Rock University High School Governing Board Minutes May 28, 2024

Board members present: 

• Gail Graham
•  Karen Schmitt
• Steve Mathesius
• Nicole Pfundheller
• Jane Thompson (non-voting)

Invitee present: 

• Kim Sullivan

Staff present:

• Kolleen Onsrud
•  Angela Kerr
•  Patty Hernández

Students present:

• Ivory Christianson

President Gail opened the meeting on Zoom at 12:16 pm welcoming Kim Sullivan to the board. 

Each member present at the meeting gave a brief self-introduction for Kim.  Kim is joining the board and is currently the Medical Imaging Director at SSM.

• Agenda. Motion to approve the agenda by Karen, seconded by Steve.  Motion carried.
• Minutes. Motion to approve RUHSGB minutes by Steve from 4/23/24 and notes from 2/27/24.  Seconded by Karen. Motion carried.
• Governance. Motion by Karen to approve Kim Sullivan as RUHS Governing Board member. Seconded by Steve. Motion carried.  Steve shared updates to the Charter Contract. He is recommending that it be reviewed by the District and then brought back to the RUHSGB for adoption.  
• Students’ Report. Ivory reported that approximately 50-60 students attended Prom and all had a very successful evening. SLC stayed within budget for Prom. Graduation is June 8th at 10:00 am.  In addition, SLC completed the Portrait of an Educator and it has been adopted by the students and staff.
• Unfinished Business.  Bank account – Sarah at WRCCS will be in touch with the RUHSGB when their staff has onboarded the legal counsel who will be working with WRCCS and charter schools.  RUHSGB requested to meet and discuss options for a bank account and other potential options.
• Dean’s Report. Currently, there are 85 confirmed and registered students for the 2024-25 school year with 12 applications in progress.  It is projected that RUHS will have approximately 100 students next year. Angie’s last day is June 8. 
• Principal’s Report. The current RUHS budget has enough money for graduation and for some curriculum development hours for staff this summer.  Several students have applied for Youth Apprenticeships. Approximately 3 students have applied and have accepted jobs. An additional number have applied for or are applying for apprenticeships in their specific career pathway.  Students have applied at Cullen, Blaine’s, including other areas such as dental hygienist, IT, and SSM. If these locations are not able to accept them as interns, RUHS needs additional locations for placements.  Nine students have yet to find placements.  Kolleen’s last day is June 13.
• New Business.   Graduation is June 8 at 10:00 am at BTC.  All are welcome to attend.
• Next Meetings.  Gail will work with Patty and Steve to set a meeting to approve/adopt the RUHS Contract. In addition, the annual meeting will be set at a time to be determined.

Adjourned.  Motion to adjourn meeting by Steve. The meeting ended at 1:00 pm.

 

RUHSGB Minutes April 23, 2024

Board Members Present:

• Gail Graham
• Steve Mathesius (arrived 12:20)
• Karen Schmitt
• Jane Thompson-Non voting

Board Member Absent:

• Nicole Pfundheller

Student Rep:

• Ivory Christianson

Staff Present:

• Angela Kerr
•  Kolleen Onsrud

President Gail Graham welcomed everyone to the meeting at 12:16pm. At the time, there was no quorum.

Dean Angela Kerr reported that there are 15 new 9th grade students for the 2024-25 school year with another 19 (9th – 12th grade) students in the enrollment process for next year. Angie is currently working with 11th and 12th graders to ensure that paperwork and requirements are complete in order to successfully enroll into college courses.

Most ACT testing results are in and the is an initial showing that RUHS is on track to exceed their highest scores that were recorded in 2018. More details will come when all tests are reported. In addition, RUHS is in process of completing the Pre-ACT and Forward Testing.

The RUHS Open House on April 18 was lightly attended. Steve represented the board at the open house. Gail Graham thanked Steve for his contributions in working on numerous board agenda items and items for the students and school over the past years. His expertise and commitment to follow through have not gone unnoticed.

Principal Kolleen Onsrud reported that the SDJ school board meeting (4-23-24) will present the appointment of Dr.Patricia Hernández as RUHS Principal. In addition, a job posting is in effect seeking the position of a career and college readiness specialist with a student services background. This position is to fill the vacant position that Dean Angela Kerr will leave. This position will help with transition work advising students in discovering career pathways, internships, and co-ops. The posting closes on Friday, April 26, 2024. Principal Kolleen Onsrud’s last day is June 13, 2024. The new principal will begin on site on June 7, 2024, with the new principal’s contract beginning July 1, 2024.

At 12:20 pm, a quorum was reached. President Gail Graham officially called the RUHSGB meeting to order. There was a recap of the Dean’s and Principal’s reports.

