Approved/Official PCS Board Minutes
August 10, 2017

A. Call to Order:

1. Roll Call: In attendance: Ellen Jay, Kyle Cooper, Sarah Kemmer, Joyce Thornberry, George Atkinson, Matt Schieltz, Heather Monnin, Cori Knapke, Brad Zimmerman; Fr. Bolte arrived after the meeting began

Three guests in attendance (Ruth Koon, Kelly Earhart and Brenda Karpinski)

B. Prayer: Opening prayer lead by Ellen, all recited the Hail Mary together

C. Approval of June minutes: George motioned to approve June 2017 minutes; Joyce seconded the motion; all board members were in favor, thus the unapproved minutes became official.

D. Reading of Communications: None

E. Hearing of the Public:

1. Ruth Koon has requested to speak at this meeting. She would like to give reports on Dollars for Our Scholars program, the Center for Early Learning, and a garden program in Piqua which is being offered to Piqua Catholic students.

Ruth Koon and Kelly Earhart provided updates on progress and new developments with Dollars for Our Scholars, the Center for Early Learning and a new gardening program in Piqua for students. Ruth discussed that the Center for Early Learning is filled to capacity and that about half of pre-k students are going on to Piqua Catholic kindergarten, which has helped boost enrollment at Piqua Catholic. Ruth discussed areas of growth and need with the preschool program, such as development of the play area and landscaping, signage, development of preschool website. The Center for Early Learning has experienced tremendous growth and has helped enrollment at Piqua Catholic. Reported on Dollars for Scholars program changes, finding ways to save money. Also reported on a new community gardening program in Piqua for public education students which has been opened up to Piqua Catholic students as well. The gardening program is a great integration of science, math, and other important educational lessons.

F. Principal’s Report: Piqua Catholic has hired a high-energy Spanish teacher. Discussed importance of IEP services, including OT, SLP and other interventions to ensure PCS is meeting needs and providing adequate services. Currently 122-123 students registered at Piqua Catholic. Dress code was clarified and reviewed that PCS is maintaining that khaki-wear clothing is only to be worn by 7th and 8th grade students. New polo shirts are going to be offered to faculty and staff. George provided the suggestion of using Atlantis Sportswear for polo shirts. New cafeteria help has been added: Maria Hogston.

G. Committee Reports

1. Governance: nothing to report

2. Finance: Heather distributed and discussed proposed budget (see Unfinished Business)

3. Marketing: Cori reported on the many upcoming activities of Piqua Catholic and Cavaliers in Action, including the Back to School 5k on 8/19 at 8am at Lock Nine; 54 runners have registered so far and there are 17 sponsors. Kindergarten registration on 8/16-- CIA will be providing refreshments and presenting information. The big Open House event on 8/21 has many activities planned for the evening, including a scavenger hunt, representatives from community and athletic groups attending the event. Also, the Chili Cook-off is set for Saturday 11/11/17.

4. Strategic planning: nothing to report

H. Comments from Members -- none

I. Unfinished Business:

1. 2017-18 School Budget - Heather presented information on budget. Update on EdChoice - looking for additional sources of funding to assist students. Budget running at a deficit of approximately $20k, with changes being made pending the outcome of several factors.

J. New Business:

1. Election of Board Officers for 2017-18. Current Piqua Catholic School Board President/Chair is Ellen Jay; Vice is Kyle Cooper and Secretary is Matt Schieltz. All individuals serving in this capacity volunteered to serve in the same role for this year. Joyce motioned that all officers from last year remain the same; George seconded the motion. All were in favor with none opposed.

2. Staff Handbook

Heather reported and distributed draft of Piqua Catholic School's new human resources policy for staff, which contains concrete information on administrative policies like sick leave, vacation, pay, etc.

K. Comments of Chair:

Ellen thanked all who are involved with Piqua Catholic and participating in school activities, etc.

L. Conclusion: Joyce motioned to adjourn the meeting and Cori seconded the motion. All were in favor with none opposed. Fr. Bolte lead the closing prayer. The next PCS Board Meeting is set for September 14th, 6:30pm.