Kelsey Gavigan

Key discussions included the review and approval of the Audit Report and a donation to the Samaritan Fund. The School Report featured a student update regarding college applications and scholarships, and a Head's Report noting increased attendance and enrollment, decreased disciplinary incidents, the shift away from one-to-one laptops, and the impact of external factors like SEPTA service and Keystone exam participation. Preliminary benchmark data analysis indicated strong performance in several areas, particularly in 8th-grade ELA and Math for FCMS. The Financial Report highlighted a current surplus of $1.07M and the resumption of federal grant payments following the passage of the state budget. The Advancement section detailed fundraising targets for FY26, the decision not to host a major fundraising event this year, and the anticipation of eligibility for new school safety grant funding. Governance items included reminders about upcoming Statements of Financial Interest and potential Governance training for board members.

The board convened an executive session to discuss the Freire Charter School Health Insurance Renewal Plan and a settlement and release for ZP. Following the executive session, the board approved a health insurance renewal plan with a 4% increase for employees on the premium-only plan, reviewed and approved minutes from the October 8, 2025, board meeting, and approved the Settlement & Release for ZP.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss staff matters. The board reviewed and approved minutes from a prior meeting, approved a slate of staff, and reviewed and approved the Schoolwide Plan, which focuses on strengthening academic outcomes for all students, particularly those with disabilities, through enhanced teacher training, refined MTSS interventions, literacy integration, and increased math practice. The board also reappointed and appointed members to the Freire Schools Collaborative board. Updates were provided on staff, students, parent engagement, enrollment, student behavior, safety, and community events. The Freire Charter School has a current surplus and is projected to close the year with a surplus due to higher enrollment. The audit will be finalized soon and presented at the next meeting. The unrestricted fundraising target for FY26 was set, and the Advancement Team provided updates on fundraising efforts and a grant received. The board was reminded of the upcoming annual board visit day. Discussions also covered health insurance and the political landscape affecting charter schools.

The board meeting included a review of public comments, resolutions to approve minutes from previous meetings, and amendments to the Conflict of Interest Policy and ELL Policy. There was also discussion and approval of an Admissions Policy and a revised FY26 Budget. Updates were provided on vision development, school staff and students, and health insurance renewal. Financial reports and audit updates were shared, along with an advancement report. The board acknowledged the resignation of Ashley Lynam and discussed an upcoming board visitation day. An executive session was held to discuss a settlement and release, as well as employee discipline.

The meeting included discussions and decisions on several key areas. The board reviewed and approved the renewal of Freire Charter School and TECH Freire Charter School board members, along with the election of officers. The FY 2026 budget was reviewed and approved, with updates on capitation rates and federal grant impacts. The board also approved donation approvals, the updated Employee Handbook, and amendments to the Title IX policy. An executive session was held to discuss a settlement and release, personnel matters, and the annual security and safety report. Updates were provided on the FSNO CEO transition, a draft vision for the organization, school performance, college reports, financials, advancement efforts, and governance matters, including the annual evaluation of Freire Schools Collaborative and board member self-evaluation. The resignation of David Bryant was acknowledged.