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PTF Meeting Minutes
March 5, 2007

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In Attendance:

PTF Officers
  Jeanie Hetrick & Byron Sheets  President Team
  Trina Beers Encouragement Team
  Debbie Swanson Volunteer Team
  Jeanne Maloney & Jan Harritt Communication Team
Faculty & Staff
  Deb Childs    Lori Maxwell
  Jeannie Haskett  Sue Justus      
  Steve Magee Judi Magee
GFA Board member
  Brenda Butler Merlin Glanzman
Parents & Students
  Norm Brown        Gary Beers
  Loyd Childs   Ann Ledford
  Lisa Patrick Tom Needham
  JoAnn Behrends Wendy Glanzman
  Rob Comfort Bev & Martin Vance
  Charlie Justus Jerri & Lee Wine
  Becky & Kamiah Stephens  

Jeanie Hetrick welcomed everyone and shared a card she found to send to the Board members.  Byron Sheets opened the meeting with prayer.

Jeanie Hetrick reviewed the minutes from the 2/5/07 PTF meeting and included the following additional comments:

  • The Board has put some of the meeting minute requests on hold until Ken Sheldon’s reinstatement is complete.  The Student Affairs Committee, however, has finalized the Senior Trip policy guidelines which were approved12/18/06.  The class of 2008 will adhere to this new policy.  The PTF has requested that new policies be included in the monthly school newsletter or published on the website.  The board has not responded to this request yet.

  • The Student Affairs Committee has also updated the Academic Probation policy including a sports eligibility statement. 

  • Regarding the issue concerning how parents can be involved with Handbook changes/suggestions in the future – Action:  Jeanie Hetrick will contact Julie Douty about when the Student Affairs Committee plans to reconvene on this and other handbook issues.

  • The Detention Policy has been clarified to read that four detentions will equal one in-house detention. Parents can use their service hours to supervise students that require detention on weekends or after school hours.  Please contact the school office if you can help.

  • A t this year’s Auction, the hamburger and french fry booth will be replaced with a Subway-style booth.

  • T he Mom’s In Touch Prayer Group meets at GFA every Friday from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. in the Elementary Choir Room. If you can't meet with the group, please contact April Sheets, your prayers are desired. The goal for Mom’s in Touch is to have groups of moms praying for GFA at all times.

New Business

  • Judi Magee provided an update concerning the Centennial Campaign.  Many people will be needed to form the campaign committee (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Team Leaders, and Team Members).  There will be several monetary campaigns; i.e., alumni, churches, local businesses and individuals.  A meeting will be held on March 12th with key individuals.  Consultant Maurice Chandler put together a manual to learn how we will go about getting things accomplished.  A banquet dinner will be held in October to formally kick off this campaign.  If anyone is interested in helping with the campaign, please contact Judi Magee via the school office.

  • Merlin Glanzman, Board member and Campaign member, offered the following information as goals to be supported by the campaign:
    • The endowment provides a basis for developing the money for the campaign.
    • It can offer tuition aid for families who want their children to attend GFA and are unable to afford it.
    • It will help to grow GFA.  The $1,000,000 is just a starting point and only the interest is money being spent.  Money coming back in interest goes back to the school for operational costs.
    • Donors who contribute $10,000 or more will have their name attached to the campaign (family names will be acknowledged with the donation made).  Donor names can also remain anonymous.
    • The endowment will also allow increases in teachers' salaries.

  • Sue Justus raised the following question:  “Will the campaign help to lower GFA’s tuition costs?”  Merlin Glanzman stated that he wouldn't expect the tuition to be reduced.  The tuition rates are compared to other Christian schools in the area.

  • Jeanie Hetrick reminded everyone that the details concerning the Centennial Campaign are documented in the GFA Board December meeting minutes.  These minutes can be reviewed by requesting them via the school office. 

  • In light of the Middleton school fire, Lori Maxwell asked if the school facilities have a sprinkler system.  The school does not have a sprinkler system because it was built before this code was in place.  A new city water system is currently being installed in Greenleaf.  Merlin Glanzman suggested that if there are areas that could trap people within the school in the event of a fire, those areas should be identified.  ACTION:  PTF to take these concerns to the Board at their next meeting.

  • Auction Update:  Judi Magee is assisting JoAnn Behrends with the completion of this year’s auction.  Donations are coming in.  Help is needed to pick up donations.  Raffle tickets are being sold and will be for sale at the auction.  Posters were distributed at the PTF meeting in order to get them disbursed throughout the community.

