TRIO Wolf Creek Distance Learning Charter School

Board Meeting Minutes

Tuesday, October 3, 2006  at 3:00 p.m.

 

Board Members Present:  Sandra Flint, Elizabeth Lenz, Tom Plocher, Tracy Quarnstrom and Brenda Swanson

Absent: Stacy Bender and Jeff Vitali

 

Visitors:  Heide Miller, Sheryl Palmquist, Cassie Piechowski and Kris Sanders

 

1.  Chair Tom Plocher opened the meeting at 3:03 p.m. Swanson made motion to approve the agenda, Lenz seconded, motion carried.

 

2.  Quarnstrom reported on the certification of results from the resolution canvassing returns of TRIO Wolf Creek Distance Learning Charter School #4095.  The following candidates were elected with terms beginning October 3, 2006. These candidates all received 8 out of 8 votes for a 2 year term:  Elizabeth Lenz and Jeff Vitali. These candidates all received 8 out of 8 votes for a 1 year term:  Tracy Quarnstrom and Tom Plocher.  Parent representative received zero votes; this position remains vacant. 
Roll call vote was taken and all board members approved the vote.  Quarnstrom made a motion to approve the canvas.  Lenz seconded, motion carried.
Quarnstrom made motion to approve the minutes from the September 7, 2006 board meeting with changes.  Flint seconded, motion carried. Quarnstrom reported on duties of Officers of the Board. Nominations were given for the positions of Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary Treasurer.  Tom Plocher nominated for Chair position.  Lenz made motion to approve the nomination. Flint seconded, motion carried.  Jeff Vitali nominated for Vice Chair position.  Swanson made motion to approve the nomination, Lenz seconded, motion carried.  Brenda Swanson nominated to keep position of the Secretary Treasurer position.  Quarnstrom made motion to approve the nomination, Flint seconded, motion carried. 

 

3.   No one present for Open Forum.

 

4.  A.  Miller reported the total expenditures for August 2006 was $23,876.31.  Flint made motion to approve payment of detailed registered checks number 1316001796 to 1316001820 in the amount of $23,876.31.  Lenz seconded, motion carried.

4.  B.  Miller gave totals on the TRIO Wolf Creek financial report for September 30, 2006.  For September 2006:  total revenues = $140,526.30 and total expenditures $157,119.65.  Expenditures over revenues ($16,593.35). It was noted that the state lease aid for this year has not yet been received.  Cash on hand as of September 30, 2006 = $245,112.46.  Audited fund balances = $273,603.85 as of June 30, 2005.  Quarnstrom made motion to approve the financial report for September of 2006.  Plocher seconded, motion carried.

 

4.  C.  Miller and Quarnstrom noted that TRIO Wolf Creek’s lease aid for the 2006-2007 school year has not been completed.  Although the current lease will not expire this year TRIO Wolf Creek is working on a five year lease with Fairview, through the year 2012.  This lease change is due to the facilities grant requirements that TRIO Wolf Creek is applying for.  A grant stipulation is that the charter school lease is complete through 2011.  Custodial services will also be included in the lease for $1.00 per square foot.  Swanson made motion to approve the lease agreements, Lenz seconded, motion carried.

4.  D.  Miller reviewed the terms levy and referendum with board members.

 

4.  E.   Quarnstrom reported that a representative from OSHA performed a mock OSHA inspection at TRIO Wolf Creek.  The charter did well on the inspection, needing only three minor updates: 1. Post more emergency signage in the café and in labs. 
2. Include the date on the emergency evacuation route maps.  3. Replace door wedges in labs with magnetic holding devices or other devices that can be easily removed.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

5.  A.  Quarnstrom updated board members on the Facilities Grant.  The Facilities Grant is due by 4:00 pm on Tuesday October 31.  The concept drawing of the facility is just a preliminary plan to receive the grant.  Quarnstrom will mail or e-mail a narrative of the grant for all board members to review before submission. If TRIO is approved for the grant then the Design and Development phase will begin.  Approval notices will go out to charter schools in February 2007.
The grant submission includes the lease, conceptual drawing, narrative and budget.  Furnishing can also be a part of the grant, Wolf Creek may ask for approximately $30,000 for furnishing.  Before grant submission “Owners contingency” will be changed from 10% of 20%.  Flint made motion to approve the Facilities Grant proposal when amended, Lenz seconded, motion carried.

 

5.  B.  Quarnstrom was happy to report that TRIO Wolf Creek was approved for Q- Comp.  Quarnstrom also noted that TRIO Wolf Creek was the only distance learning school to receive Q-Comp.

 

5.  C.  Quarnstrom noted that the Student Accountability Report (Annual Report) was submitted to MDE.  The document was e-mailed to all board and staff members, a hard copy was provided as well.

 

NEW BUSINESS

6.  A. Swanson reminded all board members to send updates for their website biographies.  It was asked that everyone notify Swanson of any other changes, updates or problems noted on the website: www.triowolfcreek.com.

 

6. B.  Class Server discussion – tabled until the next meeting due to Bender’s absence.

 

6.  C.  Quarnstrom made motion to approve the clerical contract of Anita Pelzer.  Flint seconded, motion carried.

 

7.  Communications – Drug Court

 

8.  Denise Warndahl, parent representative for the 2005-2006 TRIO Wolf Creek board term has ended.  A certificate of participation will be sent and Warndahl’s name will be added to the TRIO Wolf Creek Board service plaque.

 

9.  Plocher adjourned the meeting at 4:14pm.  Swanson made motion to accept.  Lenz seconded, motion carried.

 

The next TRIO Wolf Creek board meeting will be held on:

Tuesday November 14th, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. in the Wolf Creek Blue Lab
11725 Stinson Ave., Chisago City, MN.
The board retreat and dinner will follow.

 

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Chair, Tom Plocher                                                            Date