Minutes of Palm Beach Maritime Museum, Inc. d/b/a Palm Beach Maritime Academy - School IDs #2801 & #3924 Location: 600 S. East Coast Avenue, Lantana, FL 33462 Notice of the Meeting was posted on PBMA’s website for 3 rd Monday of the Month Monday, February 15, 2016, 4:30 PM EST Present were Board members Andy Binns (AB), Scott Shelley (SS), and Judy Lehman (JL) via telephone. With 3/4 members in attendance, a quorum was present. Also present were Marie Turchiaro, Daniel Rishavy, Chris Skierski, Jeff Royce, Diana McTeague, Monica Marcello, Natalie Campillo, Cynthia Wilmot, Jody Fischer, Kristi Dvorak, Danae Weaver, Cindy Stromeyer, Stacy McDonald, Mary Newball, Shari Cooper, Melanie Haspil, Rachel Mishica, Isa Garcia, Reno Boffice, Nancy Swenson, Deborah Ward, Paul DeDomenico, Pat Tierney, Parent Liaison and Gina Faya, Board Minutes Agenda Item 1: Call Meeting to Order Meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM. Agenda Item 2: Review Draft Agenda and Adopt Final Agenda Resolved, to approve the Agenda o Motioned to Approve: JL o Seconded: SS o All Board members in agreement o Motion Carried 3/3 Agenda Item 3: Approval of Board Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2015 Resolved, to approve the board minutes of the 12/16/2015 board meeting. o Motioned to Approve: JL o Seconded: SS o All Board members in agreement o Motion Carried 3/3 Agenda Item 4: Additional Sick Days Requested – S. Cooper, Teacher Group o Andy Binns recognized that teachers are requesting additional sick days. A discussion ensued comparing the number of PBMA sick days to the number of District paid sick days. Palm Beach Maritime Academy A division of Palm Beach Maritime Museum, Inc. Email: [email protected]Palm Beach Maritime Academy – Elementary Campus 1518 W. Lantana Rd., Lantana, FL 33462 (561-547-3775 Fax: 561-540-5177 Palm Beach Maritime Academy – Middle & High School Campus 600 S. East Coast Avenue, Lantana, FL 33462 (561)-578-5700 Fax: 561-337-3400
Transcript
Minutes of Palm Beach Maritime Museum, Inc. d/b/a Palm Beach Maritime Academy - School IDs #2801 & #3924
Location: 600 S. East Coast Avenue, Lantana, FL 33462
Notice of the Meeting was posted on PBMA’s website for 3rd Monday of the Month
Monday, February 15, 2016, 4:30 PM EST
Present were Board members Andy Binns (AB), Scott Shelley (SS), and Judy Lehman (JL) via telephone. With
3/4 members in attendance, a quorum was present.
Also present were Marie Turchiaro, Daniel Rishavy, Chris Skierski, Jeff Royce, Diana McTeague, Monica
Stacy McDonald, Mary Newball, Shari Cooper, Melanie Haspil, Rachel Mishica, Isa Garcia, Reno Boffice,
Nancy Swenson, Deborah Ward, Paul DeDomenico, Pat Tierney, Parent Liaison and Gina Faya, Board
Minutes
Agenda Item 1: Call Meeting to Order Meeting was called to order at 5:15 PM. Agenda Item 2: Review Draft Agenda and Adopt Final Agenda
Resolved, to approve the Agenda o Motioned to Approve: JL
o Seconded: SS
o All Board members in agreement
o Motion Carried 3/3
Agenda Item 3: Approval of Board Meeting Minutes of December 16, 2015
Resolved, to approve the board minutes of the 12/16/2015 board meeting. o Motioned to Approve: JL
o Seconded: SS
o All Board members in agreement
o Motion Carried 3/3
Agenda Item 4: Additional Sick Days Requested – S. Cooper, Teacher Group o Andy Binns recognized that teachers are requesting additional sick days. A discussion
ensued comparing the number of PBMA sick days to the number of District paid sick days.
