SAC Opening School Year Meeting

Present:  Meagan Scully, Jeanne Olsen, GiGi Clark, Maureen O’Neill, Noreen Bridge, John Manson, Steve Weber, Jim Brescia, Father Mike Volk

Review of State of School

and PTO Meetings

Gigi opened the meeting with prayer.  Jim was asked to review the topics covered at the State of the School meeting:

• 1)     History of SRS
• 2)     Demographics
• 3)     Teachers’ salaries, recruitment and retention
• 4)     Short and long-term goals
• 5)     Daily school operations

 Gigi felt that the SOS meeting was beneficial and informative for parents. Approximately 50% of families attended.

Maureen summarized the PTO meting.  This year she anticipates more resources and support for room reps. All classrooms now have representatives for the year. 

Goals for 2006 SAC Board

Gigi would like to see a new direction for SAC – “less reporting, more results”, more focus on action and making change via active committees. SAC expectations for the year include more participation.

• 1)     More activities within committees.
• 2)     Focus groups to report at monthly meetings on goals and progress-should be ready to begin action by next SAC meeting.
• 3)     By June, hopefully, each committee will have one to three tangible results.  
• 4)     Significant role in SRS 50th anniversary celebration
• 5)     Update Strategic Plan

Strategic Plan 2001

Jim reviewed changes/improvements since prior plan was written. 

Facilities, scholarship, endowment and technology improvements have all been implemented.  Recruitment/retention and curriculum goals have been met.  Gigi will work on new strategic plan with Rusty Roy.  

Development

Jim would like SRS to host a “planned giving” informational event.  Steve Weber volunteered to coordinate and chair. Maureen will organize a meeting with a non-profit consultant to learn more about grants and endowments.

Recruitment/Retention (staff & students)

Jim suggests one board member research public school salaries to compare with those of SRS.  In addition, there is a need for clearly articulated language re: administrative and faculty staff replacement.  Maureen will work on establishing a procedural manual for interview and hiring policies.  Enrollment/retention is an integral piece of strategic plan.  Jim asked for feedback as to why some families choose to leave SRS, as well as why, especially non-Catholics choose SRS over public schools.  SAC members are encouraged to personally approach withdrawn families for feedback. Maureen will call some parents. Jim listed non-returning students, reasons for leaving if known and new schools. When recruiting/advertising, Fr. Mike stressed emphasizing positive aspects of SRS, rather than the negative aspects of other schools. SRS students visible at more masses could be a vehicle for recruitment. A P.R. firm will be contacted for ways to better expose events and activities.

Facility  

Both parking lot entrance signs need to be replaced/improved, hopefully by June.  Steve Nino will oversee project.  Parking lot and playground will be resurfaced. Estimates are pending.  New A.C. unit had to be installed in pre-school in August. 

Alumni

A generally untapped resource for recruitment and fund raising. Ways to attract alumni for the SRS 50th anniversary event(s) were discussed. Perhaps a weekend event in conjunction with a mass, or bbq.  Meagan will work with Joann Montgomery on alumni

communication regarding upcoming events.  

Meeting adjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Minutes submitted by Kathy Lynett