regular charter could have put in a Prop 39 request for the board to discuss and decide.  This process has been going on for over a year and was treated more like a district school.   The board was trying to allocate resources by hiring an architectural firm.  It could have been that Inspire might be located on two campuses.  There exists money specifically for charters that the district cannot access.  The disadvantage was trying to identify a ‘perfect place’.  The facilities committee has met for six months with insufficient information.  This should have been the work of the staff, who worked with Mike Weissenborn.  The committee got different information and had options rescinded for a variety of reasons which was very frustrating for the Facilities team.  The way it was presented at the January CUSD workshop, there were 60 days for Inspire to weigh pros and cons.

The architects first said that the community is your floor plan.  Inspire took that seriously.  In retrospect, this changed.  Many programs were taken off the list (Rosedale, CHS…)  At the board meeting then three sites were left with two immediately taken off.  Board is looking at it from the community perspective. 

Communication was uncertain.  Fact of the matter is that due to prior decisions made for both Parkview and Hooker Oak, they could not be viable.  To open up to community meetings, then that would postpone further opening of Inspire on its own site. 

The process did not allow for CJHS which was taken off the list by the district (due to parking concerns).  If the footprint of Inspire was placed at CJHS, then the board might have been able to save a lot of money by putting us in real classrooms.  Many in Inspire felt “scolded” by the district, yet Inspire always followed district requests.  The process ended extremely strangely with only three comments from the public allowed. 

Eric’s message sent a great tone.  The purpose of that meeting was to get us off this place and moving in a direction.  When it came to the board they only saw the three schools highlighted from a staff recommendation.  The 60 days was shortened for unexplained reasons to 30. 

We need the district to create a plan for Inspire to have its 390 students figured out for next year at CHS.  Commitments have already been made to students coming into this school.    We want to avoid intermixing of the two campuses next year. 

Ron’s question:  How can Inspire compete when it doesn’t have the facilities to support its specialized programs.  This goes back to - are we a CUSD high school or "something else?" 

Has other research been done with other In-district Charter high schools as to a vision of how CUSD can include Inspire?  Reality is that wherever we go there will be unique entities. 

CCDS has ‘worst facilities’ and highest enrollment.  So Inspire shouldn’t have to worry.

We need a unified vision.  And not everyone will be satisfied.  Jay has pointed out that we need to work together with a vision for what Inspire can mean with and for the district.  That is why Jann is here.  Should the relationship be tweaked?  Should board representative be evaluated when Jann’s term is up?  This could change to a staff representative.  The biggest concern we need to look at is communication. 

Jann has been asked to take back to the board the fact that Inspire does want to be a part of CUSD.  If we don’t figure out a way to make this communication and partnership work the frustrations will grow.  If there is a common vision between the school, the board and the district, this should help lessen the challenges of competition.

Our Inspire board has not heard a vision from the Facilities conversation.  The board needs much more interaction in hearing from this committee. 

We need to be reminded of Inspire’s mission and charter.  We need to have goals in the forefront. 

Can we see a timeline as soon as possible on the future move to Chapman?  We need to sit down with Mike and the architects. 

Jay pointed out that there would be value in the board and staff   visiting the new site to envision what they hope to see for Inspire.

6. Items from the floor (5min)
   

            The next meeting is scheduled for March 14^th which is spring break.  Instead the board will meet on Monday March 7^th .

7. Announcements (5min.)
   

Student Government gifted the Inspire board with its first fundraiser purple bracelets

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences Board of Directors

Regular Session

Monday, January 10, 2011

Present:  Rose Krepelka, Kim Jaxon, Ron Pope, Jarrah Miles, Mike Weissenborn, Eric Nilsson, Debbie Travers, Denver Latimer, Jarred Morales-Makinzie

Absent:  Jann Reed, Moaty Fayak,

Minutes

1.    Open Session – Call to Order – 7:00pm

2.    Consent Calendar (5min.)

·        Consider approval of minutes of regular session on December, 2010 and Special Session on December 17, 2010.

·        Eric explained that all received two copies of the minutes – a rough draft and a final draft. 

·        Additional changes include amending #3 to ‘Gay Straight Alliance’ (GSA) club;

·        Minutes to special meeting 12/17 are included in this package.

·        Debbie made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Kim Jaxon.  All in favor.

·        Rose made a motion to approve the minutes from 12/17, seconded by Kim.  All in favor.

3.  Student Report – No formal report, but Jarred Morales-Makinzie was available to answer questions.  Re Newspaper Club they are meeting regularly.  Denver Latimer asked to see a copy of their newspaper and find out what their publishing schedule is for the next meeting. 

4. Principal’s report (20min)

a.      Wizard of Oz:  Jarrah Myles presented.  Auditions are complete, casting is excellent, and singing rehearsals are in full session.  Scene work will begin Wednesday.  Many students are involved technically – lighting, set design, crew management, etc…  Tech team is also meeting regularly now.  Parents are turning in contracts.  Schedule is full.  Today final approval came for being in the CFA at PV.  Many community members are responding to calls for help and support.  Christopher Burkhart at the BMU will help with lighting design.  Army of parents have volunteered to help as well.  Many theatre companies are willing to rent at lower rate, but the challenge is them not accepting P.O.s  Jarrah is researching how other schools manage this challenge.  NV Foundation might be able to help.  Logistics are complex.  We need more munchkins.  A call will be going out to incoming 9^th graders under 5’2” to invite them to be a part of the production.  Our orchestra will be live including Scott Gunderson, Kim Gimbal and MaryLou Lim plus parents playing a variety of instruments as well.  38 people will be in the cast. 

