Ridgewood Education Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting September 19, 2012 Minutes In attendance: Jennie Smith Wilson, Anita Srivastava, Ines Bunza, Roberta Sonenfeld, Gae Brunner, Jim Morgan, Kim Bangash, Kristen Walicki, Silvana Penava, Liz Gordon, Michelle Anderson, Basu Suvajit, Taryn Carroll, Jennifer Martin, Mary Micale, Heather Middleton, Denise DeAngelis, Chris Tilou, Joanne Delaney, Liz Garvey Foundation President Jennie Smith Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:42 pm. Minutes for the June, 2012 meeting were approved. All trustees are in receipt of the By-Laws, Conflict of Interest Policy and Whistle Blower s Policy. Special Presentation: Lori Weil and David Zrike presented to the trustees the new fundraiser that is being undertaken to completely revamp the HS library to bring it up to 2012 standards of learning. The old library remains the same since 1962. They would like the fundraiser to be a joint effort with the BOE and the community. They are looking to raise $850,000 by January1, 2013. After the presentation, the trustees discussed the Foundation's role in this project. It was a unanimous vote that we will indeed be part of this project since eventually it helps all children of Ridgewood who attend the high school. Further discussion and a vote will be held at the next meeting to determine what our contribution will be. Executive committee will meet before the next meeting to present a funding recommendation to the board. Treasurer s Report: Ines Bunza gave an updated financial report. The funds from T. Rowe Price and Community Foundation of New Jersey accounts have been consolidated into an investment account at Vanguard. Annual Fund donations are still trickling in. Ines and our accountants have filed all of the 2011 federal and state taxes returns. Executive Committee: Jennie reminded the board that all are invited to a gallery showing of Contemporary Indian Art. The Gallery is making a $1500 donation to the REF. The cocktail party will be held at Jennie s house.
Also, based on discussions at the June strategy session, the Executive Committee has approved folding the Nominating Committee into a broader looking Governance Committee. The Governance Committee is charged with the operation of the board in terms of effectiveness. They will look at the current by-laws and present a new process for new trustee nominees. Governance Committee members are Sara Fabricant, Lisa Garvey, Liz Gordon, Chris Ferguson and Suvajvit Basu. Investment Committee: Chair Kim Bangash reiterated that the goals of the Committee were to preserve the capital and generate income. Funds have been transferred to the Vanguard account and will be managed by them based on our investment strategy. The Investment Committee will provide a quarterly statement of investments and review of fund performance. The balance on the Vanguard accounts as of 9/19/12 is $380,563.62. Grants Committee: The committee reminded everyone that October 15th is the due date for grant submission. The grants will be sent to the trustees by October 19th and Monday the 29 th each trustee s review and ranking of the grants is due to the grants committee. November 1st the trustees will meet to approve grants. On November 19th grants that are awarded will be presented to the Board of Education. Reminder of Programs upcoming: Friday, October 12th the Ridgewood public Library Reel series begins. Wednesday, October 17 th is the first College Speaker Series of the new school year. The programs committee continues to work on the SAT/ACT Prep program and the heath related initiative to be funded in part by the grant from Valley Hospital. Communication Committee: A survey is being constructed to assist the committee with the development of a new brand image for the Foundation. The suggestion was made by Silvana Penava that we create a banner with the REF logo and displayed at REF sponsored events. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 1, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at GW Middle School in their new library. Please enter on Washington Place. Respectfully submitted, Gae Brunner, Secretary
RIDGEWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING OCTOBER 1, 2012 MINUTES In attendance: Jennie Smith Wilson, Anita Srivastava, Ines Bunza, Roberta Sonenfeld, Gae Brunner, Kim Bangash, Kristen Walicki, Silvana Penava, Liz Gordon, Michelle Anderson, Basu Suvajit, Jennifer Martin, Mary Micale, Heather Middleton, Denise DeAngelis, Chris Tilou, Joanne Delaney, Lisa Garvey, Maryam Alsop, Laura Johnson, Anna Spalckhaver. Excused Absence: Frances Ekblom, Thomas Hartigan, Bruce Ferguson, Parker Weil. Foundation President Jennie Smith Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:36PM. Minutes: A motion was asked for to accept the minutes of the September 19, 2012 board meeting. Vicky Herbert made the motion to accept minutes and Silvana Pavana seconded it. A revised Whistle Blower s Policy was distributed to the board. It was amended based on better phrasing provided by Mary Micale. President s Welcome: Jennie Smith Wilson greeted the board and reviewed the meeting s agenda. The Meeting took place at GW Middle School s new Media Center. She explained that we hope to meet in as many schools in town as possible so we can so we can get a feel for each school. Reminders : We are sponsors of the Ridgewood Library Film Festival and it is set to open at the library on Friday night Oct. 12 th. The reception begins at 6:30 followed at 7:30 with the first film Which Way Home which studies the issues of immigration. After the film there will be a conversation with the director. All board members are encouraged to participate. Board members are reminded to watch for emails from the Grant Committee with details on reviewing classroom grants in advance of the 11/1 Grant review.