Kolleen presented the question of using José Carrillo’s donated funds for more than student transportation. The SDJ is currently providing transportation for students to/from the campus and will continue to do so in the 2024- 25 school year. There is a need to support disadvantaged youth to purchase required resources that are not covered by other programs for their career pathways and/or for organized field trips by RUHS staff.

Steve Mathesius made a motion to in addition to transportation needs, José Carrillo’s donation may include provision aimed at assisting students with financial need to purchase required resources that are not covered by other programs for their career pathways and/or for organized field trips by RUHS staff. Motion seconded by Karen. Motion carried.

RUHSGB Bank Account. Steve has been working on preparing the RUHSGB to become a 501(c)3 and to open a bank account in order to accept donations and other monetary awards. Currently, the board is working with WRCCS and plan to meet with the WRCCS lawyer in May to begin the process.

Fundraising. There are no current fundraising plans.
Surveys. There are no surveys planned at this time. The board asked Ivory Christianson to attend the annual meeting with additional classmates. The students will be asked to participate in the annual meeting by sharing their voice.

Charter Contract: Kolleen reported that the contract is currently with the SDJ attorney who is working to make the RUHS Charter Contract and the Arise Charter Contract consistent. Once his review is complete, it will come back to the board for either updates or approval and then be presented at the SDJ Board in the consent agenda. Kolleen will check on the timeline and get information back to the board.

Parent Initiatives. There are none at this time.
Graduation. RUHS Graduation is June 8, 2024 at 10:00 am at the BTC Conference Center. There are 21 graduates.

Two have achieved an Associate’s Degree with an addition four or five who will be completing their associate’s degrees after graduation. RUHS has the first student to petition for the Medical/Surgical Tech Program.

Student Comments. Ivory reported that Prom is underway and purchases are complete. Also, the students have completed the Portrait of an Educator.

Steve made a motion to adjourn. Karen seconded the motion. Motion carried. 

Final announcements. 

Next meet RUHSGB meeting is May 28, 2024 12:15 – 1:00 pm 

President Gail Graham aske Jane to send RUHSGB application to board candidate.

Annual Meeting date to be announced (within the last two weeks of August).

Governing Board Meeting Minutes

No Quorum
 

 

 

Governing Board Meeting Minutes

February 27, 2024
 

Board members:

• Gail Graham
• Karen Schmitt
• Steve Mathesius
• Jane Thompson (non-voting)

Invitee:

• Nicole Pfundheller

Staff:

• Kolleen Onsrud
• Angela Kerr
• Stacy Myszewski

Students:

• Ivory Christianson
• Jayden Rodriguez

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 876 6419 9584
Passcode: jGt8ZR

1. Welcome / Roll call Meeting was called to order at 12:20 pm.
2.  Approve Agenda
   • Karen made a motion to approve the agenda, Steve seconded the motion and the motion carried.
3. III. Governance
   • a. New board member Steve made a motion to install Nicole Pfundheller as board member. Karen seconded the motion and the motion carried. Jane will follow up with Erin Jensen who may have recommendations and/or candidates for the board.
4. IV. Principal / Dean Reports 
   • Dean’s report: Angie reported that there are 15 currently enrolled incoming freshmen. RUHS is able to enroll up to 36 total. Students may still enroll. Annabelle Hundt has been recognized by the YWCA as this year’s Young Woman of Distinction. The program honoring women of distinction is May 8 at the Celt House. On March 12, juniors will be taking the ACT. The board had received the course selection handbook. Karen made a motion to approve the course selection handbook for the 2024-25 school year. Steve seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Principal’s report: 

Kolleen informed the board that RUHS will need funds to send staff to AVID training this summer. The district will cover two or three staff members only. The goal is to have all staff members attend the AVID training. RUHSGB fundraising may be an opportunity to provide funds in support of this training.

Governing Board Meeting Minutes December 21, 2023 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm

Board members:

• Gail Graham
• Karen Schmitt
• Steve Mathesius
• Jane Thompson (non-voting)

Staff:

• Kolleen Onsrud
• Angela Kerr

Students:

• Ivory Christianson

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 876 6419 9584
Passcode: jGt8ZR

