Board & Community Meeting Minutes for July 29, 2014

Mission: To provide an exceptional Montessori education to all children and their families, encouraging a lifelong love of learning and active participation in their communities and the world.
Vision: We create a more peaceful world by developing conscientious citizens who approach their world with confidence, creativity and collaboration.
Values: Diversity, Independence, Joy, Passion & Respect


The meeting opened at 6:34 p.m. In attendance were Kate McSpadden, Mary Evelyn Bowling, Nancy Gribble-Tay, Kathy Anthony, Trevor Eissler, Judith Kemper, Ali Guajardo, Karen Stapley.

Welcome & Opening Thoughts
Trevor Eissler shared a math trick that helps with complex multiplication. The trick was so enlightening that the group was pleasantly shocked and intrigued. Several members began immediately to try and figure out how it worked. Trevor shared that this is what we are aiming to achieve in our future schools. We want to present the children with work that is so intriguing and interesting that they want to "dig in" straight away. This is one of the reasons that the Montessori day is based upon the three-hour work period.

Motion to Approve June Minutes
Kate McSpadden noted that, since there was no quorum, we could not approve minutes. They will be presented for approval in September.

My Montessori Story
Nancy-Gribble-Tay shared her Montessori journey from its beginnings in Houston when Nancy was teaching in the local public schools. Her family moved to Germany where she taught in the International School. Relocating to the Austin area, Nancy found Community Montessori School to be a perfect fit for her daughters. She became hooked on the philosophy when she was asked to sub in the primary environment. Nancy sought her primary training and has now completed her elementary training and master's degree in education.

Fundraising Five
Mary Evelyn passed out cards for each of those in attendance to record the contact information of their five inner circle contacts. These are the five people that are “guaranteed” donations for each of us. These are the people that will give because of who we are and their relationship with us. Some people were able to turn in five cards, some need more time. Kate McSpadden passed out her donation pledge sheet. There was some discussion regarding removing the date so that people aren't inclined to postpone their donation. Kate will update the form before the next meeting.

Community Outreach
Kathy Anthony wants to start getting Nancy Gribble-Tay, our Head of School, out on the road. We discussed a donor party in late September. Some think we need a series of events.

Texas Charter School Association Consulting Package
Kate McSpadden shared the different consulting options available from TCSA.

New Business
We are on the cusp of publishing the website. We now have post office box. It is P.O. box 1896, 78627. We discussed the importance of naming the school prior to the start of fundraising activities. We will also be required to do criminal background checks for board members. Board members are asked to bring copies of their Social Security card and Texas Driver License.

Nancy closed the meeting with the presentation a glass vase, clear and simple, as our first piece of classroom material. We adjourned at 8:00 p.m.