b.     Facilities update:  We had our January 5^th board meeting last week.  Special Guest Mike Weissenborn joined into this discussion.  CUSD needs to look at a variety of schools’ needs which need to be balanced with Inspire.  In our 60 days, our hope is to create a matrix of pros and cons and address how these will best fit with Inspire’s mission and vision.  Possibilities being discussed include the sites of Rosedale, Citrus, CJHS, Chapman, and the parking lot of W Sac and Warner.  CUSD has charged Inspire with returning with a report of pros and cons for each possibility.  We now have 55 days to figure out the best location – that meets all our requirements as best as possible.  Question to MW:  Is there a reason why any of these might not be considered?  Answer:  An important result of meetings with NTD, the architects, has been to fine tune Inspire’s real needs.  Now the educational program is much more clear and all sites should be reviewed again.  Criteria should include walking distance, access to CSUC, etc…  Anything within a certain radius should be re-evaluated.  We now have an alternative location at Chapman that meets needs pretty well, however we must make sure there are not other sites being overlooked that could work better.  Criteria includes both subjective (board support) and objective (parking).  We need feedback asap regarding all possible locations to begin truly moving forward.  Board reactions included frustration with MW for not having work done yet.  MW is not yet convinced we have the best site yet.  MW met with City of Chico today re 5 different projects, including bike path to the back part of 20^th Street park.  Chapman is not considered within walking distance to Chico State.  Can we look at land not owned by CUSD?  Only CUSD land is on the table right now.  CUSD is trying to find a way to get the most bang for the buck for all CUSD needs (PV, CHS, Fairview and Inspire).  CJHS – what is the concern?  We need to have a list of the specific criteria for this.  A multitude of factors will lead to some flexibility with criteria. 

Re Jan 5 meeting:  Concept Site Organization page shows orange portables and a purple area representing theatre and multi-purpose space.  Below that is Phase 3 in dotted lines.  Red flags were raised immediately as playground for Chapman is almost all gone.  Even with permanent buildings arriving eventually, playground for Chapman seems obliterated.  Bottom left area is a concern due to leaking toxics.  Ron Pope is concerned with a possible impact on Chapman.  If we take portables and line them up against the fence for a playground, we lose any semblance of a school for Inspire.  Inspire was told that money does not yet exist for Phase II, the purple building, let alone for Phase III.  So this could be in place for 10 years.  Concern is for amount of space Inspire might receive, as well as, what Chapman will lose. 

MW’s response:  He has had the same reaction to this layout eating up too much of the land.   But in the process, it is important to keep aware how much space sites will need.  Other sites will have equally challenging impacts.  Last week MW met with CARD re traffic to the Chapman site.  They see a dead space on 20^th state park near their maintenance yard.  In the process, looking at what was well met and not well met, and in looking at all needs, we are taking incremental step with the board – getting a space-holder in place and opening up perspectives at issues involved. 

Before NTD did all their work, this conversation had already started.  Ron Pope remembers hearing there would not be money for Phase II.  So, with only 60 days to find something better AND a plan to persuade the board, is much more than a list of pros and cons, including a lot of politics and personal feelings. 

We need to truly research what is the best way to go at this point.  If we cannot build the blackbox theatre, we are only going down. 

Fear is that in 55 days CUSD board will simply place Inspire at the current suggested site defying logic. 

Measure A money still exists.  $17 plus an additional $6 million dollars is available.  The needs exceed this however.  The Measure A money was for a new high school and Inspire is a new high school.  CUSD board decided to use those funds to update all the high schools however. 

There are only 5-6 existing properties in Chico.  With this variety of sites, can we do what we did with Chapman, for all these sites?  Which sites should we take off the list?  None.  Lay it down first.   Ie.  Does Rosedale offer what we even need?  If it’s not a fit, let’s avoid another political discussion.  If it is a fit, and it saves $7 million, it’s a discussion we do need to have.  CHS should also be on the list.  IF we are revisiting, then we are revisiting.  Given the alternatives, we need to know we are on the best path.

HOW are we coming up with criteria:

-         walking distance to CSUC (CJHS, CHS, Rosedale, Citrus, Hooker Oak, Parking lot at Warner and W Sac)

-         parking

-         access to food

-         space for building

-         x amount of space for current needs

-         cost!

CUSD still owns land off of Bruce Road (Canyon View HS idea).  Next elementary planned for Henshaw and Guynn north of town. 

How much does under enrollment play an issue?  CUSD has built more capacity at our elementary sites.  See Facilities Master Plan for all sites.  All elementaries are under-enrolled, except Shasta.  There will be a need for the board to revisit commitment to developer fees. 

If Inspire leaves, another Charter School could come in with Prop 39 and join CHS.  CHS will be under enrolled.  Technically even if all relocatables are removed, there is room for 280 students.  Same is true for PV.  At Sept 15 board meeting, with two charter high schools not meeting Ss needs, that was a direct result of Inspire’s success.  Note, Junior Highs are now at 60%.  Talk about moving 6^th grade to Junior Highs.  Is Chico looking at other cities and districts with similar issues?  Some examples include 5 different architectural firms and their experiences.  NTD is very tuned into Charter Schools (Napa’s New Tech HS). 

Summary of Next Steps:  We need to set up a meeting next week looking at radius, candidates, criteria and come back with feedback.  We need a combination of objective and subjective criteria.  We need to walk through this pretty quickly (55 days).  MW wants to have time for board to come to DO to look at all the questions so background is correct (individually).  Assumptions are not all correct.  MW is committed to getting more information to the board in the next couple of weeks.  Inspire should get its facilities steering committee together next week to meet with MW.  Additional steps are needed –  a ‘decision tree’.  Looking at those steps now is too early.  When focus is honed, we could visit these.  After discussions and meetings, will board meeting in March include an official recommendation (or two or three).  We’ll still need full environmental reviews, legal processes, etc…  So we must have a new vision articulated.  It should all be resolved.  This is why it’s important to know what is not on the table right away. 

Our challenge will be to request a site, and propose alternatives.  Look at traffic and parking to see what is going to be eliminated quickly.  Those are quick indicators.  We’ll need to be prepared for 25% of our students driving plus 1.5 times of our staff = 125 spots.  Street parking depends on neighborhood. 

c.     Enrollment update:  We are at 280.  Next year we’re looking at 390.  January 26^th will be a meeting for incoming potential students at CHS Gym and Q & A session.  Suggestion that incoming students write questions on index cards and we provide a variety of current students there to address questions.  Ron will prepare a PPt, and short video clips would be great to include. 

d.     Parent Council – Eric’s emails very much appreciated.  Parent input – face to face – has been limited.  7 – 8 parents would like to see a Parent Council gathering 1x/month, or quarterly, for parental feedback.  We don’t have the ‘horses’ to organize parental groups that were energized earlier this year.  Eric will address this with parents. 

e.      IFAB update:  Inspire Foundation Advisory Board had a great meeting last week.  They are working with NVCF on endowment fund.  Gala, Winter Concert and Annie B drive monies have contributed ~ $16,000.  Funds here are being used for Wizard of Oz.  They are planning for Big Room on April 8^th with Bob Smiley, a comedian, combining an auction, dinner, and possible a dessert auction.  We might also include Inspire’s band to perform (Ron, Kim, etc…)  Tix would be $50/person leading to a net $10 – 11,000.  We are partnering with Klean Kanteen for a fundraiser (grossing $2500 - $3000).  Ideally, this group would like a big annual concert, though the venue is not available yet. 