1. Welcome: President Gail Graham opened the meeting at 12:40 p.m. 
2. Approve Agenda: Steve Mathesius made a motion to approve the agenda, second by Karen Schmitt. Motion carried.
3.  Review Notes from 11/16/23 No actions were taken at the 11/16/23 meeting. No minutes to approve.
4. Principal / Dean Reports: Dean Angela Kerr: There are 25 incoming 9 th graders for 2024-2025 school year. At the end of the enrollment window, January 18, Angie and Kolleen will inform the RUHSGB if a lottery is required. The lottery would then be announced the the applicants and their parent/guardian. At least one member of the RUHSGB will participate in the lottery process. Dr. Kolleen Onsrud, Principal: The contract between SDJ and BTC has been successfully finalized, and it is in the form of a multiyear MOU. The SDJ Chief Financial Officer has signed the MOU and returned it to BTC for processing. SDJ will continue to cover the tuition for credits beyond the 18-credit limit, as specified in the MOU. Dr. Kolleen Onsrud’s retirement was approved by the SDJ. The principal position will be posted after holiday break in January 2024. SDJ will be responsible for managing the selection process, ensuring the inclusion of two or three staff members and a board member/student in the process. If a current staff member is selected for the principal position, the subsequent step will be to post the position for RUHS. Note: CRA/PAR / AVA are limited to 18 credits of college courses, but RUHS students may acquire credits beyond this limit.
5.  Unfinished Business a. Fundraising--- RUHSGB will open a bank account by February 20204. Steve and Jane will work to open the account to support RUHS students and staff. Karen made a motion for the RUHSGB to set up a bank account to support RUHS with a second by Steve. Motion carried. With a bank account, there will be easier access to funds and the RUHSGB will be able to solicit donations.The recent Culver's fundraiser brought in approx.: $849.00. The recent Mac’s Pizza Shack brought in approx.: $350 + $100 tips
6.  New Business 
   • Parent Initiative(s): Steve noted that the structure has experienced a decline in parent participation and suggested exploring a new approach to rekindle parental involvement. Gail proposed the idea of organizing a pizza party where students could showcase their talents. Kolleen suggested conducting a survey among parents to gauge their interests and preferences. Angie shared her experience with virtual events, highlighting that they tend to attract more participants compared to in person events. Steve mentioned that plans for the upcoming prom are underway, with the intention to schedule it for the spring. He emphasized the importance of parental involvement in planning and executing a successful event. The group decided to conduct a survey to understand preferences and invite parents to participate in planning prom and other upcoming activities. Additionally, the idea of a virtual event was deemed worth exploring
   • Governance update The meeting officially acknowledged the current composition of the board, which consists of three members. The members present were: Gail Graham, President; Steve Mathesius, Parent Rep; Dr. Karen Schmitt, Member. 
   • A special recognition was made during the meeting to honor José Carrillo’s invaluable contributions to the visioning teams of Janesville Academy for International Studies and Rock University High School. José played a pivotal role in inspiring the vision for RUHS, advocating for student involvement in mentorships, internships, college credits, and fostering deeper learning experiences. His dedication and commitment to these initiatives were instrumental in shaping the direction of Rock University High School. It is noted that José’, encouraged and pushed for the expansion of Janesville Academy for International Studies to evolve into a full-day high school as Rock University High School. His foresight and passion for seeing students engage in meaningful educational experiences were evident in his advocacy for the expansion. The RUHSGB will gift a plaque in honor of Mr. Carrillo to RUHS. Tom Heiss at Parker has offered to assist in preparing the plaque in order to create a fitting tribute to Jose´s memory. Tom Heiss and José worked together at the after-school robotics club at Parker. A heartfelt appreciation was expressed for Tom Heiss’s willingness to contribute to this meaningful gesture to honor José.
   • RUHS Charter Contract - Kolleen mentioned that historically, the contract outlined a teacher-led school with the principal serving as a liaison. After discussions with Angie and the SDJ, RUHS has successfully secured a full-time principal. It was emphasized that, despite the shift to a full-time principal, the contract retains language affirming the democratic and collaborative approach to decision-making, involving staff, board members and principal. Following the update on the leadership structure, Steve proposed a motion to approve the contract with the outlined changes. Karen seconded the motion. Motion carried. The RUHSGB discussed implementing the changes outlined in the contract and that communication with relevant stakeholders, including staff, board members and the newly appointed full-time principal would be crucial for a smooth transition.
7. Student Comments - Jensen wanted information for new board members.. Not just board/parent in lack of service but the council is lacking interest in funding. SLC is talking about college for kids. Feb. 14.. we’d have CPR certified people and the parents could pay to watch the children to fundraise. Starting the prom thing and starting a Portrait of an Educator. 
8.  Next meeting: A time and date will be determined via email with board members. Possibly, Tuesday, January 23 from 12:15 – 1:00 pm. Gail noted that AIM class for summer will be on campus at BTC and will give the kids an OSHA 30 Certification. The Accelerated Industrial Maintenance Program will be 36 hours for 4 weeks. Angie and Kolleen will bring information to the board in January regarding volunteer needs at RUHS. Next meeting January 23 @ 12:15 – 1:00 pm
9. Adjourn: Steve made a motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:20pm with a second by Gail. Motion carried.

