O.L.L. Education Commission Meeting Minutes
September 14, 2006
Attendance: Terri Brown, Sue Kampel, Julie Balzano, Ed Woelfel, Lynn Breidenstein,Nancy Jamison, Terry Rabanus, Karen Bergen, Karen Rusche, Bonnie Schobert, Eileen Bennett, Lynda Sexton, Amy Osterfeld
The meeting opened with a prayer. We met at an earlier time to facilitate the extra time needed to discuss the issues at hand. A potluck dinner was provided.
There was an approval of the August minutes.
An informal discussion/brainstorming session as to possible 2006/2007 initiatives was started. Members discussed multiple topics to address.
There was some discussion on whether the Athletic Commission should report to the Education Commission because coaches are in an educational role with the children. It was determined that the Athletic Club reports to the PMT.
Members asked if a grievance committee should be formed by the Education Commission board members. Karen Rusche referred to the faculty policy book and a grievance committee is formed by the pastor and principal. Education Commission is responsible for reviewing the school handbook, not the faculty policy book.
"Post-it" notes were then handed out for members to write down their ideas for the top initiatives to be addressed in 2006/2007. The notes were then assembled on the board and the top three issues were identified. The three issues:
1. Review of the admission policy
2. Review uniform policy
3. Review school handbook policies on an annual basis
There was also a discussion with other topics as to:
1. The possibility of creating a pre-school at OLL
2. A volunteer policy tied to tuition aid
3. A longer lunch period
Karen Rusche handed out a copy of the OLL Education Commission Constitution and By-laws.
Nancy Jamison asked about members signing a confidentiality contract. Members felt that was
not necessary.
The Sunshine Law was discussed as to whether the Education Commission can go into "executive session" with particular subjects. We can go into an "executive session" since we are not a public school.
At the August meeting, Pat Armstrong from the Archdiocesan School Office, suggested that several Board members attend an Education Commission meeting at a different parish. Terri Brown, Julie Balzano, Sue Kampel, and Nancy Jamison volunteered to do this.
We will revisit the voucher system at a later meeting.
Karen Rusche then gave the Principal's report:
1. We have 450 students this school year.
2. Mrs. Bonnie Schobert was recognized and commended for receiving the
"Governor's Award for Excellence in Youth Science Opportunities" for 2005-2006.
3. September 26, the "Bully-Proofing Program" will be presented to the children and faculty
during the day and to the PTO that evening.
4. On September 21 the Suntex Company, First in Math Program, will give a presentation
to area school principals at OLL. Our students will demonstrate their work.
5. OLL faculty was inserviced on anaphylactic reaction/warning signs and the use of the Epi-Pen.
6. Faculty discussed the students being allowed to wear shorts for the 1st and 4th quarters.
7. The cost of the school musicals has become too expensive, so we will look into using
the Fr. Rudy gym for the musicals.
8. There is now a "Smart Board" installed in Mrs. Kissinger's room.
9. September 20 is Confirmation Parent night in church.
10. Jeanine Chaney will be our new Speech Pathologist 2 days/week. We may still need
to hire a part-time Intervention Specialist to replace Peg Ireland.
Sue Kampel motioned for adjournment, and Nancy Jamison seconded the motion.
Our next meeting will be Thursday, October 12, 2006, 7 p.m. in Tensing Center.
We will discuss how to conquer the top three initiatives.
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Balzano, Secretary