Palm Beach Maritime Academy A division of Palm Beach Maritime Museum, Inc. Email: [email protected] Palm Beach Maritime Academy – Elementary Campus 1518 W. Lantana Rd., Lantana, FL 33462 (561-547-3775 Fax: 561-540-5177
Palm Beach Maritime Academy – Middle & High School Campus 600 S. East Coast Avenue, Lantana, FL 33462 (561)-578-5700 Fax: 561-337-3400
Board Meeting Minutes – February 15, 2016
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He understands that PBMA teachers want the number of sick days to be equitable with the District’s or at least have PBMA provide more than it currently does at this time.
o Ms. Shari Cooper, Kindergarten Teacher and Team Leader, addressed the Board on behalf of other teachers. Ms. Cooper stated that teachers want additional sick days. She went on to describe the reasons why teachers would need additional sick days.
o Ms. Cooper eloquently stated that in order for PBMA to stay competitive during this teacher shortage crisis, it’s important to match District’s salary and the number of days provided by the District. PBMA teachers recognize the hardship imposed on the employer with this request, so teachers are only requesting three (3) additional sick days for the next budget year. Ms. Cooper went on to express the gratitude that PBMA teachers feel in the professional way in which they are treated.
o Andy Binns stated that Marie Turchiaro brought this up to the Board last year. But due to numerous other problems the Board was trying to resolve, the request for extra sick days was put in the backburner. Mr. Binns rationalized that the cost of extra sick days is directly connected to cost of hiring a Substitute Teacher. . Because if a teacher is not at school for the day, a Substitute needs to get paid and the PBMA has to pay payroll taxes at the rate of 7.65% - about $100.00 per day. The benefit of additional sick days would need to be extended to the entire staff, not only to teachers.
o Dan discussed the budget implications of the additional 3-days requested, which affects Function 5100 of the budget. An additional discussion ensued in regard to various calculations. At the end, it was decided that additional sick days would be made a top priority as next year’s budget is developed.
o Scott Shelley agrees making the item a top priority in the budget discussion, but cautioned against promising something that may not be possible from a funding standpoint. Mr. Shelley also discussed the concept of contributing 2% toward a retirement plan to all teachers regardless of whether or not the teacher currently contributes to PBMA’s 403b.
o Andy Binns invited a teacher representative to the April board meeting, which is when the budget for next year will be discussed. Mr. Binns explained to the teachers the legislative appropriations process. Mr. Binns stated that the amount of money per student will go up next year. However, the amount of the increase is equivalent to the amount from 2005. Andy Binns also covered certain basic finance concepts with the teachers.
o Ms. Turchiaro touched on the connection between student enrollment and good customer service. She highlighted the importance of returning parent phone calls in a timely manner.
o Ms. Turchiaro reported that the District’s reading program is not working for PBMA. o In closing, Ms. Turchiaro stated that this Governing Board is the most “human” and “teacher
proactive” board that she has worked with in all her years as a school administrator.
Agenda Item 5: Principal’s Report – Marie Turchiaro Accreditation Reports from AdvancED – Marie Turchiaro
o Marie Turchiaro discussed the K-8 evaluation report from AdvancED. She reviewed some of the sections and explained the results. Ms. Turchiaro reported that final accreditation shall be forthcoming as early as March 2016.
o Mr. Binns reported the AdvancED’s team left PBMA with an extremely positive impression of the school. They recommended PBMA for accreditation.
School Grades - Marie Turchiaro
o Ms. Turchiaro reported that school grades came out.
Board Meeting Minutes – February 15, 2016
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o The K-8 earned a “C”; Grades 9-11 earned a “B”
Former Teacher Lawsuit – Andy, Marie o USLI’s attorney representing PBMA in this matter made a proposal for settlement. o Andy Binns and Dan Rishavy both expressed concerns over certain inconsistencies and
missing language within the teachers’ contract. o It was agreed that procedural changes will be discussed at the April Board. o The settlement offer for Teacher needs to be approved by the Board.
