Present
Aaron W. (Fac.)
Jessica A. (Note.)
Beth S.
Dan S.
Adrian S.
Elaina S.
Jon B.
Anjali R.
Bernadette H.
Tui H.
Lina L.

Agenda
1) Name
2) Location
3) Home School Options
4) Lawyer
5) Fundraising
6) Darkroom
7) Failure of SITC
8) Press
9) New Meeting Times
10) Communication/Bulletin Board
11) (Tabled) Policy Guide
12) (Tabled) Board of Trustees
13) (Tabled) New Admissions

Notes
1) Name – We shared new ideas, then decided we need time to think about it, but need to set a deadline. Perhaps in 2 weeks.

New Ideas:
 The United School of Independent Learning
 Liberation & Independence
 Coalition of Independent Learners
 Independent Learners Cooperative
 Independent Learning Coalition

Old Ideas:
 The _____ School for Independent Learning
 Triangle Independent School
 Independence School
 School 54
 The Free School

2) Location – We are agreed to be rural. Pittsboro, Chatham County, Mebane were all suggested. Barbara from Blue Heron was suggested (see old meeting notes on this, however). Sustenence Farm is excited, and are willing to discuss more with us. Spence’s Farm on Old 54 was mentioned. Also a commune in Saxaphawa (sp?). Oakaneechie Indian Reservation (Aaron has reservations about legal issues surrounding locating a non-profit there, however).

3) Press – One reason to be rural is to not be in the limelight. A press statement will be made after we’ve got a better idea about fundraising and location. Certainly not until we’ve agreed on a name and filed for non-profit status. In regard to reporters, if approached and questioned about this school, use common sense or say nothing.

4) Home School Options – With school closing, if you’re under 16, you may have problems with the government if you drop out. Home school registration was suggested, but so late in the year and with the bureaucracy, it may not be necessary. If you are interested in registering to home school, the number to get a packet is at the Division of Non-Public Education, 1-919-733-4276. You’ll need to present them with the high school diploma of the primary instructor. The filing fee is about $15.

5) Lawyer – Kim W., Ayni’s mother, is a home schooling mother of 7. She’s helped several schools get started, as well as non-profit organizations, and has volunteered her services to the school. She has offered to write a policy for the Board of Trustees, and for the Student Court.

6) Fundraising – Thursday 1:00 at Davis Library, Aaron will be researching potential grants, and begin writing. See notes from last meeting for current goals. A steady income is needed. How? In regard to the computer lab, Aaron needs to negotiate with Lyle at EMJ to get the old lab from SITC. We can get money donated, or write grants (should be relatively easy to get a grant for computers). Trip to the library for grant writing practice!

7) Darkroom – Space needed; all materials have been donated. Lina has a possible room, but needs some renovating. We voted in favor of using this space temporarily.

8) Failure of SITC Discussion – It’s believed the failure was partially by the staff’s inability to communicate and unify with each other, and with the students. There was a rift among staff between conservative and radical ideas. They never agreed about what they were doing. Loose organization. They were trying to do everything for everyone, and the vision was unclear.

9) New Date and Time for Meetings – We voted that all meetings will be held at 7:00 at the Silk Road Teahouse, unless prior notice is given otherwise.

10) Communication – Aaron will get a phone line to put a message about events, and distribute the number once it’s available.