River Trail Middle School Governance Council

Date | time 8.13.2025 | 7:30am | Location CCR

ACTION SUMMARY

 

SGC Members

 

Ms. Laura Bradley, Appointed Staff | Mr. Kirk Parham, Community Member | Ms. Krista Zimmerman, Parent | Ms. Laura Qin, Parent | Ms. Grace Hernandez, Teacher |Mr. Neil Pinnock, Principal | Mr. Brett Herrick, Parent | Ms. Alexandra Schoessler, Teacher | Ms. Mikhayah Walls, Appointed Staff | Mr. Adam Cleary, Community Member

 

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:31 am with the following members present: Ms. Hernandez, Mr. Parham, Mr. Pinnock, Ms. Bradley, Ms. Schoessler, Ms. Zimmerman, Ms. Walls
Guest: Ms. Palermo, Administrative Assistant

SGC members not in attendance: Ms. Qin

 

7:33 am Action Item: Approve August Agenda – Pinnock

Mr. Herrick motioned to approve the minutes, Ms. Hernandez seconded. The agenda was unanimously approved.

 

7:35 am Action Item: Approve May Meeting Minutes - Palermo
Ms. Hernandez motioned to approve the minutes, Mr. Herrick seconded. The meeting minutes were approved, there were 3 abstentions.

7:39 am Action Item: Vote for Community Member – All SGC Members
Mr. Pinnock has brought forth a name: Adam Cleary – he is in charge of Junior Titans.
Mr. Herrick motioned to approve Mr. Cleary, Mr. Parham seconded. Mr. Cleary will serve on the SGC for the next two years at River Trail Middle School after a unanimous vote.

 

7:41 am Action Item: Elect New Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian) – All SGC Members

Grace Hernandez has been nominated for SGC Chair, Ms. Walls motioned to approve, Ms. Schoessler seconded.

Alex Schoessler has been nominated for Vice Chair, Mr. Parham motioned to approve, Ms. Bradley seconded.

Krista Zimmerman has been nominated for Parliamentarian, Ms. Bradley motioned to approve, Mr. Herrick seconded.

All members were unanimously approved.

 

7:44 am Action Item: Staff Standing Committees (Budget and Finance, Outreach and Communication, Principal Selection) – Elected Chai

Mr. Herrick, Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Zimmerman, Mr. Pinnock, Ms. Yao – Budget and Outreach Committee

Ms. Schoessler, Mr. Parham, Ms. Walls, Ms. Bradley – Outreach and Communication Committee
Mr. Herrick, Ms. Schoessler, Ms. Bradley, Ms. Qin – Principal Selection Committee

**Bold denotes chair**

 

 

8:23 Meeting Adjournment – Elected Chair

Ms. Schoessler motioned, Mr. Herrick seconded. Ms. Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:23.

August 13 2025 SGC Meeting 
7:30 AM in the CCR 
 

The meeting was called to order at 7:31 am with the following members present: Ms. Hernandez, Mr. Parham, Mr. Pinnock, Ms. Bradley, Ms. Schoessler, Ms. Zimmerman, Ms. Walls, Mr. Herrick

Guest: Ms. Palermo, Administrative Assistant
 

SGC members not in attendance: Ms. Qin

 

7:31 am Call to Order – Pinnock
Mr. Pinnock called the meeting to order at 7:31 AM.

 

7:33 am Action Item: Approve August Agenda – Pinnock

Mr. Herrick motioned to approve the minutes, Ms. Hernandez seconded. The agenda was unanimously approved.

 

7:35 am Action Item: Approve May Meeting Minutes - Palermo
Ms. Hernandez motioned to approve the minutes, Mr. Herrick seconded. The meeting minutes were approved, there were 3 abstentions.

7:36 am Discussion Item: Member Introductions – All SGC Members
All members introduced themselves to the team.

7:39 am Action Item: Vote for Community Member – All SGC Members
Mr. Pinnock has brought forth a name: Mark Cleary – he is in charge of Junior Titans.
Mr. Herrick motioned to approve Mr. Cleary, Mr. Parham seconded. Mr. Cleary will serve on the SGC for the next two years at River Trail Middle School.

