Christina Martini

The board received updates on school operations, including strong attendance, reduced discipline incidents, and recent staff resignations. Key monitoring topics included grant submissions for an activity bus and a placement coordinator, legislative and compliance changes regarding DEI and immigration enforcement, and organizational updates from the ICSB. The board discussed and approved pursuing a Memorandum of Understanding to merge with ACE Prep Academy. Regarding finance, the board reviewed revenue trends, pending grant funds, property tax receivables, and upcoming capital expenses such as HVAC replacements, while approving financial transactions for December and January. Governance discussions included clarifying policy on hiring individuals with certain criminal backgrounds and planning for an upcoming board retreat.

The board discussed key updates from the Head of School, including safety and discipline plan initiatives, curriculum adjustments based on ILEARN performance, and updates to the family and staff handbooks. Additionally, the board approved transactions and reviewed and approved the SY26 budget. Updates were also provided regarding board terms and the upcoming finalization of committee officers.

The board received updates from the Head of School, noting improvements in student attendance and a reduction in tardiness. Board leadership discussed ongoing recruitment efforts and upcoming vacancies for board members. Finance committee actions included the approval of financial transactions and the authorization for filing the 990 form. The board also reviewed updates regarding fundraising efforts, the status of the Lilly Grant, and background check procedures. During an executive session, the board discussed and approved staffing decisions.

The board meeting addressed various organizational and operational items, including a Head of School update covering staffing, enrollment strategies, and a recent grant award. Financial transactions were reviewed and approved. The board formally appointed new members, established the officer slate, and adopted a succession plan. Additionally, the board approved an updated meeting cadence, revised bylaws, and the remaining portion of the executive director's contract through the upcoming two-year period.

The board discussed staffing updates, including the hiring of a K-4 behavior interventionist, progress on roof insurance claims, and transitions in the teaching staff. The Board Chair addressed plans to phase out virtual options for board meetings by the 2025-2026 school year and identified a need for new board member recruitment. The Finance Committee received reports on financials and transactions for July through September and approved updates to fiscal policies regarding credit card usage and cash-on-hand requirements. Additionally, the board discussed grant planning, the finalized 2024 audit, and upcoming fundraising initiatives.