Date: Monday, June 23, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM
Location: Assumption High School
Attendees: Andy Craig, Rosie Barton, Linda Duffy, Jim Hannon, Mike Byrne, Rosie Salazar, Tammy Askeland-Nagle, Carol Foster, Beth Tinsman, Rob Edel
Absent:
Guests: Logan Ahnquist, Martha Korneisel, Connor Gauley, Chad Steimle
Other:
Education
Report Card Changes: Chad presented modifications to the report card format, focusing on standards for 8th grade ELA reading. He outlined the need for more detailed standards and ongoing work to finalize rubrics to address discrepancies.
Report Card Standards: Chad stated that changes would include revising certain standards for 8th grade ELA reading. Previously, only one standard appeared on the report card, while other subjects featured several. The intended revision aims to increase detail without excessive quantity.
Grading Methodology: Rob expressed concerns regarding confusion from grading methodology changes, specifically concerning definitions of “meets expectations” and “exceeds expectations.” Chad acknowledged this feedback and reported development of rubrics intended to improve consistency.
Preschool Funding Issues: Andy described funding challenges related to moving St. Joan of Arc preschool across district lines. State guidelines indicate that funding generated in previous years remains with the original district, resulting in financial difficulties.
Funding Retention: Andy clarified that when preschools are relocated across districts, the state treats this as closure and reopening, which affects funding allocation.
State’s Justification: The state explained its policy by noting that the original district provided initial program funding. Andy specified that grants funded the program initially, disputing the state’s rationale.
Financial Impact: Andy reported a financial impact estimated at $250,000, indicating ongoing efforts with stakeholders toward resolving this issue.
Finance
ESA Registration: Martha discussed efforts to ensure all students are registered for the ESA program to receive funds, including phone calls and emails, with a final deadline of June 30.
Registration Efforts: Communication strategies such as calls and emails were used to inform parents about the process.
Current Status: At the time of the meeting, 110 students remained unapproved for the ESA, showing progress from the 440 unapproved three weeks prior.
Deadline and Challenges: The ESA registration deadline is June 30. Andy and Martha noted challenges including language barriers and the necessity for ongoing communication.
Tuition Management System: Martha reported on the setup of billing for the 25-26 school year, working with Blackbaud to finalize spreadsheet uploads.
Financial Review: Martha reviewed financials, citing a May surplus of $263,000 and a year-to-date surplus of $2.7 million. She also referenced decreases in cash and receivables, along with collection activities for outstanding balances.
Cash and Receivables: Cash and equivalents dropped as expected due to no further ESA reimbursements for the fiscal year. Receivables decreased, and efforts to collect balances continued.
Collection Efforts: Active outreach was conducted to encourage payment of outstanding tuition balances.
St. Andrews Subsidy Issue: Andy discussed St. Andrews’ decision not to pay the upcoming year’s subsidy. Martha communicated this via letter to affected families and Andy addressed inquiries regarding parish discounts with concerned parents.
Historical Efforts: Multiple meetings over the past three years were held with St. Andrews to explain the subsidy formula; the finance council ultimately opted not to pay the subsidy.
St. Peter’s Subsidy Issue: Andy described financial struggles at St. Peter’s due to low parishioner numbers, leading to arrears in subsidy payments. The subsidy amount for outlying parishes is set to decrease next year, reducing financial obligations but leading to less funding for the school.
Potential Solutions: Options discussed included parishioners tithing at alternative parishes offering subsidies; solutions continue to be evaluated with St. Peter’s Finance Committee.
Tuition Collection Policy: Andy introduced a tuition collection policy drafted by the Finance Committee, outlining current practices to be reviewed at the next meeting.
HR
Logan shared updates on HR activities, including recruitment for open roles, completion of required trainings, and addressing disciplinary matters. He also referenced a Supreme Court ruling that may impact future discrimination cases.
Recruitment Efforts: Ongoing searches for roles including food service aides, support staff, and teachers were reported.
Training Finalization: Staff training compliance with state requirements is being finalized.
Disciplinary Issues: Attendance and performance issues among employees are under review.
Communication
Andy announced that Connor is now responsible for website and social media management for Scott County Catholic Schools.
Facilities
Andy and Chad reported on facilities projects including asbestos removal, HVAC upgrades, classroom renovations, consideration of an offer for Grant School, and requirements for a storm shelter and ADA accessibility.
Capital Improvement Funds: Andy outlined financial plans for managing capital improvement funds and ensuring their use for school upgrades.
Technology
Andy described ongoing challenges in acquiring devices and the need for technology upgrades, including electronic access systems at St. Joan of Arc.
Board Terms
The board terms were reviewed. Members were invited to consider continuing their service. It was noted that the board typically does not meet in July, suggesting August for reconvening.