7:41 am Action Item: Elect New Officers (Chair, Vice Chair, Parliamentarian) – All SGC Members

Grace Hernandez has been nominated for SGC Chair, Ms. Walls motioned to approve, Ms. Schoessler seconded.

Alex Schoessler has been nominated for Vice Chair, Mr. Parham motioned to approve, Ms. Bradley seconded.

Krista Zimmerman has been nominated for Parliamentarian, Ms. Bradley motioned to approve, Mr. Herrick seconded.

All members were unanimously approved.

 

7:44 am Action Item: Staff Standing Committees (Budget and Finance, Outreach and Communication, Principal Selection) – Elected Chai

Mr. Herrick, Ms. Hernandez, Ms. Zimmerman, Mr. Pinnock, Ms. Yao – Budget and Outreach Committee

Ms. Schoessler, Mr. Parham, Ms. Walls, Ms. Bradley – Outreach and Communication Committee
Mr. Herrick, Ms. Schoessler, Ms. Bradley, Ms. Qin – Principal Selection Committee

**Bold denotes chair**

 

7:38 am Discussion Item: Nominate Representative for Superintendent’s Parent/Community Advisory Council – Elected Chair

Ms. Zimmerman has been nominated as the representative for our Superintendent’s Parent Advisory Council.

 

7:39 am Discussion Item: Determine Meeting Schedule for SY24-25 – All Members

2025
Aug 13
Sep 17
Oct 8
Nov 12
Dec 17

2026
Jan 21
Feb 18
Mar 18
Apr 22
May 20

All these dates will be entered into the master calendar for RTMS.

7:41 Discussion Item: Strategic Planning - Palermo

Ms. Palermo came to discuss the strategic planning for RTMS.
Our first goal was to enhance performance of all students. We kept the goal the same of 83%.

Our second goal was prioritizing safety and operational efficiency. We kept the goal the same of decreasing student referrals to 285 for the year.
Our third goal was to ensure impactful programming. We did not meet this goal. We are changing the goal to 6% or more improvement in the accelerated goal category.

Our fourth goal was to strengthen workforce engagement. We did not meet this goal. We are changing our goal to reduce detractor responses from 19% to 15%.  

Our fifth goal was to utilize fiscal resources effectively. We kept this goal the same. 100% performance target with 30 applications for charter dollars.
Our sixth goal was to deepen community connections. We kept this goal the same for absences to keep them below 10%.

 

7:57 am Informational Item: Principal’s Update – Pinnock

A.    School Start Update
Our school received several updates throughout the summer. We were at Northview for a few days while renovations were completed – HVAC, lighting, fire alarm, etc. We had a great sneak preview.
We will know on Friday our 10 day count, as of now, we are below projected enrollment.
1122, 1080

B.     Shifts in District Policy or School Practices
The district adopted a new policy of no personal communication devices. The students have been doing fantastic! They’ve been doing very well with keeping their phones in their lockers until the end of the day. The administrators will meet about creating a policy for the phones for after school events and rehearsals.

C.     Calendar of Upcoming School Events
25-28^th – Curriculum Nights
Picture Day has been moved to October 21.

D.    Training Requirements for All Members
You must complete the training through Canvas.
 

8:20 Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting Agenda – Elected Chair

Discuss Norms
Strategic Plan Update - Vote
Principal’s Update

Charter Dollar Application Update – Review Application Process
 

8:23 Meeting Adjournment – Elected Chair

Ms. Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:23.

 

River Trail Middle School Governance Council

Date | time 9/17/2025| 7:30am | Location Counseling Conference Room (CCR)

SGC Members

Ms. Laura Bradley, Appointed Staff | Mr. Adam Cleary, Community Member | Ms. Krista Zimmerman, Parent | Ms. Grace Hernandez, Teacher |Mr. Neil Pinnock, Principal | | Mr. Brett Herrick, Elected Parent | Ms. Alexandra Schoessler, Teacher | Ms. Yan Qin, Elected Parent | Mr. Kirk Parham, Community Member | Ms. Mikhayah Walls, Appointed Staff

