Board Meeting Minutes – 1.18.23

By Lake Country Classical Academy | January 18, 2023

Lake Country Classical Academy Board Meeting – January 18, 2023 – 6PM

Meeting Minutes

I). Call to Order:

Board President Kristina Vourax called the meeting to order at 6:04 PM. All Board members were present with the exception of Brian Hastings.

II). Approval of Agenda:

Tim Peterson moved approval of the meeting agenda – motion passed.

III). Citizen’s Forum:

Ayrica Urban expressed thanks to the Board, Administration, and parent community for the news Waukesha County Executive Farrow’s decision to sign a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a five-year authorization of a Charter for LCCA.
Phyllis Warcher asked a question about whether the Board could involve the parent (and grandparent) community more in efforts related to the pursuit of a new charter authorization.
Melissa Harwick urged the Board to be more transparent about the process associated with charter renewal, and to seek more parental involvement in such matters going forward.
Joanne Timmerman urged the Board to consider a more proactive posture related to responding to falsehoods propagated by the media against LCCA.

IV). Consent Agenda:

Tom Gehl explained that the Agenda Item regarding the revised statement on the charter of the Policy and Curriculum Committee would be addressed later in the Action Items portion of the agenda.
Dan Fuhrman moved approval of the Minutes from the December meeting – motion approved.

Discussion Items:

Leadership Report: Head Principal Margaret Daigneau presented her report and a copy is attached to the minutes.
Results of Family and Staff Satisfaction Surveys:

Principal Daigneau presented the results of both surveys.
Results are attached to these Minutes.
Tom Gehl asked about the 60% staff participation rate – why so low. Margaret responded that it was a difficult time of year for staff to participate, and that in the future, surveys would be distributed after the Christmas break.

Authorizer’s Report: Kristina Vourax confirmed the Waukesha County Executive, Paul Farrow’s, commitment to sign a Letter of Intent for a five-year charter Authorization for LCCA. She expressed the Board and School Administration’s gratitude for everyone’s support (legislators, parents, grandparents, and the community at large), and especially to Paul Farrow for using his authorizing authority to ensure the long-term security and success of LCCA.

VI). Action Items:

Facilities Expansion Project:

Margaret presented the relevant information regarding four mobile units to provide additional capacity at the UEB for the 2023-24 year.
Tim Peterson moved approval of a contract with Vesta, to include a $10,000 down payment.
Tom Gehl asked for a friendly amendment to make this approval contingent upon a review of contract by the Facilities Committee and obtaining the written copy of the Letter of Intent from Paul Farrow.
Friendly amendment was accepted, and the motion passed.

2. Charter Statement of Policy and Curriculum (PCC) Committee:

Tom Gehl presented two changes to the charter statement of the PCC, which had been approved by the Board at the October meeting.
Changes emphasized that fidelity to Hillsdale curriculum would be upheld within the parameters of the annual budget, and that no Policy would be forwarded to the Board without review and input from the Head Principal.
Dan Fuhrman requested that the charter also include an annual review of the Hillsdale curriculum so that the board would have a clear understanding of what would be proffered in the coming year.
The charter statement will go back to committee for the appropriate language and brought back at the February meeting.

VII.) Treasurer and Committee Reports:

Treasurer’s Report: Treasurer Brian Hastings was absent, and no report was submitted.’
Facilities: Chairman Dan Fuhrman indicated that the update was already covered by Margaret’s Facility Expansion Report earlier in the meeting.
Finance: Dan and Margaret reported that the Committee was deeply engaged in continuing the development more robust financial reporting, tighter adherence to GAAP, etc. (Generally Accepted Accounting Procedures).
Fund Raising and Communications: Kristina reported on the content of its January 9 meeting:
- The TLC has raised a total of $X,XXX for the school Raptor security system and costs associated with the holiday music performances. Several community events have been planned, including a restaurant night at Mod Pizza benefiting LCCA on 1/26; Mother/Daughter movie night on 1/27, and a Water Park night on 2/16.
- Planning for the 2023 Liberty Gala is underway. Anyone interested in volunteering please send an email to info@lakecountryclassical.org.
- The FCC is investigating various planned giving options for LCCA donors.
Policy and Curriculum Committee: Tom Gehl referred to his earlier report. Also shared that the meeting time of the PCC has been moved to the second Monday of each month at 4 PM. Some meetings will eb virtual and those held in-person will be at LCCA East.

VIII.) President’s Report: Kristina Vourax expressed appreciation for the efforts of all involved who encouraged the Waukesha County Executive, Paul Farrow, to authorize LCCA. She also mentioned that Tom Branigan is stepping down from the LCCA Board and is going to be resuming his previous role as LCCA’s pro-bono communications and marketing consultant. In addition, he will continue to serve as a member of the LCCA Board Fundraising & Communications Committee.

IX.) Motion to Enter Closed Session: Tom Gehl motioned to go into Closed Session under Wisconsin Statute 19.85 (1) (e): Deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session.