BEN W. MURCH HOME AND SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
General Meeting
Meeting Minutes February 4, 2020
7:05pm
HSA Co-Presidents Ashley Webb and Julie Lobb called the meeting to order at 7:07 PM on February 4, 2020 in Room B112 of Murch Elementary School.
Executive Board Members present: Ashley Webb (Co-President), Julie Lobb (Co-President), Amy Turner (Vice President), Heather Williams (Vice President), Jason Veny (Secretary), Maurice Werner (Treasurer), Paula Cuevas (Assistant Treasurer), Meghan Duffy (Assistant Treasurer), Chris Cebrzynski (Principal), Elisa O’Keefe (Past President), Wendy Cresswell (Teacher Representative), Robin Goracke (Budget/LSAT), Justin Connor (Community Engagement), Heather Barlow (Communications).
- Approval of prior minutes – Jason Veny
Jason noted that the minutes for the January 14 meeting was posted to BaseCamp for review on January 24 and sought the Board’s approval of the minutes.
Jason made a motion that the Board ratify the previously posted minutes for the January 14 meetings as the official record of those meetings. Ashley seconded the motion, there was no objection, and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.
- President’s Report – Ashley Webb and Julie Lobb
GrantEd Speaker. Two speakers came in to discuss the organization GrantEd. GrantEd was founded as the vehicle to ensure that teachers would no longer have to spend their own money to keep their classrooms adequately supplied, to provide out-of-classroom experiences for their students, or to access the professional development necessary to keep DC classrooms current and effective. The organization provides funding directly to teachers in Title I funded schools for supplies, specialty supplies, student experiences (busing). The organization is a technological way to get money to teachers quickly without grant writing.
Teachers submit 60 second videos explaining what they need the funding for. The videos are scored and approved. GrantEd allows up to $500 every 30 days to teachers. The money is sent directly to teachers. The organization started two years ago. Grants work two ways – forward and backwards by giving funds to teachers for upcoming needs or reimbursing teachers.
The Board discussed using the low-income grant to fund GrantEd.
A motion was made and seconded to use the low-income grant on GrantEd. The Board approved with one member opposed.
Murch Fun Run. Ashley will meet with Ms. Dresbach. HSA will see what the student council comes up with. Fun Run might target a different audience than auction.
Auction Update. We may want to start exploring different ways to fundraise. Right now need getaways and sports tickets. Revisit how the auction is done next year.
- Principal’s Report – Mr. Cebrzynski
Mr. C reported that the budget has few funds with flexibility. LSAT supporting budget priorities. He is preparing three scenarios of budgets what the allocations were and see different perspectives and how best to support students. Mr. C reported that the budget looks good and increased from 614 to 651 students. In a ballpark budget increase of close to $800,000. $1.6 million of funds can be reallocated by writing a petition to superintendent. All need to be submitted by Monday. 2/14 will be submitting final budget. LSAT meeting is scheduled for 2/5 5:15pm.
- Treasurer’s Report – Maurice Werner
Review of Monthly Statements. Maurice provided a summary of the financials. As of January 29, 2020, we have $199,809 in total assets compared to $171,578 at the same time last year. Liabilities are $156,550 compared to $168,620 last year. As if February 3, 2020 we have a profit of $147,261 compared to $287,000 for the year. However, some of our costs are slightly overbudget:
Maurice highlighted that there were overages for Community events – over budget by $1,186; electronic learning – $1507 overbudget; performing visual arts expense – $4747 overbudget. Hospitality expense is significantly underbudget and the resource expense has not be used. Our current expenses are $144,575.88, approximately 10K deficit.
- Fundraising/Community Engagement Update – Justin Connor
Guapos is scheduled for February 27th from 5-close. HSA gets 20% on total receipts. Guapos night is also scheduled for March 12 and on May 14.
Nats night will be in April or September this year. Justin reported he will get a block of 150 tickets. Justin also reported looking into a DC united game on May 3 or May 15.
Upcoming events:
- April 1 – Silver on Wisconsin Ave.
- April 22 – Potomac Pizza
- Murch Musical – Robin Goracke
Update from a few weeks ago. Rehearsals started. 51 students casted- at least one 3rd grader has a speaking part. 84 students tried out. So far HSA has collected 2/3 of fees. Still waiting for $1400. The musical is scheduled for a weekend in June – 11th and 12th .
Upcoming dates:
- Talent show is 4/3.
- Lip Sync 3/5.
- Wine Cellar Party is moving from 3/14 to 3/7.
- LSAT Update – Robin Goracke
LSAT meeting postponed because the budget was embargoed. For the HSA budget, identify the needs and put in his recommendation and working back from the timeline of approving the HSA budget. May 5 meeting for final budget for HSA.
In March there will be a budget committee meeting for HSA. Review draft budget in April and May – later in May
Ashley adjourned the meeting at 8:11pm