Aaron Kellert

The meeting includes presentations and discussions on the Oklahoma Liquid Access Pool and facility updates for the Hudson and California properties. Key action items involve the approval of resolutions for real estate development services, the acquisition of property at 516 W. California Avenue, and architectural, engineering, and preconstruction service proposals. Additionally, the board will discuss board advising, approve capital campaign consultants, renew board terms, elect officers, and assign financial roles for the upcoming school year. Policy updates regarding the school calendar, healthy and fit advisory committees, and chronic absenteeism will be reviewed, along with an update on the employee criminal record reporting policy and general leadership updates.

The meeting includes discussion and action regarding the encumbrance registry, district credit card statement, and financial reports. Agenda items involve board advisory work with Bellwether, a facilities update from Level Field Partners, and the approval of a Memorandum of Understanding for real estate support services. The Board will review school policies related to calendar updates, health and fitness advisory committees, and chronic absenteeism medical exemptions, as well as the student personal device policy. Executive session topics include the appraisal of real property for leasing. Further discussions cover the growth and expansion process for California Avenue properties, the acquisition of land via a real estate purchase and sale agreement, school leadership updates, and reports from the PTA and fundraising committees.

The meeting included considerations for the approval of various operational reports, financial statements, and credit card statements. The board reviewed and considered contract renewals for legal services, accounting and consulting services, occupational therapy, psychometric services, elevator maintenance, e-rate consulting, and software service agreements. Additionally, the agenda covered a growth strategy discussion, the introduction of new staff, and actions regarding substitute teacher services, temporary appropriations, and a lease extension. The board also reviewed information regarding property negotiations, leadership updates on school events and initiatives, and provided updates on PTA and fundraising activities.

The 2022 Strategic Plan for John Rex Charter School addresses key assessment findings related to culture, communication, faculty support, leadership engagement, and utilization of downtown resources. The plan focuses on five strategic areas: Funding (transparency, fundraising, advocacy); Engagement (family and community engagement, building faculty/family relationships); Culture (internal environment, social-emotional learning, faculty/staff attraction and retention); Mission (expanding the mission to meet current needs, clear communication of the mission); and Communication (intentional messaging, vertical communication, clear expectations). The plan aims to improve communication, enhance stakeholder engagement, strengthen school culture, secure additional funding, and better utilize downtown resources to benefit students.

The board meeting covered several key topics. The board approved using up to $39,000 in revenue for certified staff Great Expectations training, funded by a Counseling Corps grant. They also approved using the Gift Fund for meals related to staff recruitment and community building. An update on the Strategic Planning Committee's progress on key performance indicators was provided, with a draft plan expected by May. A leadership update included the hiring of a new elementary principal, the upcoming Request for Proposals for food service management, greenhouse construction progress, and the departure of the Operations Director. A PTA update highlighted successful fundraising from Fuel Up, plans for staff appreciation, and the distribution of eclipse glasses for students and staff.