ELOM International Academy
Charter District #286
Board Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2007

CALL TO ORDER
Meeting began at 10;10 a.m. by Ms. Ella Mahmoud

Attendance: Comfort Lartey-Ofori, David Hill, Earline McCauley, Henry Ongeri, Ben Taylor and Ella Mahmoud

Visitor(s): Ms. Mary Ek

PROCEEDINGS:
Read by Earline McCauley, Secretary and approved by Board

Cultural Attache Presentation by Ida Njee a crucial component of the report is to have a showcase representing all of the diverse countries of Africa. Emphasis on the importance of the ELOM partnership with Channel Afrique. Cultural exhibits are planned on an ongoing basis A handbook will be completed for the Elder's Council Ida Nee provided a curriculum cultural component

Comments from the Board Members:
David Hill states he has been approached regarding adults being involved in the educational process of Channel Afrique/ELOM International Academy. He also shared an article on "drumming" for the purpose of demonstrating how "drumming" can be used for therapy.

Comfort suggested formalizing partnership(s) with each organization contributing to ELOM International Academy

Henry states he will work on gathering information of other groups

Ben suggested creating a task force comprised of Channel Afrique and ELOM.

The motion was seconded and approved to invite Channel Afrique to discuss the partnership

A motion was made to accept Ida's report and approved

Mary Ek, VOA Charter School Representative Mary Ek introduced herself and familiarized herself with ELOM Board members. She explained the role of VOA as a sponsoring organization for ELOM International Academy. Mary will be attending ELOM meetings quarterly and performing site visits.

Start-Up Coordinator's Presentation Overview Comfort Lartey-Ofori elaborated on the start-p updates

Reviewed the financial report Site Report given - Site search has been narrowed to two locations - one in Maple Grove and one in Brooklyn Park, MN. Due to the high cost of office rental it has been difficult to obtain a space. Henry will work on obtaining a reasonable rental fee - Elom representatives need to attend the City of Brooklyn Park council meeting this month. Reviewed time line for start-up activities Student and staff recruiting in progress Job description for school leaders provided for review. Weekly visits to churches, shops and homes to recruit potential students started this year. Weekly admissions meetings at libraries will begin this month. Upcoming events announced

Other Business:
Comfort Ofori supplied a Start Up Activities map/spread sheet for school opening

The Board needs to review policies for next meeting

A motion was made to adjourn and seconded.

The next meeting is Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 10 a.m. at the Brooklyn Park Library in Room I .

Board minutes and meeting site on the Elom web site

Meeting adjourned at 11.30 a.m.