  • Family Work Project Update:  The GFA Board had approved the removal of the carpeting and painting of the cement on the lower level floor.  These plans are on hold as several teachers expressed concerns about the noise associated with hard flooring.  Additional work projects discussed were to work on the repair of the boys and girls restrooms, paint the front door to the daycare facility, and spruce up the front area of the school.  ACTION:  PTF to determine a to-do list and work date for these tasks during Spring Break. 

  • Suggestions were submitted in February and March, but not discussed at this meeting.  They will be addressed at the April PTF meeting.

  • Encouragement Team: Sheila Beeman and Trina Beers need help in supporting their various projects.  Please contact Sheila or Trina if you can help out.

  • Volunteer Team includes one person, Debbie Swanson.  Please contact Debbie if you can help out.

Review of the 2/19/07 GFA Board Meeting Minutes by Jeanie Hetrick:

  • PTF requested that the Board post their meeting agenda’s on the website.
  • The Senior Class is looking at options for their senior class trip this spring.
  • Volunteers on Wheels will be coming in May.
  • Mrs. Morse challenged her students to pray for the school for two weeks.
  • A student was expelled due to misconduct.
  • ISAT’s are done in the spring. The State of Idaho has changed vendors this year and the costs associated will be $8,000.  Looking at petitioning the State to come up with the additional funds ($2,000).
  • The Alumni Newsletter goes out quarterly.  Asking if people would like to be sponsors.  Approximately $22,000 in gift giving money has been received.
  • Salary schedule for teachers:  Proposal made to discuss benefits and pay schedule.
  • PTF requested that the Board/ Superintendent consider if the Junior/Senior Prom banquet AND after party can be held in one location.  Reasons for request: #1 Safety- This would allow kids to go to the banquet and just STAY at the same location instead of having the kids travel again.  #2 Allows the kids and parents saving both time and costs in decorating and/or renting two separate places. 
  • It was reported that Board member Ray McConaughey resigned.

New Business

  • Timeframe concerning Ken Sheldon’s reinstatement.
    • Charlie Justus reported that a meeting was held with Stan Morse, Dave Davenport, Ken Sheldon and Charlie Justus on 3/4/07.  Discussed issues between Ken and the Board.  Charlie provided samples of performance reviews to the Board and Ken.
    • Jeanie Hetrick stated that the Board made a decision to offer Ken’s position back.  Ken has not decided to accept the offer at this time.

  • Jeanie contacted the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) to look into resources for Ken and his staff.  Information can be obtained from this organization to assist on mediation issues and help us get beyond our situation here at GFA.  Jeanie encouraged the Board and PTF meeting attendees to look at the ACSI website (www.acsi.org) and print information that would be beneficial to GFA.  Contact Jeanie Hetrick if you can download information.

  • Loyd Childs made the following motion:
    • Preface:  The PTF does not hold any vote or hold any authority, however, 75% of the budget comes from this body on the financial pie.  I am not seeking to be vindictive in making this motion.  I have little invested in this operation.  I know how boards should be functioning – I have read over 20 books on this subject.  This motion will have to be seconded to go anywhere.
    • Motion:  We, the PTF, ask for the immediate resignation of the Board members who have served on this board for 6 years and over successively.  This should also include those Board members with a conflict of interest, namely relatives on the Board, or spouse, staff or faculty member. 


  • Jeanie Hetrick stated that there are currently 21 board positions and of those, 13 will be filled this year.  At a meeting held on 7/17/06, Julie Douty provided the PTF with the following information.  The following seven board member’s terms will end on 6/30/07:
    • Dave Davenport (on 2nd term, 6 years served)
    • John Runkle (board appointed position)
    • Julie Douty (GFA Church*, 2 years)
    • Glenn Koch (GFA Church*, ½ year)
    • Bev McGillivary (Boise Friends Church, 10 years)
    • Stan Morse (19 years)
    • Melba Friends Church* (Vacant)
                        *Church can locate new nominees
  • Parents can attend and participate with the Nominating Committee.

