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OFFICIAL Minutes of Holy Angels Parish Council Meeting

June 18, 2009

Parish Rectory, 7:30 PM 

In Attendance:  Paula Beine, David Beine, Tim Briscoe, Fr. Jerry Brittain, Don Felix, Dan Hanrahan, Colleen Mas, Mike Nowack, Fr. Nathan Reesman.

Absent:  Carol Bork, Sandy Lang, Frank Stangl (Mike Melaney).

Guests:  Pat Bollen, Ted Casper, Heidi Fellenz, Mark LaFond, Mike Sternig, Earl VanderWielen, Ralph Wilberg. 

Opening Prayer / Scripture Reflection / Personal Prayer:  Led by Fr. Nathan. 

School enrollment update:  Mike Sternig presented current enrollment figures for 2009-2010.  While the approved budget was based on 375 students, numbers have recently been updated to 355 students.  This includes eleven additional students at the K5 level, six new students in grades 1-8, and actual loss of 36 students within the past month, for a net loss of 20 students.  This translates to a difference of -$30,206 in tuition income, -$5100 in fund raising income, and -$5220 in instructional fees income, for a total of -$40,526.

In response to questions raised by the Council, Mike noted that a more formal exit interview process has been organized by the School Committee to address families’ reasons for leaving.  A standard list of categories formerly used in exit interviews has been broadened, and interviewers will ask permission to share data gathered.

Council discussed requesting input from Archdiocesan personnel regarding the sharp enrollment decline as well as conflicts and strong differences of opinion among parishioners and the Council; after prayer and reflection, council agreed by consensus to seek input from the Archdiocese.  This input will be pursued in consideration of the timetable of future meetings (August 20^th) and before the beginning of the new school year. 

May Meeting Minutes:  Approved by consensus with corrections to minor typographical errors. 

Personnel Committee Membership:  Paula submitted the names of Jo Sadownikow and Peter German as parishioners for the committee.  David Beine and Tim Briscoe confirmed they will serve as Finance liaison and Council liaison, respectively.  Committee will further discuss hiring practices, and will coordinate formation of a hiring committee when necessary.

Schools Collaboration Update:  Fr. Jerry reported that a June 30^th meeting of the Task Force with additional representatives from St. Frances Cabrini, Trinity (Newburg) and Trinity (Kewaskum) will continue the discussion of the future landscape of Catholic education in the West Bend area.  Sr. Deb has stepped down from her leadership position; Carol Ward and David Lodes will assume leadership.  At this time it is undecided the final numbers of representatives from Holy Angels and St. Mary who will continue in the new large group discussions. 

Committee Reports: 

School – Dan Hanrahan reported that initial indications regarding decline in enrollment suggests that as many as half of the withdrawals are finance-related, while half of the families expressed some displeasure with the school.  Exit interviews will be assigned.  Enrollment in K5 is set at 25 full-day, 15 half-day; full-day families will be solicited to attend the half-day in the morning and join the full-day in the afternoon in an effort to balance the class sizes. 

Funds from Athletics have been secured to finance a playground supervisory staff member.  Discussion continues with the Stehling representatives regarding Project Lead the Way, which would require $30,000 as startup. 

Handbook policy changes approved include:  changing HASB (Board) references to HASC (Committee); allowing tee-shirts worn under sweaters; requiring parents to staff concessions/etc. when students participate in interscholastic athletics; and allowing dual participation in athletics at HAS and extra-curricular organizations, per an Archdiocesan policy change. 

New officers and liaisons were assigned for the upcoming school year:  Greg Rinn, chair; Nancy Monday, vice-chair; Greg Zimmer, secretary; David Tennies, athletics; Tony Spaeth, development.  Next meeting set for 8/19/09. 

Human Concerns – Blood Drive is set for 7/21/09.  Prayer Shawl ministry continues.  Proposed area-wide Homeless Crisis Center is still in exploratory stages. 

Finance – Mike Nowack reported that at the end of May envelopes totaled -$101,000 YTD with a net shortfall of $110,000, projecting -$70,000 at the end of the fiscal year.  In response to this shortfall, the Committee is requesting utilization of the Rolfs Foundation restricted gift ($80,000 max/year) to rebuild the operating capital for 2009-2010.  Tim Briscoe questioned the existence of floating funds in school accounts which might be utilized, or other areas where expenses might be controlled; Mike Nowack suggested continuing this discussion in August. 

Additionally, Property & Grounds requested two projects for approval:  rectory entrance roof repair ($2895) and church bell tower ($4000), which were approved by the Council by consensus. 

Farewell Addresses:  Earl VanderWielen and Dan Hanrahan addressed the Council.  

Special Address:  Fr. Jerry offered words of gratitude to Earl and Dan at the end of their terms. 

Installation of New Councilors/Election of Officers:  Ted Casper and Heidi Fellenz were welcomed to Council.  (Mike Melaney was not present.)  Council elected Tim Briscoe as chair and Paula Beine as vice-chair.  No councilors accepted nomination for secretary.  Council agreed to discuss secretary and liaison positions at next meeting considering the absence of three councilors. 

Guest Comment:  Ralph Wilberg offered a letter addressing the Council regarding concerns with the school. 

Closing Prayer:  Led by Deacon Mark.

Adjourned:  9:36 pm 

Respectfully submitted by Colleen Mas.