Treasurer s Report: Ines Bunza reviewed the updated Profit & Loss and Balance Sheet reflecting financials from January 1 through September 30, 2012. Ines is investigating new lower priced insurance. She is presently requesting quotes from several insurance companies. Investment Committee: Kim Bangash presented the quarterly report on the Foundation s Investment accounts from Vangard. Value as of 9/28/2012 was $423,950.35. The return on our investments during that time was $12,365.23 unrealized gain. Communication Committee: Presentation on branding was given by Laura Johnson and Silvana Pavana. Laura gave a power point overview of what branding is. It was designed to help us understand that a brand is more than a logo and includes a promise of a value that someone has come to expect, as well as, what your enterprise looks like and acts like. A timeline for the boards new Brand was given and to begin we were all asked to take a brief survey this week. Our branding project will be on going in the next few months. Monthly updates will be given. Special Project Recommendation: At the September Board meeting the board voted unanimously to support the Learning Commons and charged the Executive Committee to determine a recommended amount of money to pledge to the effort. The recommendation from the Executive Committee was to pledge a grant of $110,000 in total. We want to pledge a grant of $100,000 now and additional grant of $10,000 at the town wide November Gala. We view this as an opportunity for the Foundation to take a significant role in the development of a learning space that will ultimately benefit all Ridgewood students. This big idea will also show the strength of the Foundation. We will work with the RHS Development Team to develop a PR. We will have naming rights to the larger learning area instead of the smaller lounge areas. We will be mentioned in all Learning Commons press. Kim Bangash explained that the impact on the endowment to recoup this strictly through growth will take 5-6 years depending on market conditions.
This may open the opportunity for a capital campaign to rebuild the endowment that could reduce the time necessary to recoup the funds. A plan of announcement was discussed A motion was made by Liz Gordon that the REF make a pledge to the Ridgewood High School Learning Center in the amount of $110,000.00. Anna Spalckhaver seconded the motion. The vote by the board was unanimous with no abstentions. A motion to adjourn was made by Roberta Sonenfeld. The motion to adjourn was seconded by Ines Bunza. The meeting closed at 9:06. The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday Nov. 1, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. it will be held at the Education Center 49 Cottage place, 2 nd floor. It is the important Grant Review Meeting. Respectfully submitted, Gae Brunner, Secretary
RIDGEWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING DECEMBER 6, 2012 MINUTES In attendance: Jennie Smith Wilson, Anita Srivastava, Ines Bunza, Roberta Sonenfeld, Gae Brunner, Kim Bangash, Kristen Walicki, Silvana Penava, Liz Gordon, Basu Suvjit, Mary Micale, Chris Tilou, Lisa Garvey, Maryam Alsop, Laura Johnson, Frances Ekblom, Sara Fabracant, Bruce Ferguson, Vicky Herbert Excused Absence: Michelle Anderson, Denise DeAngelis, Joanne Delaney, Heather Middleton, Parker Weil, Anna Spalkhaver Unexcused Absence: Thomas Hartigan Foundation President Jennie Smith Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:30PM. Minutes: A motion was asked for to accept the minutes of the November19, 2012 board meeting. Vicky Herbert made the motion to accept minutes and Silvana Pavana seconded it. The Board voted unanimously to approve. President s Welcome: Jennie Smith Wilson greeted the board and reviewed the meeting s agenda. Treasurer s Report: Ines Bunza presented a profit and loss comparison of REF funds from January 1 through December 3, 2012. Because of some discrepancies, the complete review of the P&L was tabled until January. Committees Reports: Jennie Smith Wilson thanked Sara, Kristen and Michelle and the entire grants committee for a job well done. The committee agreed to meet in January to talk about refining the process of awarding grants. Programs Committee: Vicky Herbert spoke about funding for Super Science Saturday. Next year (2013) will be its 25 th anniversary. The Super Science Saturday Committee is asking for $2,837.50 to continue this noncompetitive academic event in Ridgewood. A motion to continue support was made by Vicky and all present voted to continue support. Governance Committee: Jennie Smith thanked the Governance Committee (Roberta Sonenfeld, Bruce Ferguson, Lisa Garvey, Liz Gordon and Sujavit Basu for all their work on the By-Laws.)