Time	Item	Owner
7:30am	Call to Order	Ms. Hernandez
7:31am	Action Item: Approve September Agenda	Ms. Hernandez
7:33am 7:35am	Action Item: Approve August Meeting Minutes Discussion Item: Meeting Norms	Ms. Hernandez Ms. Hernandez
7:40am	Action Item: Strategic Plan Update and Vote	Mr. Palermo
7:50am:	Discussion Item: 24-25 Council Self-Assessment Survey Results	Ms. Schoessler
7:55am	Discussion Item: Cross Council Attendees A. Friday, October 3rd, 9-12	Ms. Hernandez
8:00am	Discussion Item: Review Charter Dollar Application Process A. Special Circumstances	Ms. Hernandez
8:10am	Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Application	Ms. Hernandez
8:15am	Informational Item: Principal’s Update	Mr. Pinnock
8:20am 8:25am	Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting Agenda for October 8th      Meeting Adjournment	Ms. Hernandez Ms. Hernandez

Meeting Norms: Silence All Technology, Start on Time, Stick to the Agenda, Follow Robert’s Rules of Order, Work for the Good of All Students         
Upcoming Meetings: 10/8/2025

 

Summary of Action

River Trail Middle School

Date: 9/17/25
Time: 7:30AM
Location: CCM

SGC Members: Ms. Laura Bradley, Appointed Staff | Mr. Adam Cleary, Community Member | Ms. Krista Zimmerman, Parent | Ms. Grace Hernandez, Teacher |Mr. Neil Pinnock, Principal | | Mr. Brett Herrick, Elected Parent | Ms. Alexandra Schoessler, Teacher | Ms. Yan Qin, Elected Parent | Mr. Kirk Parham, Community Member | Ms. Mikhayah Walls, Appointed Staff

Not in Attendance: All present

7:33am Action Item: Approve September Agenda – Hernandez

Mr. Parham motioned to approve the agenda, Ms. Zimmerman seconded. The agenda was unanimously approved.
 

7:34am Action Item: Approve August Meeting Minutes – Hernandez

Mr. Herrick motioned to approve the minutes, Ms. Schoessler seconded. The meeting minutes were unanimously approved.

 

7:43am Action Item: Strategic Plan Update and Vote - Palermo

Note of changes:

·         Focusing on Growth this year

·         Worked with Mr. Downey on suggestions

·         Changed Milestones Proficiency for all subjects, not just ELA

 

Mr. Herrick motioned to approve the plan, Ms Qin seconded. The Strategic Plan was unanimously approved.

 

8:27am Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Application - Hernandez

Approved with proposed changes – Ms. Schoessler motioned, Ms. Walls seconded. The Charter Dollar Application was unanimously approved.

 

 

 

Sept 17 2025 SGC Meeting

7:30 AM in the CCR

 

The meeting was called to order at 7:31am with the following members present:

Ms. Hernandez, Mr. Parham, Mr. Pinnock, Ms. Bradley, Ms. Schoessler, Ms. Zimmerman, Ms. Qin, Ms. Walls, Mr. Cleary and Mr. Herrick

 

Guest: Ms. Palermo, Administrative Assistant

 

7:31am Call to Order – Hernandez

Ms. Hernandez called the meeting to order at 7:31 AM.

 

7:33am Action Item: Approve September Agenda – Hernandez

Mr. Parham motioned to approve the agenda, Ms. Zimmerman seconded. The agenda was unanimously approved.

 

7:34am Action Item: Approve August Meeting Minutes – Hernandez

Mr. Herrick motioned to approve the minutes, Ms. Schoessler seconded. The meeting minutes were unanimously approved.

 

7:35am Informational Item: Introduced New Member - Pinnock

Adam Cleary will be serving as a Community Member representative for the next two years at River Trail Middle School.

 

7:37am Discussion Item: 24-25 Council Self-Assessment Survey Results - Schoessler

Discussed results of last school year’s SGC member survey.

 

7:43am Action Item: Strategic Plan Update and Vote - Palermo

Note of changes:

·       Focusing on Growth this year

·       Worked with Mr. Downey on suggestions

·       Changed Milestones Proficiency for all subjects, not just ELA

 

Mr. Herrick motioned to approve the plan, Ms Qin seconded. The Strategic Plan was unanimously approved.

