O.L.L. Education Commission Meeting Minutes

 

   December 14, 2006

 

 

Attendance:   Julie Balzano, Jim Frede, Lynda Sexton, Nancy Jamison, Sue

                          Kampel, Terry Rabanus, Karen Rusche, Martha Barney, Terri

                          Brown, Scott Liesch, Lynn Breidenstein, and Amy Osterfeld

 

Terri Brown opened the meeting with a prayer.  The minutes of the November 7, 2006  meeting were approved.

 

 

Karen Rusche gave the principal's report:

 

1.  The Internal Validation went very well.  We were in compliance with everything required by the Catholic Conference of Ohio and the State.  A handout was distributed with the Preliminary School                   Improvement Plan.   

 

2.  The United States Department of Education will be coming to OLL the week of January 8, 2007, to audit the  Title I program.  On Friday, December 15, we were asked to attend a mock audit with the lawyers from Bruenstein and Mansevit.  

     

3.  Adam Norby, grade four, was chosen by the Cheviot Westwood Community Association to read his poem titled, "What Christmas Means to Me," and to light the Nativity scene in Cheviot.  Adam received $75, and the school received $250 for the library.

 

4.  Mariele Flugeman achieved first place in our Post Spelling Bee and will represent  the school at the Regional Spelldown on January 25.  Josh Rinear is the runner-up.

 

5.  On December 12, grades 3-8 had the opportunity to participate in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

 

6.  On December 15, the eighth graders will tour St. Peter in Chains Cathedral with  Carol Greulich, Gino Trotta, and Fr. Dave, to prepare for Confirmation.

 

7.  The State of Ohio is requiring all schools to develop lockdown procedures in case of intruders and to practice with the children.  A committee has been formed under the direction of Officer Jackie Lillis.

     

8.  Two additional Smart Boards have been donated by an anonymous donor.

 

Terri Brown handed out the proposed Parish Membership/School Admission Policy

that Terri Brown, Sue Kampel, and Scott Liesch revised.  There was also an Admission

Policy handout from St. Patrick’s School that was found via the Internet.  There was much discussion on the revised policy.  We are looking to implement a Statement of Commitment from families enrolled at OLL.  This commitment would include:  regular attendance at Mass, support of the parish by using envelopes, and participating in various volunteer aspects of the parish.  It was suggested that this commitment be introduced slowly over a couple of years.

 

During the discussion of individual class size, Karen Rusche was asked if she was aware that the current 5th grade class exceeds the limit specified.  Karen responded that she is aware and that those limits are a guideline.

 

Terri Brown decided we had spent enough time on the Admission Policy and stated we will discuss this topic at the next meeting in order to facilitate other agenda items.

 

Jim Frede stated that the Tuition Policy will need to be set by February, 2007 for budget purposes.  This is when the Finance Committee will suggest tuition rates to the PMT and Fr. Dave.

 

Nancy Jamison asked if the eighth grade tuition payments could be adjusted so that the payment would be completed in February of each year.  Karen Rusche and Jim Frede stated they would look at that possibility.

 

Terri Brown asked for a sub-committee to evaluate the uniform policy.  This committee will be Sue Kampel, Nancy Jamison, and Karen Bergen.

 

Martha Barney spoke about preparing for Catholic Schools Week and Open House.  A flyer is being made to distribute to the area pre-schools to promote our Open House.  Telehone calls will also be made to parish families whose children are old enough to attend kindergarten.  This sub-committee will be Martha Barney, Julie Balzano, and possibly other kindergarten parents. It was stressed that the telephone calls be scripted and emphasis be placed on our latchkey and enrichment programs.

 

Jim Frede asked about a tri-fold marketing flyer for the marketing committee.  Sue Kampel and Nancy Jamison volunteered to create a flyer.

 

Terri Brown stated we were out of time, and at the next meeting, we would discuss the tracking of the fourth grade and the surveys/evaluation for parents to fill out.

 

There was a closing prayer, and the meeting was adjourned.  The next meeting is Tuesday, January 9, 2007. 

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                            Julie Balzano