Sherwood Montessori Parent Organization (SMPO)

Minutes from the organizational parent group meeting following the regular SM-BOD Meeting 9/7/2010

Time:  7:15 pm Sherwood Montessori 4/5 classroom, 746 Moss Ave, Chico, CA  95926

Russell Shapiro, Chair of SM-BOD, encouraged parents in attendance at the BOD meeting to stay and discuss the organization of a Sherwood Montessori Parent Organization (SMPO) which according to the School Charter, all parents of children attending SM are de facto members.  Russell’s vision is that the SMPO would coordinate volunteers in all aspects of school life.   SM is a direct funded Charter and receives less funding that a traditional Public school.  We need to fundraise a monthly cash flow for the school with voluntary donations that would be tax deductible because SM is a non profit 501 c3.

   SMPO needs to be able to work independently and the President of the SMPO would become a non-voting     member of the SM-BOD.

   SMPO would raise money and collect funds for SM and determine the use of said funds.

   The Director of SM needs to be able to coordinate with just one person (President) of the SMPO to     address the needs of the school.

   Minimum of three officers needed:  President, treasurer and secretary.

   After the initial year, the SMPO will have the responsibility of producing the Parent Handbook.

   Need to have a nomination process and vote, in quick order, for officers of SMPO and have them installed  and begin working to organize immediate and future needs of school.

One parent suggested that we look at what committees would be needed for the schools needs and organize ourselves that way from the bottom up.  Several committees were identified as needed by parents in attendance.  Fundraising, community events, library, facility maintenance, volunteer coordinator, gardening, newsletter and communications.

The group discussed the idea of the school divided by classes and “room mothers” vs. a school wide community that works together to address all needs of the whole school and how “room mothers” often end up overwhelmed and under helped.

Discussed having the board send out a note for a call to office where people could throw their names into hat for what position or committees they would like to be on.   Notice in Weds envelopes or on communication board?

Discussed need to have core committees with monthly meetings that would then report to the SMPO at monthly SMPO meetings. The monthly SMPO meetings would need to be announced to the school wide population.

At this point Mary Lucas volunteered to start organizing the process to begin the SMPO and set a meeting for 2 weeks later, on Tuesday September 21 at 6pm, to reconvene and begin the selection process of officers and the organization of committees.   Audible relief was heard and many thanks were extended to Mary for taking on this monumental job.

Meeting Adjourned

Respectfully submitted by Lisa Williams