Summary of Major Actions Taken During the April 9, 2007 DMC Board Meeting

By Dan Grizzle, DMC Board President, and Dr. Bob Stouffer, DMC Superintendent

President Dan Grizzle called the meeting to order in Open Session. 

Eight (8) of the 11 Directors were in attendance, representing a quorum. 

Dr. Bob Stouffer, Superintendent, was also in attendance. 

During a period of opening devotions, Dr. Stouffer led the Board in a discussion about the individual Directors’ commitment to and thoughts about biblical worldview training as a key distinctive of Des Moines Christian.  Dr. Stouffer made the Board aware of several prayer requests, closing the devotional period and opening the meeting in prayer.

The Board adjourned to Closed Session.

The Board approved Closed Session minutes for the Board meeting on March 12, 2007.

The Board approved 2007-2008 contracts for bus drivers Dave Bosman, David Harris, John Jones, Perry Makeeff, Paul Nelson, and Kathy Niemann.

With regrets, the Board accepted the resignation of Secondary English and French Instructor Mary Slater, who will be retiring at the end of the 2006-2007 school year.

The Board approved a 2007 contract for Varsity Soccer Coach Dan McCool.

The Board reconvened in Open Session.

The Board approved Open Session minutes for the Board meeting on March 12, 2007. 

Pastor Jung was not available to speak during Communication from the Association or Public, as planned, and no others requested the opportunity to speak during this portion of the agenda. 

The Board reviewed all 33 Board policies listed on the agenda.

President Grizzle requested that all Directors consider making a Benefit gift as an expression of solidarity for their financial support of the school.  He asked that all of the Directors contact DMC Development Director Samona Yentes with their intent by the next day. 

The Board again discussed the process for admitting international students to Des Moines Christian.  Issues included limits for enrollment, defining English proficiency, careful scrutiny of the faith backgrounds of the students and their parents/guardians, the corporate needs of the international students and other DMC students, and any experienced disruptions to the educational process for students and/or staff during the 2006-2007 school year. 

The Board discussed the process for granting approval for full-time DMC staff members to enroll their K-12 students in schools other than Des Moines Christian.  The Board came to consensus that they would expect an annual report from the administration with the names and reasons for these exemptions to Board policy, and that any exemption ideally be decided no later than the time of the contract signing for licensed personnel or dissemination of letters of appointment for support staff and no later than August 1^st. 

The Board discussed documentation completed by Business Manager Julia Veenstra, regarding a margin analysis by DMC program.  Mrs. Veenstra was present at the meeting to interact with and answer questions of the Board.

The Board deferred to the administration to decide upon the daily bus inspection document content, which was referenced in the recently-approved, newly-state-required contract for bus drivers.

The Board discussed the impact of a recently-enacted state-wide anti-bullying law on Des Moines Christian.  Dr. Stouffer disseminated a draft policy written by DMC Legal Counsel Jeff Krausman as one of the first steps in complying with the law.  Dr. Stouffer indicated that he would continue to work with Mr. Krausman, the administrative leadership team, and other Christian schools to reach a common understanding of compliance with the new law and effective enforcement of these new policies at DMC.  Association Member Linda Chisholm was present to hear this discussion. 

The Board discussed the impact of withdrawing Iowa Department of Education accreditation.  Mrs. Veenstra answered questions and offered counsel about the financial implications of such an action.  Association Member Linda Chisholm was present to hear this discussion. 

The Board discussed the composition of the Board by represented churches in anticipation of the Board approving the final slate of 2007-2010 candidates and in preparation for the upcoming Board election.

All other New Business items were tabled due to time constraints, and those items will be discussed during future Board meetings.

Director Mary Jo Ytzen closed the meeting in prayer.

The meeting was adjourned.