Governing Board Meeting Minutes October 18, 2023 

Board Members in Attendance:

• Jane Thompson (Non Voting)
• Gail Graham 
• Steve Mathesius
• Dr. Karen Schmitt 

Other Staff

• Angie Kerr
• Dr. Kolleen Onsrud 

The meeting was called to order by Gail Graham at 12:30 pm. The agenda items were briefly discussed, but without a quorum, no official business was conducted. The RUHS Governing Board and school staff would like to thank
Chris Comella, Lynn Neitzel, and Dr. John Pruitt, who are stepping down from the governing board, for their contributions and service to Rock University High School staff and community.The meeting was adjourned by 1:15 pm. The next meeting is November 15, 2023.

Governing Board Meeting Minutes September 20, 2023 

Board Members in Attendance:

• Jane Thompson (Non Voting)
• Gail Graham 
• Steve Mathesius
• Dr. Karen Schmitt 

Other Staff:

• Angie Kerr 

Students:

• Camille Shepherd

The meeting was called to order by Steve Mathesius at 12:30 pm. The agenda items were briefly discussed, but without a quorum, no official business was conducted.The meeting was adjourned by 1:15 pm. The next meeting is October 18, 2023.

 

Governing Board Meeting Minutes August 3, 2023
8:00-11:00 am

Board Members in Attendance:

• Gail Graham 
• Steve Mathesius
• Dr. Karen Schmitt 

Other Staff 

• Kolleen Onsrud
• Angie Kerr 

Non Voting Members 

• Jane Thompson

President called the meeting to order without a quorum.

Board discussed inviting new board members to replace outgoing members.

• Send out governance board application to current members for review and use.
•  Include disclosure form at the next board meeting.
• Set the date & time for 2023 – 2024 governance board meetings.  3rd Wednesday of each month from 12:30 – 1:15 pm.
• Invite AIM students to next governance board meeting.

RUHS Staff offered board members ideas engage in:

•  Be mentors and connect with students.
• Be panel members for AP Seminar and AP research practices / presentations.
•  Help with marketing, recruitment and spreading the word.
• Write a grant for a marketing campaign.

Report from staff:

• Angie and Stacy are working on a document to market RUHS.
•  Kolleen and Angie will put together a list of areas that the board can track over the years:
• Academic success goals
•  Dr. Eric Stoner joined the RUHS staff this year.

Rock University Governing Board Calendar 2023-2024

• Meeting the 3rd Wednesday
• September 2023 – May 2024
• 12:30 – 1:15 pm
• September 20
• October 18
• December 15
• January 13
• February 21
• March 20
• April 17

Board members Present:

• Gail Graham
• Chris Comella
• Dr. Karen Schmitt
• Steve Mathesius 
• Jane Thompson, non-voting member.

Staff Present:

• Kolleen Onsrud
• Angela Kerr

President Gail Graham called the meeting to order at 12:18 pm.

Dean’s report:

Enrollment is currently at 66 confirmed with 36 applications in process. RUHS has 9 open seats for 9 th graders and 9 seats for students entering grades 10, 11, 12.

100% of RUHS juniors took the ACT. In April, the 9 th and 10 th grade students will be taking the
PreACT and Forward Exam.

Conversations with students in grades 9- 11 regarding Pathway selections / Course selections
are underway. Currently, there are 3 students interested in Computer Service and 4 students in
Welding. Students will need to purchase equipment in order to participate in these programs.

Principal’s Report:

Kolleen reported the spending down of the federal grant funds for students in engineering, for classroom spaces, and the last will be spent in the summer on curriculum and courses. With potential growth, Kolleen talked to Superintendent about staffing and requested additional staff. Any additional staff will allow current teachers to have a prep hour and help to add electives.

Three students applied to the youth apprentice program and two have completed their
apprenticeship. The last one is working at Mercy Hospital as a CNA. RUHS is looking forward to
Youth Apprenticeship Job Fair in April.

Fundraising:

Kolleen will prepare a letter by April explaining what will be done with the money raised. In addition to equipment, RUHS needs money to celebrate students and staff. Board members will use the letter to approach businesses for support.

Parent Group:

The Unfundraiser – a letter has been prepared and soon will be ready to send out. Prom- Looking for information on Prom and how parents can participate.

Teacher appreciation: At next month’s meeting, the board will confirm plans for teacher
appreciation work.

Next meeting: April 19, 2023 12:15 pm
No actions were taken at this meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.

Governing Board Meeting Minutes February 15, 2023 12:15 – 1:00 PM

Board Members in Attendance:

• Gail Graham 
• José Carrillo 
• Lynn Neitzel 
• Chris Comella 
• John Pruitt 
• Dr. Karen Schmitt 

Other Staff

Jane Thompson 
Angie Kerr 

Dean’s report:
Enrollment is currently at 66 confirmed with 36 applications in process. RUHS
has 9 open seats for 9 th graders and 9 seats for students entering grades 10, 11, 12.
100% of RUHS juniors took the ACT. In April, the 9 th and 10 th grade students will be taking the
PreACT and Forward Exam.

