Minutes from ECFS Advisory Council Meeting: September 1, 2015
The meeting was called to order by Co-chairs Chris Polikowsky and Emily Heinis at 6:18 p.m.
Members were welcomed to the 2015-16 Advisory Council. New ECFS Program Manager, Jenna
Ruble, was introduce and welcomed.
Members present: Heather Blair, Alex Cook, Michelle Doepke, Mike Doubrava, Shikha Goodwin,
Emily Heinis, Jenny Kidambi, Caroline Koerner, Heidi Krech, Deena Laugen, Molly Lorenzen, Jenna
Maye, Melissa Nielsen, Chris Polikowsky, Melissa Rogan, Lori Rogers, Wendy Sawyer, Nicole
Wensmann, and David Wermerskirchen.
Staff present: Jenna Ruble, ECFS Program Manager
Karen Heaton, ECFS Program Secretary
Members participated in two interactive get-to-know you activities. We shared something about
ourselves; names, where we live, spouse, children, how long we have been on Advisory Council, etc.
We then split into small groups and played the TWO TRUTHS and ONE LIE game.
Emily provided the group with an overview of the handbook and how the Advisory Council functions,
including details regarding childcare, the agenda (emailed ten days before council meeting) and
Robert’s Rules of Order. We discussed how the council contributes to the ECFS community and
how important the council’s feedback is to this program. New members were encouraged to let
other ECFE participants know that they are on the Advisory Council. This allows for parents to
share their experience with members. The Bond Referendum handout was discussed.
Chris shared the decision making process that we use, what is best for the community and the goals
the council would like to attain this year. He also summarized the many council accomplishments
made in 2014-15.
 Square1ART fundraiser
 Teacher appreciation luncheon and gift
 Children’s Valentine party and family concert
 Rhythm and Words outreach
 Legislative action/advocacy
 Run for Hope 5K
The following is a list of our 2015-16 goals.
 Kidspo – September 26
 Children’s concert on Saturday -February 13, 2016
 Square1ART
 Run for Hope 5K - May 7, 2016
 Apple Valley Mid-winter Fest – February 6, 2016
Council members signed up for the following committees; Children’s Concert, Legislative, Policy
Generating, Education Planning and Content, Family School, Grant Writing, and the Run for Hope 5K.
The following volunteers will be liaisons for the committees named below.
 Community Education Advisory Council – Jenny Kidambi
 Parent Leader Liaison –Deena Laugen
 ECFS Foundation Liaison – Caroline Koerner
Jenna Ruble shared an overview of how ECFS program fits into the “big picture” of Community
Education.
The next Advisory Council meeting will be on Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at 6:15 p.m.
Chris adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Karen Heaton