5.    Discussion/Action Items (90)

5.1 Public Hearing/Discussion/Action

5.1a. Discussion/Action: consider approval of adoption of policy on Sexual Harrassment for the handbook.   Eric presented the document discussed last month.  Lawyer was consulted.  We already have both an adult and student policy drafted.  She said to leave the word ‘student’ in.   It looks good to go.  Kim made a motion to approve the lawyer’s comments, and to leave the word ‘student’ in.  Seconded by both Denver and Rose.

5.1b. Discussion/Action: consider addition of student representative to the Board of Directors:  Jay spoke with Butte College about this.  At Butte, students are elected by students at large and they can vote as an ‘advisory vote’.  They may not present second motions, or sit in closed sessions.  They recommend we look at our Ed Code on this.  Butte feels this is an excellent policy.  There are examples from high schools all over the place.  One model is to have ASB President to appoint someone, or have school vote for this as a position.  Or could Inspire Board appoint someone.  We could appoint for the first year.  Subsequent years could be different.  It seems having a student each year be on board with Advisory Voting privileges.  This change will need to be brought to both CUSD as well as amending the charter.  We also need to amend the charter with the number of students attending next year.  Eric will call John Bohannon about how we best go about this process.  We will include that the student cannot present or second motions, nor sit in closed sessions. 

5.1.c.  Discussion:  Long term school sustainability

We need to look at a variety of directions for this.  Eric would like the board to form a committee that does research on salary structures, how people are rewarded.  Currently, we are following the union’s approach to step and column.  How does this work with sustainability with 480 students (each class of 120.)  We will level off, which will solidify budget.  How do we look at this with increases of teachers’ salaries.  Kim and Rose both volunteered.  A future Saturday workshop would be helpful. 

5.1.d. Discussion/Action:  consider language in the charter related to suspension and expulsion.  Eric called Julie Robbins from  law firm, who helped us write the student parent handbook.  She does not feel language needs to be changed on our current document, revised November 4, 2009.  We currently have a very good expulsion coordinator who can work with Inspire as well.  Recommendation is to leave ‘as is’ with our board doing the expulsion leaving student to appeal with CUSD board should they wish.  Name needs to remain ‘Inspire’ and NOT ISAS.  Julie will go through whole handbook to change ISAS to Inspire.

5.1.e  Discussion/Action:  consider approval of new teaching positions in 2011/2012 based on projected enrollment.  Positions are needed for Art, Math and English/Drama.  Should we go to 390 next year, we will need to add three positions.  We wish to include one full time Fine Arts position.  Secondly, we will need a full time math (maybe two science sections) teacher for AP Stats or Calculus.  A good 30 of our kids in Algebra I are still really struggling and need support.  We would like to include a Math support class.  Our third position would be for English / Drama.  We will also need additional English sessions 1.0 FTE.  Motion made by Debbie:  Based on enrollment, Inspire will hire three additional teachers for 2011-2012 as described above.  Motion seconded by Denver.  All approved.  

6.    Items from the floor (5min)

7.    Announcements (5min.)

Next meeting February 7^th. 

8.    Meeting Adjourned at 9:07 pm.

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences Board of Directors

Friday, December 17, 2010

10:15 am

Minutes

Meeting called to order at 10:15 am.

Present:  Jay Goldberg, Jann Reed, Deborah Travers, Rose Krepelka, Eric Nilsson.

1. Discussion/Action Items (90)

1.1 Public Hearing/Discussion/Action

1.1a. Discussion/Action: consider approval of 8 hour clerical position for second semester of 2010/2011 school year and ongoing.

Motion was made by Jann Reed to approve an 8-hour clerical position for second semester of 2010/2011 school year and ongoing.

Motion was seconded by Deborah Travers.

Vote was 4-0 in favor of the motion.   

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences Board of Directors

Regular Session

Monday, December 13, 2010

7:00pm 

Held at Inspire Classroom PC11 on the Chico High Campus

901 Esplanade Chico, CA

AGENDA & MINUTES

1.     Open Session – Call to Order – 7:00pm

2.     Consent Calendar (5min.)

·        Consider approval of minutes of regular session on November 8, 2010

3.  Student Report –

·        Aleah Myers and Jarred Morales reported on the events and accomplishments, student government, clubs, smaller 5communities and upcoming events – painting the campus including: quotes/flames/beautiful colors, first dance on Jan. 15^th, Crave, Wizard of Oz, by the hard working student staffed school of arts and sciences. Newspaper Club, Studio Gibbly (Japanese animation club), Gay Alliance Club, Christians Club,

·        Formal item to add to next agenda – student voting member on the Inspire BOD. Look at different school models that have a voting student representative on the BOD.

·        Finals schedule were discussed and how they are comprehensive, a total of 8 finals to prepare for.

·        Interact club was awarded the Interact Charter by Rotary last week. 

4. Principal’s report (20min)

a.     Winter Concert – almost sold out, tech problem that was ironed out. Raised $3600 for NVCF, primarily Wizard of Oz.

b.     Facilities update – Board workshop Jan. 4, and 5^th meetings with Mike Wiessenborn and how to move towards a permanent facility. Bring to CUSD BOD a clearer picture of Inspire needs, goals, type of facility and location. Floating the idea with Provost of CSU, Chico about locating Inspire on the college campus.

c.     Application for Enrollment – 92 9^th grade enrollments to date, majority are from outside of the district, paradise, Blue Oak, core, Chico Country day, could be a problem since we are required to serve district students/unequal enrollment/flyers going home about form 10 to high schools and Inspire is now enrolling for next year.

