St. Clare School Advisory Council

9-10-04 Minutes

 

Present:  Cartie Beckett, David Blaskowsky, Renee Cline, Linda Fanning, Tom Fitzpatrick, Tom Griffith, Mark Myers, John Oswald, Phil Ralston, Vicki Werner, Sr. Moe, Jaye Fraser, and Fr. Tom.

Absent John Ferraro, Phil Ralston,

 

Call to Order and Opening Prayer – Vicky called the meeting to order and Sister Moe said the opening prayer.

 

Approval of Minutes:

·        With one small change, (David Blaskowsky as the Committee Chairman for the Finance Committee) the Minutes for the June 13, 2004 meeting were approved.

 

Pastors Report

•   Father Tom gave the following report:

            •   The new Business Manager is Terri Cozoli

      •   The parish is void of a youth minister.  It has been advertised in the bulletin.  This is a ½ time position.  The goal is to build a core team of youth ministry that is comprehensive.

            •   The Parish picnic is this Sunday.  Pray for good weather!

      •   Father Tom discussed the Chapter 11 status of the Archdiocese and how it might affect the school.  He stated that the 4 committees (the Quad Council) will work to coordinate and communicate information and work related to this issue.  This issue could take years to resolve.

 

Parent Teacher Club Report:

·        Tom Fitzgerald attended the last PTC meeting and provided the following information:

      •The PTC will make volunteer forms available on the website and in paper form. (They are trying to increase the use of computer vs. paper.)

      •Entertainment Books may be sold in a different manner than previously.

      •The Sally Foster wrapping paper sale is underway.

      •Wreaths and poinsettia orders will be made prior to Thanksgiving.

      •The Golf Tournament is Oct. 17th.

      •The Auction is set for February 26th.  Ten people are currently on the procurement committee.  They are currently considering an off-site setting for the event as there is no current facilities chair. 

      •Bingo night will be January 21st.  Trish Hickman is the chair for this event.  This is more of a community building event rather than a fund raiser. 

      •Casino Night will be in March or April.

 

      Tom’s overall impression of the PTC is that they are paying good attention to fiscal responsibility and are very organized.

 

      It was recommended that a PTC representative attend the next SAC meeting to help increase communication and coordination between the two committees.

 

Principals Report

•Sister Moe gave the following report:

            •We are budgeted for 230 students.  Our actual enrollment is 222.

            •Discussion occurred around the possibility of a non-refundable registration fee plus a first month’s tuition.  The Marketing/Enrollment committee will shop the other private schools for how they/if they have a non-refundable registration fee. After that task is completed, the Finance Committee will review this recommendation.

            •Feelings of instability related to the bankruptcy of the Archdiocese were discussed.  We ordinarily pay for textbooks in five installments.  However, due to the financial concerns, this bill was paid in advance of the delivery.  Uncertainty about banking and money market accounts related to the bankruptcy was discussed. At this point, the endowment is tied up in the CEEF account with the Archdiocese.  

            •Ending the previous year in the black was considered grounds for a big party.  Patty Nest’s perseverance in collecting tuition deserves accolades.    With constant monitoring, spending for only what is needed and the windfall from the Auction, the school is stable.  However, we do have the enrollment shortfall of 8 students.

            •Parent’s Club - Discussion around BINGO and Casino Nights occurred. Sister Moe cautioned adding new fundraisers and putting our money and energy into the Auction.

            •Text and supplies have been purchased to meet our needs.  We are focusing on improving the science texts and supplies in grades 1-5, purchasing novels from Powell’s for middle school students and funding Steps to Respect (anti-bullying program), augmenting religious education resources, and staying current with all of our consumables.  Some money is on reserve for when the Learning Specialist, Colleen O’Mahony, begins her employment in November.

            •The Learning Specialist will consult with teachers on the more challenging students in the primary grades, to do individual assessments and some tutoring.  She will also assist with parent education and conferencing with parents.

            •Facilities – New chairs are needed in grades 4 and 5.  We need 56 @ $30. a piece.  The new carpet is a hit!  There is improved lighting in the Middle School hallway. 

            •Sister Moe will submit teacher questions, requests, recommendations, concerns, etc. to the SAC as a regular agenda item within this Principals report.

 

Committee Reports:

 

Policy, Process and Planning Report:

·        This Committee met during the summer and updated the committee work plan. 

·        The Bylaws and Constitution for SAC were handed out for review by all members.  Please review for the next SAC meeting.

·        This committee is in the process of inventorying and updating the SAC section of the website, it was noted that the updated work plans for each committee can be posted.  These can be emailed to Linda and she will have them posted.

 

Development Report:

•Tom’s PTC report serves as the Development Report for this month.

 

Finance/Facilities Report:

•David reported for the Finance Committee.

            •The school finished last year in a strong financial position.  As of June 2004, there was a total surplus of $80,000, $46,000 of which related to money put into the endowment fund. This left an operating surplus of $34,000. 

            •This year’s current estimate of our budget reflects a $39,000 increase due to the increase in auction proceeds to 75%.  However, there are 8 fewer students enrolled (and free tuition for one student), so the additional funds from the auction will be consumed by this.

            •David did a projection for the next year’s budget.  We have a good opportunity to have a moderate increase in tuition and a moderate increase in teachers’ salaries. 

           

Marketing/Enrollment Committee:

•Renee reported for the Marketing/Enrollment Committee.

            •A new sign might be bid out to assist with enrollment.  Renee will work on obtaining bids and coordinating this project.

            •This committee did a presentation on “Marketing Sunday” in July.  Collette R. gave a great talk.  Sac members present suggested that her presentation be done on a CD and given to non-school 5th grade parishioners. 

            •Cartie met with Nancy Meltzer to work on a smoother transition between preschool and kindergarten.  It was suggested that the preschool parents be invited to the Town Hall meeting. 

            •It was suggested that the Before and After School Care (BASC) program also be marketed as a benefit.

            •There was discussion of checking the parish enrollment for children who are currently in the 5th grade, but not attend St. Clare School.  This middle school transition time can be targeted to increase enrollment and to market the opportunities that St. Clare can provide for a child’s future.  In addition, the preschool to kindergarten transition be a focus. The Marketing/Enrollment Committee will take this on.

            •Kathy Kowash will be contacted to find out any religious education families that do not attend St. Clare School.

 

Next Meeting:

The next School Advisory Council meeting will be held on October 14th at 6 p.m.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 

 

Respectfully Submitted,

Linda Fanning