MILFORD UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
MINUTES OF ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL MEETING
MAY 26, 2009
THE ANN STREET SCHOOL MEETING
The meeting opened with prayer by Pastor Dave at 7:00 p.m. Those present were Pastor Dave, Doug Cunningham, Dick Weifert, Stacy DeFrancesco, Jane Frey, Mary Ann Gittens, Theresa Rocco, Carolyn Krejmas, Lil Colvin, Bob FItch, Gretel Metzger, Marion Almquist, Pam Houskeeper, Rachel Hendricks, Diana Mann, Laura May, Nancy Szipocs, Martha Dubensky and Dori Stewart.
Pastor Dave made clear that the purpose of the meeting was to come out of it with an affirmation on how we as a church will support the Ann Street School and if we want to continue with this route of ministry.
The Ann Street School began about 25 years ago as an education based Pre-School, not as a Christian School. The school became licensed in 2008 and has become accredited with 3 stars from the Keystone Star Program. At the beginning of the 2008 school year, it appeared that we might be as much as $20,0000 in the red, but now, it looks to be about $3,000.-$5,000 in the red. The school has functioned this year at 80% capacity, with approximately 44 children enrolled. .It was also noted that Eileen Carmody has resigned as teacher effective the end of this school year and will be moving on to another pre- school.
The question was posed, is the school a liability or a ministry? Bob Fitch explained that as a church we are meeting all our requirements and apportionments and next years budget has been analyzed and it looks positive, therefore it could be looked at as a mission since it has a huge impact on at least 40-50 children and their families a year. It was stated that a greater mission you could not have than touching the life of a young child.. Many church members spoke of how much the Ann Street School meant to them when their children attended
It was stated that since state funding may be cut for pre-school’s, there should be an increased need for quality pre-school programs.The decision was made that The Ann Street School is important to us and that even with a potential deficit of $4,000-$5,000, we will continue to support the Ann Street School as our mission.The motion was made to support this decision by Dick Weifert and seconded by Nancy Szipocs.
Many ideas were discussed on how to help support the school. Pastor Dave provided a sign up sheet for persons who are willing to do the jobs needed to support the school and it functions.Doug Cunningham has requested a monthly report to the Ad Council from the Ann Street School Board and Bob Fitch will continue to closely monitor the finances of the school.
The meeting closed with a personal testimonial from Marion Almquist at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
Dori Stewart
Ad Council Secretary
