NEW MEMBER ORIENTATIONMosaic Academy Governing Council

MOSAIC ACADEMY

The journey

IN THE BEGINNING Fall of 2004 – Suggestion that in order to continue

multiage classrooms we might start a charter school

November 2004 – 11 people on the founding committee begin the writing of the Charter

August 2005 – Submit preliminary charter to AMSD November 2005 - Charter authorized by AMSD

with three provisions to be “fixed” by January January 2006 – Revisions to charter complete and

accepted. August 2006 – Opened our doors to students December 2010 – Reauthorized until 2014 December 2013 – Reauthorized until 2019

MISSION STATEMENT

Mosaic Academy will create an environment characterized by a passion for learning, purposeful inquiry and expectations of

excellence. The educational community of Mosaic Academy will support each learner in

achieving personal goals and academic success and becoming a fully contributing

member in society.

VISION FOR STUDENT SUCCESSThrough a focus on the whole child, differentiation of instruction, integration of curriculum, and

inclusion of innovative instructional strategies, the community of Mosaic Academy will support students as they develop and hone capabilities in the following areas: 

recognition of connections between areas of study, texts, experiences, individuals and environment

metacognition thoughtful literacy inquiry critical thinking skills intrinsic motivation understanding how to access information self-assessment resulting in the identification of areas to improve, the formulation of a plan to

address these areas, and the initiation of changes in these areas acceptance and value of diversity recognition of individual areas of strength and weakness respect for self and others acceptance of responsibility for self and resources exhibition of socially appropriate behaviors mentoring others acceptance of mentoring from others sharing areas of expertise, writing, thoughts, accomplishments with peers, other students, and

important adults establishment and valuing of appropriate relationships with peers, with differently-aged students,

and with adults at school, at home and in the community working cooperatively and understanding of the value of collaboration maintenance of high expectations for self their understanding and use of technology service learning understanding and use of technology

ORIGINAL CHARTER GOALS

Students will experience academic success.

Student uniqueness (in interests, learning styles and areas of intelligence) will be respected, encouraged

and valued.

Students, parents and teachers will collaborate to create and support Mosaic Academy as a

community of learners.

GOALS FOR THE RENEWED CHARTER OF 2014

All goals are now outlined in the Schools Educational Plan for Student Success commonly referred to as the EPSS. This is a living document that is tied to the District’s EPSS and reported to the state on a state data base. This document will be reviewed annually by the Governing Council for approval.

FACILITIES

Year # of Students # of Staff Facilities Grades Etc.

2006-2007 119.5 12

Four portablesWe received our

occupancy permit three days prior to

students

K-6 No food or Transportation

2007-2008 159.5 15Five portables and one small storage

shedK-7 Food and Transportation

2008-2009 180 18Six portables and

four storage shedsK-8 Food and Transportation

2009-2010 to

Present180

25 full and part

time

Six portables, five storage sheds, two

shade structuresK-8

Food and buses designated to our own students for

transportation

Friends of Mosaic, Inc. is a recently formed non-profit foundation who is in the process of receiving its 501c3 status.

2013-2014 ENROLLMENT AND LOTTERY

LIVING AREAS OF MOSAIC ACADEMY STUDENTS

SPECIAL EDUCATION REPRESENTATION IN 2013-2014

LEP STUDENTS

ETHNICITY REPRESENTATIONS 2013-2014

ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED 2013-2014

GENDER OF STUDENTS 2013-2014

2009 REAUTHORIZATIONOn December 10, 2009 the Aztec Municipal School District (AMSD)

unanimously voted to reauthorize Mosaic Academy for four years. Although we had requested a five year renewal, the recommendation from the superintendent was to authorize for four years due to concerns regarding the New Mexico Standards Based Assessment scores.

Our charter is in place until June of 2014.

On December 12, 2013 the AMSD School Board approved our renewal application for five years. A new part of the process we are currently negotiating the terms of the contract that will bind us for the length of the charter renewal. This new document will be brought to the Governing Council for ratification in January or February of 2014.

GOVERNANCEThe Role of the Governing Council and Council Members

“Charter school boards govern schools in the sense of a trust. This is why board members are sometimes

referred to as trustees – people who control something on behalf of the owner. Charter school

trustees have the authority to govern the school on behalf of the public.”