274 increasing to about 280 at the semester. Might lose 2-3 students but should remain at 280.

Predicting about 30 juniors staying and becoming seniors – looking at the possibility of 60 juniors becoming seniors. Budget is calculated at 340 students but we could have more like 370-380. Would be a problem with lack of facilities…(go over these numbers with Eric) 

d.      End of 1^st Semester – Staff has been stretched to the limit and performed really well – kids are hard working and think critically about the world.

5.     Discussion/Action Items (90)

5.1 Public Hearing/Discussion/Action

5.1a. Discussion/Action: consider approval of adoption of policy on Sexual Harrassment for the handbook. Ed code dropped from the policy. Grievance changed to complaint policy – not sure why? Take student out of #1. Check to see if employee can be added to cover both student handbook and staff procedures. Tabled until further discussion and exploration of legality

5.1b. Discussion/Action:  consider approval of two furlough days, resulting in a 1.09% reduction in salary to all certificated employees to include the position of Principal. Second furlough day is to be after Easter. Discussion if this should occur for 2 years – need to discuss with teachers and need to adopt 2 furlough days for this year. Inspire agreed to mirror CUSD but only looked at one year

Motion: Jann made motion for 2010-2011 take same 2 years of furlough as CUSD. Latimer second. Add vote to January’s agenda after discussion with teachers.

5.1c.  Discussion/Action: consider approval of adjustment in salary of Kim Gimbal and Rachel Iufer – teachers work 6.0 out of 8.0 periods with 2 preps. Iufer and Gimbal will be working 7.0 next semester.  Mr. Gimbal will be teaching an additional section of guitar and Ms. Iufer will be teaching Fiber Arts Design.  Reed made motion to adjust the .08333 for salary increase for both staff members. Kim Jaxson second motion.

5.1d  Discussion/Action:  consider approval of the December interim budget.  BCOE approves budget, part of CUSD budget. Data as of Oct. 31^st, and data as of Jan 31^st and end of year are the reporting periods for ADA. Inspire reported ADA of 247.77% vs. 267.66% at beginning of year and 267.66% is what was budgeted for. Enrollment up over 94% - will be added for second semester.  

Property taxes calculated wrong by County,  

Federal jobs bill SB 847 - $54,799 One time & ED Code 42606 Grant - $30,879 (not firm yet from CDE)

Next meeting Jan. 10^th – add clerical position to agenda to approve for spring semester.  Add the item to the budget and the description of the position by Dec. 17^th – meet during the day. Need 4 people for a quorum, Moaty, Debbie, Rose, Kim, Jann, and Debbie, at 10:15am in PC-11

Budget approved unanimously.

6.     Items from the floor (5min)

CUSD BOD meeting mentioned leave of 6 staff meetings

Eric thanked Scott for being here

Jay performed a presentation in Marysol’s room, shared Tibetan cloak with students. Students asked many great questions, “If you met the Budda today what would you say.”

7.     Announcements (5min.)

8.     Adjourn – 8:53

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences Board of Directors

Monday, November 8, 2010

7:00pm

Minutes

1.     Open Session – Meeting called to order at 7:00pm

2.     Minutes approved of regular session on October 8, 2010

Kim Jaxson approved minutes and Rose Krepelka second

3.  Student Report -

a. The constitution for student government is in draft form waiting for approval.

b. Interact Club, a service club affiliated with Rotary and board member Rose Krepelka serving as advisor, is filing for an official charter.  Interact has set a goal to buy water purifiers for a town in the Dominion Republic. They are currently hosting a canned food drive and have plans to create a garden and paint the Inspire portables.

c. The first Inspire school dance will be held on January 15^th,  2011with a candy theme – CRAVE. The dance will be open to all high school students. 

d. The sophomore students are creating their own sophomore class tie Dye t-shirts.

e. Sojourn is hosting a fundraiser at La Comida on November 16^th at 6pm with a percent of all proceeds going towards Sojourn.

4. Principal’s report -

a.     Enrollment update – enrollment is 274. Currently 16 students are on the waitlist to transfer into Inspire at the semester.

b.    November 2 Gala - The Gala was a huge success with a sold out crowd of over 400 attendees. Approximately $3500 were raised and deposited into the Inspire Endowment account at North Valley Community Foundation.

c.     Facilities Update – Eric reported the concern that it is already November and no plan is in place for Inspires home location.  Inspire might need to stay at Chico High School for another year.  A meeting is being set to look at facilities at Chico Jr. High.  Eric is trying to secure a meeting with Maintenance and Facilities to discuss next year plans and announce if we need to stay.

d.    Budget update – The CUSD budget agreement was discussed and Eric shared that Inspire staff are following the cut in salary and taking the same furlough days as CUSD staff. The multi year budget projections were shared and the extra general purpose and categorical block grant funding of $33,466 was explained. This funding is not guaranteed at this time.

e.     School Safety Plan – Revisions and typos were discussed. The plan should be completed by the next board meeting.

f.      Inspire Foundation – is forming it’s policies and procedures, electing officers and setting fundraising goals.

5.     Discussion/Action Items (90)

5.1 Public Hearing/Discussion/Action

5.1a. Discussion/Action: consider approval of adoption of policy for the handbook.  

This was moved to then next meeting, no motion is necessary.

5.1b. Discussion/Action:  Furlough Days are currently December 17^th and a second day to be determined by the CUSD BOD. Inspire will follow the CUSD plan for furlough days. CUTA encouraged Inspire not to participate in the possible strike based on the fact that they do not represent our Charter.

5.1c. Discussion/Action:  Location for Board Meetings was discussed with the need for additional lights kept on in the evenings to assist with walking to cars and feeling safe.

6.     Items from the floor –

     Thursday nights are difficult for several Inspire BOD members. A      different night for evening events was not established.

7.     Announcements –

     The Civil Engineering Department could be a good source for      Mentors for Inspire students.

     The next Inspire BOD meeting is scheduled for December 13^th in      Debbie Travcrs room, PC-11.