Resolved, to approve USLI’s settlement offer in former teacher lawsuit. o Motioned to Approve: JL o Seconded: AB o Two (2) Board members in agreement o Motion Carried 2/1
Diagnostics – Scores, Issues, and Solutions this Year and Looking Ahead
o Marie Turchiaro reported that Diagnostics for next year were run on Performance Matters. She indicated that the Diagnostics might not be entirely accurate because the ESE teachers and the SAI teacher are averaged in as separate teachers. However, their students are also averaged in to the classroom teacher. According to Ms. Turchiaro, it appears those students were double counted. A voice message was left by Ms. Turchiaro for District statisticians to discuss this matter. If PBMA scores need to be compared with District scores, then we need to ensure that we are comparing apples to apples.
o Andy Binns highlighted the need to improve Math for 4th and 5th Grades. He stated that Math needs to become a priority at PBMA. Poor performance in Math can lead to problems in teacher recruitment, student enrollment, etc. We dropped to a “C” when many other schools also dropped, but we do not want to drop again. We have limited time. Judy Lehman agreed with Mr. Binns that Math needs to be made a top priority.
o Nancy Swenson stated that part of the problem is that teachers don’t know how to teach Common Core. They seem to be missing the strategies required to teach Common Core.
o Mr. Binns suggested spending Professional Development funds toward teacher training in Math.
o Board member Scott Shelley suggested a potential evening program that offers tutoring for students and parents. Ms. Swenson responded that we already offer student tutoring after school. Mr. Royce suggested doing a parent university workshop to help parents better understand their children’s homework assignments and be able to assist. A discussion ensued among board members, administrators and teachers about different strategies to get parents more involved and trained in math.
o Dan Rishavy stated that the National Teachers Math Association has good support materials for teaching Common Core, suggesting that teachers should look into this.
o Andy Binns stated the focus and approach to improve Math needs to come from school administrators.
Enrollment – Issues and Solutions – Marie, Dan
o Everyone agreed that Lantana 2 needs to have better curb appeal. The football field looks terrible. It’s difficult to market the MS and the HS with a ball field that doesn’t look attractive. Dan will be addressing this issue to the landlord.
Board Meeting Minutes – February 15, 2016
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Agenda Item 6: Attorney Review – Scott, Dan
o Dan reported that a retainer of the contract with the Arnold Law Firm could not be located. If there is a copy in the PBMM North Flagler office, we do not have a copy.
o Dan stated that a list of specifications will need to be developed to seek new general counsel.
o Board members need to have access to the PBMM records that are filed in the North Flagler office. To access those records we should take a more direct action on that property. According to Dan, actions are currently taking place at the State and Bankruptcy level. The attorneys that are involved in those actions believe that we can move forward in taking possession of that property.
o Scott Shelley proposed interviewing competent law firms to take over the representation of PBMM as general counsel. Ms. Turchiaro suggested appointing someone to start vetting out law firms. The Board decided to appoint Dan Rishavy and Marie Turchiaro to vet out firms.
Resolved, that Dan Rishavy and Marie Turchiaro look into alternate law firms and report back to the Board.
o Motioned to Approve: JL o Seconded: SS o All Board members in agreement o Motion Carried 3/0
Agenda Item 7: Financial Bond Update – Dan Rishavy
o Dan reported that financials will be ready by February 20, 2016.
o Dan stated that District is scrutinizing the Actual to Budget more carefully than ever. As a
result, he asked the Board for approval to meet with Andy Binns after he meets with Marie
Turchiaro, to go over budget revisions based upon the second count enrollment and any
other January financial information that needs to be considered.
o Dan proposed a Budget Amendment subject to AB’s review; then coming back at the next
board meeting for full adoption of the budget. This would also help for timely submittal of
the budget amendment to the District. The Board made a resolution:
Resolved, that after the financials are finished Dan is authorized to meet with Andy Binns to review budget revisions based upon the second count enrollment and any other January financial information that needs to be considered, in order to be in compliance.
o Motioned to Approve: JL o Seconded: SS o All Board members in agreement o Motion Carried 3/0
o Dan explained that PBMM still has to file the 990 IRS annual report, for which and extension
had been filed. The report is now almost complete and the auditor will be sending the one-page authorization sheet for electronic filing. Dan asked the Board for permission to have Andy Binns sign the 990.