Brian L. Carpenter, CEONational Charter Schools Institute

GOVERNANCEVS.MANAGEMENT

“The difference between managing and governing a school is like the difference between coaching an NFL team and owning one.

Although it’s not a perfect analogy, in football, a coach is hired by the owners to run the team – and he’s held accountable on the basis of the team’s performance.

With perhaps a notable exception or two, the owners of the team do not tell the coach which plays to call or otherwise how to do his job.”

Brian L. Carpenter, CEONational Charter Schools Institute

Governance Define what objectives it wants to

achieve Establishes boundaries (through

policy) from which objectives can be achieved

Evaluates and holds management accountable for achieving the defined objectives

Management Determines how to achieve the

defined objectives Provides direct supervision of

teachers, staff and students Runs the school on a day-to-day

basis

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

Mosaic Academy Governing Council

Principal

Licensed Staff Contracted StaffNon-Certified Staff

KEY AREAS OF GOVERNANCE

Provide Oversight Charter Integrity Financial Accountability Student Achievement

Set Policy Enact Review and Revise Monitor Compliance

Meet Regulatory Requirements Employ and Evaluate the Principal Perform Council Self-Evaluation

MEETINGSOpen Meetings and public records Acts Bylawsmeeting structure Annual cycle & long range planningMeeting Schedule

OPEN MEETINGS AND PUBLIC RECORDS ACTS - CHECK

The Law Annual Notice and Public Notice

o Published in the Aztec Talon Annually Type of Meeting

Regular – Annual schedule is published and information on how to access agendas is provided

Special – Notice is required three days in advance and the purpose of the meeting is limited – i.e. interview and select a GC member

Work Session – Meeting to discuss issues. NO ACTION MAY BE TAKEN

Emergency – Called in extreme circumstances, must be advertised 24 hours in advance.

OPEN MEETINGS AND PUBLIC RECORDS ACTS

Open vs. Closed Meetingo All action must occur in an open meetingo A public body may only move into a closed

meeting for specific exclusions as set out by law. (limited personnel matters, confidential issues regarding students, litigation)

o The body must approve the closure by a majority vote of a quorum of the policy making body. The reason for the closure and the subject to be discussed shall be stated with reason able specificity in the motion. Only those subjects announced or voted upon prior to closure may be discussed in the closed meeting.

OPEN MEETINGS AND PUBLIC RECORDS ACTS Agendas

o A list of specific items of business to be discussed or transacted at the meeting

o Action items should be noted in some predetermined manner such as an *. In the rare event that an item is not marked but is listed on the agenda, action could be taken.

o Anything can be discussed, but NO ACTION can be taken unless the item is listed on the agenda.

o Agenda items should be specific – especially when action will be taken

o If discussion meets the criteria for a closed session, the Council can move into executive session, even though it is not listed on the agenda.

OPEN MEETINGS AND PUBLIC RECORDS ACTS

Minuteso Draft of minutes must be available to the public

within 10 days of the meeting.o Minutes must reflect an accounting of what

occurred during the meeting. They must be specific and document accurately any action taken.

o Only actions of the Council are legal. These are legally documented in the minutes.

o Minutes are not official until they are duly approved in a sanctioned meeting of the Council.

OPEN MEETINGS AND PUBLIC RECORDS ACTS

Public Recordso ALL records are public unless they are exempt by

lawo Exemptions include: letters of reference concerning

employment, matters of opinion in personnel files or student cumulative files, attorney client privileged communications, or “as otherwise provided by law” – FERPA, Audit reports (10 day rule) and countervailing public policy such as social security numbers.

What are Public Records?o Computer recordso Emailso Building planso Tape recordings of Council Meetings

RESOURCES

The NM Open Meetings Acthttp://www.ago.state.nm.us/divs/civil/OMAFifthEdition.pdf

The NM Inspection of Public Records Acthttp://www.ago.state.nm.us/divs/civil/IPRAFourthEdition2003.pdf

BYLAWS

Table of Contents I Purpose II Membership III Authority and Power IV Officers V Committees VI Meetings VII Records and Reports VIII Amendment of Bylaws IX Construction

Officers President – Diane Haralson Vice-President – Karin

Guikema Secretary – Charlotte

Bradshaw

MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS It is important to remember that individual

Governing Council Members have no authority. Only when a quorum of members take legal action in a meeting do they have any legal capacity.

