Marcy Eckel

The meeting included several votes, specifically the approval of minutes from the October 16, 2025, and November 10, 2025, meetings (with an amendment regarding attendance for contract negotiations). Key discussions involved the updates to the Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan and the unanimous approval of the revised Approval Authority Policy by the Finance Committee. The Board also approved a New Counselor Evaluation Tool. The fundraising update highlighted new business partners and planned outreach to alumni, including events and social media rejuvenation. Operational concerns were raised by the Faculty Representative regarding missing science countertops in the new building and building heating issues. The Executive Director provided an extensive report detailing ELA performance data, noting areas for instructional adjustment, and presented PSAT scores which generally exceeded state and national averages. Committee reports addressed budget planning for unforeseen capital expenses and a review of the Staff and Family Survey results, which showed slight dips in satisfaction in areas like school climate and communication rationale.

The meeting commenced with opening items and a public comment period. The consent agenda included the review of financial statements. Key votes addressed the approval of the Updated Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, the Approval Authority Policy (recommended by the Finance Committee), and the New Counselor Evaluation Tool. Updates were provided on fundraising, parent representation, faculty representation, and the Executive Director's report. Committee reports covered Development, Finance, Governance, and Education, including the presentation of Staff and Family Survey Results. Ongoing governance recommendations for bylaw updates were discussed as an action item, along with new action items.

The Board of Trustees meeting included several key discussions and votes. The Board approved the Competency Determination (CD) Policy, which outlines specific course requirements and demonstration methods for English, Math, Science, and History, distinct from the state's general competency mechanism. The Board also approved the 2026-2027 School Calendar and addressed concerns regarding teacher professional development scheduling. Updates covered fundraising activities, including brick sales and upcoming golf events, and parent representative status. Faculty discussions focused on addressing reading fluency gaps and implementation of new behavior routines, alongside celebrating teacher awards. The Executive Director report detailed proficiency comparisons across grades, highlighting significant gains in some areas and concerning drops in others, particularly Grade 8 performance. The report also addressed student attrition, retention strategies, and budget comparisons with other institutions. The Capital Plan update included securing an HVAC rebate and approval for a $20K threshold project for fire alarm system replacement and network room air conditioning. The Finance Committee reported on the clean, unmodified June 30, 2025, Annual Audited Financial Statements, noting a solid balance sheet but highlighting a lower surplus percentage compared to the charter school average. The Governance Committee plans to review bylaws, and the Education Committee discussed Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education. Finally, the Executive Director Evaluation summary was reviewed.

The special meeting commenced with a motion to enter executive session to discuss negotiation strategies concerning non-represented personnel contracts. Following the executive session, the Board reconvened in open session and unanimously approved a four-year contract for the Executive Director. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote to adjourn.

Key discussion items for this meeting include the review of Financial Statements under the Consent Agenda. Voting items scheduled are the approval of the Updated Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan, approval of The Approval Authority Policy, and approval of the New Counselor Evaluation Tool. Updates will cover Fundraising, Parent Representative status, Faculty Representative activities, and the Executive Director's Report. Committee reports are scheduled for Development, Finance, Governance, and Education, including a discussion on Staff and Family Survey Results. The session will also address action items from previous meetings, such as ongoing governance recommendations for Bylaws updates, and review new action items.