II. PUBLIC COMMENT (7:15)

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April 5, 2012 • Notice of Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors

Agenda

I. OPENING (7:00) A. Call to Order B. Verse and Song

C. Establishment of Quorum

II. PUBLIC COMMENT (7:05) This portion of the meeting is set aside for members of the audience to make comments or raise issues that are not specifically on the agenda or for those that are on the agenda. These presentations are limited to three (3) minutes per presentation and the total time allotted to non-agenda items will not exceed fifteen (15) minutes.

III. OPEN SESSION

A. Communications (7:20)

1. Board Member Questions, Comments, Clarifications of the Agenda 2. Approval of Minutes: 03.15.12, 03.27.15

3. Executive Director Report

4. Committee Reports: Facilities, Executive, Human Resources, Finance B. Governance (8:20)

1. Facilities Committee Mandate Change (action)

2. Educational Program: Student use of keyboards (discussion)

3. Communications: How can we improve school communications? (discussion) 4. HR Change Management Policy (discussion)

C. Report Items not covered in Packet: can include appreciations and reports from work groups

IV. CLOSED SESSION (9:20)

A. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8 Conference with Real Property Negotiator 1. Property: 100 Gnoss Concourse, Petaluma

2. Negotiating Parties: Sonoma-Marin Fair 3. Under negotiation: price and terms of payment

B. Pursuant to Government Code 54957.6: Conference with Labor Negotiator 1. Agency Designated Representative: Matthew Morgan, Executive Director 2. Employee Organizations: Live Oak Teachers Association

C. Pursuant to Government Code 54957.6: Conference with Labor Negotiator 1. Unrepresented Employees: Classified Specialty Teacher

D. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.95: Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release

E. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.95: Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Executive Director F. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.95: Public Employee Appointment: Executive Director

V. OPEN SESSION

A. Report out of closed session on actions taken, if any.

VI. ADJOURNMENT (10:30)

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March 15, 2012 • Notice of Regular Meeting of the Board of Directors

Minutes

I. OPENING

A. Call to Order (7:10) B. Verse & Song

C. Roll Call and Establishment of Quorum

Present:

Debbie Elam (DE), Chair Cliff Schlueter (CS)

Tom Gallup (TG) Metha Singleton (MS)

Bobbie Smith (BS) Rachel Kaplan (RK)

Julie Yarnall (JY) Pam Tambe (PT)

Also present: Mathew Morgan (MM), Executive Director

II. PUBLIC COMMENT (7:15)

A parent read a letter expressing her disappointment at the non-reelection of one of the grades teacher, citing their many gifts and strengths as a teacher.

A parent praised the positive attributes of one of the outgoing grades teachers, especially their ability to connect with students. The parent raised the question of why were the students not consulted regarding the decision to non-reelect them.

A parent advocated for not diminishing the kindergarten program, especially since it is the foundation of the school. They stated that increasing class sizes in the kindergarten will be detrimental to the long-term health of the school. Only having two kindergartens will severely limit the ability to bring in new families - most spaces will go to siblings. Comments were also made regarding the vision of creating an "urban farm".

A parent expressed disappointment over the way the possible decision to limit the kindergarten was communicated to the parent body. She asserted her firm commitment in favor of keeping the current configuration. Additional concern was expressed regarding the large 1st Grade class size - she does not want this large class size to drift down into the kindergartens.

A parent expressed her praise for one of the kindergarten teachers. This teacher not only mothers the children, but also mothers the mothers. The parent is very concerned what will happen to the teacher.

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A parent expressed concern regarding the way in which the potential kindergarten decision was communicated, or wasn't, to the parents.

A prospective parent expressed her concern how the reduction of a kindergarten classroom will significantly decrease her chances of having her child accepted.

III. OPEN SESSION A. Communications (7:45)

1. Board Member Questions, Comments, Clarifications of the Agenda

No questions, comments, or clarifications.

2. Approval of Minutes: 03.01.12

 RK moved to approve - all approved

3. Sunshining of Articles VIII, XI and XV of the Collective Bargaining Agreement a. Article VIII pertains to class size and classroom aides

b. Article XI pertains to mentoring and evaluation c. Article XV pertains to Work hours and the work year

4. Executive Director Report

MM reviewed his report.

5. Committee Reports: Executive, Facilities, Board Development

Executive: (DE) Discussed Executive Director evaluation, Business and Individual Sponsor policy, and reserve spending process

Facilities: (RK) Discussed Fairground lease negotiations, walked the site and visualized site re-configuration

Board Development: (DE) Discussed how to recruit new board members, Community Forum to be held on April 5th.

B. Board Development: Discuss 3/01/12 Community Forum (8:00)

DE debriefed the topics of the forum and encouraged the public to attend.