Conversations with students in grades 9- 11 regarding Pathway selections / Course selections
are underway. Currently, there are 3 students interested in Computer Service and 4 students in
Welding. Students will need to purchase equipment in order to participate in these programs.

Principal’s Report:
Kolleen reported the spending down of the federal grant funds for students
in engineering, for classroom spaces, and the last will be spent in the summer on curriculum
and courses. With potential growth, Kolleen talked to Superintendent about staffing and requested additional staff. Any additional staff will allow current teachers to have a prep hour
and help to add electives.

Three students applied to the youth apprentice program and two have completed their
apprenticeship. The last one is working at Mercy Hospital as a CNA. RUHS is looking forward to
Youth Apprenticeship Job Fair in April.

Fundraising:
Kolleen will prepare a letter by April explaining what will be done with the money raised. In addition to equipment, RUHS needs money to celebrate students and staff. Board
members will use the letter to approach businesses for support.
 

 Parent Group:
The Unfundraiser – a letter has been prepared and soon will be ready to send out. Prom- Looking for information on Prom and how parents can participate.Teacher appreciation: At next month’s meeting, the board will confirm plans for teacher
appreciation work.

Next meeting: April 19, 2023 12:15 pm
No actions were taken at this meeting.
Meeting adjourned at 1:00 pm.

Governing Board Meeting Minutes

December 21, 2022, 
12:15 – 1:00 PM

Board Members in Attendance:

Gail Graham 
José Carrillo 
Lynn Neitzel 
Chris Comella 
John Pruitt 
Dr. Karen Schmitt 
Steve Mathes
Other Staff:
Jane Thompson 
Angie Kerr 

Meeting URL:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89600690852?pwd=M013ZHBnWStSZzl3N1lXdEhUbFE0QT09
Meeting ID: 896 0069 0852
Passcode: 629017

Meeting ID: 896 0069 0852
Passcode: 629017

I. Call to order / Welcome / Roll Call

The RUHS Governing Board meeting was called to order by Steve Mathesius. A quorum was not
present, therefore the meeting was adjourned with no actions taken.

Board members present:

• Gail Graham
•  José Carrillo
• Lynn Neitzel
• Chris Comella
• John Pruitt
• Dr. Karen Schmitt
• Steve Mathesius

Staff:

• Kolleen Onsrud
• Angela Kerr 
• Jane Thompson

Meeting URL:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89600690852?pwd=M013ZHBnWStSZzl3N1lXdEhUbFE0QT09
Meeting ID: 896 0069 0852
Passcode: 629017