A discussion was held about the suggested significant changes: 1) Removal of Political Office Requirement 2) Purpose and Responsibilities of Board members - totally new section, meeting attendance requirement, active participation (donation and committee work) 3) Election and term of Office - 3 yr term, term limit of 2 consecutive terms plus an additional term if voted by 2/3 - ENFORCEMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION are the issues 4) Voting quorum from 25% to 33% 5) Annual meeting new approach - review progress of each committee and review investment policy, May meeting to vote on Trustees and Officers, March meeting devoted to Strategy and/or Board Self Assessment 6) New committee descriptions and new nomenclature 7) President, VP and Treasurer - 2 yr staggered terms, Secretary - 1 yr term, term limits of two consecutive terms suspends the two consecutive 3 yr Trustee requirement. The Governance Committee made a motion to approve the new by-laws which was passed unanimously by the Board. Roberta Sonenfeld raised the issue of identifying needed skillsets for the next class of Trustees. The call for nominees is kicked off at the January meeting. It was agreed that the Committee Chairs would get back to the Governance Committee with skillsets they felt we were deficient in. Committee Chairs please try to have this input to the Governance Committee prior to the January meeting. Jennie Smith Wilson reported that the Saturday SAT Prep class that we support for $6000 will begin in February. It is free of charge and open to all RHS Juniors. Motion to adjourn was made at 8:56 by Maryam Alsop and seconded by Lisa Garvey NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 9 TH 7:30 PM, 49 Cottage Place
Primary Discussions: Q4 Investment Summary, REF Brand Position Recommendation Submitted respectfully Gae Brunner
RIDGEWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING JANUARY 9, 2013 MINUTES In attendance: Jennie Smith Wilson, Anita Srivastava, Ines Bunza, Roberta Sonenfeld, Gae Brunner, Kim Bangash, Kristen Walicki, Silvana Penava, Liz Gordon, Basu Suvajit, Chris Tile, Laura Johnson, Frances Ekblom, Bruce Ferguson, Vickey Herbert, Jim Morgan, Michelle Anderson, Denise DeAngelis, Heather Middleton, Anna Spalckhaver Excused Absence: Maryam Alsop, Parker Weil, Thomas Hartigan, Lisa Garvey, Joanne Delaney, Mary Romano Micale, Sara Fabricant Unexcused Absence: Foundation President Jennie Smith Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:30PM. December Minutes: A motion was asked for to accept the minutes of the December 5, 2012 board meeting. Vicky Herbert made the motion to accept minutes and Silvana Pavana seconded it. President s Welcome: Jennie Smith Wilson greeted the board and reviewed the meeting s agenda. Treasurer s Report: Ines Bunza presented a financial review as of December 31, 2012. Total Assets are $438,182.04, income $39, 650.90, operating expenses $3,657.75, program costs $35,307.70, Income for 2012 less expenses and costs $685.45. Expected budget for 2013 included operating expenses of $6,175.00, and program costs of $148,750.00. The added program costs from 2012 are due to our support of the Learning Commons Project at the high school as well as the addition of the SAT Prep Course. Investment Committee: Kim Bangash and Chris Tilou reviewed the 2012 year-end results for the Vangard accounts. Kim referred to the three accounts as endowment, operating, and money market fund. Total assets in our accounts are $427.947.99. They reported a gain for Q4 quarter of.9%.
Jennie Smith Wilson asked the board if there was interest in increasing the grant to the Learning Commons project at the town-wide fund-raiser for the Learning Commons on January 11, 2013. It was suggested that this was one way of increasing awareness of the Foundation to the community at large. The board agreed the Foundation s current grant of $110,000.00 was an important amount and should not be increased at this point. Development Committee: The fund raising letter goes out March 1 st. Anita Srivastava reminded the board members to please give her names of possible donors by February. Communications Committee: Laura Johnson and Silvana Penava expanded on the topic of Branding that was begun at a past meeting. In a very professional power point presentation, Laura and Silvana led a discussion on the background of the Foundation and what it has accomplished in the last 21 years. They then recapped Branding and what that means for the Foundation. Three branding options were presented and discussed by all. 1, The Resource: Remain focused on enhancing education by funding grants and community wide educational programs and occasionally funding a district wide initiative (Learning Commons) 2. The Innovator: REF works directly with the District Administration and Principals to fund the piloting of cutting edge, new academic ideas for the district. 3. The Hub: REF becomes the hub for facilitating the support of innovative ideas through the community linking the BOE/District Administration, Teachers, Parents, and the broader Ridgewood community. Discussion following the presentation was held among all those present. The consensus was that the Communications Committee should reconvene and review the board perspectives and continue at next board meeting. Vice President Roberta Sonenfeld asked the board to please send names of anyone who might be an appropriate candidate for the Board be forwarded to her. We are especially looking for people who have specific skills of Public Relations, Fundraising and Investment Management. All names are to be forwarded to Roberta with contact information. The governance committee will contact prospective nominees and arrange meetings.
