January 17, 2013 - PACT Charter School

P a r e n t s A l l i e d w i t h C h i l d r e n a n d T e a c h e r s
7 2 5 0 Ea st Ramsey Parkway, Ramsey, MN 55303 | Phone: 763.71 2 .42 0 0 | Fax: 763.7 1 2.4201
Secondary Steering Committee Meeting (SSC)
Meeting Minutes (Approved)
January 17, 2013
Scheduled meeting time 7:30 p.m. at PACT Charter School in room 204
Facilitated by Josh Pangier, Secondary Steering Committee Chair
Electronic File Name: Minutes-SSC-20130113-approved.doc
Submitted by: Christine Erntson, Committee Clerk
Meeting Attendees
Position
Arrival Departure Prep
Time Time Time
Anderson, Shelley Parent 6:30 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Davis, Julie ESC Vice Chair 9:25 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Hobot, Patrick Secondary Program Director 7:00 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Hudson, Denise Parent 6:20 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Johnson, Mariann Staff 6:15 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Jones, Laurel Parent 6:50 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Ledo, Rob Teacher 6:50 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Luer, Marna Parent 6:30 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Melin, Shari Parent 9:20 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Pangier, Josh SSC Chair 6:40 p.m. 10:40 p.m. 10.75 hrs
Perra, Dawn ESC Chair 6:30 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Schwartzbauer, Tom Teacher 6:26 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Slegh, Judy Teacher 6:30 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Soderholm, Chris SSC Treasurer 7:30 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Walsh, Heather Guidance Counselor 6:40 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Visitors
Bozich, Katelynn Student Council 7:34 p.m. 8:47 p.m.
Coughlin, Grace Student Council 6:03 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Coughlin, Nancy Parent 6:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m.
Erickson, Ben Student Council 6:30 p.m. 8:50 p.m.
Froiland, Julie Parent 5:30 p.m. 10:20 p.m.
Goncheienko, Louisa Student Council 6:30 p.m. 9:25 p.m.
Jacob, Eliza Student Council 6:55 p.m. 9:24 p.m.
Jones, Drew Student Council 6:50 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Jones, Ross Student Council 6:50 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Nelson, Carissa Student Council 7:48 p.m. 9:25 p.m.
Nelson, Cynthia SCC Chair 6:30 p.m. 10:40 p.m.
Nelson, Josiah Student Council 6:30 p.m. 9:25 p.m.
Neubs, Connor Student Council 7:00 p.m. 9:25 p.m.
Radtke, Suzy Parent 6:05 p.m. 10:20 p.m.
Rickenbach, Abby Student Council 6:30 p.m. 9:25 p.m.
SSC Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2013
Page 1 of 8

I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Josh P. called the meeting of the Secondary Steering Committee to order at 9:20 p.m
on January 17, 2013. A quorum was present. As noted in the Secondary Steering
Committee description, a quorum of this committee is a minimum of five voting members to
start the meeting. For voting purposes, a quorum is five voting members consisting of at
least two teachers and two parents.
II.
ACKNOWLEDGE AND WELCOME GUESTS
All guests were welcomed during the JSC meeting held prior to the SSC meeting.
III.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
A. Review and Approve Agenda
Chair Josh P. asked for changes to the agenda. Hearing no changes, the agenda was
approved as presented.
Judy S. moved to approve the agenda of the Secondary Steering Committee of
January 17, 2013, as presented. Laurel J. seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
Student Council members asked to move their presentation to beginning of the
agenda.
B. Membership Review/Reminder
Membership information is located at the end of the minutes. Membership is
determined by staff assignment or by attendance at three meetings out of the last six
with voting rights established at the third meeting and with a signed Conflict of
Interest Form.
C. Receive Communications (Acknowledge emails, letters, etc.)
No communication received.
D. Committee Descriptions/Conflict of Interest Forms
The Secondary Steering Committee description is available online and should be
reviewed by all members. Conflict of Interest Forms are also available online and
should be signed annually after reading the committee description and prior to
voting privileges. Records are compiled by the Committee Clerk and reflected on
the last page attendance record.
IV.
OPEN MICROPHONE
A. Nothing to report.
SSC Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2013
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V. REVIEW 2012-13 SECONDARY STEERING COMMITTEE GOALS
1. Improve the budget process and use a consistent format for financial reports between
elementary and secondary.
2. Increase parent participation through various methods of personal invitation and
exploring other creative methods to draw new members.
• Dawn P. shared that ESC has discussed parent representatives at each grade
level which ties into the climate survey comments that indicate parents need
guidance to get involved.
3. Better communication and more efficient meetings through use of time guidelines
for topics and designating specific people for action items.
VI.
ONGOING BUSINESS
A. Review and Approve Minutes from Secondary Steering Committee Meeting of
November 15, 2012.
The committee reviewed the minutes and requested a typographical change.
Heather W. moved to approve the Secondary Steering Committee minutes of
November 15, 2012, as amended. Tom S. seconded the motion. Motion carried
unanimously.
Approved minutes will be posted to the Committee Information Google Group and
on the PACT Charter School website.
B. Committee and Task Force Reports
1. Monthly Budget Report
The committee reviewed the budget handout. Chris S. indicated the social
studies account being over the limit, but overall there are funds available and that
is what is important. Rob L. agreed the social studies money is all there just not
in the right categories.
2. Secondary Student Council
Secondary Student Council students reported that they continue to raise money
for the clean well water project. There is a donation bucket in the school store,
and they are selling bottled water. Money collected will be donated to a nonprofit
organization that provides clean drinking water.
Snow Daze Dance is from 7-11 p.m. on January 26 in the gym. Details are in
process.
SSC Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2013
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Snow Daze Spirit Week is from January 22-25, and includes PJ Day, Formal
Day, Fandom Random Day, and PACT Pride Day.
Josh P. thanked the Secondary Student Council for their report and they were
dismissed.
3. Secondary Curriculum Committee (SCC)
The SSC reviewed the minutes from the last SCC meeting. The SCC policies
have already gone to the School Board and are approved.
4. Crossover Task Force (on hold)
No report at this time.
5. College Credit in Secondary Task Force (formerly College in the School)
No report at this time.
6. Advisory and Class Meeting Program Task Force
Secondary Program Director Patrick H. reported that the task force has met and
are working toward getting advisory the right support tools. They are also
exploring additional life-skills and character traits that are more age-appropriate.
C. Teacher Reports
Judy S. reported that 11/12 is visiting the Body Worlds exhibit at the Science
Museum of MN in April.
Heather W. reported that the college fair field trip is tomorrow (January 18).
D. Secondary Program Director’s Report
Secondary Program Director Patrick H. reported that 11 PACT students were
recently added to the National Honor Society.
He also reported that staff is working on effective ways to make sure PACT’s
curriculum is meeting the needs of students.
E. Requests to Raise Funds
Nothing to report.
F. Follow-up on Action Items from Last Meeting
All items reported complete by those who are present at the meeting.
SSC Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2013
Page 4 of 8

