Abdinasser Ahmed

This annual report for STEAM Academy outlines the progress, achievements, and challenges of the 2024-2025 school year, aligning with its mission to provide quality STEM education and prepare students for 21st-century success. The plan emphasizes academic excellence in literacy, numeracy, and STEM competencies, supported by innovative practices such as experiential learning, collaborative projects, and data-driven instruction. Key objectives include cultivating critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration, while also addressing achievement gaps and enhancing science proficiency through inquiry-based learning and technology integration.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and a review of financial reports presented by Creative Planning for June 2025, noting strong cash flow and the anticipated state hold back receivable. An update on the 2024-2025 school audit preparation with Abdo Solutions was provided. The Board accepted the successful securing of a line of credit with American National Bank. A new requirement mandated the approval of the Finance Committee, which was established. Discussions covered continuing board training, the mutual cancelation of the CMO contract with Students Prepared to Succeed effective August 1, 2025, and the acceptance of new staff, including the hiring of a new STEAM Director and Dean of Students. An operations and academic update confirmed a successful start to the school year.

Key discussions included an observation by the NEO Authorizer, approval of the agenda, the approval of the 2024-2025 Audit Report which showed zero findings and a fund balance of 22.32%, and approval of the financial reports for August, September, and October 2025. Board training was conducted on policies, policy approval, and program oversight, with all members passing the subsequent quiz. The board approved the resignation of a board member and the appointment of a new Community Board Member. Additionally, the board approved the hiring of a new STEAM Director and approved the STEAM Academy MN Paid Leave policy. The board also reviewed and discussed the 2024-2025 Annual and CACR Report, as well as the Academic and Operations update.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda, financial reports, revised budget for 2024-2025, and the budget for the 2025-2026 school year. Academic and operational updates were provided, including enrollment stability, staff updates, professional development sessions, MCA testing, FastBridge assessment, NWEA Assessments, and organized field trips. The NEO Authorizer contract was presented, and the Board was given time to make revisions. Staff contract renewals were discussed, with approvals ranging from 3% to 5%. The Board discussed and approved the CMO contract and services with SPS, vendor contracts, the 2025-2026 lease agreement, and the resignation of a board member.

The meeting included approvals for the agenda, financial reports for April and May 2025, an updated contract, updated bylaws, and the updated version of Articles of Incorporation. The board approved policies and documents, including the Strategic Plan, LIEP, READAct Plan, and Title 1 Strategic Plan. The Board Development Plan and the STEAM Academy FY25 End-of-Year Board Performance Evaluation Summary were discussed and approved. The Evaluation of the CMO and School Leader was also approved. There was an update on staffing, noting that all staff are returning for the next year.