At 9:25 Jennie Smith made a motion to adjourn and Liz Gordon seconded it. NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, February 13 th at 7:30 PM at the Board of Education 2 nd floor conference room Submitted respectfully Gae Brunner RIDGEWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING FEBRUARY 6, 2013 MINUTES In attendance: Jennie Smith Wilson, Anita Srivastava, Ines Bunza, Roberta Sonenfeld, Gae Brunner, Kim Bangash, Silvana Penava, Liz Gordon, Basu Sujavit, Mary Micale, Chris Tilou, Maryam Alsop, Laura Johnson, Sara Fabracant, Bruce Ferguson, Joanne Delaney, Heather Middleton, Denise DeAngelis, Jenn Martin, Taryn Carroll, Jim Morgan, Regina Botsford Excused Absence: Anna Spalckhaver, Frances Ekblom, Parker Weil, Kristen Walicki, Vicky Herbert, Tom Hartigan Unexcused Absence: Thomas Hartigan Foundation President Jennie Smith Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Minutes: Gae Brunner asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the January board meeting. Roberta Sonenfeld made the motion Ines Bunza seconded the motion. President s Welcome: Jennie Smith Wilson greeted the board and reviewed the meeting s agenda. She first updated the board on the SAT Course the Foundation sponsored at the high school. 140 juniors have signed up for the program that will be conducted over the course of 4 evenings students will come to 2 evenings of course work. The Foundation is providing maroon #2 pencils stamped with Ridgewood Education Foundation to all students attending. Treasurer s Report: Ines Bunza presented the financial report as of January 31, 2013. Total assets $444,244.01. Income for 2012 was $39,650.90. Year to date income for is $1,892.80. Year to date operating expenses 150.57. Committee Reports: Jennie Smith Wilson discussed the concept of leveraging the Foundation s naming rights for the larger study area of the new learning commons in exchange for a multi-year contribution to the Foundation to be used toward rebuilding the Foundation s capital. In this scenario, the Foundation
would still receive recognition on the donor wall, but would give up the naming rights of the learning space. At this point this is only a concept but a way to quickly restore the funds used. Jennie Smith Wilson and Laura Johnson presented a continuation of the Branding Discussion started at the January board meeting. Overall the recommendation is that the board focus on two objectives: raising money and making grants. The objective was to gain consensus from the board on a new direction for the Foundation. Given the successful fundraising efforts of the HSAs across the district to fund ideas like the Learning Commons and enrichment programs in the schools like assemblies, after school clubs and classroom programs the recommendation was made to refocus the efforts of the Foundation to fund programs brought to the board from the district level. It is believed that with this new positioning and focus we will better be able to clearly state the role of the Foundation and that will greatly improve fundraising. A lively discussion ensued as to what the parameters of grant making will be. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, Regina Botsford provided broad insight as to the areas that receive no additional funding at the district level and may present bigger opportunities for the Foundation to make an impact. Other aspects of this change include: Increase board to 30 members Each new trustee must give or raise $1000.00 each year. Create and host a signature event Grants Committee: The Grants Committee is asked to come up with guidelines for the Foundation s Grant program. Fundraising Committee: to develop a fundraising plan with specific consideration to a spring letter to keep REF top of mind among our donors. Communications Committee: to develop new identity (logo, website) for a new identity launch in September A motion was made to vote on initiative at the next board meeting. It was agreed that teachers, principals and HSA Presidents should be notified by May, at the latest of any changes in the Foundation s grant program. Jennie called for a motion to close the meeting at 8:30 Bruce Ferguson seconded the motion. NEXT MEETING: WEDNESDAY, March 13th 7:30 PM 49 Cottage Place, 2 nd floor conference room
RIDGEWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MARCH 13, 2013 MINUTES In attendance: Jennie Smith Wilson, Anita Srivastava, Ines Bunza, Roberta Sonenfeld, Gae Brunner, Silvana Penava, Mary Micale, Chris Tilou, Maryam Alsop, Laura Johnson, Sara Fabracant, Bruce Ferguson, Vicky Herbert, Heather Middleton, Denise De Angelis, Regina Botsford, Michelle Anderson, Suvajit Basu, Anna Spalckhaver, Kristen Walicki Excused Absence: Parker Weil, Thomas Hartigan, Bruce Ferguson, Lisa Garvey, Elizabeth Gordon, Frances Ekblom, Mary Romano Micale Unexcused Absence: Kim Bangash, Joanne Delaney Foundation President Jennie Smith Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Minutes: Gae Brunner asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the January board meeting. Roberta Sonenfeld made the motion Anita Srivastava seconded the motion. President s Welcome: Jennie Smith Wilson greeted the board and reviewed the meeting s agenda. She first updated the board on the SAT Course we sponsored at the high school. She was very pleased at the great success of the course. And Ines commented that Fun with Physics was a big hit with many of the high school students. The event was opened to many of the high school students outside of the current physics students. Jennie reminded the board that volunteers are needed for the Memorial Day Ridgewood Run. Treasurer s Report: Ines Bunza presented the financial report as of February 28, 2013. Total 2012 assets were $438,182.04 for 2012. For 2013, total assets $447,729.02, expenses $2,315.14, Jennie Smith Wilson presented ideas for change to the way the existing REF does its work. 1. Jennie recapped what was discussed at the last board meeting about changing the direction of the foundation. In that discussion
she spoke of the REF finding a unique space for the foundation to operate that would insure a viable long-term proposition for the Foundation as well as provide long-term value to the schools. 2. It was pointed out that we all left the last two meetings with consensus that the Foundation needs to change and now we need to engage in a dialogue about what change looks like. 3. Since our last meeting Roberta Sonenfeld and Jennie Smith Wilson have met with the Grant co-chairs, the Development Committee chairs and the Executive Committee to talk about what the work of the Foundation would look like based on the direction we last discussed. Tonight our job is to answer questions what would the Foundation look like if we were to focus on fundraising bigger district-wide academic initiatives and to become a more aggressive fundraising organization both from individuals and corporations and potentially through an annual event. How would we communicate this new direction and when would we put this into action? 4. As fundraisers the idea that as trustees we would all become fundraisers: That our role is defined as fundraisers and grant makers. All of the board joined at different times, some of us may think the role of a trustee is in part fundraising while others may be uncomfortable with the idea. 5. Jennie articulated what being fundraisers means: a. Joining the Developing Committee b. Helping the Developing Committee identify people and businesses to approach c. Adding a personal note to fundraising d. Taking advantage of corporate matching by yours or your spouse s employer. If appropriate, connecting the Development Committee with your /your spouse s corporate giving people e. Helping identify opportunities for grants from other foundations that support education that we might be eligible for and perhaps helping to write those grants. f. Promote the foundation among your friends by talking about the programs we fund.
g. Help create, design, and run a signature fundraising event for the Foundation. h. Making the Foundation one of your top three charitable gifts each year. i. Being a fundraiser can be talking to people you know in many different social situations about the Foundation and follow up with information for them j. You can come to meetings and write a check and still be a productive member Jennie closed with her wish that all Board Member know that any one of these points makes for an important contribution to the Foundation. 6. Committees responded with ideas and all agreed that one suggestion for a newsletter would be voted on in April. It was agreed that the newsletter would be sent to all postal patrons in Ridgewood and everyone now currently on our Foundation list. 7. It was discussed that we are looking for the middle ground to fund. We would like to have a much more definitive and distinct role of our own. Some trustees believe that we are often confused with the Board of Education. Discussion then continued about existing classroom grants. It was pointed out that high school grants reach many students. And it is our desire to reach as many students as possible with our funding. 8. The meeting ended with Laura Johnson suggesting we need transition time before big change. 9. Roberta reminded us we need a slate of candidates for next year. We would need 5 to 7 new candidates to fill positions. 10. A motion to close was made at 9:23 by Ines and Roberta seconded it. NEXT MEETING AT ED. CENTER ON WEDNESDAY APRIL 3 RD AT 7:30PM.
RIDGEWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION Board of Trustees Meeting Wednesday, April 3, 2013 Minutes A meeting of the Board of Trustees was held on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at 49 Cottage Place, 2 nd Floor, Ridgewood, N.J. Those present included Jennie Wilson, Roberta Sonenfeld, Ines Bunza, Michelle Anderson, Kim Bangash, Suvajit Basu, Denise DeAngelis, Joanne Delaney, Frances Ekblom, Sara Fabricant, Lisa Garvey, Elizabeth Gordon, Vicky Herbert, Laura Johnson, Mary Micale, Chris Tilyou, Kristen Walicki, Jim Morgan, and Jennifer Martin. Board members with excused absences were: Gae Brunner, Maryam Alsop, Bruce Ferguson, Heather Middleton, Silvana Penava, Anita Srivastava, and Parker Weil. Those with unexcused absences: Tom Hartigan. The meeting was called to order by Jennie Wilson, President at 7:36 P.M. LEARNING COMMONS UPDATE AND PRESENTATION OF THE CHECK Lori Weil and Jaime Frederick provided the Board with a brief progress update on the Learning Commons. Close to $1,000,000 has been raised, higher than the initial goal of $850,000. This amount covers some additional needs that were identified part way into the project and leaves approximately $80,000 - $90,000 for technology which will cover some of the items on the technology wish list. The timeline to complete the project is 3 months from start to finish with the project scheduled to begin on July 1 st. Bids will be requested from builders in the next week or so. The Board presented the $110,000 check to Lori and Jaime. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 13, 2013 MEETING Roberta asked for any additions or corrections to the minutes of the March 13, 2013 Board of Directors meeting which were e-mailed in advance. A motion was made by Mary Micale and seconded by Kristen Walicki to accept the minutes. The motion was then approved unanimously. TREASURER S REPORT Ines provided an update on financials. Year-to-date, we have total assets of $344,478 in the TD and Vanguard accounts. Operating expenses are at $468 with SAT prep program costs at $6151. PRESIDENT S REPORT Jennie provided brief commentary as we would have most of our discussion later in the meeting regarding the New Vision Plan. Jennie announced the unfortunate resignation of Bruce Ferguson because he is moving out of Ridgewood. She also reminded trustees that volunteers are needed
for the Ridgewood Run. Jennie asked that Trustees provide her with the Ridgewood Run Waiver forms before leaving the meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Q1 INVESTMENT COMMITTEE REPORT Kim Bangash provided a positive report on the Foundation s investments. Due to a general rise in the stock market, the Vanguard Conservative Life Growth Fund increased 3.3%. The Operating Fund (Admiral Shares), by design, has a very small return. GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE Roberta reported that the Governance Committee has been working on the officer slate (President, Secretary, and a proposed Second VP slot needed to be filled), continuation of Board members (the Class of 2013 Expiring Terms), and election of new Board members for the Class of 2016. Since the Trustees need to be notified of the Proposed Slate of Officers and Trustees at least 30 days prior to their election in May, the Governance Committee felt that they would use this Board meeting as an opportunity to present and review. The Governance Committee recommended for Jennie Wilson for President, Denise DeAngelis for Secretary and Mary Micale for Second Vice President if that position was approved by the Board as a By-law change. Of the Class of 2013, the following Trustees have indicated their interest in serving another 3 year term: Maryam Alsop, Frances Ekblom, Anita Srivastava. Trustees who have sadly decided to leave the Board are: Sara Fabricant, Liz Gordon and Vicky Herbert. We thank them for their hard work and commitment. New Trustees that the Governance Committee is recommending for the Class of 2016 are: Marie Aronsohn, Jaime Frederick, Paul McCarthy and Gabrielle Winnert. A brief background of each was provided to the Board, and Roberta will also email their resumes/bios to the Trustees. It was also indicated that we may have one or so more candidates prior to the 30 day notification period. Roberta also indicated that the Governance Committee is recommending two changes to the Bylaws. These changes were emailed to all Board members prior to the meeting and will be voted on at the next Board meeting. The first change is to add the Mayor of Ridgewood as an ex-officio member of the Foundation. It was noted that this will reflect our community-wide education mission while also displaying our independence from the District. Another positive is having a prestigious community leader that can promote our work and talk us up in the Village. The second change is to add another officer Second Vice President to the Board and to the
Executive Committee. It was noted that this is a pretty common position, that it helps us with succession planning and builds more depth for the Foundation. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTARY Jennie again recognized the great work that Jim Morgan is doing in promoting the Foundation. She asked Jim to share a couple of thoughts with us. Jim emphasized the importance of voting on April 16; not every community in NJ still gets to vote on their education budget so it is important to exercise that right. He is supportive of the budget that is being presented by the Board of Education and the District Administration. NEW VISION PLAN DISCUSSION AND VOTE Jennie reviewed the process that we have been going through in shaping the future of the Foundation. She reviewed the New Vision Plan in detail and then called for a secret ballot vote to insure that each Trustee felt that they could express their view. The New Vision passed unanimously On to the future! OTHER Please note that the next Board meeting is Wednesday, May 8 at 7:30. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Jennie accepted a motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:50 P.M. The motion was made by Kim Bangash, seconded by Kristen Walicki, and approved unanimously by the Board members. Respectfully submitted, Roberta Sonenfeld, On behalf of the Secretary
RIDGEWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING MAY 8, 2013 MINUTES In attendance: Jennie Smith Wilson, Anita Srivastava, Ines Bunza, Roberta Sonenfeld, Gae Brunner, Silvana Penava, Sujavit Basu, Mary Micale, Chris Tilou, Laura Johnson, Sara Fabricant, Vicky Herbert, Heather Middleton, Michelle Anderson, Anna Spalkhaver, Kristen Walicki, Kim Bangash, Thomas Hartigan, Lisa Garvey, Mary Romano Micale. Absent: Parker Weil, Elizabeth Gordon, Denise DeAngelis, Joanne Delaney, Frances Ekblom, Maryam Alsop Foundation President Jennie Smith Wilson called the meeting to order at 7:34PM. Minutes: Gae Brunner asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the April board meeting. Vicky Herbert made the motion Anita Srivastava seconded the motion. President s Welcome: Jennie Smith Wilson greeted the board and reviewed the meeting s agenda. She then turned the meeting over to the Governance Committee. Governance Committee: Roberta Sonenfeld asked for a vote on the recommending change to the by-laws. The changes included adding of a second vice president to our slate of officers and adding the Mayor of Ridgewood Ex-Officio. Vote was taken and it passed. Jennie asked for a vote on the new slate of officers: For president (2 year term) Jennie Wilson For second vice president (2 year term) Mary Micale For secretary (1year term) Denise DeAngelis The vote was taken and officers unanimously voted to their respective positions.
