Kathryn Mitchell

The board meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key topics included the renewal of school insurance, amendments to the school fee schedule for volleyball, and the allocation of ERC expenditures for facility improvements, including HVAC upgrades and new security measures. The board approved an RFP for HVAC work and authorized the hiring of a part-time employee to manage facility repairs. Discussions also covered financial updates, including budget and account balance reports, as well as a revision to graduation credit requirements and a change to the school calendar to return the final week of the year to in-person instruction. Additionally, the board reviewed the annual health instruction report and updated policies regarding service animals, safe school discipline, and website privacy.

Key discussions during the meeting included the consideration and approval of the 2026-27 School Calendar, necessitating adjustments to professional days and moving parent-teacher conferences to February. The Marketing Committee reported being on budget while updating the school website. The Finance Committee presented the FY26 Monthly Budget Update, noting adjustments to local revenues, state revenues due to WPU, and debt service coverage, alongside a discussion on maintaining lunch quality while cutting costs for the school lunch program. The board also reviewed and approved several policies, including those related to Athletics and Activities Participation, Facilities Usage, Fee Schedule and Fee Waiver, Fundraising, Gender Non-Discrimination, Meal Charges and Negative Lunch Balances, Student Acceleration and Retention, and Test Administration and Testing Ethics. Furthermore, the board received updates on student behavior enforcement, enrollment figures (currently at 230), and had the first consideration of the LAND Trust Plan for 2026-27, focusing on improving math proficiency.

This Land Trust Plan for Rockwell Charter School aims to increase mathematics proficiency among 7th through 10th-grade students by 5% by the end of the 2025-26 school year. The plan addresses a critical need identified through assessment data and outlines an action strategy focused on targeted interventions via the MTSS program, continuous progress monitoring, and data-informed instructional adjustments. Key initiatives include providing instructional coaching for teachers, ensuring professional development, and strategically allocating Land Trust funds for salaries, software, and technology to support these academic improvements and ensure equitable digital access for all students.

The agenda included setting up a 501c3 for the teen center, focusing on community, family, student, and academic success. There were budget updates, an election for the Board Treasurer, and a second school fee hearing. Updates were provided on the Teen Center's operational readiness, food pantry, grants, and related resources. The Building and Facilities Committee reported on repairs needed, including a broken urinal and leaks. A review of Rockwell's School-Parent Compact (Title I) was conducted, along with a policy review covering Artificial Intelligence, Copyright, General Education Provisions Act Statement, and Title I Parent and Family Engagement. The Human Sexuality Committee reviewed the curriculum, and the board underwent Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Training. An executive session was held, and the meeting concluded with housekeeping and adjournment.

The board meeting included updates on the SPED audit and discussions about low enrollment's effect on the FY26 budget. The PSTO reported on plans for the Fall Festival and parent-teacher engagement. A new board member was considered and approved to join, with a formal swearing-in planned for the next meeting. A proposal was made to name the gymnasium in honor of Coach Sterling Parker. Adjustments to the 2025-26 fee schedule were discussed, including student government and esports fees. Updates were provided on the Teacher and Student Success Act Policy and Plan and federal Title Grants. The board reviewed and approved several policies, including those related to bullying, cyberbullying, harassment, educational services outside regular employment, parental notification, records management, reporting violations of law, and trust land council policy. A LAND Trust Training Video was assigned for board members to watch before the next meeting.