By Hallie Richwine

The Governing Council of Aldo Leopold Charter School Meeting took place Thursday, October 12, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. A quorum of members attended as well as Director Wayne Sherwood, Financial Director Harry Browne, and Developmental Director Dave Chandler.

During Public Comment, a concerned parent explained in detail why they filed a grievance. After allowing them to speak, member Martin Maxwell reminded the concerned party that this may not be the correct forum for sharing the details of the event and asked they be told to the committee hearing the grievance itself or to allow council to address such information in closed session.

No students attended the meeting. However Catalina Claussen provided some insight as to what they are working on. Students are discussing what to do for Halloween as well as how to propose a ski trip to the Director and Governing Council. The middle school held elections for their student council and may be present at future meetings.

For the Staff report, Claussen informed the council that the recent backpacking trips were successful, with many students working on plant identification and calculating water flow. The 10th and 11th grade trip included focused readings on Winona LaDuke after her visit during the Gila River Festival. Students also self-selected for the Leadership Enhancement Workshop. Students took the PSAT with no focused prep, however results along with MAPS grades will be used to identify and fill in gaps in the curriculum going forward.

Harry Browne provided the financial report, giving information on previously outstanding requests for reimbursement which will need adjusted in the budget. Browne explained that programs like the Youth Conservation Corps have an application process approximately 15 months out, so even after acceptance they still have to wait for funds. Other budget adjustment requests included the E-Rate Program which allows for discounted telecommunications costs for education, compensation for dual credit instruction materials, and the lease assistance grant.

Committee reports came from the School Advisory Council and Risk Management committees, the rest of which are meeting before the next regular meeting. SAC was working on improving how information is disseminated to parents following a survey. Improvements include using multiple emails, implementing text, and having more information on the website. Risk Management worked on having a lockdown policy, complete with a drill, and a shelter-in-place policy and drill. Parents will be notified ahead of time of drills.

Old Business will carry over to next month along with updates from the remaining committees.

The only action items were the four budget adjustment requests previously outlined by Browne. A.J. Sandoval made the motion to accept them and all were approved.

The next Regular Meeting for the Governing Council of Aldo Leopold Charter School will take place Thursday, November 9, 2017 at 5:30 pm.