The Board then voted for the class of 2016 slate of new trustees: Marie Aronsohn, Jamie Frederick, Paul McCarthy, Gabrielle Winnert, and Jody Hnat were approved. Roberta announced that Frances Ekblom and Anita Srivastava will continue to serve the Board for another two years based on their current term. Treasurer s Report Ines provided an update on financials. Year-to-date, we have total assets of $340,701.80. Operating expenses $726.67. Chrome Book Grant Application Greg McDonald, High School Administrator, Angelo DeSimone, Assistant Superintendent for Business, Regina Botsford, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment, and Tom Gorman, RHS Principal were present. Greg McDonald presented a preview of the new biology e-textbook that will be used by most freshmen and some sophomores beginning in September 2013. To support this new Internet-based textbook, the district has planned and budgeted for the purchase of 210 Chrome Book devices. The district asked the Foundation to consider funding the purchase of the Chrome Book devices this would allow the district to allocate those funds to other initiatives. The Chome Books provide fast Internet access allowing each student to experience a similar interface with the e-textbook. Each student will have a unique login and password to access their textbook and be able to make notes, highlight and take assessments online. The Chrome Book device will replace the textbook in the classroom and at home. At home or away from school students will be able to access the e-textbook from any Internet enabled device. The Chrome Book device is recommended over other device types (tablets, laptops) for the following reasons: cost approximately $300 each, ease of accessing the Internet and the e-textbook, ease of replacement without the loss of data in case of damage to device. Additionally, the Chome Book device has a keyboard and USB port required for the PARCC (Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers) testing that will be administered to students in the next school year.
The administrators have visited other districts in New Jersey currently using Chrome Books and will continue to visit other districts in the future. Early indications from other districts are that this is the right device for this use. The district is looking at the different Chrome Books on the market and has yet to identify the make and manufacturer. In the course of the conversation, Mr. DeSimone indicated that the new District Technology Plan calls for implementation of a 1:1 technology strategy beginning at the high school. The district administration is currently investigating this initiative. When implemented, the Chrome Book devices used in the biology classroom will become a part of the Chrome Books given to each freshman in the 1:1 roll out. Additionally, any students with no device at home to provide Internet access will be given a Chrome Book to use at home. The board discussed the possibility of alternative devices being considered for use with textbooks. The district administration will provide a formal grant application to the Foundation for consideration at the June 12 th meeting. Adjournment The discussion ended with Jennie thanking everyone for the presentation and called for a motion to adjourn at 9: 36 PM. The motion was made by Laura Johnson, seconded by Silvana Penava. The next meeting is on June 12 th at 6:30 in the Ed Center 2 nd floor conference room. Dinner will be provided Respectfully submitted, Gae Brunner, Secretary
RIDGEWOOD EDUCATION FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES MEETING JUNE 12, 2013 MINUTES In attendance: Jennie Smith Wilson, Roberta Sonenfeld, Mary Micale, Denise DeAngelis, Joanne Delaney, Vicky Herbert, Jodi Irwin, Silvana Penava, Suvajvit Basu, Chris Tilyou, Gae Brunner, Laura Johnson, Elizabeth Gordon, Heather Middleton, Michelle Anderson, Anna Spalkhaver, Anita Srivastava, Kristen Walicki, Kim Bangash, Gabrielle Winnert, Paul McCarthy, Frances Ekblom, Marie Aronsohn, Jamie Frederick, Lisa Garvey, Thomas Hartigan, Jim Morgan Excused: Ines Bunza, Foundation President Jennie Smith Wilson called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM. Minutes: Motion to accept the minutes of the May board meeting. Kristen Walicki. Michelle Anderson seconded the motion. Treasurer s Report President s Welcome: Jennie Smith Wilson greeted the board and welcomed and introduced the new trustees. The meeting agenda was reviewed. Preliminary 2013/14 Meeting Dates were distributed, final meeting dates to be confirmed via email to all trustees in mid- August. Letter to Prinicpals was sent in May, discussing The Foundation s new mission and goal(s). No negative feedback was received from the Principals. Barclay s 2013 @ Liberty National was mentioned. (Detailed email went out prior to meeting.) Committee sign-up new trustees are reminded to sign up for 2013/14 committees. RHS Representative coordinator after the meeting, Thomas Hartigan agreed to take on this role to communicate with the new student rep and coordinate meeting dates. Newsletter went out end of May to all of Ridgewood residents good response over all. To date several donations have been received. Report given by Roberta Sonenfeld in Ines Bunza s absence: Total assets since May 31, 2013 - $337,586.50. Income $5,293.77 Expenses - $1,418
