Welcome and Call to Order

The Meeting will be called to order by the Chair.

Mission: The mission of The Museum School of Avondale Estates is to inspire students, teachers and the community to collaborate to develop strong critical thinking, interpersonal and academic skills in our students, which will prepare them for real-world success.

 

Core Values: Responsibility, Respect, Cooperation, Sustainability, Creativity, Kindness

Public Comment

Our Public Comment period is for members of the public to address the board. Each member of the public may sign up to comment at the meeting, and will be allotted three minutes. The board will listen, but may not directly respond to any comments. Please do not use specific student, teacher or administrator names in your comments as our meetings are open to the public and public record. As such, if your comment is about a private matter, please contact the board via email, or speak to the board chair privately.

While there was a member of the public present, there were no public comments offered.

Approval of Agenda

So that there is agreement between board members on the agenda, and the amount of time spent on the meeting, the board shall vote to approve an agenda for the meeting. To the best of its ability, it will follow that agenda, and allow for the chair to move the board through the agenda as specified.

Approve Previous Meeting Minutes

Approve meeting minutes from the previous month.

Report from School Principal

Principal Mike Stewart reviewed the evaluation process that a group of administration and instructional staff focus groups are undertaking to consider instructional formats for the fall. Principal Stewart said that the focus groups are evaluating scenarios that include entirely virtual instruction, a hybrid of virtual instruction with in-person instruction on alternating days, a hybrid of virtual instruction with in-person instruction on alternating weeks, and the likelihood that one approach could begin the school year that then changes as new health information and health protocols could come forth. He indicated that flexibility will be key to the upcoming year's instruction, as well as transparency and communication with TMS families.

Principal Stewart then reviewed the approach to preplanning and the traditional summer institute internal learning for staff. He indicated that class lists were being finalized and will be posted the first week of July, as usual. Principal Stewart indicated that the school calendar is highly likely to remain the same as already anticipated; there is no intention of changing the school schedule.

Report from Executive Director

Dr. Katherine Kelbaugh reviewed efforts of a return to school task force. She noted that this task force is not considering instructional issues, as the groups Principal Stewart described is targeting. The group she discussed is focused on return to school policies, facility adjustments, communications to staff and families and overall wellness of students and staff.

Dr. Kelbaugh then discussed potentials to closing the gap in the $600,000 budget shortfall that was shared during the State of the School address.

She also shared updates from TMS Foundation as well as discussed an in-progress return to school handbook that will be completed and shared with families once a return to school scenario is identified.

Finance Committee Update

A report from Board Treasurer, Tamara Richards, reviewed monthly expenditures and revenues as well the balance sheet. She discussed the proposed spending plan for the upcoming month, noting that the board will need to approve it, as the school does not yet have an approved budget as DeKalb County Schools does not yet have a budget. Ms. Richards reminded the board that a tax return will need to be submitted by July 15. A return will be shared via email with the board before it is filed.

Facilities Committee Update

Facilities Chair Alan Locke had a brief update, including noting support offered to campus engineer Dean Moore with any facility-related to return to school needs.

Diversity Committee Update

Diversity Committee Chair Christina Cassidy discussed a resource page being finalized for TMS families, as well as alignment with Dr. Kelbaugh and Principal Stewart in connecting families with resources that may be needed for future virtual learning.

Communications Committee Update

Communications Committee Chair Andrea Jones provided a brief update.

Governance Committee Update

Governance Committee Chair Jesse Lincoln presented the upcoming school year's slate of officers. He also recognized outgoing officers, including Chair Clay Jones.

Board Chair Update

Board Chair Clay Jones and Dr. Kelbaugh recognized outgoing board members Jesse Lincoln, Frank Furman, Danielle Royden and Andy Huff with new contributions to the library. Dr. Kelbaugh noted that while Clay Jones was finishing his term as board chair, he would continue to serve on the governing board for two more years.

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:15 pm