CCEC
Minutes of Open Meeting
September 24, 2009

Meeting called to order at 7:05 by President Rusty Cutter.  Bill Grover gave the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance. 

Present:  Bob Ballard, Rusty Cutter, Frank DeFrancesco, Bill Grover, Jody Maher, Orla Mileski, Monsignor Osborn, John Berlin, Gerald Heath. 

Excused: Gary Bruce, Dave Boelke, Carol Oehlhaffen, Father Jacobs. 

Previous minutes:  approved as presented with a motion by John Berlin.  Supported by Bill Grover. 

Presentation of new teachers:  5 new teachers were introduced.  Mr. Britton and Ms. Schemenauer, HS Math were present.  Also, named were Kris Nuter, Chemistry, and Kris Cutter, Elementary School, and Ms. Zoraya Cunat from Berrien Springs Schools. 

Florida Biology Trip:  Mrs. Jasper-Stump, Jessica Camburn and Megan Landeck reported on the 4 day trip to Tampa and Florida’s West Coast.  They collected water samples and studied the sustainability of the Gulf Coast.  Highlights of the trip were visiting the Everglades, Key Largo, and Miami, and swimming with manatees and seeing wild dolphins. 

Preschool Grant Proposal:  Peggy Hanley, Preschool Teacher presented a grant proposal for the Berrien Community Foundation.  Preschool enrollment has increased 41% and the grant would be used to furnish a new preschool classroom.  Rusty Cutter moved to approve the grant proposal.  Bob Ballard seconded.  Proposal approved by vote. 

Internet Protection Act:  Pam Barden explained the Internet Protection Act and the software used to set up our schools’ network.  The new program is free, saving about $2,000.00.  So far, the program is working well.  The signed internet agreement given to all families is a necessity.

REPORTS 

Pastors Report

Father Jacobs:  Absent, no report. 

Mnsr. Osborn:  The Bishop will be visiting on Monday, September 28, 2009.  He will be here for the all school Mass before the Catholic Walk for Education. 

President’s Report: 

Rusty Cutter reported that he, John Berlin and Chris Glendening attended an Advancement Seminar.  Various ways to raise funds without having fundraisers of any kind were discussed.  Good ideas and good examples of schools that have been successful were given.  A strong data base of alumni, patrons, parent, grand parents, etc. is needed.  Parishes need to be involved and the over 3,000 alumni should be targeted.  The October work session should discuss the direction the CCEC wants to take with this.  Also for the October work session – ways to get parents involved in the school and development of “Boosters” (band, athletic). 

ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

John Berlin:  Administrative goals were reviewed.  Enrollment was discussed.  46 students were “lost” this year, 24 new students gained for a total loss school wide of 22 students.  15 of these 22 moved, while the rest were financial issues, or were here for 1 year only.  9 students were lost in the move from 5^th to 6^th grade.  Retention was also discussed.  School wide strategic goals were addressed, stating goals, strategies and timelines for each goal.  6 key issues facing LMC were identified.  A goal of 50 students per grade was expressed.  The possibility of sharing a bus with Michigan Lutheran for Dowagiac area students was brought up.  The theology classes will be raking leaves for the elderly/disabled members of the Parishes. 

Jody Maher:  School year is off to a great start.  The Tabernacle will be secured this week.  A new hot water heater had to be purchased for the Elementary School. 

Gerald Heath:  Pretty quiet start to school year.  Relatively few uniform issues.  8-man football was discussed.  Michigan Lutheran HS will be our Homecoming opponent next year.  Tom Stryzykowski was acknowledged for his work in acquiring the Concession trailer, bleachers, signs and fence around the field at St. Bernard’s.  There are plans to build a tower for scorekeeping and storage at the field.  New banners are up in the gym.  Red Arrow Conference provided a sportsmanship banner.  He is also looking into possible grants for athletic fields. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Development:  Renaming committee to “Advancement” Committee was discussed.  The direction of this committee will be addressed at the October work session. 

Finance-John Berlin: First meeting will be in October.  First report will be at the November CCEC meeting. 

Building & Grounds-Bill Grover: Bill Grover reported that the house in front of the elementary school has been purchased and will be demolished.  Future use of the property was discussed. 

School Improvement-Carol Oehlhaffen:  No report.  Committee has not met since end of 2008-2009 school year. 

ASSOCIATION REPORTS

Laker Fun:  No Report 

Blue Tide:  No Report 

NEW BUSINESS 

Public Comment:  Patti Kuehn expressed concern as a parent, with LMC’s lack of ability to retain teachers at the High School level, especially math, stating there has been a new HS math teacher the last 5 years. 

Next regularly scheduled meeting will be November 12 or 18.  Motion to adjourn ordered by Mnsr. Osborn, supported by Rusty Cutter. 

Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm by Rusty Cutter. 

Respectfully Submitted by Debra Hermann