Uniting diverse communities, Igniting an enduring passion for learning, developing outstanding global citizens

Board Members 2013-2014
President:
David Ross
Vice President:
Margaret Carruthers
Parent Vice Chair:
Kelly Appelfeld
Teacher Vice Chair:
Jennifer Kassel
Treasurer:
Robert Noble
Secretary:
Suzanne Brockman
Community, Parent, and Educator Members:
Michael Booth
Mark Carter
Debra Celnik
Ashley Day
Chris Duncan
Swata Gandhi
John Guinee
Tendai Johnston
George Lavdas
Constance Lieder
Pat Carmody Mikos
Louie Wilder
Principal:
Kathy O’Hanlon
Midtown Academy
1398 Mt. Royal Ave
Baltimore, MD 21217
410-225-3257 / Attendees: Dave Ross, Mike Booth, Pat Mikos, Margaret Carruthers, Suzanne Brockman, Ashley Day, Tendai Johnson, Chris Duncan, Louie Wilder, George Lavdas, Connie Lieder, Kelly Applefeld, Jennifer Kassel, Kathy O’Hanlon. Nominated Board Member: Molly Rath
Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm.
1)  Welcome (Dave Ross)
Welcome to Nominated Board Member Molly Rath and newly elected PTO Chair/Parent Vice-Chair Kelly Applefeld. Outgoing Board Member Pat Mikos will stay as governance committee member. Board recruitment continues. There is a need for members with fundraising experience.
2)  Update on Expansion Agenda (Dave Ross)
Dave briefed group on activities that took place over the summer months. There are two properties are “shortlisted” as potential sites for a new school location. The Board was asked to keep the specifics confidential, as we are in negotiation with the owners and developers of these properties.
Consultant Aisha Isackson has produced preliminary site plans and cost estimates for both potential sites. We expect to finalize the location this Fall.
3)  Fundraising
Our fundraising goal for 2014-15 is $180K. Our fundraising goal for 2015-16 is 300K. These are programming funds; capital campaign funds are separate. A capital campaign will be developed once the location has been chosen.
Our fundraising consultant is “on hold” until we develop communication materials. Molly will develop a communications plan and materials for Midtown that will help us achieve our fundraising goals.
The first annual Art Auction with a theme of “uniting diverse artists” will take place Friday December 5th 6-9 pm at MICA. Suzanne P. and Tendai have laid much of the groundwork over the summer. All Board Members should send lists of suggested invitees to Suzanne P. as soon as possible. The committee will be reaching out with requests in the coming weeks.
With the start of the 2014-15 school year, Board members will be required to either “give or get” a minimum of $1000 annually to Midtown. This will be added to Board governance documents and will be tracked by the Treasurer.
Members were reminded to bring potential donors and partners into the school for a tour.
4)  Committees
Committees will change this year to reflect our current needs. Dave will communicate with members individually on committee assignments and leadership. Suzanne will send the list of committees.
5)  Board and Committee Meeting Schedule
The full Board will meet every other month this year in August, October, December, February, April and June. A schedule for Board meetings will be sent out next week.
Committees will meet on the other months. Committee Chairs are responsible for developing a work plan, recording proceedings and reporting out at Board meetings. They will take place on a weekday evening 7pm at the school. It is the responsibility of each Committee Chair to inform the school community of the date/time of their committee meetings.
6)  Discussion on potential institutional partners
The group discussed potential partners, thinking of the Design School/MICA partnership as a model. Dave will follow up on leads.
7)  Upcoming events
PTO Back to School pot-luck- Weds September 10th 6:00pm at Bolton Swim and Tennis Club
PTO-Board joint annual meeting and elections- October TBD
Meeting adjourned 8:30pm
Respectfully Submitted, Suzanne Brockman, Board Secretary

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