• I. Call to order / Welcome / Roll Call
• II. Approve Agenda
  • Call to move 1st Chris 2nd Jose
  • Approve (y/n)
  • Yes
  • Approval of minutes from last meeting – September 21, 2022
  • Call to move 1st Chris 2nd Karen
  • Approve (y/n)
  • Yes
• III. Reports
  • a. Governance
  • The updated lottery process was received by the board. Jane asked Angie to weigh in on her
  • thoughts on how it reads, etc. Angie agreed that it will work and the wording is good.
  • Call to move 1st Jose 2nd Chris
  • Approve (y/n)
  • yes
• IV. Principal / Dean Reports
• Kolleen:
  • The budget for the grant was just received and approved. The carry over is not yet approved.
  • $90,173 in the grant is available this year for the final year. With carry-over it will be about
  • $113,000. Using the money to do curriculum development in Engineering and Computer
  • Science. Money is for teacher training and curriculum work. Kolleen made a list of items that were paid for in the past by grant money that will not happen this last year so may need to rely on fundraising. Have purchased picnic tables and other signs. Plan to purchase some lockers and cubicles for students (student request).
  • Around $10,000 to start with - $4, 876 le in local budget.
  • Doing some additional marketing and campaigns coming up. Would like to have some new testimonials. Would like some board members and parents to do so.
  • Chris asked about a prospective student and parent. Chris has a lead with a coworker and this person will reach out.
  • Kolleen is also thinking of possible marketing mes (i.e. when parents are coming) and looking at doing a 360 degree tour, etc. Will continue to work with BTC who has been very supportive of marketing efforts.
  • Gail had a meeting yesterday about Youth Apprenticeship and several employers really want to get into RUHS so this is a great opportunity for the students. There are currently 3 YA students at RUHS; 2 more students are interested in YA.
• Angie:
  • Conferences happened in the end of October. This year RUHS changed the way they were done to follow the SDJ process with a “drop in” me and the ability for parents/students to see all teachers. Feedback was good; parents suggested still having appointments to help manage the time. The negative side was they only had 14 families send (past was near 100% attendance). At the end of the semester, they will do a scheduled conference with the students and their parents.
  • 12:15 – 1:00 PM
  • Open House is tomorrow night (5:30-7PM). All 3 middle school visits happened and did 8th grade presentations. 19 applications for next year (good for this year). Angie indicated that they have zero apps from Marshall MS. Kolleen will follow up with the Marshall MS counselors.
• V. Unfinished Business
  • a. Board goals
    • Jane – Handbook: Steve is working through the PEFA training. Spoke about the goals of creating a handbook—was sent to the board. Use Kaleidoscope Academy (Appleton) and KTEC (Kenosha) charter schools as a sample. Nic wants to see a sample of this. Jane asked the board to look at this and to note any questions, etc. Jane would suggest that we have a discussion at the December board meeting. Steve sent a question about the public requirement for posting agendas, minutes and any documents shared at the board meetings.
  • b. Fundraising
    • Fundraising: Jane recommended that the board do some fundraising. Jane suggested approaching business and others about donations for specific items. She would suggest that a group get together to talk about this. Karen would like to reach out to the parent group so that a collaborative effort is made when it comes to fundraising and that we are not duplicating efforts. Angie acknowledged that the parent group might be more willing to fundraise for “student experiences'' and that the board could fundraise for specific items and equipment.
    • Gail will set something up before the next meeting in December and talk specifically about fundraising. She asked that any board members that are interested in attending should consider doing so.
• VI. New Business
  • a. Open House
    • Everything is set for Open House – hoping that Board members will be able to stop by.
• VII. Community comments
  • Jane asked the board to make sure that they had received the holiday giving email from Angie.
  • Board members present indicated that they had.
• VIII. Next meeng:
  • December 21st – next meeting
  • Jane sent out a list of goals and items to be added to future agendas. Jane would like any
  • comments or items from the handbook sent to her directly before the next meeng.
• IX. Adjourn
  • Call to move 1st Lynn 2nd John
  • Approve (y/n)
  • Yes

The RUHS Governing Board meeting did not occur. No actions were taken. 

Submitted by, Jane Thompson

Governing Board Meeting – Minutes Draft
September 21, 2022
12:00 – 1:00 PM

Board members attendance

• Gail Graham 
• José Carrillo 
• Lynn Neitzel 
• Chris Comella 
• Dr. Karen Schmitt 
• Steve Mathesius 

Other staff

• Jane Thompson 
• Kolleen Onsrud 
• Angie Kerr 

Meeting URL

I. Call to order / Welcome / Roll Call Notes:

• Angie indicated that it would be better to begin at 12:15; Jane will update the calendar invites for future meetings. 
• Angie indicated that it would be better to begin at 12:15; Jane will update the calendar invites for future meetings.

II. Approve Agenda

• Call to motion (1st) Chris
• 2nd Steve
• Approve (y/n) yes

III. Reports

• a. Governance
• b. Finance

Notes: Jane and Gail will move these agenda items to the October meeting.

IV. Principal / Dean Reports

Enrollment: Just had 3rd Friday count
• 91 students total (92 with PT student)

Notes: Angie has had several reach outs from other students to apply. In October, applications will turn back on and RUHS will start taking applications for next year. Possible to take current HS students after review and see if they can transition at semester.

Three middle schools are scheduled this fall for a presentation on the RUHS option for next year.

October Happenings:

• Tech exploration days at BTC as well as Manufacturing Day. Currently working with 9th and 10th graders to select those options to show them the pathways they can choose. There are also new 11th and 12th graders that haven’t had opportunities to attend in the past and this will be afforded to them.
• Next meeting will have STAR test results to share with the board. Results should help inform our school improvement goals.

From Kolleen:

Working on the grant and the carry-over information plus the budget at the moment. $125,000 for this last year of the grant with about $18,000 in carry over. Working on items for RUHS space and considering the development of a “Maker Space”. PLTW Engineering classes have some requests as well. Our local budget is around 8K and has been used to buy supplies for the school. Will share more detailed reports in October.

Gail updated the board with some DWD board monies/grants and reminded RUHS that they have funding related to their related funding for YA (youth apprenticeship). Gail made it clear that we cannot “reimburse” but can help fund for the future. There is also funding for supportive services (i.e. gas cards, course supplies and needs).

Kolleen noted that their YA support personnel is coming to RUHS next week to let students know about YA (Youth Apprenticeship). Gail shared that the AIM program will happen again this coming summer.

Jane asked about the new courses and how they were going. 2 of the new 3 courses have started and the new teacher is working with BTC so that the courses are articulated as well as part of the pathways offered to students. IT Cyber Security will be offered in the spring semester.

