April 2021 Director’s Report
It was a very busy month.
Programs:
NEA Big Read: huge success even with bad weather. Over 100 in attendance and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.
After School Program:
Mythology
Which are reimbursed by Friends, as per the kids sold their Dream Catchers.
Masons donated 15 tablets and so we hosted the Read-A-Thon. Raised over $5000.
We talked in the last board meeting and the program with the exception of Annabelle’s wages is paying for itself. We continue to have 0 complaints about the charge of $20 / month.
Girls Who Code (Thursdays)
Programming Technology:
We had the Oculus expense which was supposed to be covered by a grant, but it was our mistake. However, the Oculus also will pay for itself within the year. ($5 / checkout)
Toddler Time: Crowd is good. Consistently running 10-12 I have not marketed it well, and I am afraid to because I do not want it to grow too big. I also do not want to become stagnant.
Tea: runs 4-10 each week
Headstart has super strict protocols, but started storytime again. I can’t go there yet, but today they came here. We are trying to work out a weekly schedule.
SUMMER READING PROGRAM:
Most of the parents have stated that they would like a day camp type system.
Can this method be successful?
I did speak to Friends and payroll coverage is an option.
DRC at present is funding itself. Our expenses were craft supplies (the Amazon purchases)
ALL that being said, DO WE CHARGE FOR SUMMER READING?
I have included a temporary schedule should we decide to do a camp type theme. If we hired 2 people at 25 hrs. A week at $10/hr for 11 weeks puts us at $5500. We could play with that some. I think the programs could run themselves with the right hire and my minimal oversight.
I feel that right now our programs are running better than they ever have. Even with the chaos of a split schedule, etc… I think it is better than ever. Charging I think makes a big difference. They are committed and have ownership.
Finances:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/15MT7PLJBfLAvx1rWDewkD5mf6AWLSwON?usp=sharing
This is us trying to work on a better system to understand everything. We did get carbon copy checks and I will be keeping a better track there.
Make It Grant mistake. Annabelle and I received a Make It Grant. We decided to purchase 2 Oculuses (Oculi), and supplies for the silhouette which Laura Bettis had donated. We sent in a receipt and they sent out an email saying we could not spend the money until we received it. I cancelled the Amazon order for the Silhouette items, but was too late on the Oculus. I read it and nowhere does it say anything about waiting. I was going to ask Friends to cover the Oculi, but instead of begging Peter to pay Paul, I thought I would just eat it. We have unspent money in our Programming Budget. We had the Oculus expense which was supposed to be covered by a grant, but it was our mistake. However, the Oculus also will pay for itself within the year. ($5 / checkout) Now we are going to get a very nice 3D camera.
Outdoor Classroom:
I would like to propose our request for LOT monies go for an outdoor classroom
Progressive Club:
Green House
LMCF
Architect and development monies
Employees:
Met our applicant and she is absolutely perfect. She has housing. She took a job at RiteAid.
New Board Member Potential:
Nancy Bloomfield
Susan has mentioned needing a break because she is so busy. Nancy is eager to volunteer and could potentially ease some of the workload for the rest of you. She is a senior citizen, has grandkids, and frequents the library. She says her only downfall is that she plays pickleball.