American Leadership Academy

The board discussed new leadership, with Jennifer Savage nominated and voted in as the new CAO. A proposal to partner with Bid4Schools was tabled for further evaluation of potential liabilities. Updates were provided on high school, junior high, and elementary school activities, including academic achievements, events, and testing preparations. The board also discussed graduation requirements, the 2015-16 academic calendar, a new grievance policy, additional board meetings, and the whistleblower policy.

The board discussed several topics including a counseling update, board by-laws, a proposal for "No Shave November" fundraiser, foreign travel concerns and guidelines, and an amendment to the current attendance policy. The board approved the "No Shave November" fundraiser. Additional guidelines will be created to amend the current Student Travel Policy. The amendment to the attendance policy was tabled to the next open board meeting. Reports were given on the Junior High, High School, and Elementary. UPACS offered to provide advocacy, training and any support that American Leadership Academy might need.

The meeting included discussions on partnering with MATC, principal updates on student learning and activities, teacher updates on debate championships and science department field trips. The board reviewed and accepted changes to the 2014-15 Trustlands, and approved the Grievance and Harassment Policies. The hiring process for teachers was discussed, and the board addressed foreign language travel and upcoming music events in the school.

The board meeting included a presentation from the Math Department Head on the goals of the math department moving forward, emphasizing the importance of "productive disposition" and the use of technology to aid conceptual understanding. The board discussed the allocation of additional funds from School Trustlands, deciding to use the money for technology in the classrooms. Amendments were made to the extra-curricular practice policy. New hires were presented for approval.

The Board of Trustees discussed several topics including the USTAR grant, the final budget for FY 2014, and the original budget for FY 2015. The board agreed to refuse the USTAR grant and reapply next year. Changes made to the FY2014 Original Budget were presented and accepted. The budget for FY 2015 was presented with an increase in salaries due to additional elementary classes and medical benefits. The board also discussed and approved a Medical Recommendation Policy, a Discipline Policy amendment, a Bullying Policy amendment, and an Electronic Device Policy.