Resolved, that Andy Binns is authorized to sign the IRS 990 form that PBMM’s auditor will be providing.
Board Meeting Minutes – February 15, 2016
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o Motioned to Approve: JL o Seconded: SS o All Board members in agreement o Motion Carried 3/0
Litigation Update
o Dan provided a quick summary of the bankruptcy litigation proceedings. Apparently case was filed improperly, which resulted in a denial for representation by the Foundation’s attorney. With no representation, the hearing was cancelled.
o PBMM has engaged a law firm at this time to pursue defense on Foundation litigation.
Melissa Gross Arnold informed bondholder counsel that PBMM Board was paying for legal representation. Ms. Gross Arnold also informed bondholders that if an award is granted as a result of the litigation, the award shall go to PBMM’s own benefit.
o Andy Binns discussed Board’s expansion. He invited Board contenders to reach out to him.
Mr. Binns discussed a couple of potential applicants who may be willing to do the community service.
Agenda Item 9: Public Comment No public comments. Agenda Item 10: Adjournment
Resolved, to adjourn Board meeting of the Academy. Meeting was adjourned at 6:55 PM.
o Motioned to Approve: JL
o Seconded: SS
o All Board members in agreement
o Motion Carried 3/3
Palm Beach Maritime Museum Agenda Item 1: Review, modify if applicable, and approve final Agenda Update on Payments to Maritime Business
o Dan Rishavy confirmed that a check for November’s payment was mailed to Anthony Miller on February 4, 2016. The documents did not arrive until mid-January; also, PBMA’s business office was informed on February 12, 2016 by Anthony Miller that the check was never received by Maritime Business.
o Isa Garcia, who handles Accounts Payables for PBMA explained that some of the
reimbursement requests from Maritime Business were incorrectly prepared. This resulted in delays in the preparation of the reimbursements / payment.
o All utilities will be contacted to get bills sent directly to Maritime Business. In the future,
Maritime Business, LLC will receive a flat payment every month. Then, a full reconciliation of
PALM BEACH MARITIME MUSEUM, INC., d/b/a PALM BEACH MARITIME ACADEMY
Lantana 2, 600 S East Coast Avenue, Lantana FL 33462 Monday, February 15, 2016 at 4:30 p.m.
Draft Agenda Palm Beach Maritime Academy
1. Call meeting to order 2. Review Draft Agenda and Adopt Final Agenda 3. Review and Approval of 12-16-15 Minutes 4. Additional Sick Days Requested – S. Cooper, Teacher Group 5. Principal’s Report – Marie Turchiaro
Accreditation Reports from Advanced-Ed - Marie Former Teacher Lawsuit – Andy, Marie Diagnostics – Scores, Issues, and Solutions This Year and Looking Ahead Enrollment - Issues and Solutions – Marie, Dan
6. Attorney Review – Scott, Dan 7. Financial/Bond Update – Dan 8. Public Comment - Public comment will be limited to three minutes per person. The Board will
not respond to public comment during the meeting. If a response is necessary, a response will be provided after the meeting. Speakers and other attendees who are disruptive to the meeting will be removed.
9. Adjournment
Draft Agenda Palm Beach Maritime Museum
1. Review, modify if applicable, and approve final Agenda 2. Currie Park/Peanut Island Update 3. Public Comment - Public comment will be limited to three minutes per person. The Board will
not respond to public comment during the meeting. If a response is necessary, a response will be provided after the meeting. Speakers and other attendees who are disruptive to the meeting will be removed.
4. Adjournment
Palm Beach Maritime Academy A division of Palm Beach Maritime Museum, Inc.