8.     Adjourn – 8:15pm

Inspire Board of Directors
October 11th, 2010
~Minutes~

1. Meeting called to order at 7:02pm

2. Minutes approved

3. Student Report –
Michelle and Giovanni gave the student report and discussed the Gala on Nov. 2nd with all classes being involved.

4. Principals Report -

a. Enrollment at 275 – two 10th grade students turned away
b. Gala Nov. 2nd - Musical groups and dance groups at the Nov. 2nd Gala, Orchestra, 2 Pop bands, 2 scenes/monologues, Mondalis – geometry art, poems, short story skit to present, French Revolution skit,  working of effects – 40 mins. First act and 35 mins. second act.
c. CUTA – looks positive with an agreement coming and no strike
d. Instructional program update – instructors working together to post red flag kids and in communication with each. Consequences include staying in at lunch to get extra help, parents very involved and helping with supporting success, going to next level of intervention as teachers
e. Advisory Discussions -  Eric meeting with advisory groups about making good choices, no bullying, getting work done and high expectations.
f. Inspire Advisory Comm. – just about formed and totally about raising money for Inspire

5. 1 a. Student Parent Handbook Additions and Changes:

•    Change School to Inspire/remove CUSD logo and add Inspire logo/Rose made a motion to make these changes. All agreed.
•    Go back to lawyer on sexual harassment section and ask about why she did not exclude Ed code – table approval for next BOD meeting.
•    Campus search and seizure – change ISAS to Inspire.  Strip search prohibited by law.
•    Off campus area out of our jurisdiction and we call police i.e., boy who came back from hunting and had gun in truck.
•    2 typos on page 3
•    Motion to approve the campus search, unanimous approval.

5.1. b – Future Facilities:

•    Partnership with Chico State – Theatre Arts Dept., Engineering Dept. Gateway Museum, PE Dept., Technology Department
•    When do we commit to Inspire with a permanent facility
•    Chapman looking too far away from Chico State
•    Fine line waiting for Inspire become successful and committing to the success of the school
•    Rooms not large enough or adequate for current programs – Orchestra, Dance, Electronics and audio/visual. 
•    Return of 6 million from new CHS building – field house/cafeteria cost is 12 million
•    CUSD needs to move forward and support this charter
•    Without the needed tools – kids will leave
•    Should we be in a hurry to move to another location?  We still need DSA approval and compromising staff, students, and facilities to make a hasty move.
•    Cost at least 1 million to go to Chapman into portables
•    Why not build a new facility?
•    Lowes grant in process to build green house and garden where portables PC 15,16,17 are currently located, they will be moved to AFC/Fairview
•    New building – opening Oct 18th , waiting for teacher desks
•    We designed Inspire for 15 classrooms and we now have 10
•    10 Special Ed kids – working out of L2, need a portable for the resource classroom
•    Hope to move Piano room into new building
•    How is it living this way? What is the urgency to move??
•    Is it possible to retrofit Inspire at a different facility in time?
•    Sharing arrangement at Roger Williams theatre, sharing the band room could help us out with Pop Band and Orchestra
•    CUSD is not looking at creating a new facility, necessary for Charter Facilities Grant dollars
•    Rose has a safety issue about Chapman – many other parents are concerned about going to Chapman
•    Moaty mentioned we should ask the City of Chico for help with facilities
•    Eric is looking at all of the facility options and will share them with the Board
•    We need a timeline – what needs to be done by when to create a permanent facility
•    Inspire families are asking where are we going to be next year?
•    Why not commit to a 3rd High School if the funds are available?
•    What are our criteria for success? How do we move forward? We’ve met the goal of keeping kids in the district –Next Steps:
1.    Get on next CUSD BOD Agenda
2.    Architect meetings have stopped, reinitiate
3.    According to the CUSD Board were going to Chapman – need to discuss Chico Jr. and other possibilities
4.    Look at the best way to use the facilities that are empty
5.    Eric will talk with Mike Weissenborn
6.    Established a facility steering committee together
7.    Eric will talk with Mike and Kelly and report results of tonight’s meeting, then move forward with exploring the need of facilities to meet the dynamics and needs of Inspire students.
8.    Have the ability to match available facility funds through Charter Grant B 
9.    Gather more information from steering comm./Mike W./Bring to CUSD Board/Principals of the Jr. Highs/
10.    Motion made by Denver Latimer and second by Moaty, Jann opposed to have the Inspire Planning Committee do more research and make recommendation to the Inspire BOD/look at the whole picture – ask if we can stay here at CHS one more year.

6. Next meeting set for November 8th, 2010.

7. Meeting adjourned at 9:30pm
 

Inspire School of Arts & Sciences Board of Directors
Regular Session
Monday, September 13,  2010
7:00pm

Held at Inspire Classroom PC11 on the Inspire Campus at Chico High School
901 Esplanade, Chico, CA

AGENDA

Rose K, Debbie T,Jay G, Jann R, Moaty F. Kim J., Eric N, Ron P,
Guest:  Jason Thomas, AS Treasurer

1.    Open Session – Call to Order – 7:00pm 
No minutes to approve

2.  Student Report
ASB treasurer:  Students love or hate it.  Electives, better diversity in schedule.  lunch downtown, stome students are confused by schedule.  don’t like the fact they can’t see friends everyday.  (PV0 students.  Teaching techniques??  School is not accredited.

ASB government.  Back to school night.  Don’t know yet what they will do.  Day on the Green:  Children’s park. Will be getting information night.  Casino night – fund raiser carnival.  Themes for dances first one in march. Still brain storming.

Working on constitution.

Rallys – observed rally at PE.

Electives are moving slowly.  Study hall is needed for some students.  Some students do not like tardy policy.  Confused still with schedule.

Spirit week.  Described activities for spirit week.  Best day was gender/Bender day.  Friday was Inspire day.  Miles class won ice cream day.

3.  Principal’s report (30 minutes)
a.    Back to School Night – Wednes, 6-8:30 

b.    Facilities update – Ron/Eric put together a committee to review facilities.  Meeting with steering committee Mike Ward csu, Cchio.  Greg Shay, Rose K, 2 students.  Marasol, gunderson, Eric and ron. 

