Tuesday, January 8, 2002

Attendees: James Serafin, Otto Wieand, Elaine Ruszczyk, Jean Sobczak, Dave Muench, Mary Beth Morgan, Robin Bartnik, Bernadette Bookmiller, Mike Pepe, Paula Penepent, Brother Robert Bimonte

Bernadette Bookmiller opened the meeting with a prayer.

Otto opened the meeting and announced he is resigning the board at the end of the meeting.

Motion was made to approve the December minutes by Elaine Ruszczyk and seconded by Bernadette Bookmiller.

Development: The inclusion of the second small gifts fundraising letter will be delayed until after the Chinese auction so not to over solicit.

Another response was received from the small gift request letter. Chalkboards were offered and Building and Grounds is following up.

Bernadette presented the board with responses she received for our development plan. We will send again to get more responses.

A suggestion was made to look into more interaction between the Pre-K students and K-8 do develop bonds that will help our conversion ratio.

It was also suggested that several times during the year children come dressed in uniform when attending Mass.

Tuition: The committee is staying on top of the 30 hours program and tuition statements.

Computer: Ann is waiting for a price quote on 10 computers for the computer lab.

Budget: The current cost to educate each pupil is $2,560.00 per year.

Policy and Planning: The referral policy was presented for vote and it was suggested that it be edited further. It will be presented again at next month's meeting.

Mission Statement: Nothing to Report

Education: Nothing to report.

Building and Grounds: The Diocesan safety inspection was conducted December 11^th and we received letter with recommendations on the 12^th.

Many items have already been taken care of.

The special mat committee met and the mats will be purchased from Laux. They will be removable for dinners and other events. Final measuring will take place this week. The east wall of the gym will have temporary mats that have been approved by the insurance department.

Unfinished Business: The executive committee met last month with Fr. Emil. In attendance were Fr. Emil, Deacon Dennis Kapsiak, Otto Wieand, Dave Muench and Jim Serafin.

The meeting was requested to understand Fr. Emil's priorities so we can get on the same page.

The priorities he gave during the meeting are as follows:

1. Roof on Parish Center
2. Develop Enrollment Programs
3. Look into and define what the role of Home School Guild and School Board are
4. Meet with principal about role of school board
5. Budget - determine who is to pay for budget overruns of school

It was noted that during his tenure here over $400,000 was spent on school facilities on neglected pre-existing items and to prepare it for the future.

Alden bus issue - The number of half days was discussed and some members felt it was an inconvenience to parents.

Human Sexuality Program - "In God's Image" would be the 16-week program for 7^th graders this year. Next year the diocesan program will be fully implemented throughout the grades as appropriate.

The student handbook will be issued at the Open House.

Robin Bartnik did the research on our test scores and how they compare to the public schools. Mary Jane will compare and see if we should use this in our advertising.

Brother Robert - Brother Robert told the board the purpose of the Home School Guild. He said it exists as a communication vehicle and for fundraising.

He said needs are to be determined by the people who know the needs. He also told the board that all organizations exist under the parishes tax id number and the pastor is ultimately responsible for every transaction.

Brother Robert also said that a publicity committee would be a good thing for the Home School Guild to have. They would help implement the development strategies of the Development Committee of the School Board.

He also said people who serve on the school board should be people who can fill the need.

Principal Issues: Mary Jane bought specialized workbooks to help students.

Mary Jane also informed the board about the extensive plans for Catholic Schools week. Highlights includes Sunday Mass at 11:30 followed by a potluck dinner. The theme is "Where Faith and Knowledge Meet". Something is going on every day including the Wacky Olympics.

Apostolate Service - A May crowning service will be at the Erie County Home. Valentine's day for Veterans.

Progress reports have been added to the 3^rd grade. Next year all grades will have progress reports - Preschool thorough 8^th for every child not only those who need them.

This year's 8^th grade trip is to Baltimore.

We will have Lenten Vespers again this year. Vocation awareness for 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade this week.

Mary Jane informed the board that the parish Pastoral Council will once again be active.

The meeting was adjourned after a prayer by Robin Bartnik.

James A. Serafin

Secretary