 

8:01am Discussion Item: Cross Council Attendees - Hernandez

·       Friday, October 3^rd, 9a-12p @ North Learning Center

·       Focusing on Teamwork, Accountability and Integrity

·       Ms. Walls will attend for RTMS

 

8:04am Discussion Item: Review Charter Dollar Application Process - Hernandez

·       Have $30k this year to spend, $15k less than last year. This reduction was across the entire district, not RTMS specific

·       Can not be used to fund personnel without many additional approvals

·       Hardware/Software can not be approved for anything that is not district approved

·       Suggestion to add additional questions on form around technology, to know in advance if they are requesting approved tech or not

·       Suggestion to adjust form to include how request is aligned with Strategic Action Plan

·       Mr. Pinnock will confirm with Nancy if there is a list of approved vendors

·       Special Circumstances – When an app is under a time constraint, we may need to call a special vote to approve those applications. This can be via Teams. Mrs. Hernandez is aware of 2 forthcoming requests that may need immediate approval.

·       Mr. Herrick suggested highlighting the line “now is the time to act,” so teachers will potentially move quickly to get their requests in before funds are exhausted.

 

Proposed changes:

1.      Highlight the line, “now is the time to act”

2.      Provide a list of approved vendors, if possible

3.      Include a Technology link to approved hardware/software vendors/products

4.      Adjust form to include how request is aligned with Strategic Action Plan
 

Updated form will be sent to SGC members before going to teachers, then will be available on Canvas for teachers to fill out electronically and email to Mrs. Hernandez.

 

8:27am Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Application - Hernandez

Approved with proposed changes – Ms. Schoessler motioned, Ms. Walls seconded. The Charter Dollar Application was unanimously approved.

 

8:28am Informational Item: Principal’s Update - Pinnock

·       PTO Game Night was a great success!

·       Dr. Looney visited last week. His goal is to visit each school twice a year.

·       New Robotics Team off to a great success with ~50 kids participating

·       Soccer season also off to a great start, record is 1-1.

·       Newcomers Coffee was successful. Great interest around clubs; many parents wanting kids to be involved in school activities outside of the classroom.

 

8:29am Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting Agenda for October 8^th - Hernandez

·       Approve Minutes

·       Update from Ms. Walls on Cross Council meeting

·       Update on Strategic Plan

·       Principal’s Update

·       Follow-up on badges for SGC members who need them

8:33am Meeting Adjournment – Hernandez

Mrs. Hernandez adjourned the meeting at 8:33am.

Date | time 10/8/2025| 7:30am | Location Counseling Conference Room (CCR)

SGC Members

Ms. Laura Bradley, Appointed Staff | Mr. Adam Cleary, Community Member | Ms. Krista Zimmerman, Parent | Ms. Grace Hernandez, Teacher |Mr. Neil Pinnock, Principal | | Mr. Brett Herrick, Elected Parent | Ms. Alexandra Schoessler, Teacher | Ms. Yan Qin, Elected Parent | Mr. Kirk Parham, Community Member | Ms. Mikhayah Walls, Appointed Staff

Time	Item	Owner
7:30am	Call to Order	Ms. Hernandez
7:31am	Action Item: Approve October Agenda	Ms. Hernandez
7:33am 7:35am	Action Item: Approve September Meeting Minutes Discussion Item: Update from Cross Council Meeting	Ms. Hernandez Ms. Walls
7:40am	Informational Item: Update on Strategic Plan	Mr. Pinnock
7:42am	Informational Item: Badges Update	Ms. Hernandez
7:45am	Discussion Item: Reviewing SGC Website for Compliance	Ms. Hernandez
7:50am	Informational Item: Ms. McCabe Visit	Ms. Hernandez
7:55am	Discussion Item: Charter Dollars Applications	Ms. Hernandez
8:20am	Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Applications	Ms. Hernandez
8:25am	Informational Item: Principal’s Update	Mr. Pinnock
8:30am 8:35am	Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting Agenda for November 12th       Meeting Adjournment	Ms. Hernandez Ms. Hernandez

