Minutes of the School Governance Council – Dec 17, 2013

Present: Mrs. Hutchens, Mrs. Beckett, Mrs. Newell, Ms. Ockwell, Ms. Hidock, Mr. Smith & Mrs. Bhavinani

Absent: Mrs. Allen

Start Time: 7:30 am

End Time: 7:58 am

Welcome:

Principal Hutchens called the meeting to order and welcomed members. All of the members introduced themselves. Mr. Joseph Smith and Mrs. Poonam Bhavinani are the appointed staff members representing the certified and classified staff members respectively. Ms. Andrea Hidock and Ms. Tanis Ockwell are the elected staff members. Mrs. Lisa Beckett, Mrs. Ellen Newell and Mrs. Rachel Allen are the elected parent members. Mrs. Rachel Allen was not present.

Presentation of the 2 Community Member Nominees:

Written statements from the 2 nominees for the community member representatives were passed to all of the present SGC members for their perusal. Mrs. Hutchens stated that the goal of the council is to have elected and appointed members that represent all the facets of our student body. Having both parents and staff members with varying points of view and representing a variety of departments at our schools is necessary.

Nominees:

Discussion was held regarding the selection of the nominees and Mrs. Hutchens shared the rationale for the selection. Mrs. Beckett inquired about what other schools are doing to fill these positions. Mrs. Hutchens stated that each school is unique. Some school principals have direct contact with business owners while others have foundations. Mrs. Hutchens sought input from the MBES Foundation VP of Sponsorships to suggest local business owners who might be interested. A recommendation was made to contact Mellow Mushroom as they have been a supportive sponsor. Mrs. Hutchens reached out and the response received from Mellow Mushroom was that they could not accept due to additional commitments.

Heather Mcilhinney and her husband own companies that conduct business within the community and are sponsors of the MBES Foundation. Heather has been a supporter of the school for several years and has served in numerous volunteer roles. She has three children attending Medlock Bridge.

Amy Koenders operates a small home based business and has two children attending Medlock Bridge. She is new to the Medlock Bridge community and indicated in her statement that she will serve as an advocate for children with special needs.

Lisa Beckett made the motion to approve the 2 nominees. Tanis Ockwell seconded the motion. The motion passed. The nominations were approved. Six members voted in favor and Mrs. Hutchens abstained. Mrs. Rachel Allen was not present to cast a vote.

Next steps for council members:

Principal Hutchens stated that School Governance Council training will be provided by Fulton County sometime in January/February 2014 to all council members. More information will be sent directly to the council by Fulton Schools. Training will possibly last approx. 4-8 hours. It was suggested to plan for a full day.

Parent members will need to complete a background check by January 10th, 2014. Mrs. Allen,

Mrs. Newell, Mrs. Koenders and Mrs. Mcilhinney will have to complete this background check. Mrs. Beckett is a current employee of Fulton County Schools and should not need another background check.

Mrs. Bhavinani will create an email distribution group for all council members. All discussions are subject to open records as we go forward with decision making process. The group will meet a minimum of 6 times a year (not this school year) but going forward in school year 2014-15.

The Council will consist of sub committees and FCBOE will let us know the responsibilities for these sub committees. The School Governance Council is responsible for developing the budget and school improvement plan among other things.

Principal Hutchens asked if there were any other questions. No questions on the table.

Meeting was adjourned at 7:58am.