Discuss mission and vision of school.  Chapman is still a possibility, Chico Jr is a possibility because closeness to college, to creek for science,   chapman would be at a higher cost.  Plans to break ground in Summer 2011.  issues:  when to move, fiscal concerns, location 

c.    Current enrollment/budget update –  number is about 271.  frustrated with Aries functioning correctly.  Has asked for district to look at system and work with office manger on how to use it.  Actual enrollment number is not available. 

Study halls and electives do not have to be taught with credentialed teachers.

Federal funding may be available for 10-11.  $185/student.  But cannot count on it until state budget is final.

d.    Inspire Foundation/fundraising efforts – met with Alexis and parent fund raising group.  Move all fund raising $ through Inspire Foundation.  Annie B letter campaign was not as successful as hope.  Will have information as back to school night.  Idea to have major big name.  Annie B for performing arts $20,000 and classroom materials $10,000.

e.    November 2, Inspire Performance Event – Center for the Arts.  Chico Unified will have a booth at Palio, Inspire should have a representative.

f.    Current challenges
i.    Aeries – mentioned above.  Difficulties with software not functioning
ii.    Parent Portal
iii.    Independent Study Physical Education – working through problems.  Is running smoother now. 
iv.    Computer Network – Piano classes rely heavily on software (writing music and assignments).  Switch is to be replaced but school district delaying the repair

4.  Discussion/Action Items (30 minutes)
4.1 Public Hearing/Discussion/Action –
Policy on Gang policy /Policy on sexual harassment – look at language of school district policy which was just revised.  Motion to approve with changes upon legal review.  Motion seconded.  
4.1a. Discussion/Action: consider approval of adoption of policy for the handbook.

5.  Items from the floor (10 minutes)   -  Eric: Parents were notified of if their students were ‘red flagged’ for possible failure of class.   Met with staff to address intervention and plans for kids that are struggling.  All teachers now have the list of students and are reaching out to the students to find out what kind of help is needed. Trying to obtain advisor’s access to aries.

6.  Announcements (10 minutes)

7.  Adjourn

 

Inspire Board Meeting
May 10, 2010
7:30 p.m.

Jann Reed   
Jay Goldberg    x
Rose Krepelka    x
Moaty Fayek    x
Kim Jaxon    x
Denver Latimer    
Debbie Travers    x
Eric Nilsson    x
Kim Gimbal    x
Ron Pope    x
District Liaison:  Sara Simmons    
    


Guest:  Marysol de la Torre-Escobedo, Scott Jones

Meeting called to order at 7:30 p.m.

Approval of minutes for April 12, 2010:  
·    The following corrections were noted:
o    Where the name Jan is used referring to Jann Reed, correct Jan to Jann.
o    Where the name Scott is used referring to Scot Jones, correct to Scott.
o    .Add Scott Jones to attendees

Donation from the Chico News and Review:  
·    Eric presented a letter to be sent to the Chico News and Review in appreciation for its donation of $1,067 to Inspire to be used for the purchase of musical instruments.  These funds were raised in the CAMMIE’s Kick Off Celebration at The Graduate.
·    It was suggested a thank you also be published in Chico News and Review.  

Principal report:

• Facilities:  Chico High School’s new building will not be ready by August 15.  However, CHS is under enrolled which may enable Inspire to have at least some of their own classrooms.  Eric will be meeting with Jim Hanlon to discuss what needs to be covered before school starts.

• Registration:  Kim Gimbal presented the status of registration.  The junior class is full with 4 on the waiting list. Sophomore class will be full with one more applicant.  9th has 114 enrolled out of 120 for full enrollment.   A waiting list will assure us of full enrollment, which effects ADA.  Kim arranged for Inspire to have a booth with t-shirts at the Thursday Farmers’ Market on May 20. Spectrum will play as the headliner with School of Rock.

• Student meetings:  Junior and sophomore meetings have been held.  Most of the kids attended at both grade-levels.  Freshman meeting will be held on Thursday.  The discussions will be related to the learning environment, leadership, school colors, mascot, etc.

• Parents have established 8 parent committees.  Trying to come up with a governing structure.  Will determine what teachers will need through a teacher survey.  One critical element may be parent tutors.  A parent survey was added to our website.  The survey has generated 25 responses so far.  

• Student handbook.  Eric has finished the rough draft.  He will not bring to the board until after the retreat.  

• 28 students have signed up for independent study PE.  Rose added one more.  CSU Chico understands the relationship between academics and physical education.

• Ron has written a rough draft of our initial WASC application to be used as a guide for the group to produce a final application together.  Not due until December 21.  Will go to the staff at he retreat.

• Ron added that he and students filmed and produced a DVD of the Chico Country Day talent show.  This connection is important in that a significant number of incoming freshmen are coming from CCD.   

• This Saturday is a special CUSD School Board meeting where they will be acting on the decisions related Inspire’s final location.  Item is allocated 20 minutes.

Discussion Items:

Sojourn to the South:  Marisol distributed information on Sojourn to the South.  Founded by Jeff Stienberg, the trip will occur Feb 17-26.  Students and teachers will travel through the South with other schools.
Motion by Kim Jaxson to approve the Sojuour field trip.  
Second by Moaty.
Approved unanimously.  

Field to Los Angeles:  Ron Pope explained the field trip to LA Center studios, Media City Sound, media schools and  for advanced film students.  Hopes to have the same trip for Inspire.  Would also like to bring back VICA.  No action.

Office Manager Position:  Eric distributed a comparison-of-salary sheet.  Inspire will offer a straight salary with benefits.  Agreed to fly internally first.  Inspire is not required to take an applicant from the school district.  Budgeted $33,000-37,000 range of $12.92-$15.86/hr, depending upon education and experience.  
Motion by Kim Jaxon to approved office manager position with range of $33,000 – 37,000 with benefits as determined by principle.  
Second by Debbie Travers.  
Approved unanimously.  

Staff compensation and school sustainability:  Eric requested that the Issue of staff compensation and school sustainability be tabled until after the school year begins.  It was also Eric’s position that any salary discussion should also include Inspire’s entire staff.  Would like to move forward with hiring teachers with salary as was previously discussed with them.   

Teachers contracts:  Eric presented at-will employment agreement for this year.
Page 2 has some changes suggested by David Kohl.  
Motion by Rose Krepelka to approve at will contact with changes
Second by Moaty.  
Approved unanimously.

