Maryland Avenue Montessori School

Maryland Avenue Montessori School Fund Board Meeting Minutes – February 8, 2011

Attending: Audra Brennan, Rick Cogswell, Molly Collins, Lilith Fowler, Vesla Hoeschen, Angeline Koch, Roxanne Link, Katie Meloy, Joe Miller, Mickie Pearsall, Diana Timmers, Darcia Ziebert

1.  Introductions. Chair Molly Collins welcomed new members and everyone introduced themselves.

2.  Approval of December and January Minutes – Lilith Fowler moved approval of the December and January minutes and the motion passed unanimously.

3.  School Budget Concerns and the Fund response. Playground Updates.

MMSD grants: Lilith announced that MMSD had awarded an additional $20,000 for the playground.  The funds were from two separate outside foundations grants (Tellier & Royal Bank of Canada), not from MMSD budget directly.  The first is for $15,000 and the other for $5,000.  In addition we have submitted a proposal for an additional $259,000 through MMSD’s Fund for Lake Michigan.  We also can apply for a portion of $200,000 in the MMSD budget but will need to compete with other schools

Summary spending report –

In order to provide accurate information about the source of revenues and expenditures for the playground initiative in light of recent budget concerns, Vesla Hoeschen provided a summary spreadsheet of the fund board revenues and spending for the current school year.  (attached).  Vesla pointed out that the spreadsheet demonstrates that much of the revenue raised for the playground is intended for specific purposes and has set deadlines, restricting it from being used for other sources.  Molly Collins stressed that efforts to secure funding for the playground began 3 years ago.   Lilith Fowler indicated which revenues would go away if the playground effort were halted.  Vesla Hoeschen also pointed out that the fund has continued to remain committed to the programming priorities.

Ms. Ziebert asked about the history of the fund as it relates to the playground vs. programming. Molly explained that the board started with a small group of parents raising money to preserve classroom aides.  Once it was determined that the fund could not spend money on aides, the group ended up deciding to focus on supporting enhancement programs which led to the development of the strategic plan. Molly reviewed the goals that were discussed in 2008 (attached).    Lilith Fowler indicated the first application for funds for the playground were through MMSD.  Additional parents became interested and involved and that ultimately led to the front entrance.

Discussion returned to the summary report.  Vesla Hoeschen clarified that the $23,960 for the assumed that everything in the design plan for Phase I is completed.  Lilith indicated that certain components could be set aside to lower the overall cost and the board funded portion.  E.g., the design calls for large climbing rocks for $5,000, orchard trees –$ 6300.  While some things are necessary to maintain the design or to meet funder requirements, others could possible be set aside if deemed necessary.  Angeline Koch also suggested seeking separate funding sources for specific components, though everything must go through the MPS Foundation.  It was also suggested that we work with MPS to see if we can direct the use of their administrative cut of any foundation money we get.

Ms Timmers asked if a list of “optional” items could be generated for the teachers to review and Lilith offered to follow up on that idea with the design team.

Micky Pearsall asked if we had worked with Greening Milwaukee and she and Lilith Fowler decided to reach out to them again since we had not in some time.

Vesla Hoeschen solicited input from the teachers in attendance re: the use of funds by the board.  Ms. Meloy indicated that teachers are still digesting the school budget and they recognize that personnel costs cannot be addressed by fund. She believes that teachers appreciate what the fund does.

It was pointed out that the only portion of the school budget that the fund is allowed to cover is for supplies – roughly $20,000.   The Fund had originally decided not to offset operating costs so that would have to be revisited.

There was discussion of how to respond to the administration re: the proposal that the district has raised of moving the school to Cass.   Ms. Ziebert raised concern with any plan that would split the grades.  The adolescents work with the younger kids for tutoring for example.   Rick Cogswell stressed that any discussion of the school location was still speculative and we don’t have any details.

There was discussion that it was premature to take any official board action re: the playground or the supply budget until we have final information about the impact of the district and school budget decisions.

Rick Cogswell also recommended that the board discuss the concept of whether we would cover one time operating costs (such as supplies) separately from the playground funding.

Lilith Fowler indicated that there were no immediate decisions that had to be made regarding moving forward with the playground, but need to make a final decision to proceed before June.  She also indicated that the money is site specific to the current Maryland Avenue location.

Community Input Meeting: Angeline Koch inquired about the status of Community input meeting for playground that was cancelled due to budget concern meeting.  The meeting was rescheduled for Thursday February 17 at 6 pm.

Staff Input: Board reps will attend the Feb. 28 staff meeting to get teacher input on the playground.

3.  Financial Report

Joe Miller provided the budget update (attached).  Angeline Koch asked about status of MPS bookkeeping issues.  Joe indicated there are still some concerns but there is a new head of the Foundation.

Lilith indicated that she is also working on a grant to pay someone on a part time basis to tend to the playground and plan lessons for the teachers to use that incorporate the playground.  There would be a 20% match requirement.

There was a question about the status of the Art Museum visits.  Mrs. Meloy indicated the Art teacher is looking at securing dates for Art Museum visits so those are moving forward.

Joe Miller will follow up with Phil re: how funds are to be split with the PTO for Mad Hot Ballroom.

4.  Brief orientation/update for new board members – provided in advance by handout.

Next  meeting: Tuesday March 1^st.

Meeting adjourned.   Minutes respectfully submitted by Audra Brennan.