Anapesi Ka'ili

The strategic plan of Mana Academy focuses on developing scholars rooted in their native cultures, preparing them to be future leaders. It emphasizes community and family involvement, striving for educational excellence and cultural sustainability. The plan aims to create a culturally relevant and inclusive learning environment, challenging students academically and inspiring innovation. Key goals include increasing performance on RISE assessments, ensuring all high school seniors graduate, successfully implementing a family engagement model, and providing quarterly updated Individual Learning Plans for every student.

The board meeting included a brief introduction to the board, a director's report, a special education report, and a finance report. The director reported that school starts on August 21, with an open house on August 18 for K-5 grades. The school theme for 2023-24 is "We respect ourselves and all people." A request was made for an "Early Literacy Program" grant. The special education report noted the addition of 2 new scholars, with 15 currently being served. The finance report indicated that local revenue is more than target, state revenues are on target, and expenses are less than the percent target. There was a discussion regarding procurement for the nutrition program and the introduction of new board members. The board approved the procurement for the nutrition program and the inclusion of Kalani Raphael as a board member.

The board meeting included a special education report, highlighting a two-day conference on special education in Utah, the tracking of post-secondary outcomes for students with IEPs, internal file reviews, and the search for new SPED staff. The director reported on the school's 10th year, college acceptances and scholarships for seniors, and the upcoming review of student testing data and the strategic plan. The FY24 Academic Year Calendar was presented for review and approval. The finance report covered the Fraud Risk Assessment, the need for a formal audit committee, the FY23 final budget, the FY24 budget, annual audit committee training, and annual Public and Open Meetings Act training. The board approved the FY24 Academic School Year Calendar, the FY23 Final Budget, and the FY24 Budget.

The board meeting included updates on state testing progress, graduation preparations, and a finance report indicating that expenses are on target with growing cash balances. The board discussed potential new members, including individuals with policy experience and parent representation, and initiated a process to review their qualifications for inclusion on the board.

The board meeting included discussions on the Kamehameha trip to Mana Academy, where cultural exchange and higher education opportunities were explored. Updates were provided on the NTAS Gala, preparations for Spring Break and state testing, staff reassessment, and the search for future locations for Mana Academy. The finance report covered the percent target to percent forecast, state and federal revenue, and an overall summary of the budget, including salaries and copier lease. The board also discussed fraud risk assessment, graduation plans for 2025, board meeting trainings, and board member presence and duties.