Beginning in September the Treasurer s report will consist of a Statement of Financial Condition (Balance Sheet) and Statement of Income and Expense. Also in September, Trustees will vote to approve the monthly Treasurer s Report. Grants Committee: Kristen Walicki spoke regarding new format of application presentations and review. Two applications being presented that evening: Teen LEADS and Google Chrome books for Freshman Biology. Guidelines: Presenters will give a 10-minute presentation of the application followed by 5 minutes for questions for clarification on the application. Grant Application Presentations: TEEN LEADS PROGRAM Presenter: Tom Gorman with support from Lynn Algrant from the Volunteer Center for Bergen County, co-sponsor of the Teen LEADS Program. Explanation of Teen LEADS Program it s usually with adults who want to get involved in public service. Now the goal is to get students involved and help them understand how Bergen County functions as a community. This will be a pilot program with high school students the first of its kind in Bergen County. It will start with 4 sessions (topics) Government, Health Education, Law and Public Safety. The program will have a field trip for day and students will visit Village Hall, meet with Mayor, go to police dept, court house, for example, etc. The students will be provided with a project devised by the Mayor and the LEADS program that will address a Ridgewood situation that requires some analysis and recommendations to resolve. The goal is for the students to assess these situations, come up with solution(s) and put together proposal for Mayor, Council, Board of Ed, etc. Their solution could be put to actual use in the community. The program will run through the Global Learning Classroom with an estimated 20, 9 th 12 th students participating in the first year. The 4 sessions would take place out of school, during school hours, they would be considered field trips and would be excused absences. Students will not get course credit. The proposed program has received Grant money from the Volunteer Center of Bergen County - $5,500 total. They are asking for $3,000 from REF to offset busing, books, visitors, speakers. If the program is successful, the goal is to make it a part of the regular curriculum possibly resembling the current RAHP Program. CHROME BOOK PRESENTATION Presenter: Tom Gorman and Regina Botsford Dr. Gorman recapped the Chrome Book for Biology grant request that was initially presented in the May meeting. Dr. Gorman gave an overview of the current uses of technology at RHS. The request is for 210 Chrome Book devices to be used to support the new Biology e-text.
The grant request is for 210 books, and 7 carts at a cost of $68,320. This will provide devices for all students and will include devices for students who do not have a device for use at home. The district has not picked the actual device to use, Chrome Books are currently priced at $350 - $1400 per unit. Discussion took place among trustees regarding both grants. The discussion was heavily focused on the long-term plans for a 1:1 technology initiative at RHS and the basis for the decision to select Chrome Books versus other device types. VOTE (paper vote): Chrome books Vote NOT to fund. 19 no, 7 yes Team Leads Vote YES to fund 26 yes, 1 no, 1 abstention COMMUNICATIONS PRESENTATION Jennie introduced the discussion regarding the new brand identity for the Foundation and presented the designer credentials. Bob Wolf a noted national brand image designer generously created the brand image exploration and recommendation probono for the Foundation. Jennie also discussed concerns raised by the communications committee regarding to the recommended logo treatment. Based on the initial split response to the recommendation by the Communications Committee, in advance of the board meeting the presentation was shared with a small group of trustees to measure their response. Response to the presentation was universally favorable by the 6 trustees who previewed the presentation. Laura Johnson presented the brand image strategy and recommended logo design. Laura stressed that this logo design addresses concerns raised by the board at the 2012 strategy session. The recommended logo design clearly differentiates The Foundation from the Board of Education, the Ridgewood Education Association (REA) and positions the Foundation to fund bigger ideas across all the district schools. Our Mission is unchanged: to enhance the quality of education in the Ridgewood public schools. Name to be used in the logo THE FOUNDATION Tag line: Enhancing Education in Ridgewood General consensus the Trustees like the logo. The Ridgewood Foundation Education is moving forward with this new logo, name reference The Foundation and new tag line Enhancing Education in Ridgewood Meeting Adjournment at 9:17pm The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday September 10 th at 7:30pm at the Board of Ed. Center, 2 nd floor. PLEASE NOTE THIS DATE WILL BE CONFIRMED VIA EMAIL IN MID-AUGUST. Respectfully submitted by Denise DeAngelis, Secretary