Eric requested the next meeting be in 2 weeks to finalize the approved staff handbook. Board members should review the handbook before the next meeting.  


Meeting adjourned: 9:10 p.m.
Next meeting May 24, 2010

• March 8, 2010 – Approved

1. Facilities – Chapman and Bidwell are being considered. Pros and Cons have been presented. Must have one more meeting with community (Thursday 6-7) before preference can be stated. Chapman residents have expressed concerns regarding parking, and sufficient separation between the two campuses. Inspire will be able to have a “campus supervisor”. Will have students present their work with elementary school students at the community meeting. Staff and community is concerned about maintaining community school. Meeting will break into groups with Inspire and Chapman staff to record questions, concerns etc.
2. Registration update – 254 students are registered to 106 freshmen, 83 sophomores, 65 juniors. Applications are coming in daily. We are at 94% of projected enrollment. Applications are coming in from Paradise, Durham, Oroville, etc.
3. Course approval – Courses submitted for approvals are purely elective courses. Approval of CHS, PV and Fairview department chairs are not necessary. 
4. Fundraiser at the Graduate – Raised over $1,000. Kim and Ron along with 6 students and two other adults performed at the Cammie kickoff. Proceeds will be donated to Inspire. 
5. Parent Meeting – Parent meeting tomorrow night. We have received 40 responses to invitation. Will focus on realistic goals and formation of committees. Nurture parent involvement. IT 5 from 6-8 at Chico High.
6. Student Meeting – week from tonight at Chico high in IT 5. All juniors are invited to discuss culture, learning, attitudes, effort and leadership. Jay suggested involving Butte College President who likes leadership and is heavily involved in organizing leadership workshops.
7. WASC accreditation. - Eric related a situation where someone was misinformed about the percentage of schools applying for accreditation not being accredited. In short, Inspire will meet the criteria to be accredited.

• February 8, 2010 – changes to minutes - Rose Krepelka was in attendance. Approved with change

1. Facilities – 2 sites being discussed. (Chapman and Bidwell Jr. High School) 

• Staff will be meeting with Jane Dolan for her advise and opinion on how to communicate and get community backing. 
• Met with Chapman staff 2 weeks ago. Eric dealt with rumor control – Chapman staff thought inspire would push them out. Eric emphasized this would be a partnership. Chapman staff expressed concern over how many classrooms Inspire would need. Eric described the meeting as having been “very positive.”   The Chapman staff was excited about possibilities. 

2. Registration update – 65 juniors and 75 sophomores actually registered. 141 applications for freshman slots. All have been contacted and requested to contact Inspire. 
3. Program updates – 24 courses need approval by Chico High and PV and Fairview department chairs. The course descriptions have been submitted for review. Once Chico High and PV review them, they will be presented to the regular session school board meeting in April
4. MOU update – MOU is being finalized. Last hurdle is the insurance language.
5. Fundraiser – Kim Gimbal contacted Elrey Theater about spring fundraiser venue. Have not heard back. Board members recommended that we have a clear focus on items to be funded with proceeds from the fundraiser. Need date. T-Shirts?
6. Employee handbook – Eric has finished a rough draft of the employee handbook and will be meeting with the charter lawyer and will have him review some portions of it and of the employee contract. Will bring to board.
7. Finance committee – The latest copy of the budget was presented and explained. Rose Krepelka, Ria Pope and Eric Nilsson met with Scott Jones to discuss budget.   The Inspire staff is extremely appreciative of Scott’s efforts on this project. 

• Public Hearing/Discussion

• Inspire should have a mascot or motto, colors.

• Public Employee Appointment

RESOLUTION #10-002

PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL AGENCY BOARD RESOLUTION

TO COMPLY WITH

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SCHOOLS INSURANCE GROUP UNDERWRITING AND RISK MANAGEMENT GUIDELINES

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT INSPIRE SCHOOL OF ARTS & SCIENCES agrees to comply with the following underwriting terms / conditions and risk management guidelines required by the Northern California Schools Insurance Group:

1.     Liability self-insured retention of $1,000 or $10,000 (alternative level), including claims investigation and legal expenses unless the retention is increased in accordance with NCSIG safety policy; and

2.     Compliance with the NCSIG Safety Policy as adopted and from time-to-time amended by the NCSIG Board of Directors, including compliance with the Risk Control Consulting Manager’s safety recommendations and respond within 60 days from the Risk Control Consulting Manager’s report; and

3.     Agreement to implement and comply with sound risk management policies and procedures in employment practices, including guidelines for dismissal, reduction in force, affirmative action and equal opportunity practices, and harassment procedures.

4.     Comply with other NCSIG Documents, Policies and Procedures as established by their Board of Directors.

THE FOREGOING RESOLUTION IS PASSED AND ADOPTED BY THE __________________________________________ BOARD AT A REGULAR MEETING THIS ______ DAY OF _________________, 20___.

__________________________________TITLE: ____________________

DATE: ________________________

INDEPENDENT CHARTER SCHOOL COVERAGE POLICY

It shall be the policy of Northern California Regional Liability Excess Fund (the Authority) to be pro-
active in providing property and liability coverage to its members with Charter Schools in accordance
with Education Code 47600 et. seq. (Charter Schools Act of 1992) enacted by the California legislature,
while protecting the integrity of the overall program.

An Independent Charter School is a charter that has a separate Administration outside of the sponsoring
districts. The Authority will consider endorsing independent charters schools to the respective covered
party’s Memorandum of Coverage subject to the following conditions:

1) The Independent Charter School must comply with the following minimum underwriting terms
and conditions:

a) Liability member retained limit (MRL) - The Charter School must elect a MRL of
$25,000 per occurrence or the MRL of the member district/JPA whichever is higher.
b) Exclusion for all losses occurring in intentional violation of any applicable Government
Code, Education Code or California Code of Regulations; and
c) Compliance with the Authority’s Charter Schools Risk Management Guidelines; and
d) Hold Harmless/Indemnification Agreement in favor of the sponsoring district.
e) $2,500 minimum contribution. . The minimum contribution applies to liability only,
property & crime are additional costs. The minimum contribution includes the $4M
x/s $1M limits, coverage above that will need to be purchased at the excess rate.

