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. 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.

Email Executive Director, Dr. Katherine Kelbaugh at Katherine.kelbaugh@themuseumschool.org for Zoom access to the meeting.

Public comment (no longer than one page) should be submitted via email to Katherine.kelbaugh@themuseumschool.org. Your comments must be received by 10:00 am on the day of the meeting. Only those emails received during the allotted time will be read aloud and broadcast. Emails received outside of the allotted time will be included in the Public Comments record for the next meeting.

There were no public comments.

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.

Approval of Meeting Minutes

Approval of two prior Governing Board meetings.

TMS Auction Night Recap

A summary of the 2021 Auction Night was shared by Anne Huff and Esta Busby, TMS Foundation. The Foundation had analyzed a variety of data provided by the online auction software and highlighted several metrics: over 60 volunteers participated; 100 free party packs were distributed; local businesses donated event prep space in addition to the various local sponsors and donated auction items; expenses are estimated to be $10,500; $107,621 was the gross revenue; 130 donors; 314 registered bidders; and 726 total bids.

The Foundation provided other updates including sharing that a grant writing consulting team was hired to assist in setting up processes, establish a development calendar, and create a prospect list and grant submittal framework.

Principal's Report

Principal Mike Stewart provided updates on students, staff and operations. Mr. Stewart shared that staff are working on several major activities including preparing for additional students returning to campus on March 31 and preparing for mandatory Milestones testing. Mr. Stewart noted that there has been good compliance with mask-wearing and social distancing with transitioning and recess being times students need reminders. His operations update noted that two new day porters have been excellent support for continuous daily cleaning. Mr. Stewart's update on students included a detailed review of iReady math and reading test results from winter, as well as the comparison between fall and winter results.

Executive Director Report

Executive Director Dr. Katherine Kelbaugh focused her update on reopening as well as some funding and budget needs. Dr. Kelbaugh shared that a further 155 students will be accommodated when additional classrooms are opened on March 31, bringing campus attendance up to 443. She announced that TMS was recently approved for a second draw of the Paycheck Protection Plan and shared plans proposed by the Finance Committee for utilization of some of those funds.

Finance Committee Update

Finance Committee Chair and TMS Treasurer Tamara Richards updated the Board on several key explorations the Committee has undertaken, and also reviewed school finances. Ms. Richards updated the Board on the Finance Committee's process of evaluating the audit services provider, with the Committee determining to remain with the existing audit service firm, due to several areas of key expertise needed in upcoming years. Ms. Richards then continued a conversation from the Board's previous month's discussion on the employee retention tax credit. The Finance Committee as a group and Ms. Richards, individually, have undertaken additional research and sought opinions and advice on this tax credit. It was noted that several sources, including an IRS report, were referenced in determining that pursuit of this tax credit seemed appropriate for TMS.

Facilities Committee Update

Katherine Moore provided an update on behalf of Facilities Chair Alan Locke. Ms. Moore noted that the Facilities Committee conducted a workday on campus to spread new mulch and would be meeting with the Charter Renewal Committee next week. Lastly, she noted that a path connecting the school to the basketball court, where lunches are now being housed, has been improved.

Diversity Committee

Diversity Committee Chair Christina Cassidy shared news of a Saturday training led by TMS equity diversity and inclusion consultant. Participants included parents, staff and community members. The training is aimed at positioning participants to be able to facilitate listening circles. She also noted that the Committee received a final draft of the enrollment and lottery data analysis conducted by Georgia Conservancy. Final report of this analysis to be completed in coming days.

Governance Committee Update

Governance Committee Chair Richard Piercy reminded the Board that one hour of training is still required to be completed for returning Board members, with newer members needing a few additional hours. He will be contacting individuals to schedule.

Board Chair Update

Board Chair Dr. Kelly Swinks thanked the Board for their commitment and time through a variety of time-sensitive priorities such as the Auction Night.

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:59 pm