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

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.

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.

There were no public comments.

Executive Director Update

Executive Director Dr. Katherine Kelbaugh provided an update on third quarter instruction plans. Dr. Kelbaugh first reviewed the matrix that was adopted September 22, 2020 and the data within, which has been updated as public health data changed . (Matrix is based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended three core areas.) She then provided context and background of the discussions and decisions regarding in-person instruction for past months.

Dr. Kelbaugh then presented her recommendation which includes in-person instruction for a tiered system of students, with no more than 288 students in the facility to start. Protocols and policies include masks for all students and staff inside the building (no visitors allowed); student spacing in the classroom and controlled movement of students within the building; students will be cohorted within their groups; additional facilities cleaning; and regular handwashing and sanitizing, among others. Dr. Kelbaugh reviewed facility improvements that have been made, including ventilation system upgrades discussed previously with the Board of Directors.

Dr. Kelbaugh described the tiered system which focuses on supporting the most vulnerable students initially (noting the significant figure of disengaged students in virtual learning), with the opportunity for additional in-person student population increases being considered for late February. She then stepped through the details of the tiers. Virtual instruction will continue for students not wishing to return to the classroom and those beyond the 288 cap. The recommended approach is intended to be the first phase of eventual return to school for all students, noting that the matrix will continue to be utilized and data within monitored and updated.

Dr. Kelbaugh discussed the rationale for the recommendation, including a statement that the decision was not made due to TMS community pressure. She stated that an email will be shared with TMS community tomorrow, including a return to instruction survey preference. She further discussed staff input and feelings on the January instruction plan.

Principal Stewart elaborated on data and information that informed school leadership recommendation, including significant concerns of social/emotional welfare, academic performance and physical safety for TMS students. He reiterated support for the efforts performed by staff during remote learning. Principal Stewart stated that students that do not want to return to the classroom--even if they are in a tier being offered a seat--do not have to and can continue virtual instruction.

Discussion of the recommendation was held.

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:14 pm