TG shared the common themes/topics voiced: variety of shared resources brought by the parent community, the feeling of continuity, the division of campus, festivals and performance that bring the community together

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A. Approve Monthly Financials for February

TG reviewed the Monthly Financials

 TG moved to approve - all approved

B. Approve Second Interim Budget

MM reviewed the Second Interim budget

MM led a detailed conversation regarding different kindergarten configurations and how each impacts the number of K2 and K1 students that can be accepted each year.

 TG moved to approve Second Interim Budget

- 6 (TG,CS,DE,MS,BS,RK) aye, 1(PT) nay, 1 (JY) recusal

D. Governance (10:25)

1. Business and Individual Sponsorship Policy (action)

 RK moved to approve - all approved

2. By-Laws Amendment: Directors’ term length (action)

 TG moved to approve - all approved

E. Report Items not covered in Packet: can include appreciations and reports from work groups

 MS moved to adjourn to closed session - all approved

A. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.8 Conference with Real Property Negotiator 1. Property: 100 Gnoss Concourse, Petaluma

2. Negotiating Parties: Sonoma-Marin Fair 3. Under negotiation: price and terms of payment

B. Pursuant to Government Code 54957.6: Conference with Labor Negotiator 1. Agency Designated Representative: Matthew Morgan, Executive Director 2. Employee Organizations: Live Oak Teachers Association

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D. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.95: Public Employee Appointment: Certificated Teacher(s)

E. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.95: Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Executive Director

F. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.95: Public Employee Appointment: Executive Director

V. OPEN SESSION

 On a motion by BS and a second by TG, the Board voted 7 to 0 to non-reelect a probationary certificated employee for the 2012-2013 school year.

 On a motion by BS and a second by TG, the Board voted 6 to 0, 1 abstention, to non-reelect a probationary certificated employee for the 2012-2013 school year.

 On a motion by TG and a second by MS, the Board voted 6 to 1, no abstentions, to non-reelect a probationary certificated employee for the 2012-2013 school year.

 On a motion by MS and a second by CS, the Board voted 7 to 0 to approved contracts for the 2012-2013 school year for seven (7) certificated employees.

VI. ADJOURNMENT (1:10)

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March 27, 2012 • Special Meeting of the Board of Directors Minutes

I. OPENING

A. Call to Order (5:40)

B. Roll Call and Establishment of Quorum Present:

Debbie Elam (DE), Chair

Tom Gallup (TG) Rachel Kaplan (RK) Bobbie Smith (BS) Pam Tambe (PT) Absent:

Cliff Schlueter (CS) Metha Singleton (MS) Julie Yarnall (JY)

Also present: Mathew Morgan (MM), Executive Director II. No public comment

 TG moved to adjourn to closed session - all approved

A. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.95: Public Employee Discipline/Dismissal/Release

 TG moved to adjourn to open session - all approved

V. OPEN SESSION

 On a motion by BS, the Board voted 5 to 0 to approve a leave of absence for a certificated employee for the 2012-13 school year. VI. ADJOURNMENT (6:00)

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LIVE OAK CHARTER SCHOOL

Director’s Report

April 5, 2012

Contamination Update

Petaluma City notified the Director of their intent to extend the remediation through April 24. It appears the remediation has been effective at removing the contaminants. Testing shows 2/3 reduction since remediation began.

Family Life Presentation

The middle school (grades 7 & 8) completed their family life presentation this week. I sat in on several parts of the presentation over 5 days. The presenter, Anotnia Landels from Planned Parenthood was excellent. She was funny, articulate and clear in her presentation and the students appeared to get a lot out of it. Several parents contacted me and remarked at their appreciation for the presentation. We will be bringing other elements next month including an MFT panel on healthy relationships, and another Sex ed presentation by Planned Parenthood, this time for parents on how to talk with your teen and other parent support matters. Dates will be announced soon.

Field Trips

We’ve had several field trips in the last week including trips to the Grain mill, SF Zoo, and the Water Agency facility at the Russian River. We’ve been under budget so far this year. The 4th grade trip to Fort Ross is fast approaching and we’re going to be treated to a great experience given the 200th anniversary of the forts founding. Activities are happening all along the coast, including tallships in Bodega. A parent volunteer, Nick Alva will be providing re-enactment support at the Fort itself. The 8th grade trip has also progressed and will be held at Walker Creek Ranch with day excursions to the ropes course in Occidental and Storytelling by Ane Rovetta. Kayaking has also been proposed in upper Drakes Estero by trained kayak guides.

Enrollment Update

The Lottery has been pulled and we have many excited and disappointed parents. We currently have very long wait lists in K-4. We should show strong enrollment numbers in the fall with middle school determining the trend.