In addition, the Charter School shall secure and maintain the following coverages:

a) Workers' Compensation in accordance with provision of the California Labor Code,
adequate to protect the Charter School from claims under Workers' Compensation Acts,
which may arise from its operations, with statutory limits.
b) Fidelity Bond coverage shall be maintained by the Charter School to cover all Charter
School employees who handle, process, or otherwise have responsibility for Charter
School funds, supplies, equipment and/or other assets. Minimum amount of coverage
shall be $500,000 per occurrence, with no MRL.

2) The Independent Charter School is to submit the following documents to the Manager for review
before a recommendation can be provided to the Underwriting Committee:

a) Completed Independent Charter School Application
b) Copy of Charter Petition with signature page(s)
c) Copy of Contract/MOU between Charter and sponsoring entity
d) Copy of Charter Corporation’s Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws
e) Independent Charter School Statement, complying with ReLiEF Underwriting and
Risk Management Guidelines

f) Hold Harmless/Indemnification Agreement in favor of sponsoring district
g) IRS Tax Determination Letter or copy of Application and verification from attorney
firm handling process in the form of letter

h) Copy of District and JPA (if applicable) Board minutes confirming approval of
charter school
i) Completed, Signed & Dated Charter School Questionnaire
j) Copy of Financial Audit if charter has been in operation more than one (1) year
k) Department of Education Assignment of Charter School Number letter
l) Other documents may be requested after review of the initial submittal documents.

• January 11, 2010 – Approved
• January 25, 2010 – Approved

1. Communications with CHS
   • Meeting on Wednesday, Feb 15 at Chico High. 
     • Intended for faculty from CHS and PV to ask questions.
     • Jim requested questions be sent to him and Eric. Some have negative tone; some are just curious, concern over hiring. 
     • Eric has been trying to characterize the relationship between Inspire and CHS…has come to “strange bedfellows.” Had either school had their way Inspire wouldn’t be located at CHS for first year. 
     • Professionalism dictates that we all have to act in a way that positively impacts students at both schools. Have to make the best of the situation and support each other. 
     • The face of education is changing and Inspire meets the needs and desires of many students and parents. 
     • There are two classrooms in the new building. Danny web will start a video class at Chico High, but Inspire will utilize the rooms until Danny’s class builds. 
     • All board members and teachers will be encouraged to attend.

2. Program Updates
   • Email – 299 applicants without the senior class. Will be sending an e-mail to the juniors asking for commitment. 
   • Ron will be adding 2-D animation. 
   • Eric talked to many seniors who were committing to Butte College Connections, and other programs. Staff is concerned that more time spent on trying to make a senior program work the first year might affect the quality of the program for other students. Email was sent to seniors cancelling the class, most responses were positive. One negative was because student would not finish high school with Ron. 
   • Increasing enrollment to compensate for loss of senior class meant 10 more students needed to be enrolled per class. To ensure a cushion, we will seek commitment from 70- juniors
   • Clarification of enrollment process – first come first serve up to enrollment target and then lottery after that.
   • 102 from Chico High, 45 from PV. . . . .
   • Quarter elective classes – idea of offering electives on a quarter basis so freshmen have a better opportunity to explore. More focus and depth in 10, 11, 12^th grades. Had to strike a balance between exploration and best way to offer class. 

3. Parent Meeting Report
   • Served purpose of informing parents and students. 
   • About 500 people attended.
   • Received about 16 applications right after the meeting. 
   • Students and parents were very excited. 
   • The questions were very challenging. 

4. Parent/student communication 
   • There are current discussions going on about athletics and team participation. Some decisions may impact enrollment. 
   • Discussion regarding form 11 students.   
   • Lack of French –may impact enrollment. 
   • Registration templates are almost ready for website

5. Application, Lottery and Registration update
   • Approaching 60 applications from outside district. 
   • Wednesday will be meeting with counselors to answer their questions and prepare them to handle registration. 

• Public Hearing/Discussion

• Moaty: do we have assessment tool of program and adjectives. Agreed a tool should be established, maybe with parent input.
• Who is doing purchase orders? Cannot hire help until June 1.
• Will there be a counselor? Yes. Counselor will be hired based on number of students. 
• There will be a full-time office manager
• How do you handle disciplinary issues while on Chico high campus? Jim and Eric will be working together. Eric will have primary responsibility of Inspire students.
• Study Hall – As an elective? When you sign up for study hall, students are expected to attend every day it is scheduled. They will be expected to do homework, work in groups, tutoring, etc.
• Fundraising – was written in the start-up grant. Projected $10,000 from fundraising.  Fundraising ideas were discussed. It was suggested to contact the advisor of rec management at CSUC-seeking master student to put together a fundraiser

• None

Meeting adjourned.  

Members present: Jann Reed, Jay Goldberg, Rose Krepelka, Kim Jaxon, Denver Latimer, Debbie Travers, Eric Nilsson, Eric Nilsson, Kim Gimbal, Ron Pope, District Liaison: Sara Simmons, Liz Metzger

Approval of Minutes:  Approved with changes

Approval of certificated appointments:  Approved appointments

Principals report;

1. Facilities Update: 
   • A special meeting of the CUSD Board was held on January 6^th to discuss the location of Inspire.  The CUSD Housing Committee recommended locating Inspire at Chico Senior High School.  This recommendation will be an action item at the CUSD Board meeting scheduled for January 20.  It was noted a decision was critical at this time in order to solidify a budget and ensure facilities are prepared for Inspire students. There was discussion about location at Chapman and Chico High. 
   • It is important to be able to tell the Inspire parents that Chico High is a temporary location. 
   • If the facility is not ready at Chico High, it will be challenging in the beginning, as classes may have to double-up.
   • It was suggested a letter be sent to the parents informing them of the facilities plan.
   • Jaxson suggested a formation of a facilities committee
2. Staffing Update: 
   • 5 of the 12 positions were just approved.  Currently, Inspire needs teachers in English, math, foreign language and drama/band.  Interviews will be held January 19 thru 21.  The openings were advertised on Ed-Join and resulted in about 40 applications. At the end of the interviews, the hope is to have 10 or 11