July 13, 2001

Minutes of Commission Meeting of July 11, 2001

Present: Tom Lochner, Tom Dachel, Sr. Catherine Kaiser, Tim Fehrenbach, Fr. Dennis Lynch, Mary Sabo, Mary Tomilinson, Linda Bender, John Peters, Lisa Skibba and Joe Steepleton

Chairperson Tom Lochner called the meeting to order at 7:02 PM in the Assumption Library. The meeting began with a prayer.

In-Service: Brian Ruesch presented a report on the activities of the marketing committee in the area of recruitment. The group acknowledged that the plan developed by Joe Dente provided direction for their work. The intent is to activate the Marketing and Retention Plan approved by the Commission last year. The Commission thanked Mr. Ruesch and his group for taking an active interest in the WRACS system and their willingness to work towards implementing the plan. The commission acknowledged the need to have Parent Ambassadors who actively direct and help with the recruitment effort. The members of the Marketing Committee are: Brian Ruesch, Phil Brown, Pat Raulin, Tim Fehrenbach, Mary Ann Getzin, Gary McCellan and Fr. John Hogan. The suggestion was a need to bring elementary parents on-board this committee.

Minutes of the May Meeting: Correct the spelling of Tom Dachel’s name on page 2. Motion to approve as corrected: Tom Dachel, Seconded by Mary Tomilinson, the Commission Concurred.

Financial Report for May: Commission noted that the system was at a deficit of $160,957.94 at the end of May. One parish was $94,000 behind in its assessment as of June 1 but did make a $30,000 payment on June 30. Motion to accepted the May Report: Tom Dachel, Seconded by Sr. Catherine, the Commission Concurred. The Commission will review and approve the report for June which also the end of the fiscal year. As of July 11 the system is showing a deficit of $83,000 at the end of June. The financial software is being reviewed to insure that all transactions are correctly entered.

Action Items: A proposal was made to create two new positions: Vice President of Advancement and Vice President of Finance. The need for this positions and the job description of the positions were discussed in detail. The proposal included approaching the Assumption Foundation and requesting an additional grant of $150,000 over three years to fund the VP of Advancement Position. The VP of Finance would be funded through the budget. However, if the Foundation should decline the opportunity to fund the development position the commission will need to make a choice as to which position will be filled. Motion to Approve by Fr. Lynch, Seconded by Tom Dachel, the Commission concurred.

Jubilee Committee – Celebration of the 50^th Jubilee Year of Assumption High School will begin with a Mass and Reception on August 15, 2001, Feast of the Assumption. Fr. John Hogan will be main celebrant and homilist. Invitations to special guests (former chaplains, and principals, faculty) will be going out by the 15^th. Pastors will be invited to concelebrate. The Jubilee Committee will be meeting Jul 24^th at 6:30 PM in the Assumption Library. This meeting will firm up plans for Jubilee Mass and Reception and begin to plan for other events such as Homecoming, Catholic Schools Week. Representatives from Student Council will be invited to participate. Those interested with helping should contact Connie Milazzo.

Grade Alignment Committee - Dr Tom Voelker chairs this ad hoc committee of the Commission. Also on the committee: Fred Stich, Lisa Skibba, Sarah Sigler, Diane Moss, John Peters, Tom Reichenbacher, and Paul Klinkhammer. The Committee has meet twice and has reviewed the current uses of the facilities of WRACS. The committee is discussing any recommendations to the long-term plan for the future needs of WRACS. To that end, they have brainstormed a number of options. They suggested taking these options to the next general Home and School Association meeting and getting input from parents on the subject. The commission discussed the need to communicate the positive nature of this approach highlighting the middle school and presenting it as continuing evaluation and improvement.

Principal Reports: The commission discussed the type of information they want and need from the principals in their monthly reports. The Executive Committee will develop a format that they would like the principals to follow.

President’s Report:

6^th Grade Football Program - Discussion ensued on whether the Commission ought to develop a policy on changes in programs. Father Lynch stated he would like to call Mr. Novotney to discuss why he felt the Commission ought to have been involved in program decisions. The Executive Committee will review and recommend any changes in policy if necessary or needed.

Administrative Regulation of Friday Folders – Discussion occurred on the criteria used by the administration to decide what materials could or could not be included in the folders and whether there ought to be policy on the matter. At the end of the discussion it was the consensus of the commission that the administrative regulation is adequate and does not need a policy at this time.

The President reported on the hiring of Ann Higgins as principal of Assumption High School. Paul Klinkhammer will be serving as Director of Instruction. His duties will include managing the NCA Evaluation process and teacher supervision. Mrs. Higgins will be teach one section of English to free Mr. Klinkhammer to carry out his duties.

The commission had an extensive discussion on the proposal from Catholic Schools Management (CSM) to spend $40,000 a year (plus expenses) over each of the next three for consulting services. It was the opinion of those present that many of the recommendations provided in the CSM report were already being implemented. (Recruitment plan, VP of Advancement, VP of Finance, Marketing Committee, etc.) The commission and administration have begun to work on those recommendations. The commission believes that its actions to those recommendations to bring on additional staff, the current parent volunteer efforts and existing staff as well as many of the services offered by CSM are being provided in-house. As a result, the commission has declined to retain CSM for consulting services at this time. Commission members were in unanimous agreement. Tom Lochner will create a draft of a written response to CSM from the commission and will circulate it to members for comment.

New Commission members: Tim Fehrenbach – Our Lady Queen of Heaven Parish (Term expires 2004); Betty Caldwell – St James (Term expires 2004); Lisa Skibba- WRACS Home & School; Bob Birkhauser – Athletic Association. The new representative from Sacred Heart-Nekoosa and the Assumption Foundation liaison are yet to be named. Congratulations to Linda Bender who has been selected as the President of the Assumption Foundation.

Letter of Appreciation will be issued to retiring commission members: Patty Ritchay, George Osenga, and Brenda Kizewski.

Commission asked that the 2% discount for those who pay tuition in full be offered again this school year. They requested two full weeks to make that payment after the receipt of the letter. (We will offer it provided payment is made by Aug 15, 2001)

A discussion ensued on the role and function of WRACS Home and School. There is a need to have building meetings at least once a semester in each school. General Meetings will be four times a year and will have a program of substance.

The Commission adjourned at 9:07 PM with a closing prayer.

Next meeting will be August 21, 2001 at 7 PM in the Assumption Library.

Respectfully,

Joseph Steepleton

President