Mayfaire

Mayfaire is fast approaching. We are looking forward to more dancing this year and un-amplified music. Date is set for May 3rd

STAR Testing

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LIVE OAK CHARTER SCHOOL

100 Gnoss Concourse Petaluma, CA 94952 :: P 707-762-9020 :: F 707-762-9019

Board Development Committee Minutes

Wednesdayday, March 14, 2012, 5:00 pm

Sweet Pea Kindergarten Room; Live Oak Charter School

I. Opening and Check-in (12:30 p.m.)

Members present: Debbie Elam, Mark Escalera Members absent: Julie Yarnall

II. No public comment

III. Community Forum Re-cap; Planning for April 5th

We discussed the need to develop this as a regular function of the Board in order keep the space open for community conversation. The April 5th_{forum will need to} be held in conjunction with the Open House.

IV. Recruiting for June Elections

We agreed that an article in the Leaflet (or perhaps a flyer in folders or via email?) right after Spring Break as well as a follow-up in May would be timely. The article would need to cover Board responsibilities and committee needs.

V. 2012 Board Retreat

We agreed that it would be best to get this on the calendar sooner rather than later. Focus of the retreat would be strategic planning.

VI. Calendaring and Round Table

Next Board Development meeting is set for Wednesday, April 18th_{at 12:30}

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March 28, 2012

Board of Directors

Live Oak Charter School

100 Gnoss Concourse

Petaluma, Ca. 94952

Dear members of the Live Oak School Board,

I would like to express my interest in serving on the Live Oak School Board. I would like to be considered as a candidate for an open 2 year position.

My two daughters are currently enrolled as students in the school, in kindergarten and in the fourth grades. My oldest daughter has been at this school for the past 5 years. During that time I have been an active volunteer in the school, both in the classroom and in wider school activities. I currently am the class coordinator for the fourth grade. Additionally, I have attended a number of school board meetings in my effort both to increase my knowledge of the school operations and to voice my support for the board as they move through very difficult decisions. I have and continue to be a strong proponent of the public school Waldorf movement.

Professionally, I have extensive experience working with and in the non-profit world. I currently work for Hospice by the Bay, as a part-time clinical manager. I have extensive experience working with human resources related issues, budgeting, and marketing. I am licensed as a clinical social worker and as a part of my professional experience, I have worked extensively with families.

I am a long time resident of Petaluma, with deep roots in the community. I have a strong desire to see Live Oak Charter School as a strong and vital part of the community. Serving on the Board of Directors at Live Oak will allow me to contribute to the school on a broader level and help to continue to move the school forward under its current new leadership. I look forward to being able to contribute my experience and love of public Waldorf education.

Please let me know if you have any questions regarding my interest.

Sincerely,

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LIVE OAK CHARTER SCHOOL

Executive Committee Minutes

Monday, March 5, 2012, 5:00 pm

Dempsey’s; 50 E. Washington Street; Petaluma, CA 94952

Members present: Debbie Elam, Tom Gallup, Cliff Schlueter

III. Policy

We agreed to have the Finance committee develop a policy regarding reserve spending. We discussed the Sabrina Kahn award that will be passed to the next recipient at the Auction. We tabled discussion of homeschooling.

IV. Financial

We prepared for the second interim budget approval which now includes a three-year projection. We tabled the discussion of facilities costs.

V. Board Agenda for March 15th

We reviewed and revised a draft agenda for the upcoming Board meeting.

VI. Closed Session

A. Pursuant to Government Code 54956.95: Public Employee Performance Evaluation: Executive Director

VII. Open Session

No actions taken

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LIVE OAK CHARTER SCHOOL

Executive Committee Minutes

Monday, March 22, 2012, 5:00 pm

Sugo’s; 5 Petaluma Blvd.; Petaluma, CA 94952

Members present: Debbie Elam, Tom Gallup, Cliff Schlueter

III. Closed Session

IV. Open Session

No actions taken

Committee joined by Executive Director Matthew Morgan (7:30)

V. Committee Management

We discussed the issue of dissent and agreed to bring the topic to the Board Development committee. We checked in on the progress of the formation of the Facilities committee and agreed that the Communications and Outreach

Committee will need to form soon.

VI. Board Agenda for April 5th

We reviewed and revised the April 5th_{Board agenda.}

Matthew Morgan left (8:45)

VII. Closed Session

VIII. Open Session (9:00)

No actions taken

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LIVE OAK CHARTER SCHOOL

Finance Committee Minutes

Tuesday, April 3, 2012, 6:00 pm

Multi-Purpose Room, Live Oak Charter School

I. Opening and Check-in (6:00 p.m.)

Present: Matthew Morgan (MM), John Gerber (JG), Tom Gallup (TG), Bobby Smith (BS)

II. Public comment - none

III. Monthly financials- reviewed monthly financials;

questionedcodes:1130,299,3202,3501,3502,4110,4310,4390,5520. All inquiries were resolved.

