Minutes
Bethlehem School Board
December 18, 2007

A meeting of the Board of Directors of Bethlehem High School was held on the above date in the Sr. Mary Rachael Rooks Media Center at Bethlehem High School.  Chairperson Bridgett Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM and Michelle Ball led the prayer.

Present: Chairperson Wilson, Vice Chairman Bill Newcomb, Rev. Bill Hammer, Mary Stuart Haydon, Gwen Simpson, Chris Walsh, Michelle Ball, Phyliss Wilkins, Bill Huston, Kathleen Schmidt and Secretary Jerri Riney

Absent: Ann Conway Blevins, Chad McCoy and Michelle Berger        

Visitors:  None

Chairperson Wilson noted the resignation of Dr. Paul Schum as principal of Bethlehem High School effective December 6, 2007.

The minutes from the November 20, 2007 meeting were reviewed.  They were approved by consensus. 

Principal’s Report –  Acting Principal Chris Walsh reported the following:

Faculty and staff appreciated the $100 scrip Christmas bonus.  He also thanked the Board for his bonus.   
The school atmosphere continues to be positive.  The meeting to announce Dr. Schum’s resignation went well.  The semester has ended and everyone is relieved there was a resolution to the situation. 
Eighty five students took the placement test as compared to ninety one in 2006.  He is aware of at least two students that will be taking it in January. 
He presented a timeline for the accreditation process.  He plans to serve on a team that will be reviewing accreditation for DeSales High School in early 2008.  This will be a great opportunity to experience the process before our accreditation team evaluates Bethlehem.  He noted Susan Simpson and Joe Heitzman have done a great job of coordinating this effort.
Copier contracts and our agreement with St. Monica will be discussed during committee reports.   

Committee Reports

            Finance Report – Phyliss Wilkins reviewed the November financial report.  It is a good report for the first five months of the year.  She updated the Board on the copiers.  Quotes were received from B.Q. and Duplicator Sales.  She recommended the purchase instead of leasing as originally planned.  Phyliss also plans to attend a meeting regarding the St. Monica lease.  Plans are to re-work the lease for the next school year.

            Annual Appeal – Bill Newcomb stated the committee met in November.  The Foundation balance is currently at $237,000.  He stated a donation of $4,500 will be made to Bethlehem.  The Annual Appeal has raised $97,750 plus additional pledges of $15,000 and $25,000 for specific purposes.  

            Building/Grounds – Mary Stuart Haydon discussed procedures to determine the needs and priorities for all building and grounds including the athletic area.  Kathleen Schmidt stated this committee needs a working document that addresses: (1) capital expenditures;    (2) routine maintenance; and (3) painting, etc.  Priorities and timelines will be established at their next meeting on January 9^th.

            Academic – The committee continues to work on the parent surveys.    

Strategic Planning – Chairperson Wilson stated strategic planning will be postponed until a permanent principal is in place. 

Other Business

            Transportation – Issues regarding maintenance and usage were discussed.  Improvements need to be made with regard to Bullitt County students especially with the significant increase in enrollment from that area.  Bill Newcomb stated Sam Wheatley has agreed to assist but Chris is having a difficult time finding a teacher who has time to assume this duty.  The possibility of a new position which would oversee the areas of transportation, facilities management and athletics was discussed.

            Principal Search – Chairperson Wilson stated she needs a committee to begin the search.  Advertisements for the position should be published after the first of the year.  A two tier approach will likely be used with the first tier to review the applications and resumes and the second tier to conduct the interviews. 

Chairperson Wilson noted the resignation of Rev. Dick Sullivan from the Board effective December 7, 2007. 
  
The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 PM with everyone saying “The Lord’s Prayer.” 

Minutes submitted by Secretary Jerri Riney