V. Unfinished Business

• Board goals

  • Notes: Review of the 21-22 goals happened at the August Meeting
  • Set up goals for this year in categories as Action, Responsible and Timeline

• Actions for this year:

  • September Actions: Surveys for board and staff, handbook review for the board and watching the videos from the WRCCS for acknowledgement of ; select PIFA videos regarding DEI items
  • Visioning Goals for the next several years
  • Sustainable enrollment and what will the future enrollment and entrance requirements be for the future
  • Community Engagement: Following up with the presentations
  • Charitable organizations
  • Fundraising: We will move this item to the next meeting and to make a motion. The board will look over documents before the next meeting.

• Other Discussion:

  • Lynn mentioned that we need to continue to look for a site that we can use to house all our information. Chris commented that the website (forward facing) would be a nice place for transparency. Kolleen commented that the website can be tricky but we can look to a solution.

• Fundraising

  • Chris shared the list of charitable organizations and we should look at this when we move forward with fundraising. Kolleen’s homework is to look at fundraising ideas and what the funding could be used for. Kolleen also mentioned that students are raising money for school events and trips, etc. They are not selling items “within” the school but using community sites to raise money (i.e. Culver’s). 
  • Steve mentioned that the parent group has not met yet. He will have a report in October.

VI. New Business

New year start up:Jane mentioned that the board, as part of the Charter School “rulebook”, needs to approve the school calendar. Kolleen mentioned that the following year calendar will be approved soon (6-12 months before school year start) so we will need to work on this this fall.

Jane asked in general how the start up of the school year is going and if there is anything that is needed. Kolleen would like some guest speakers to come in to talk about pathways that students are starting to explore. The board has talked about mentors and tutors but nothing has been formalized for this. We do have some students that are requesting tutors. Kolleen would love to

have some outside tutors from BTC, UWRC or Beloit college. Lynn mentioned about Academic Coaching at BTC (they have trained academic coaching and a program).

Gail reiterated that it is important to get speakers and industry into the classrooms to talk to the students and invite students into industry. Lynn mentioned that the summer externship program for K-12 teachers is a great option for teachers at RUHS if they are interested in participating.

VII. Community comments

There is no back to school night this year Angie talked about the change in October PT conferences in that they will be open for families and have parents/students drop in to talk to any and all teachers that they want.

First Open House on the calendar for Nov 17th. Steve would like to see students share their experiences, such as the AIM students.

VIII. Future Meetings

IX. Adjourn

• Motion to Adjourn the Meeting
• Call to motion (1st) Lynn
• 2nd Chris
• Approve (y/n) yes

Board members present:

• Gail Graham
• José Carrillo
•  Lynn Neitzel
•  Chris Comella
•  John Pruitt

Invited guests:

• Dr. Karen Schmitt
•  Steve Mathesius

Staff:

• Kolleen Onsrud
•  Angela Kerr

Meeting URL:
Meeting ID: 838 9593 4817
Passcode: 576454

I. Call to order / Welcome & Introductions / Roll Call

Gail Graham, president, called the meeting to order at 8:10am. Each board member and
guest introduced themselves.

II. Approve Agenda

Motion to accept the agenda, 1)Chris, 2)Lynn. Motion carried.

III. Reports

• Governance
• Finance

IV. Principal / Dean Reports

Kolleen updated the board on staffing. Kolleen will be full time at RUHS (50% principal/50% guidance counselor). New staff includes: Terri Adler who will be teaching STEM classes (Achieve Numeracy, Math, ACT Prep). She has an Alternative Education license and was formerly teaching elementary education students how to teach math at UWW.

Mr. Robert Martin has variety of teaching backgrounds including virtual instruction and college level courses. He will teach Project Lead the Way, Cyper Security and Principles of Engineering.

At the end of the 2022-23 school year, the charter school grant will be finished. Currently, grant dollars are being used for professional development for RUHS staff. After the grant, the school district will take care of technology needs at RUHS. At this time, still waiting for the local budget which is typically between $7,000 and $7,500 for the school year.

New courses this year include: Cyber Security, Intro to Engineering, Principles of Engineering, and staff member, Erin Jensen, completed her training to be an HLC teacher and will change the AP Psychology class to a TC Psychology class. Erin Jensen is now certified to teach TC Psychology and TC Sociology.

Enrollment – RUHS is projected to start with 100 students. 20% more than the 2021-2022
school year. RUHS continues to have a high number of open enrollment students (30%).

• 21 freshmen
• 23 sophomores
• 29 juniors
• 27 seniors

RUSH leadership will provide a RUHS school calendar at the September 21, 2022 board meeting.

