Scattergood Friends School Committee
Minutes 1 February, 2003
Attendees:
Committee members
Lynn Chakoian, Joe Davison, Debbie Galusha, Barb Garlinghouse, Lucy
Hansen, Jim Kenney, Dan Schlitt, Dwight Schumm, Perry-O Sliwa, Dan
Treadway, George Welch, Bob Winchell
Executive Session
A conference call with the School Committee was held on January 14,
2003 during which we approved the
Search Committee's recommendation to offer the position of Director of
Scattergood Friends School to Sean Egan. Nine School Committee
members participated in the call, four others were known to be in favor
of the recommendation and two were not reached in time to learn of
their thoughts in the matter. The Clerk then offered the position to
Sean who accepted. We plan to sign the Note of Agreement next
week and send out a letter to announce our decision soon after.
Opened with silence at 9:05.
We discussed a change to the existing note of agreement to describe
the appeals process in case of dismissal -- the right to appear before a
closed meeting of the school committee within one month.
We discussed the plans for signing the note of agreement, and
transition.
We approved the salary and discussed planned payment during the
transition period.
At Ken's request, we agreed to omit the Director Evaluation this
year.
Executive Session ended at 9:55.
Open session
Staff in attendance
Margie Figgins, Heather Godley, Ken Hinshaw, Erin Lane, Jan Luchini
We began with a moment of silence at 10:00 am
Minutes of last meeting
Approved as written.
Governance Handboook
Lucy handed out copies of Governance Handbook for Friends School,
which is referred to in the Trustee Handbook. There were not enough
copies to go around, more will be available next time. The book, like
the other reference books, are expected to be returned when leaving the
school committee. (There are now 3 such reference books).
Committee Reports
The Directors
Report formed the basis for the following discussion
Portfolios -- At the end of each course, Heather gets "some kind" of
submission for each student - this goes into their portfolio -- each
year in spring, the juniors organize their material.
It was suggested that some students might show the committee their
portfolios, so we can understand the idea better. This would, of course,
be purely voluntary.
There is some discussion among staff about the continuing the laptop
program in its current form. This has been an ongoing discussion,
although this time the focus has been on the disruption caused when a
laptop is broken and is not available. There is, of course, a wide
range of opinion among student and faculty -- some wish they weren't
here, others love them... Staff does not feel 3 years is enough time to
really evaluate whether it's working or not. In addition, when the
computers are needed, many need one at the same time. Students study at
home (day students) or in the dorms. This is a crossroads -- next year
we will need to buy a large number, as it's the end of the three year
cycle. So this is when we need to decide. Current feeling is that it
should continue for at least another three year cycle. Perry-O shared:
SC member asked student how they evaluated info they find on the
internet -- the student's response was very insightful -- it is
something that is being taught -- just like evaluating resources in the
library.
There was some discussion on Technology/Use of tools course(s) or
short-courses -- how to use the computer/library/etc...
There was some discussion of the LRP -- priority next meeting will be
reviewing the plan. There was extended discussion of a harassment
episode last semester and what was learned. There was a somewhat shorter
discussion of World Affairs.
Facilities
There is preliminary work being done concerning installing a
photovoltaic system on the gym that interfaces with the utility grid.
It would probably be small enough that it wouldn't actually feed into
the grid, but would partially offset our usage, and would be integrated
with the electrical supply system.
Some changes have been made in ventilation of the room where the
computer servers are located attempting to improve the situation for the
summer.
Finances
We authorized seeking a 3 year loan for up to $8000 to use for the
laptop program.
See also the History
of Giving
We brought the graphics part of the web design in house because we're
not clear on what we want, and the consultants were expending billable
hours on our search for clarity...
Interestingly, INS was looking for a Turkish graduate student working
on a PhD...
Ken thanked Erin Lane for her efforts preparing for the INS visit. Good
record keeping made the job somewhat easier.
We expect it will be easier to get int'l students approved next year.
Don't know about staff...
What's it mean to be a "Religious worker"...
<humor>There is a new Scattergood School http://www.sgmoo.com A
Harry Potter MOO.</humor>
That's a little geek joke -- in HTML
(web page writing language) items are labeled by putting <xxx> in
front and </xxx> in back, quotes, like. Of course,
there are no such items as "humor"
Staffing
March Retreat
This year's retreat will be Friday March 28, with the school committee
meeting on the 29th. Sean will be unable to attend on Friday, may be
here on Saturday. There is some interest among students and staff in
getting to know SC members better. One suggestion: Plan for SC members
to attend classes (special sessions intended for interaction -- not
tests) in the morning, with small groups in the afternoon. Topic --
Where do we learn? (That was last time). Planning for the retreat will
largely be done by the School and anyone who would like to volunteer --
contact Ken and/or Lucy. Potential topic: Dealing with/Adapting to
change... School will send out an invitation with request for
suggestions and willingness to participate. So, put both Friday and
Saturday on your calendars for the March meeting. 14 graduating
(counting those who've already completed). Looking for Freshman boys!
Meeting Critique
too fast... not enough controversy... Great setup for snacks --
Student Employment Program!
Next meeting focus
LRP Updates -- make sure your suggested changes get to Margie.
Adjournment
Closed with silence at 1:00pm