Heather Mazza

The board meeting included the approval of consent agenda items such as audit engagement letters, the 26-27 HR handbook, and contracts for school nutrition and a prom venue. Presentations were provided regarding current fundraising goals and activities, an update on student performance and testing, and a report on college enrollment and financial aid. Additionally, the board received updates on staffing, school enrollment trends, and financial performance. Finally, the board reviewed and approved the first budget amendment of the year to align revenue and expenses with actual figures.

The meeting included discussions on fundraising progress toward the annual goal and an update on the Wayside Schools Foundation Gala. The board reviewed school safety initiatives, including corrective actions with the TEA. Academic updates covered testing seasons and college completion reports for graduating classes. The board approved the AMA Local Improvement Plan. Additionally, reports on talent and staffing, enrollment stabilization for upcoming school years, and current financial activities were presented. In executive session, the board evaluated the superintendent's performance and approved a one-year contract extension.

The committee meeting focused on food service updates, including new menu items, featured seasonal foods, and visiting chef events. Program initiatives such as the Chef on Display program and the integration of culinary education and garden programs were discussed. Feedback regarding preschool and middle school breakfast and lunch programs was reviewed, highlighting student preferences and the need for menu accuracy. Wellness updates included the integration of mindfulness exercises and nutrition education into academics. The meeting concluded with an open discussion on food quality and presentation, and established several action items for tracking meal performance, improving communication between campuses, and coordinating with vendors.

The board received a presentation from the STMS Theatrics regarding their competition awards and approved several consent agenda items, including charter school amendments, real estate resolutions, instructional material certifications, policy updates, and the Charter School Performance Framework rating. The Chief Executive Officer provided fundraising and school safety updates, while the Chief Academic Officer reviewed the Annual Academic Report, academic performance metrics, and college enrollment progress. Additionally, the Chief Talent Officer discussed staffing and incentive funding, and the Chief Operating Officer provided updates on enrollment and financial statements, resulting in the approval of 2026-2027 stipends and salary adjustments for market competitiveness.

Key discussions included a presentation on the 2026 Science Fair finalists. The consent agenda covered the 2026-27 Academic Calendar, the FY 25 Audit review, and granting authority to leadership for selecting providers for copiers/printers and janitorial/custodial services following public proposal/RFP processes, as well as an update to SLHA Model Policies. The CEO update addressed fundraising progress, noting $375k raised towards the $750k goal, and a safety update announced the appointment of an interim for Safety and Compliance. The Chief Academic Officer reported on student performance from mid-year assessments and provided updates on college completion rates and financial aid processes. The Chief Talent Officer reported on current staffing levels and concerns. The Chief Operating Officer reported an enrollment update showing stabilization around 1900 students and that the 2026-2027 scholar application is open. A financial review indicated stabilization of cash inflows/outflows trending towards a balanced budget. In executive session, the board issued a satisfactory performance rating for the Superintendent for 2025 and authorized two board members to work with legal counsel to draft a one-year contract extension at the same rate of pay.