VII.
OLD BUSINESS
A. Remedial Courses for Students Not Passing MCA’s
Secondary Program Director Patrick H. reported he is looking at a variety of online
support pieces and will continue to process and evaluate resources.
B. Guidance Department Budget
Chair Josh P. indicated that trips to visit colleges were previously funded through
another account, but for future budget years money should be added to the
Secondary Subsidized Fieldtrip line (E-01-300-211-901-000-394) to cover the cost
of these trips.
C. Policy Review Updates
VIII. NEW BUSINESS
Chair Josh P. asked the SSC to review the policy handout and report.
1. Electronic Device Policy. Shari M. responded she will complete in February.
2. Senior Retreat Policy. Judy S. recommended approval with no changes.
Rob L. motioned to approve the senior retreat policy with no changes. Laurel
J. seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
3. International Travel Policy. Judy S. reported that the policy is well-detailed
and needs no changes except to put into the new format. She recommended
approval with no changes.
Judy S. motioned to approve the international travel policy with no changes
except to put it into the new format. Tom S. seconded the motion. Motion
carried unanimously.
4. PSEO Policy. Heather W. suggested changes to reflect state rules that allow 10 th
graders into PSEO. Shari M. suggested a note with an asterisk to clarify that the
classes of 2015 and 2016 must meet the new chemistry and physics
requirements. Chair Josh P. suggested Heather W. remove the graduation
requirements completely and refer individuals to the graduation policy which
would make it unnecessary to make a note regarding 2015 and 2016 class.
Updates to the policy should be sent to Chair Josh P.
Heather W. motioned to approve the PSEO policy pending removal of the
graduation requirements but rather referring individuals to the graduation
policy. Shari M. seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
A. 2013-2014 Budget
SSC Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2013
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Chair Josh P. asked the committee to review the budget document as distributed and
asked for changes. He noted one being college trips be included, and also funds for
the college text books.
Secondary Program Directory Patrick H. received information from all team
members and questions were answered. Some funds were adjusted in the music
department.
Chair Josh P. went through the budget spreadsheet and the following was discussed:
• The $4,000 for language texts and novels was questioned, and it was
suggested to ask Sue P. for detail.
• Secondary Program Director Patrick H. indicated that the $10,000-11,000 for
secondary math textbooks is something to be protected for now.
• Judy S. asked that labels on lines 23/24 change to grade 11/12 science
supplies and 11/12 materials reusable.
• Judy S. suggested line 27 should be Junior High science supplies and to cross
out “earth.”
• Cross out “Starry Nights” as it was purchased this year.
• The budget for science texts on line 29 should go from $10,000 to $12,420.
• Physical education health texts should remain as a budget line for the future.
• Music/band budget increased so they can build a music library.
• Line 84 “Other” is for text replacements for the Curriculum Coordinator.
• Patrick H. asked for $6,000 in line 80 for advisor curriculum.
• Field Trip line 91 needs $2,750 for college trips. Denise H. expressed concern
about it being used by other groups if not monitored. Patrick H. indicated it
can be controlled internally and should not be its own line item.
Heather W. motioned to approve the 2013-14 budget as amended. Tom S.
seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
B. Modified Block Schedule.
Secondary Program Director Patrick H. distributed a model of what he is suggesting
as a modified block schedule for secondary students. His model creates space to
target intervention, especially in math, and responds to concerns from parents about
the amount of homework and classroom stressors.
Discussion continued on how the model could work and described course schedules
and timing. Core classes are longer which make for fewer transitions, and specials
have shorter class times; and there are more opportunities for electives or make-up
courses. Staff gets extra prep time plus common prep with other teachers. There is a
study hall for those that don’t need intervention, and talented and advanced students
will benefit as well.
Laurel J. asked about drawbacks to a block schedule. Secondary Program Director
Patrick H. indicated there will be the need for professional development as it is a
new way to teach. The curriculum will have to be reviewed, and there is concern if
special education students would be able to focus for a 90 minute course. However,
a majority of educators conclude attentiveness is about engagement and teaching.
SSC Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2013
Page 6 of 8