If at any time there is a quorum of council members present - they may not discuss any school business.

Attendance is important to the operation of our school. Members are encouraged to attend all meetings unless an unavoidable conflicts arise. In the event that a member cannot make a meeting he/she

needs to contact the president or if you cannot reach the president you may contact the principal by phone prior to the meeting.

MEMBERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

Preparation – in an effort to have meetings run smoothly and efficiently, it is imperative that members review the packets as thoroughly as possible prior to the meetings. This eliminated the need to read documents during the meeting.

The law requires Governing Council Members to receive a minimum of five hours of training in the first year. Three of these hours must meet the PED requirement for financial training. These requirements can be met by a variety of conferences and trainings available through the New Mexico Coalition of Charter Schools. Dates of trainings will be provided as they come up.

MEETING STRUCTURE Agenda Development –

Developed by the President and the Principal. Members can request items to be placed on the agenda.

Council Packet – Typically available online on the Mosaic Academy website.

Timelines Draft Agenda is out by the Wednesday of the week prior

to the meeting, packets are available on line the Friday prior to the meeting – in the event that online is not available hard copies will be made available.

MEETING STRUCTURE

The Meeting Walk Thru Agenda Reports Action/Discussion Items* Parliamentary Procedure Public Input

SAMPLE MEETING AGENDA Mosaic Academy Governing Council Regular Meeting Agenda Date: December 18, 2031 Time: 4:30 p.m. All action items are indicated with an

asterisk* Call Meeting to Order Pledge of Allegiance and Welcome Adopt Agenda* Approve Minutes

ReportsPrincipal’s report Director of Instruction’s reportAudit and Finance Committee report

Action/Discussion Items*Approve Financial Documents*

Old Business New Business Announcements Next Meeting

Adjournment*

ANNUAL ROUTINE MEETING CYCLE

ANNUAL STRATEGIC EVENTS

LONG RANGE PLANNING

MEETING SCHEDULE

Third Wednesday of Every Month

4:30 PM

Mosaic Academy

*Specific Dates on Copy of 13-14 School Calendar

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July 29-Aug. 2 Registration Feb. 17 - Presidents Day Holiday

Mar. 24 - 28 - Spring Break

Nov. 25-29 - Thanksgiving Holiday Apr. 18- Good Friday

Dec. 23 - Jan. 6 - Winter Break May 26 - Memorial Day Holiday Governing Council Meetings First and last days of schoolJan. 7 - All Students Report May 29 Last Day Early Release 230 day employeeJan. 20 - Martin Luther King Holiday Staff Pay Dates Early Release

Snow Day will be made up on May 30 if necessary!Sept. 2 - Labor Day Holiday

May 14 J une 14 J uly 14 August 14

J anuary 14 February 14 March 14 April 14

RegistrationSeptember 13 October 13 November 13 December 13

Meet and GreetFirst and Last day of School

Holiday No SchoolParent Teacher Conf.

School Year CalendarJ uly 13 Early Release Days August 13

In-service days

Mosaic Academy

2013-2014

1

POLICY MANUALOverview

MOSAIC ACADEMY POLICIES AS ADOPTED BY THE GOVERNING COUNCIL TO REPLACE THE POLICIES FOR WHICH IT WAS GRANTED WAIVERS FROM THE AZTEC MUNICIPAL DISTRICT POLICIES

Table of Contents1.Section A – Foundations and Basic Commitments

2.Section B – Governing Council and Governance

3.Section C – Administrative Goals

4.Section D – Finance Policies

5.Section E – Support Services Policies

6.Section G – Personnel policies

7.Section I – curriculum and Instructional policies

8.Section J – student policies

9.Section K – school/community/home relations

AMSD policies are available on line at: http://lp.ctspublish.com/nm/public/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm (Click on the red + next to Aztec)

PRINCIPAL EVALUATION

The Principal Annual Cycle

May

NovemberMarch

The GC andPrincipal meet

to review strategic plan in addition to

setting clear goals for the upcomingschool year

The GC meetswith the Principal

to provide feedback, review and

informal assessmentof the Principal’s

Performance

The GC meetswith the Principalfor formal annual

performance evaluation and

determine contractstatus

C-0652 Mosaic AcademyProfessional Goals and Development Plan for the 2012-2013

•Identify a minimum of two short term goals to work to achieve over the 2012-2013 School Year

Short Term Goal #1: Guide the teachers in improving instruction to improve student learning.