Meeting Norms: Silence All Technology, Start on Time, Stick to the Agenda, Follow Robert’s Rules of Order, Work for the Good of All Students         
Upcoming Meetings: 11/12/2025

Summary of Action

River Trail Middle School

Date: 10/8/25
Time: 7:30AM
Location: CCM

SGC Members: Ms. Laura Bradley, Appointed Staff | Mr. Adam Cleary, Community Member | Ms. Krista Zimmerman, Parent | Ms. Grace Hernandez, Teacher |Mr. Neil Pinnock, Principal | | Mr. Brett Herrick, Elected Parent | Ms. Alexandra Schoessler, Teacher | Ms. Yan Qin, Elected Parent | Mr. Kirk Parham, Community Member | Ms. Mikhayah Walls, Appointed Staff

7:31am Action Item: Approve October Agenda – Hernandez

·       Amend Oct Agenda to discuss the Cross-Council meeting until Ms. Walls is back

·       Ms Lahmann-Scullion will cover Mr. Pinnock’s topics

·       Move Update on Strategic Plan discussion to November

·       Mr. Herrick motioned to approve the agenda, Ms. Bradley seconded. The agenda was unanimously approved.

 

7:32am Action Item: Approve September Meeting Minutes – Hernandez

·       Mr. Herrick motioned to approve the minutes, Ms. Schoessler seconded. The meeting minutes were unanimously approved.

 

7:41am Action Item: Approve Charter Dollar Applications – Hernandez

·       Reviewed all applications

·       Approved at value requested:

o   Quizziz for Ben Martin @ $7,686

o   7^th Grade Student Yearbook for Alicia Adams @ $1,433

o   Academic Bowl Nationals Team (A Team only) for Amanda Singletary @ $2,008

o   8^th Grade Savannah T-Shirts for Amanda Singletary @ $2,500

o   7^th Grade T-Shirts for Lisa Davenport @ $2,500

o   White Board Table for Emily Martilotta @ $810

o   6^th Grade T-Shirts for Samantha Jacober @ $2,500

o   NCSS Registration for Emma O’Connor @ $439

o   Chinese Literacy Project for Min Ju Juan @ $400

o   Recycling Vendor for Alexandra Schoessler @ $385

·       Approved at adjusted value:

o   School Musical for Meghan DiMaggio @ $1,500

o   NCSS Flight for Emma O’Connor @ $300

o   NCSS Hotel for Emma O’Connor @ $897 + taxes and fees

·       Ms. Hernandez will reach out to Emma O’Connor to get grand total cost of the hotel for NCSS and to determine if the Academic B Team will also need funds for Nationals.

 

 

 

 

Date | time 12/17/2025| 7:30am | Location Counseling Conference Room (CCR)

SGC Members

Ms. Laura Bradley, Appointed Staff | Mr. Adam Cleary, Community Member | Ms. Krista Zimmerman, Parent | Ms. Grace Hernandez, Teacher |Mr. Neil Pinnock, Principal | | Mr. Brett Herrick, Elected Parent | Ms. Alexandra Schoessler, Teacher | Ms. Yan Qin, Elected Parent | Mr. Kirk Parham, Community Member | Ms. Mikhayah Walls, Appointed Staff

Time	Item	Owner
7:30am	Call to Order	Ms. Hernandez
7:31am	Action Item: Approve December Agenda	Ms. Hernandez
7:33am 7:35am	Action Item: Approve November Meeting Minutes Discussion Item: Safety and Community Connections Review	Ms. Hernandez Ms. Walls
7:40am	Discussion Item:  SGC Partnership Programs	Mr. Pinnock
7:50am	Informational Item: Strategic Plan Update and Data Analysis Protocol	Ms. Palermo
8:05am	Informational Item: Principal’s Update	Mr. Pinnock
8:20am 8:25am	Discussion Item: Draft Next Meeting Agenda for January 21st Meeting Adjournment	Ms. Hernandez Ms. Hernandez

Meeting Norms: Silence All Technology, Start on Time, Stick to the Agenda, Follow Robert’s Rules of Order, Work for the Good of All Students         
Upcoming Meetings: 1/21/2026