Date: Monday, December 23, 2024
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Assumption High School
Attendees: Andy Craig, Rosie Barton, Linda Duffy, Beth Tinsman, Mike Byrne, Rosie Salazar, Rob Edel, Tammy Askeland-Nagle and Carol Foster
Absent: Jim Hannon and Father Crossen
Guests: Logan Ahnquist and Martha Martha Korneisel
- Prayer
Martha Korneisel shared a prayer to begin the meeting.
- Approval of Minutes
Minutes from the November board meeting were approved with one revision. The accounting firm used for the review is now “Honkamp P.C.” rather than “Honkamp Krueger”.
III. Reports
- Mission/Governance
Andy Craig expressed appreciation for the efforts put forth by the board throughout the year. The time and expertise shared are greatly appreciated.
B. Education
Several board members were contacted by a family member of an All Saints student. An accusation of bullying/harassment was made between two students, taking place off school grounds. A thorough investigation was conducted, following all policies and procedures set by the diocese. The student’s mother was unsatisfied with the outcome and asked for further follow up. After some discussion, it was decided that a letter should be drafted to her to acknowledge receipt of her correspondence. Mike Byrne will draft the letter.
C. Finance
Financial reports were provided to the board. Martha reported that the financial statement review by Honkamp P.C. has been completed. Eight journal entries needed to be adjusted and that is finished.
Second semester tuition information has been uploaded. Families are now able to go in and do their approvals. Families are notified by the state and have until January 31, 2025 to do so. As the deadline approaches, SCCS staff will follow up with families who have not done what is required.
November financials reflect an increase in revenue and an overall surplus.
Andy is working on gathering information in preparation for the next meeting with the Bishop that addresses some of the Bishop’s goals regarding tuition. Some additional background and history of the SCCS may be helpful for the Bishop to understand how things have evolved.
One of the Bishop’s goals is to ensure all families have some direct involvement and/or vested interest in sharing the tuition responsibility. Questions remain as to whether that vested interest is of a financial nature only or if there are other ways to prove commitment. Another goal is to base tuition on the actual cost to educate a student; however, there are questions regarding what should be included in that cost.
Moving toward school self-sufficiency and eliminating a subsidy model is another goal, but a consistent formula to do so is necessary.
SCCS’s subsidy proposal for next year is well below the Bishop’s desire to ensure subsidy is below 25%.
The next meeting is January 3rd, so more information will be shared after that.
D. Human Resources
Logan Ahnquist reported that the Guidance Counselor and Executive Assistant positions are still open.
A Director of Curriculum and Instruction position is posted, and the plan is to have that job filled by July 1, 2025.
Logan has been in contact with St. Ambrose University regarding student teaching opportunities in the system.
Next year’s SCCS teachers’ starting salary will be at 81% of public school teachers.
E. Communication/Marketing
Nothing new to report.
F. Facilities
The Facilities Committee met prior to the board meeting.
All Saints continues to have maintenance issues. Most recently, they did not have heat, and school was canceled for one day. When repairing the issue, it was discovered that the pipes are shot and will continue to present problems. An alternative to the current HVAC system will need to be explored. The boiler is in a separate building and serves both the school and church buildings.
G. Technology
Progress has been made in providing consistency with equipment throughout the system.
IV. Unfinished Business
None
V. New Business
Revisiting the discussion regarding the alleged harassment situation at All Saints, it was suggested that some policies and/or procedures be posted on the website. If more information is provided, families would know where to look to determine who to contact when unusual situations arise.
VI. Adjournment
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
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Carol Foster, SCCS Board of Directors, Secretary