Working committee meeting

I.) Alison updated the group on the board training that she attended. The group needs to decide whether to form an actual board or remain in the structure of a ‘founding group’. We discussed 2 ways of voting. The 1st is by consensus the 2nd by majority vote. The group decided to adopt the ‘thumbs up, thumbs down or thumbs to the side’ method of voting. There was also a consensus to formally adopt The Civility Project’s 9 tools of civility when meeting as a group. The 9 tools are:

  • Pay attention
  • Listen
  • Be inclusive
  • Do not gossip
  • Show respect
  • Be agreeable
  • Apologize
  • Give constructive criticism
  • Take responsibility

II.) TTUSD Update: In a meeting attended by Kim, Carolyn, and Erica, Steve Jennings gave the group his informal blessing to push forward and begin writing a site based charter. Jennings felt that our next step was to strategically approach key union reps that members of the group may have a relationship with. After the union becomes somewhat educated on the charter, he suggested we then form a ‘steering committee’ and perhaps get a dialogue going with some union and board reps from Grass Valley.
A group consisting of Dana, Mike, Carolyn, Kerri, Alison, Elizabeth, and Arthur was formed to begin strategizing our approach to the union. The group decided that we would begin by getting insight from Jayna (The Charter Consultant) on the best way to approach the union. Each person in the group identified a Union rep. That they know, and would be willing to speak with. This sub-committee will be meeting at Carolyn’s house on Thursday 11/12 at 5:15 pm to formalize talking points to use when approaching the union reps.
III.) Language Component: The group decided to adopt the goal of incorporating some form of language component in the future goals of the charter. Factors such as teachers and budget will later decide exactly what the language component will look like.
IV.) 501- C-3 update from Jill: The incorporation papers have already been filed. Benefactors will be able to donate, but will not get tax deductions without the 501-C-3. The group needs to decide whether to go forward with filing the 501-C-3. We could do so and have our own foundation where the charter would 100% control over funds raised.
V.) Site update: Upon finding out that we would be receiving approximately $1,800 less per student from TTUSD, we are no longer able to afford buying the Prosser site. The group discussed moving our focus to the Pathways To Learning Site.
VI.) Charter Petition Elements: The group decided that the people working on the more specific elements such as Teacher hiring, governance, and enrollment procedures, will bring their findings back to the group for final approval. Anyone who is available to help with research or the non-specific more cut and paste elements that Erica is working on should make himself or herself available to Erica, Kim, Mike, Dana, or Elizabeth.
VII.) Vision and Mission Revision: Currently the Mission is reading as follows:
The mission of the Truckee Charter School is to inspire a diverse group of learners to achieve academic excellence while developing a strong sense of character and community. It is our goal to preserve children’s natural curiosity and love of learning.
The Vision revision was not completed. Currently it reads:
At Truckee Charter School we believe:
Interdisciplinary learning expeditions developed from state standards promote learning through authentic experiences that encourage critical thinking.
Small, nurturing multi-grade classes cultivate a safe environment for individualized learning, self-discovery, reflection, and personal growth.
Bullet # 3 currently reads: Teachers, parents, and the greater community model and guide student learning while supporting a sense of belonging through meaningful traditions. This bullet is still up for discussion. Do we want to keep it? Do we want to re-work it? Or do we want to move it somewhere else?
High expectations for character and behavior create a school culture exemplified by physical and emotional safety, responsibility, compassion, integrity, and respect.
Multiple means of assessment including portfolios, student led conferences, academic, and character reports hold students, teachers, and staff accountable for the highest of quality work.
The next bullet is still up for revision. Any suggestions for how it should read should be e-mailed to Carolyn and she will post to the group. Currently it reads: A foreign language component and multicultural studies instills broad worldviews while creating future opportunities.
Enrichment activities such as physical fitness, outdoor activities, visual, and performing arts are an important part of children’s lives.