  • Merlin Glanzman read the following letter from Glenn Koch (Board member):
March 5, 2007

To the Greenleaf Friends Academy Parent- Teacher Fellowship:

          Over the years I have spent a considerable amount of time serving on boards.  A common purpose among most of these boards has had to do with affecting the lives of our children for the better.  I have served on the following boards:

  • Nampa Christian School – 6 years
  • Greenleaf Friends Academy – 11 years
  • George Fox University – 9 years
  • Canyon County Board of Commissioners – 8 years
  • Caldwell Head Start Board – 9 years
  • Quaker Hill Conference Board – 54 years.  (I estimate that I have attended over 600 Q.H. Board meetings.)

My mention of these boards is not to boast but to attempt to make a point.  As it is with life, there is an ebb and flow with boards.  Boards are required to make tough decisions, that’s why they exist.

I am the newest member of the present GFA Board.  There are several observations that I could make but I will limit these.  Never have I served on a board more committed to doing the right thing or more committed to details.  Each board member (I am the exception) works at a full time job and yet they give so willingly and sacrificially of hours and hours of their precious time and also their money!

This board shares your concerns.  Let us pull together to make our school the very best school possible.  The GFA Board appreciates your commitments and all that you do to benefit the school.

Glenn Koch

Comments:

  • Lori Maxwell:  Decisions may have not been made in our best interests.  I think it’s time for a change.
  • Merlin Glanzman:  In the history of the school, we have not renewed only two superintendent’s contracts.
  • Gary Beers:  Was there a PTF last year?  We need to be responsible as parents.  If the Board does not make changes, then we could raise a flag.
  • Brenda Butler:  I hear from a number of people on the Board’s direction.  This has been a high priority in our lives.  I have seen people bend, people who are very set.  Norm said there needs to be forgiveness.
  • Judi Magee:  This is a good opportunity to have our voices heard.
  • Merlin Glanzman:  The Board is coming around to term limits.  I think this Board is willing to make changes. 
  • Loyd Childs:  If I were Ken Sheldon, I would not come back.  Right now there needs to be some changes and they need to be documented.
  • Ann Ledford:  I am thankful for the Board’s decision to reinstate Ken.
  • Byron Sheets:  I am apprehensive about taking a stand.  My real dilemma is talking to several different parents.  If Ken Sheldon was really meant to be here – Trust?  Has the Board been asked to change the By-Laws?  People have asked for changes before now.  It has been ignored.  Can we trust you?  We want to see that changes are made.  I want to move with the times.  As Christians, we should be looking with an open mind.  What can we do?  We are looking to you as holy leaders to guide us in these areas.
  • Loyd Childs:  It concerns me that the Chairman is not here at this meeting.  This is a group issue.
  • Jeanie Hetrick:  The Board has done things so different in the past 6 months.  I feel very good that people have heard and listened.  I know we are making changes.  We need to pray for Ken Sheldon.  Is it moving us in the right direction?
  • Merlin Glanzman:  Looking at sample By-Laws of ACSI.  Board meetings are committee reports and proposals.  Maybe committee structure needs your input.
  • Jeanie Hetrick:  We have been asking about this same subject.  Part of the issue is through the administrator.  There’s no clear definition of what is the role of the administrator and role of the Board.  People need to clearly understand.
  • Merlin Glanzman:  This is covered in the Handbook and By-Laws.
  • Charlie Justus:  Nothing is defined.  There should be good communication between Ken Sheldon and the Board – measurable goals.
  • Brenda Butler:  Job description was put together.
  • Loyd Childs:  After reading the By-Laws, this Board is set up to operate.  Let the administrator administrate.  When Ken Sheldon was first hired, he invited the Board to hear his plans for future direction.  Only four board members showed up.  Board Retreat should be set up for policies in operations.
  • Merlin Glanzman:  May have some inefficiencies in the staff.  If Ken wants to hire an hourly employee, he may do so.  If he wants to hire a salaried employee, he needs approval from the Board.
  • Jeannie Haskett:  What kind of resume did Ken Sheldon have when he was considered for hire?  What is the problem?
  • Merlin Glanzman:  Communication.
  • Lori Maxwell:  I recognize the need to be more involved as a result of this issue.  I hope more people will recognize this.  Pray and ask for God’s guidance.
  • JoAnn Behrends:  I suggest we table the motion posed by Loyd Childs.
  • Byron Sheets:  I echo JoAnn’s suggestion – and do appreciate the Board’s efforts.

The next PTF meeting will be on Monday, April 2, 2007 at 7:00 PM in the school dining hall.