FRIENDS EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING MINUTES
CASTLE HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

OPEN MEETING

March 4, 2008

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: ANN WARREN, DIANA TOOTHMAN, KELLEY REYNOLDS, LARRY DEMERS, LORI BERMAN, GINNEAN SHAW, ELAN LEVEY, TED HARSHBERGER, ROSANNA CRASNICK

1.  Welcome/Introduction – 7:15 PM

Ann welcomed everyone, then Elan moved and Larry 2nd the motion to approve the minutes which were unanimously approved.

2.  Julia’s resignation

Julia has resigned from the board.  The position will not be re filled until the next election.  Elan moved to postpone replacing Julia until next election, Lori seconded the motion and it carried.

3.  5th Grade Funds Request

5th Grade has asked Friends to pay for the extra bus cost of their Astrocamp trip.  They raised most of the money, but were short $500.  They also requested that Friends pay for 1 or 2 buses for this trip yearly.  They have approx. $5200 in their account.  Ted suggested Larry pay the $500 from their money.  Discussion was tabled until Larry reports next month about their funds.

4. Treasurer’s Report - Larry

Biggest news was Friends nearly lost their 501(c)3  status due to a problem with the mail.  We discussed purchasing a lock box or PO box for Friends’ mail.  At this point, Steve Coker got everything done in time so problem could be fixed.  This is something that really needs to be addressed at a future meeting.

5. Items on the Floor

Rosanna – Jog-a-Thon:  New district rules, each child must have a permission slip, must call it a jog/walk a thon, and PTA must be involved since it is during school hours.  The date is to be changed to April 11th.

 

More discussion about budget cuts – Ginnean suggested we come up with a list of “unfunded needs” that help academics, such as aides, science teachers and tutors, computer lab and teachers, PE program, after school assistance with homework club.  Ginnean will oversee and approach district with this needs list, possibly outlining safety concerns to also help get attention.

 

UPDATES/discussion:

 

Lori – Governance Committee:  Review of the calendar, budget cuts, beef issues, art show; asking for “bench” money, etc.

 

Major issue concerning teachers’ parking lot – site council discussed same problem.  We discussed increasing signage, hiring security, or using volunteers.  Ann will speak to Ms. Tann about safety concerns, and possibly paying Tim to guard gate in AM.

 

Another issue raised about kids being able to play together during recess, also not sure why kids can’t use the apparatus during school.

 

Beautification Day – April 19th:  Need volunteers.  Ted suggested someone research the cost of a cleaning crew, possibly three times per year (especially before tours).

 

Anne – Spring Event:  We need big ticket items.  Also, Larry noted that he could include the Spring Event details and donation requests in the Castle Heights Community newsletter (about 1000 homes) if he receives the information in time.  Ann to get him info.

 

 

 

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:30 PM.