Kwanza Cogdell

The Board meeting addressed several critical operational and financial matters. Discussions included the receipt of a significant Employee Retention Credit from the IRS for the first quarter of 2021 and an update on the Charter Renewal Process, including scheduling an external consultant review and a board interview. Key operational reports covered enrollment, infrastructure, health center status, and discipline reports. The Personnel Committee handled numerous actions, including the appointment of new staff members, approval of Family and Medical Leave Act requests, acceptance of several resignations, approval of co-curricular appointments, salary adjustments for existing staff based on performance and increment adjustments, and approval of performance-based compensation increments for leadership positions. The Finance Committee approved multiple financial reports for September and October 2025 for various LLCs and the Health Center, authorized budget transfers, and approved expenditure reports/bill lists for both September and October 2025, totaling over $4.4 million and $5.0 million, respectively. Furthermore, the Board authorized the Business Administrator to issue an RFP/RFQ for a Five-Year Facility Repair and Upgrade Assessment. Approvals were also granted for a donation of sports equipment, the award of FY26 contracts for professional development services using ESSA Title II funds, and the awarding of an emergency contract for urgent building lintel repairs. The Curriculum Committee reviewed academic progress and approved staff participation in professional development opportunities, several field trips aligned with learning standards, and Early College course selections for Spring 2026.

The meeting included updates on the charter renewal process and the appointment of a parent representative. The operational report covered enrollment, building infrastructure, health center, family support, fire drills, and bus drills. The board approved financial reports, budget transfers, expenditure reports, and contracts, including acceptance of funds for the NJ Cool Program and Literacy Coaching Grant. New personnel appointments, FMLA requests, resignations, and co-curricular appointments were approved, along with salary and position adjustments and performance-based compensation salaries for teachers. The board also authorized staff participation in professional development opportunities and approved various field trips.

The meeting included updates on the charter renewal process, LEAP's organizational goals for 2025-2026, and the upcoming Annual Fundraising Gala and Groundbreaking Ceremony for the RICH/Community Fabrication Lab Building. Updates were provided on enrollment, building infrastructure, the health center, and family support. The board approved financial reports, budget transfers, and contracts, including an increase for the 527 Cooper project. New personnel appointments, FMLA requests, resignations, and co-curricular appointments were approved, along with salary and position adjustments. The board also approved professional development opportunities and several field trips. Lastly, the board approved the Professional Development Plan for 25-26.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various key areas. These included the chairperson's report, which covered the annual reorganization of the LEAP Board, and the renewal of board appointments. The operational report addressed enrollment, recruitment, retention, building infrastructure, maintenance, health center operations, family support, parent engagement, and safety drills. The finance committee presented and the board approved numerous financial items, such as the line-item status report, financial reports for LEAP Cramer Hill LLC, LEAP Microenterprise LLC, LEAP Health Center, LEAP Student Transportation, budget transfers, expenditure reports, contracts, and financial transactions, including a donation for food supplies and the refinance of existing loans. The board also approved various contracts, curriculum purchases, a lease for copiers, budget amendments for IDEA and ESEA grants, and several resolutions related to financial procedures and authorizations. Additionally, the board discussed and approved personnel matters, including new appointments, staff renewals, salary adjustments, resignations, and co-curricular appointments. The curriculum committee presented curriculum revisions, and the board authorized staff participation in professional development opportunities.

The meeting included updates on the construction of a new fab lab in partnership with Rutgers University, the approval to open three new schools in Puerto Rico in August 2025, and upcoming events such as the Scholarship Fundraising Gala and LEAP High School Graduation. The board approved the Comprehensive Equity Plan and the School Wellness Policy. Financial matters were addressed, including the approval of financial reports for various entities and budget transfers. Personnel appointments, renewals, and tenure recommendations were approved. The board also approved academic schedules and school calendars for 2025-2026, a restructuring plan for K-5, and a list of students for high school graduation in June 2025. Additionally, several field trips and professional development opportunities were approved.