IV. Budgetary considerations for site development – discussed proposed policies

around deficit spending. TG will work on language to bring to the board for

review.

V. Discussion about loan for site development-- BS talked about the availability of

loans for FOLOCS that could be used to support the current facilities

improvements.

VI.

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Facilities Committee

Board Committee

Bobbie Ceschi Smith (Chair) Adopted: April 5, 2012

Mission:

The mission of the Facilities Committee is to help LOCS create a sustainable long-term site for our school.

Authority:

Prepare proposals, recommendations and policies for the development of a long-term site for LOCS< to be adopted by the Board. By approval of the Board, the Facilities Committee oversees contract and the design process related to site development.

Composition/Selection Process:

Executive Director; at least one faculty member; at least one Board member; and community members with skills in the following areas: construction, sustainability, real estate law, landscaping/permaculture, and property development. No more than 7 members at a time.

Resources allocated to enable the committee's work:

Resources to be determined by Board action.

Reporting Structure:

Reports monthly to the Board. The wider LOCS community will be updated periodically through the Leaflet, and during special forums, as needed.

Committee Review Structure:

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All parties to this mandate agree to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Mandate Agreement.

A mandate confers authority and responsibility for the work specified in the

mandate agreement. As part of the agreement to establish and maintain a mandate, each committee/task force agrees:

1 That all parties to the agreement consent to entrust the mandated group with its responsibilities and further agree to support its decisions and

recommendations. Recommendations should be adopted by the authorizing decision-making body unless new information or a new perspective indicates a necessity for the committee to reconsider and the committee agrees to do so.

2 That the mandating body must approve any modifications to the terms of this mandate.

3 To conduct its business in the spirit of collaboration and strive for transparency in its processes.

4 To discern and determine who needs to be consulted or have input during the consideration process.

5 To seek that advice and consultation and report it to the committee as part of deliberations and prior to a decision/recommendation. The committee should also feel free to invite participation in the discussion where appropriate.

6 To discern and determine the scope of the decision/recommendation to make sure that it falls within the task-responsibilities description. If it falls outside the scope of the committee refer it back to the appropriate body.

7 To discern and determine, when a decision or recommendation is prepared, who needs to be informed of it and commit to that communication as an integral part of the decision/recommendation.

8 That in case a committee is unable to decide or recommend, it will refer the topic to its authorizing body.

9 To keep to its agreed upon schedule, calendar, and agenda in recognition that the success of the other responsible groups and the school are dependent upon timely decision making.

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11 To maintain positive attitudes towards our colleagues, within meetings and outside of them. We will use candid, frank, direct speech within our meetings and will avoid criticism of colleagues or the committee when speaking with others.

12 To maintain confidentiality about committee and school business as necessary and appropriate.

13 This committees’ goal is to make decisions by consensus. We understand consensus to mean that all members with a voice in the decision concur. In the absence of consensus: A majority vote shall prevail, with the reservations by the dissenting members noted and presented to the governing body.

14 That concerns and disagreements from non-committee members will be brought to the attention of the committee chair. Unless the chair considers it necessary to bring the matter to the attention of the committee, it will be recorded in the minutes and held as part of the committee record.

15 At each review period for standing committees, the committee will take time to reflect on work accomplished and work yet to be done. As part of the review the committee will present what it perceives as the work to be done during the next period as well as consider what resources it might need to accomplish that work. Ad Hoc committees shall present these findings with their final report.

___________________________________________ ________________________________________

Signature Print Name

___________________________________________ ________________________________________

Signature Print Name

___________________________________________ ________________________________________

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ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION

ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY: KEYBOARDS

Writing is an area of instruction with several goals. Proper form in handwriting is one such goal. Development of the ability for self-expression and communication is another. For some students, the capacity for fluent handwriting limits their ability to perform writing tasks that target the development of the expressive and communicative elements of writing. In such situations, interventions may benefit the student’s ability to accomplish the task and gain the knowledge and understanding the lesson was designed to entreat. One form of intervention is Assistive Technology.

Assistive Technology includes tools that support a child in the development of particular skills.

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BOARD POLICY

HUMAN RESOURCES CHANGE MANAGEMENT

Introduction

The Board of Live Oak Charter School recognizes the strong role that teachers have in the lives of students in the classroom and in the broader school community. When the school knows a teacher will be leaving his or her position, it is important to the well-being of the students that the notification and transition be as smooth and thoughtful as possible. The Board intends for this information to be transmitted in a way that honors the values of Live Oak Charter School as a Waldorf-inspired institution, the developmental age of the affected students, and our

commitment to open and clear communication.

Timeline

Any time there is a core change in teacher’s role, including but not limited to resignation, termination, non-reelection, or leave of absence, the Executive Director will establish a timeline for notifying the faculty, the parent community and the children affected.

Method