CSPN Board Meeting

April 11, 2008

In Attendance: The meeting was called to order at 1:30 p.m. with Pam Rose, Dr. Susan Copeland, Claudia Lakey, Senese Duhart, Janet Denkler, Lee Meyers, Mimi Brooks, Ginger Whelan, Amy Mulroy, Clarissa Smith, Joanna Curtis and Sara Rolfe in attendance.

Introductions: Sara introduced herself as a U of M student in Family and Consumer Studies who is required to attend a school parent board meeting as part of her course work. Joanna introduced herself as the director of Development for the College of Education. She is interested in finding ways to support Campus School fundraising.

Minutes: The minutes of the February 8 board meeting were approved as submitted. Lee will email the minutes to Joe Lakey for posting on the website.

Calendar: Susan reported that she has submitted the 2008-2009 calendar to the Memphis City Schools for approval but has not yet received their okay. The calendar cannot be finalized and sent out to parents until she receives official approval from MCS. Once the academic calendar is approved, Susan and Claudia will meet to discuss the CSPN activities calendar.

Parent Meeting: The final CSPN parent meeting of the year will be held on the same evening as the PE Demo. The current plan is for the demo to begin at 6:30 p.m. and the parent meeting from 6 to 6:30.

Skate Night: The group agreed that the April 10 Skate Night, which was canceled due to weather, would be rescheduled for a Thursday evening in May. Pam suggested May 29 and the group agreed that would be a good date. Pam will make arrangements with East End Skating.

Treasurer's Report: Senese and Janet reviewed the February and March financial reports. Senese had previously emailed the February reconciliation for the board's review. Janet noted that we generated a net income of $2,872.85 for February and $2,113.23 for March. Net income year to date through March is $23,700.94. There was a lengthy discussion about accounting for Arts in the School income and expenditures. Senese and Susan will make sure the final accounting is clear and accurate.

Spending Commitments: The board reconfirmed spending commitments of $10,000 for the library and approximately $5,000 for the purchase of 5 computers. These are multi-year commitments, and the timing of this year's purchases has not yet been finalized.

Yearbook: Members of the Yearbook Committee were on hand to share sample pages, review book and ad sales to date, and recap financials. Yearbook chair Mimi Brooks expressed her pride and gratitude for the work of committee members. She noted that 181 books have been pre-sold already, and a total of 215 books will be printed, allowing 34 for purchase after delivery. There was some discussion of raising the production quantity but the group agreed to leave it at 215. Ad sales, both corporate and parent, allowed a yearbook sales price of $18 per book, even though the printing cost is $28 each. Committee members stated their goal is to establish a template and outline a process to make yearbook preparation much easier in future years. One remaining question is whether sales tax must be paid to the vendor. Susan will examine the issue further and provide guidance to the committee.

Book Fair: Amy noted that this year's book fair went well. We were able to take our profit in product, so each classroom got $130 worth of books. Susan reported that the teachers were delighted with the outcome.

School Supply Kits: Janet raised the possibility of purchasing school supply kits from a vendor, so parents could purchase the pre-assembled kits rather than shopping on their own for school supplies. The group weighed the pros and cons of this idea, ultimately deciding we may be too late for the coming school year, and the drawbacks may be greater than the benefit. Janet will gather additional information from the vendor and report back.

Planners: The deadline for ordering next year's planners is approaching. Susan will get quantities, calendar and handbook information to Janet so the order can be placed.

2008-2009 Board: Claudia reported the names of several people who might be willing to fill the upcoming board vacancies for vice president and secretary. Despite multiple requests for volunteers through the newsletter, emails and other means, no one came forth but Claudia followed up on the names of people recommended by teachers and current board members. Susan asked that she email a recommendation to the board for consideration.

Spring Fling: Event chair Claudia Lakey stated that preparation is well underway. Activity plans are coming together, wristbands have been purchased and she has a good start on obtaining commitments from volunteers.

Bylaws: A rough draft of organizational bylaws was passed out to board members. Claudia asked the group to review the document and be ready to discuss at the next board meeting.

Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 2:45 p.m. The next board meeting will be on May 9 at 1:30 p.m.