Marifrances Pogorzelski

The Board of School Trustees reviewed and approved the filing of the June 30, 2025, Federal Form 990, the proposed teacher salary scale for the 2026-2027 school year, a salary increase for full-time non-teaching staff, administration, and support staff, and the Student/Parent Handbook and Code of Conduct. Additionally, the Board discussed a Whistleblower Policy, assessment updates, professional development for school safety, and the renewal of the Flexible Instructional Day program.

The Board meeting included a review of financial statements, performance metrics, and a discussion regarding the federal budget impasse and its potential impact on charter schools. The CEO provided updates on employee hires, student enrollment, and departmental initiatives. The Board approved revisions to the Employee Handbook regarding work schedules and classifications, updated anti-hazing and anti-bullying policies, and approved changes to graduation requirements to align with Pennsylvania state regulations regarding personal finance coursework and credit flexibility.

The Board of Directors held a meeting that included a review of unaudited financial statements for the period ending December 31, 2025, discussing cash balance growth, revenue variances, and student enrollment figures. The Board approved the re-election of a member to a new three-year term. The CEO provided updates regarding student enrollment, high school and elementary department activities, and legislative changes impacting charter schools. Additionally, the Chief Academic Officer presented an update on assessment preparations and the Flexible Instructional Day program. The Board also discussed fundraising strategies for the school's 50th anniversary, including various engagement roles for board members, and concluded with an executive session to discuss legal matters.

The Board meeting addressed several key areas. Financially, unaudited statements as of October 31, 2025, were reviewed, noting a decrease in cash balance and an increase in fixed assets due to property purchases. The Board also reviewed debt-service coverage ratios, confirming compliance, and accepted the clean draft Independent Audit Report. The CEO provided an enrollment update, confirming the school is fully enrolled, and reported progress on the Sedgley Avenue Project, noting the acquisition of necessary permits. The Chief Academic Officer provided updates on the 2025 graduation report, detailed various graduate pathways, and discussed the school's designation as an Additional Targeted Support and Intervention (A-TSI) school by the PDE due to underperformance in one student subgroup. A robust literacy update highlighted the use of Wilson Reading certified specialists and explicit phonics programs for early grades. Finally, an update was given on the fundraising campaign for the school's 50th anniversary.

The meeting agenda included the review and consideration of an existing member re-election resolution. Key reports covered business and finance, including the Financial Statement for December 31, 2025, which indicated an increase in cash balance and a current ratio of 19.77. The CEO update addressed personnel, enrollment, and department updates. The Chief Academic Officer provided an update on assessment preparation, noting the completion of Winter Keystone testing and upcoming fully online Spring 2026 PDE testing. Principals are preparing schedules for 2026-27, with new course/text requests and graduation requirement updates expected at the March meeting. Discussions also covered fundraising campaigns for the 50th Anniversary and Board engagement options for the capital campaign.