The next step is to finish and frame out the schedule with more electives so that the
teachers can review before it is brought back to steering, followed by parents and the
public. Denise H. suggested parents see different options and how each would play
out.
IX.
FUTURE BUSINESS
A. Policy review
B. Modified block schedule for secondary classes
X. ACTION ITEMS
A. Heather W. will send PSEO policy changes to Chair Josh P.
IX.
SSC MEETING ADJOURNMENT / NEXT REGULAR MEETING
With no further items to discuss, the Secondary Steering Committee was adjourned.
Denise H. moved to adjourn the January 17, 2013, Secondary Steering Committee
meeting at 10:40 p.m. Dawn P. seconded the motion. Motion carried unanimously.
The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Secondary Steering Committee is February 28,
2013, following the JSC meeting in room 204.
SSC Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2013
Page 7 of 8

Secondary Steering Committee Attendance
Note: Always maintain 7 months of attendance. Membership for most non-elected committees is determined by attending 3 of the last 6
meetings (including the current meeting). It may also be determined by position (chair or staff representative.) Annually, a Conflict of
Interest Form (CI) must be filled out by each committee member and kept on file in the committee binder by the November meeting.
Committee Member CI 4/19/12 5/17/12 8/16/12 9/20/12 10/25/12 11/15/12 1/17/13
Anderson, Shelley / Parent * - - - - V V M
Bozich, Katelynn / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Clements, Alyssa / Student Council * - - - - - V -
Coughlin, Grace / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Coughlin, Nancy / Parent * - - - - - - V
Davis, Julie / ESC Vice Chair 2012-13 P P P P P P P
Durgin, Beth / Teacher * A P * * * * *
Dupuis, Laurie / Parent * A P A A A A A
Erickson, Ben / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Field, Betty / Parent 2012-13 - - - V A A A
Froiland, Julie / Parent * - - - - - - V
Goncheienko, Louise / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Gutzkow, Linda / SSC Vice Chair 2012-13 P P P A P P A
Heinrich, Donna / Teacher 2012-13 A A P P P P A
Hobot, Patrick / Sec. Prog. Dir. / Admin. Rep. 2012-13 - - P A P P P
Holmquist, Lisa / Social Worker * P P P * * * *
Hudson, Denise / Parent - P A * * * * P
Jacob, Eliza / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Jacob, Drew / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Johnson, Mariann / Staff 2012-13 P A A P P A P
Johnson, Nadine / Parent 2012-13 A A A A P A A
Jones, Drew / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Jones, Laurel / Parent 2012-13 P A A P A A P
Jones, Ross / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Ledo, Rob / Teacher 2012-13 P - - P P P P
Lundstrom, Jill / Parent / Board Member 2012-13 A A A P P P A
Lundstrom, Russ / Parent 2012-13 P P A P A A A
Melin, Shari / Parent 2012-13 P A P P P P P
Nelson, Carissa / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Nelson, Cynthia / Parent * - - - - - - V
Nelson, Josiah / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Neubs, Connor / Student Council * - - - - - - V
Pangier, Josh / SSC Chair 2012-13 A P P P P P P
Parten, Liza / Parent 2012-13 A A P P P A A
Perra, Dawn / ESC Chair 2012-13 P P P P P P P
Peterson, Sue / Curr. Coord. / CSI Co-Chair * A P A A A A A
Radtke, Suzy / Staff - - - - - V A V
Rickenbach, Abby / Student Council - - - - - V V
Schwartzbauer, Tom / Teacher 2012-13 - - - P P P P
Shultz, Dan / Parent * P P A A A A A
Slegh, Judy / Teacher 2012-13 * * * P P P P
Soderholm, Chris / SSC Treasurer - P P A A C A P
Swanson, Ethan / Teacher * P P * * * * *
Walsh, Heather / Guidance Counselor 2012-13 A P P P P P P
Walton, Maryanna / Teacher - P P P P * * *
Attendance Key: P=Present; A=Absent; X = No Meeting; *=Person not assigned; C=Member arriving late/leaving
early for other PACT function; V=Visitor
SSC Meeting Minutes
January 17, 2013
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