Bay Haven Board of Directors Meeting

October 4^th 2007 5:30 p.m. 

Meeting was called to order at 5:35by Scotti Haney. Tracy Johnstone led us in prayer. Karen Brown led the Pledge of Allegiance.  

October agenda was accepted. 

Chuck Tucker motioned that we accept August and September minutes.  Traci Johnstone seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

Principal’s Report:  

Facilities -

5^th grade center is up and running.  Some minor “punch list” items are still to be completed. Final completion of new additions/improvements should take 1-2 months to complete. 

Gym- The final walk-through has been completed.  PE offices are in temporary locations at present.  When locker rooms are finished, offices will be moved.

1st Volleyball match took place this week against Jinks. Our students performed well.   

Football—First field goal in middle school history scored by BHCA team against Jinks.  The football season is going well.  Rosenwald Middle School will be here next week. 

Bleachers are finished.  John Haas bought the sod to complete bleacher/field project.  BHCA will use CCA labor force to complete final fix up around fields and bleachers. 

St. Joe Update:

Tim Sloan has modified the final letter from the Board.   Discussion took place regarding specifics of the letter. Tim will make changes and send to Lewis Howell. St. Joe will have 30 days (no later than November 6^th 2007) to respond to our requests.   

New School Update: 

Mayor of Callaway called Tim Kitts today to discuss new school proposal for Callaway area.  East Point developers would like to meet with BHCA

to discuss possibility of bring BHCA school within their development.  Dr. Kitts will meet with East Point developers 10:15 a.m. Friday October 5, 2007 at BHCA.    
 

Budget Workshop Update:

Informational meeting with School Financial Services. Major focus of the meeting was delineation of budget/line items. 
 
 
 
 
 

Compliance Document Update: 

Bay District has not required a compliance document of BHCA since our inception.  Tim Kitts developed the BHCA compliance process that will document and validate what we do.  Bay District will then use the document to review BHCA policies and practices.  This process is important not only to BHCA, but also to ensure that new/prospective charter schools meet high standards.  One issue that was raised was mandatory finger-printing of Board Members. Chuck Tucker suggested that in keeping with BHCA high standards, it would be in the best interest of the Board to require finger-printing for Board members. Wade Rhinehart made a motion to accept finger-printing policy.  Traci Johnstone seconded motion.  Motion carried.  Scotti will draft a policy that will be advertised for 30 days. 

Exclusivity Process Update:

Bay District is our sponsor.  They thereby have the authority to authorize development of charter schools within the district.  State law does allow for FSE (Florida Schools of Excellence) to authorize charter schools as well. This creates competition that will enhance relationships between charter schools and districts. During the recent exclusivity review, Bay District did not pass the review process therefore; they do not have exclusivity rights to authorize.  We (Bay) are one of 67 counties that did not receive exclusivity rights. 

Enrollments Update:

Student enrollment is currently 1, 050.  No students on 8^thgrade waiting list.  We have over enrolled 6^th and 7^th grade by 1 student each.  We are hopeful to gain new 8^th graders. 

Geothermal Update:

BDS was not satisfied with the geothermal fix proposed by Peaden.  Bay District brought in their own geothermal expert who after inspection contradicted Peaden’s plan to correct problems with our system.  Wayne Elmore is working with Tim on best plan to address our issues.  BDS is still willing to cover costs of flushing of system; BHCA will pay for shut off valves.    

Policy Recommendation: In response to a request from an attorney for BHCA to supply “additional” documentation to attorneys Tim made a recommendation to help defray costs of manpower to pr Anyone requesting information through subpoena, verbal or written request shall be responsible for costs associated with said requests.  Wade Rhinehart motioned that policy recommendation be accepted.  Charles Byron seconded motion.  Motion carried.  Policy will be advertised for 30 days.    

Workshop with Bay District Board will take place at a later date. 

BBQ and Book Fair –BBQ will be October 5^th, 2007.  Book Fair starts October 5^th and will run through October 12^th. 
 

FAQ page—Katy Weaver is working on creating a FAQ page for the webpage for each realm of BHCA (Board, PTSP, Office etc…) 
 

CSUA—called Tim to discuss a meeting with Jim Horn, Jon Hage and Sen. Don Gaetz.  Meeting would address upcoming legislative session and charter schools. 

Charter Schools Conference December 4-6^th in Orlando.  Tim would like for the PDT to present at this conference.  He will draft a proposal and submit to conference organizers.  Board may send a representative to attend this conference with Tim.  

New Business: 

December meeting will be moved to Tuesday December 11^th.  The Board will conduct a workshop beginning at 5:00 p.m. with the regular meeting to follow. 

Instructional Pay Raises:

Karen Brown asked about instructional pay raises for the 2007-2008 school year in light of the fact that administrative and non-instructional raises were approved at the August meeting.  The Board discussed the fact that the current budget had been set to include a raise if we met our enrollment goals.  Tim said that we would have to wait until after the first quarter report from SFS to finalize.  SFS may be able to attend November meeting to present the first quarter report.  If BHCA does not meet enrollment/budget expectations or if the legislature reduces funding, a budget adjustment may be needed.  Currently all faculty members are currently receiving a minimum of $100.00 more than BDS employees.  Tim did state that if we meet 100% enrollment as of October FTE pay raises will be automatic.   

Public Input-  

Phillipa Walker spoke to the concern of teacher compensation and goals of Board with respect to said compensation.  Discussion took place between the Board and present public regarding various issues surrounding teacher compensation.       

Tim discussed history of variable compensation at BHCA and the implementation of salary schedule/step increase.  As of 2008-2009 all increases will be in line with step schedule.   

Sharon Gilson addressed concerns regarding Florida Retirement System and the BHCA 401 K option.     

Norma Kealy commended the Board on positive changes made for BHCA employees and encouraged Board to continue positive changes with respect to compensation. 

The issue of communicating with faculty on budgetary, compensation and other Board decisions/policies was also addressed.  Traci Johnstone suggested that a Board Report be presented at each faculty meeting. 

Members of the Board assured teachers who were present that BHCA is very much interested and concerned with raising teacher compensation.  

Board will set new budget for 08-09 in May of 2008.   

Meeting adjourned at 7:32