APPROVED MINUTES
Veritas Academy
Monthly Meeting
6/24/2013
Members Present:
Theodore Williams, Mike Jaarda, Yvonne Larrier, Jeannette Pancoast
Members Absent:
None
Others Present:
Germaine Smith, Allison Shelly
President Williams called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. and noted that a quorum was present.
Previous Meeting Minutes
Minutes from the May meeting were distributed. After review, Treasurer Jaarda made a motion to
accept the minutes. Member Pancoast seconded. All voted aye and the minutes were approved with
no changes.
President’s Report
President Williams reported on the turnout for the funeral of Shirley Mundia. He thanked everyone for
their support and asked the board to continue to support the family, students and staff.
Director of Education’s Report
Director Smith provided an update on enrollment, which is currently at 153 for intent to enroll, 106 for
returned packets, and 64 for paid fees. President Williams inquired how these numbers compared to
last year. Director Smith stated that the first count was approximately 130 and second count was
approximately 127. The board then discussed the maximum capacity per classroom.
Next, Director Smith reported that ISTEP scores are under review and may get thrown out this year. She
stated the DOE is seeking compensation from the testing company, but that there is no definite answer
yet.
continued on reverse
APPROVED MINUTES
Then, Director Smith provided an update on the current curriculum approach to teaching. Teachers are
using a Higher Order Thinking model and cross-curriculum planning. After discussion Member Larrier
recommended Director Smith reach out to Sarah Sage at IUSB for potential assistance.
Lastly, Director Smith reported that the school safety review has put on back burner, due to
circumstances as of late. Planning for the review will continue over the summer.
Financial Report
Treasurer Jaarda distributed the Accounts Payable voucher for signature.
Treasurer Jaarda reported on the current state of the finances, noting that he is receiving a weekly recap
of cash flow/liabilities, and that he met with staff on Monday, June 3 to provide a brief update. He
indicated that that the budget for next year is showing shortfall, but that if enrollment is higher than
programmed in the budget, the numbers will change. For now, we may need to delay hiring for open
positions.
Next, Treasurer Jaarda reported on his meeting with the CFO of LeSea. The lease renewal is signed with
no increase in rent. The CFO agreed to allow Veritas to use the church across the lot as a short-term
solution, should enrollment numbers go up. They also discussed options to increase enrollment through
advertising on LeSea stations with some possible assistance from the agency. Treasurer Jaarda asked
Member Pancoast and Director Smith to spearhead any advertising through LeSea.
Then, Treasurer Jaarda reported on his meeting with Brian Anderson, who now works at BPI as a
consultant. They discussed opportunities and challenges for funding a new facility. Mr. Anderson
advised that Veritas should aim to be better-positioned before seeking funding by continuing to build
positives both financially and academically, as well as have waiting list.
Lastly, Treasurer Jaarda reported that Veritas has a new copier and new lease that will save $2,500 per
year, and that there is potential for a new school lunch provider (The Landing) that will save money as
well as provide more palatable lunches for the students.
Privilege of the Floor/New Business
After seeing no request for comments, President Williams added a request for Board Members
to continue to follow up and recruit new members.
President Williams then asked if there was any new business. Seeing none, President Williams
asked if there was a motion to adjourn. Member Pancoast made the motion and Treasurer
Jaarda seconded the motion. All voted aye.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.