Bay Haven Charter Academy

Meeting Minutes

October 5, 2006 
 
 

I. Call to order 

In attendance – Tim Kitts, Tracy Johnstone, Karen Brown, Scotti Haney, Lewis Howell, and Charles Byron. Prayer led by Charles, followed by pledge of allegiance to the flag led by Tracy. 

II. Agenda

Approved with no objections. 

III. Approval of minutes from last meeting

Motion to approve, seconded and all in favor. 

IV. Discussion

A.

• Tim Sloan present, representing Harmon and Sloan. Dan Harmon is the other partner of the firm but is not present. He was asked; if he has the resources and infrastructure to support the position, the time in his work load to dedicate, and any conflicts of interests that could arise with other entities. Mr. Sloan offers some history of the firm; they have been practicing law for approximately twenty years and been together since 1990. He has time commitments to other cases but shares the work load with Mr. Harmon. He has known board member Tim Kitts since 1986, and states specifically that he does not represent the St. Joe Company.
• Mr. Kitts states that the board is looking for an attorney to represent them and process things appropriately and effectively, correspondence should be conducted exclusively through this legal professional who understands contract law and issues. Also, the board has a contractual agreement with the St. Joe Company which states they must have one member that is selected by, and an employee of the St. Joe Company.
• Tim Sloan has a general commercial practice representing two cities, two car dealerships, two banks, and does a lot of real estate work. He has represented Wellstream and Wal-Mart and has begrudgingly done some commercial work for existing clients.
• Tim Kitts asks if he has relations with Vanguard banks, Novice bank or Columbus bank to which he does not. Tim Sloan represents Parker and Cedar Grove but does not represent the County Commissioners directly.
• Tim Kitts states the board is examining the possibility of making changes to existing contracts. The attorney would go through the current contract and facilitate the severance of the relationship.
• The board is working with the St. Joe Company regarding an unsettled money issue after completion of construction. Tim Sloan states this is not a problem.

Tim Sloan is dismissed and the board discusses his qualifications for the position. One of the board members makes a motion to choose Tim Sloan as the attorney to represent Bay Haven Charter Academy. Motion is seconded and approved without further discussion.

B.

• Tim Kitts states he will be meeting with Donna Allen next week to discuss why they need six classrooms over the next two years. He states the $260,000.00 in the budget will not support these changes and that restructuring will be necessary.  

C.

• Board discussed proposed leave policy. The following four conditions were reviewed; substitute in place, supervisor approval, not to exceed leave request limit, no more than 20% of each faculty has requested holiday leave.
• Motion made to advertise proposed policy, seconded and approved.

D.

• Swap on bonds discussed. Not within their expertise, will let Walter discuss with Scott.

E.

• Facilities update. Gymnasium to be completed in three weeks.
• Safety plan reviewed. Plans for the future are; 1) securing exterior perimeter with fencing, 2) unmarked Sheriff’s vehicle on site with law enforcement on a rotational volunteer basis.

F.

• Brief discussion regarding staff member who recently gave birth; newborn at Sacred Heart in Pensacola on a breathing device. Another member having surgery to repair vertebrae.

G.

• Bay Haven Charter Academy ranked 19^th academically in State of Florida according to the Commissioner of Education.

H.

• Law passed in June granting authority to Florida Schools of Excellence to be an “authorizer” in one of the 67 Florida School Districts. Board must respond to the resolution but want more information regarding the dynamics of the policy and the political repercussions.

I.

• GPA standards discussed. Minimum for students on athletic teams is 2.5 in core subjects and no E’s or F’s allowed, calculated every 9 weeks.

J.

• Brief discussion about teachers having books on time for instruction. Concluded that they do have the material but more up-to-date is in the process of being ordered. 

V. Public Input

A.

• Teachers put some of their bonus money back into the school and there was a question about recognition. Wants “k” to represent thousands and “m” to represent millions on documents. Health insurance numbers for staff clarified.

VI. Adjournment

• No other announcements, no open or new business. Meeting adjourned.