January 11, 2017 Minutes

HSA President Sue Guzman called the meeting to order at 7:10 PM on January 11, 2017 in the media center of Murch Elementary School at Murch UDC.

1. Executive Board Members present: Sue Guzman (President), Meredith Grindrod (Teacher Representative), Brendan Holland (Secretary), Amy Mack (Communications), Joanna Brown (VP), Nisa Gosselink-Ulep (asst-Treasurer), Maura Healy (asst-Treasurer), Ron Eckstein (VP), Stephnie Owens (Personnel), and Maggie Gumbinner (former HSA co-President).

Other Members in Attendance:  Christine LoCascio (SIT)

2. Approval of prior minutes – Brendan HollandBrendan presented the minutes for the December meeting, which had been posted on BaseCamp for review previously, and sought the board’s approval of the minutes.
   Brendan made a motion that the Board ratify the previously posted minutes for the December 14^th meeting as the official record of that meetings.  Sue seconded the motion, there was no objection, and the motion passed by unanimous voice vote.  

3. Principal’s Report – Mr. Cebrzynski
   Mr. C. was unable to attend in person, but sent a written report updating the Board on various current events, which Sue shared with the Board.

• Talent Show coming up on Friday, January 27^th at 6PM in UDC Theater.
• Murch night at Potomac Pizza will now be on February 2^nd. Potomac Pizza will graciously donate a portion of the evening’s proceeds to Murch.
• Evening upcoming to meet the Enrichment coordinator Ms. Bentley and learn about the school wide enrichment at Murch, date to be announced.
• Science Fair (date to be determined), Lip Sync (which will be March 9^th), and Fourth grade job fair is upcoming this spring (date to be determined).
• PARC assessment evening. There will be an evening meeting this Spring for parents of students Grades 3-5 to learn about the PARC tests and the standardized testing at Murch.
• Also a reading and a math evening, to learn more about our instruction at Murch.
• Spring Musical. Branch will be organizing the spring musical and is currently considering options for what musical to do.
• Fifth Grade promotion ceremony will be held Monday June 12^th at UDC Theater for the Arts.
• Also still planning an end of the year family fun night.Brief discussion ensued about publicizing these and other Murch community activities, both through the website and alternative means.

4. President’s Report – Sue Guzman
   1. SIT Update– (Christine LoCascio).  Christine provided an update from the SIT, reporting that a complete, detailed update had been posted to the website a couple of days ago.  The SIT had a meeting with DCPS and design team Dec. 6^th, and a copy of that presentation is also on the website.  Christine described it as an exciting meeting; the design team provided photos of interior rendering and samples of materials.  Still working on furniture and materials, but getting to greater level of detail.  Design team seems to be thoughtful in the approach and holding extensive conversations with the teachers and faculty.  Plans for the gym and the cafeteria progressing.  Playground planning is also ongoing.  The builders have received approval for site prep and are beginning broader work on the grounds, including curb cut. Found some additional asbestos that needs to be remediated, but also some original floors that can be reused.  Next meeting will be in sometime in February.
   2. Spring Auction Status Update. Sue reported that there is a strong team in place for the Spring Auction, and they are already hard at work.  Team of three folks:  Jess Regan, Elisa O’Keefe, and Liz Haines.  Virginia Marentette (who was a co-chair last year) is also onboard to handle the catalog, merchandise backend, and tech issues, etc.  The team has a date (Saturday, March 25^th) and developed a theme (Glitz, Glam, Gatsby) and work is proceeding.    Sue suggested that they consider sign-up parties and the class creations, both of which have been popular in the past.
   3. Tree Recycling/Mulching Results. Sue reported that the annual tree recycling/mulching event was quite successful, despite the cold and snow this past Saturday.  Approximately 50 trees were recycled and generated almost $600 in donations.  A huge thanks to everyone who came and the volunteers who staffed it despite the weather.

5. Treasurer’s Report – Sharon Bennett.
   Sharon provided an update on the current financials, which were little changed from the last report as there has not been much spending.  Noted the changes to the spreadsheets consolidating or eliminating a couple of line items as discussed at the last meeting.  Those changes have been implemented/reflected on the financial materials (balance sheet and income statement provided).

6. Old Business
   1. Update on SOS campaign. Sue discussed the SOS income thus far and the fact that both participation level and revenue have increased.  Participation is up and the net total is approximately $83k at this point.  The revenue thus far is reflected on the balance sheet that Sharon has posted for the board on BaseCamp.  (Sharon posted updated balance sheet and income statement with information as of 1/11/2017.)
      We are at about 35% participation, which is down from 41% participation last year, but the average amount donated per family (per child) has increased.  150 families have participated.  Fall Fair promotion was a successful push, along with flyers at Halloween parade, and Giving Tuesday email.  Sue also referenced Elizabeth Mettler’s updated docs, which were circulated to the Board electronically.
   2. Teacher Directed Enhancement Grants. With Ms. Grinrod’s assistance, we sent out the call to teachers for additional grant applications if teachers have projects in mind.  The messaging included a notation that all grant applications will be considered, but there is no guarantee of funding.  The deadline for submission is January 24^th, and the committee will get together to review and discuss to fund as appropriate.
   3. Recap and Further Discussion on Bylaws/Insurance/Compliance Matters. Sue revisited the presentation that Josh gave us at the last meeting and some of the issues that were raised.  Sue wanted to raise for the Board’s consideration the suggestion Josh made regarding potentially hiring an attorney to review the Board’s bylaws, and to provide guidance and drafting assistance.  Discussion ensued about the need to update the bylaws to ensure compliance with DC law.  Agreed that it might be worth exploring the cost and determine the feasibility of engaging a lawyer to ensure the Board remains in compliance.  Josh has recommended an attorney who practices specifically in this area and could be of assistance.  Would need to approve off-budget spending, and need to coordinate so it could be accomplished in a manner that the board can consider, and have the full membership vote on.  With the Board’s support, Sue will reach out to contact the attorney and explore what retaining such service would cost.

7. New Business
   1. Murch Movie Morning.  Ron reported he is working on finding a date for a potential matinee movie later in the Spring.  Still think it is a good idea and trying to make it work. Potential conflicts with sports and other things, but eager for community events.

 

Sue adjourned the meeting at 8:35 PM.