Strategy: What do I need to accomplish this goal?1.Attend training on the new evaluation teacher evaluation pilot presentations2.Conduct 4 formal observations and multiple walk-through observations with feedback to staff 3.Create and administer surveys of how students view their learning process.4.Develop a efficient method of recording and communicating observation feedback.

Date Goal Initiated August 2012 Target Date To Achieve

June 2013

June 2013

Dear Participant,The Mosaic Academy Governing Council invites you to participate in the evaluation process of the Principal. We deeply value your feedback and thank you in advance for taking the time to respond.The Principal is evaluated on an annual basis by the Governing Council. A copy of the Principal’s qualifications and responsibilities are attached for your review.A key component of the Principal’s evaluation is the 360 review process. The 360 review process provides an opportunity for a variety of individuals to participate in providing confidential feedback to the Governing Council in regards to the development of the Principal’s annual evaluation.The Principal is required to select individuals from the following groups:•1-2 Individuals from the Community (excluding employees, parents and students of Mosaic Academy)•1-2 Individuals from the Aztec Municipal School District, one required from the Superintendent•3-4 Parents of Students at Mosaic Academy•All Staff at Mosaic AcademyPlease complete the attached “Principal Evaluation” and return in the enclosed envelope to Sherry Candelaria. If you have no knowledge or are unable to rate the Principal in any of the bulleted criteria in the evaluation, please do not complete that item and leave it blank. In addition, comments are encouraged. Please feel free to make comments with bulleted items or under recommendations at the end of the evaluation. Individual responses will remain confidential and your signature is not required. The Governing Council will meet in an executive session to review and summarize the responses received. Once summarized, the individual responses will be destroyed to ensure confidentiality is maintained. The summary of responses will be considered by Governing Council in development of the annual evaluation and shared with the Principal at the time of annual evaluation.Your feedback is very important! Please ensure your responses are received by _February 20, 2013_.If you have questions regarding any of the above, please feel free to contact us at the numbers below:Jennifer Hurst, President (505) 716-8372Thank you again for your time and willingness to participate! An addressed stamped envelope is included for your convenience.Mosaic Academy Governing Council

Principal’s Evaluation

2012-2013

Staff Version

Please attach additional pages with comments as needed

1. Provides and maintains suitable facilities for the educational program

o Exceeds criteria o Meets criteria o Needs to improve o Does not meet criteria

Comments:

2. Follows all policies as approved by the Governing Council

o Exceeds criteria o Meets criteria o Needs to improve o Does not meet criteria

Comments:

3. Ensures compliance with all relevant local, state and federal statues and regulations

o Exceeds criteria o Meets criteria o Needs to improve o Does not meet criteria

Comments:

Strengths1.Loving environment2.Multi-age3. Engagement of all learners BY ALL4.Small School 5.Deep connections/facilitates communityOwnership1.Ultimately Teamwork/collaboration

Weaknesses1.Staff Relations2.Consistent Expectations and Enforcement for Safety/behavior3.Bullying - define4.Parent expectations/unrealistic5.Daily Organization/Routine

Opportunities1.Continual improvement 2.Community support3.Marketing4.Curriculum C.C.S.S

Threats/Barrier1.Facility Perception – Resources Activities safety Storage1.External Expectations2.Public perception of who we serve!3.Competition among staff4.Counseling

Based on these findings, it is my intent to • Establish 2 to 3 goals to address weaknesses•Go back to the staff to determine why these weaknesses occur•With staff CONCENSUS develop a plan for addressing goals•With the staff establish measurements for how we would know if the goals were being met and a timeline for monitoring it•Establish a timeline for coming back to the goals with the data to determine if revisions are needed for the goals. Where in this may take some staff time, it appears necessary to do this Plan, Do, Study, Act approach and other methods have not been successful. The following are the exact comments as turned in by the staff.