2022 RUHS Graduates:

13 graduates in total. At least 10 are going on to post-secondary schools. Three – five are continuing at BTC. Three are going into the workforce or taking a gap year. Approximately three are continuing with the company of internship. Bus transportation

V. Unfinished Business

• a. Board goals
• b. Fundraising

VI. New Business

• a. New year start up

VII. Community comments

VIII. Future Meetings

IX. Adjourn

Board members Present:

• Gail Graham
• Jose Carrillo
• Lynn Neitzel
• Chris Comella
• John Pruitt
• Shannon Moloney
• Jane Thompson - non-board memeber.

Meeting URL: https://blackhawk.zoom.us/j/83219438715?pwd
=
WUI1U1JqSFF4dWxNbW1lNFlmWXVwQT09&fro
m= addon
Meeting ID: 832 1943 8715
Passcode: 200934

Welcome Review & motion to adopt the agenda as presented.

• Meeting was started by Gail Graham at
• 12:05PM.
• Motion by: Chris
• 2nd by: John
• Motion: Passed

Secretary’s Report

In absence of the Secretary at the January meeting, Gail Graham took notes for the board.
Board notes are entered into the agenda. No motion necessary.

Dean’s Report / Principal’s Report

Report from Angie: AP Research course will
be presenting projects on April 12th and 19th (4
students in class) - invitation to board members
to join the presentations. Class time is from
10:15-11:45 - Angie will send out confirmation
times. These presentations will be live.
Parents and a few BTC faculty will be invited as
well.

Staffing for next year - look to have over 100
students next year. Kolleen is looking to have
Angie’s position be PT Dean and PT Teaching.
Therefore, we may need to be hiring another
position.

Gail reported that she and Kolleen attended the
“Craftsman with Character” presentation and
learning curriculum at Edgerton Gear. Gail
would like to have a champion in Janesville and
possibly RUHS to start with Manufacturing and
then possibly moving to other career areas.
https://www.craftsmanwithcharacter.org/
http://www.edgertongear.com/craftsman-with-ch
aracter-course.html

Gail’s team is out working on recruiting for
Youth Apprenticeship. AIM (Accelerated
Industrial Maintenance) program happening
this summer at the Milton Campus; there will be
some on campus work in Milton and then job
shadows out at companies. Fully paid with
credit credentials and $13/hr will be paid to
students (looking for 15 students total).
Targeting HS Seniors.

Kolleen noted that Craftsman with Character
and YA would fit into already existing classes.
Shannon would like a presentation to the
parent group about these opportunities and the
funding.

Budget Updates 2021-2022

Kolleen reported on the grant budget - have
spent over $130,000 this year; significant
spending on furniture and items for a new
Maker’s Space. Some of the remaining funds
will be used for PD for staff (looking to spend
down to 10% of original funds). There will be
some money left for summer curriculum money.
New Grant monies start on July 1.

Projected local budget is close to $10K for next
academic year. In addition, wiill have some
common school fund money, some district PD
fund. Kolleen committed that this is a bit higher
than we have had in the past.
Per pupil allotment is equal to what is given to
all SDJ HS students.

Topics / Community Engagement/ Parent Group Fun Run Board Recruitment

Parent Group (monthly meetings): Shannon
reported that there is a bit of a glitch in getting
folks to meetings with all that is going on.
Shannon is going to work with Janie to put
dates out for the rest of the year and give
families time to plan to attend meetings.

The checkin went well and email communication/feedback went well. Looking forward to Open House on April 20th. Parents would like a table at the Open House. Several parents volunteered to prep and be available Parent group would like to sponsor a gift card support for Teacher Appreciation ($10 limit - donate to staff). Also looking at a “Overworked Parents Fundraiser”. Looking to do some things to make things “fun”. Luncheons and food items tend to be tough for families. 

Friday May 20th would be “Adulting Day”,
sponsored by the Parent Group.
Question was brought up about the Bylaws and
that the families would like to have more
information on this. Jane and Kolleen will
attend the next parent group meeting.

Adjoun RUHS Gov. Bd Mtg.

Meeting was adjourned at 12:58PM

• Motion by: Lynn
• 2nd by: Chris
• Motion: Passed

Future topics

Gail brought up and talked about RUHS Board
Member Responsibilities Outline. Asked that
all board members read, sign and send this
document back to the board.

Fun Run fundraiser to have a fun run at BTC
for RUHS. In the process of getting the
logistics taken care of. Committee is working on getting details worked out. Dr. Pierner is 100%
on board with support of using BTC and having
this at the campus. Looking to have the Fun
Run in August. More information coming.
Next meeting is April 19th. WIll do an in person
meeting with a Virtual Option.

• Motion by: Shannon
• 2nd by: Chris
• Motion: Tabled until April meeting