Michael Karp

The meeting included a CEO Report which provided an update on student academic and social growth, preparations for the upcoming PSSAs, and the status of the charter renewal process, noting planned attendance at a Charter School Rally. The Financial Report summary was presented, with a subsequent meeting scheduled for the finance team. A special topic presentation covered an overview of the Fishtank curriculum, including updates from piloting focus groups. Key action items involved approving the proposed board calendar for the 2023 to 2024 school year, adoption of the Wellness Policy, approval of vendor contracts and staff contracts scale for the 2023-2024 term, approval of the academic calendar for 2023-2024, approval to increase the shared service agreement with CEA, and the adoption of both the AJF Trust agreement and the Fish Tank curriculum for Middle School and High School.

This regular joint meeting of Belmont Charter and Inquiry Charter Schools addressed several key operational and academic matters. The Board Chairman reported on summer discussions with the School District of Philadelphia concerning Board structures and the addition of high school seats, noting that renovations at 1301 Belmont Avenue were in progress. The CEO provided updates on 2015-2016 academic data, academic program changes including Eureka Math adoption, and targeted interventions. Financial reporting included a presentation of cash disbursements for August for both entities. The Board unanimously passed resolutions electing Steve Parico as a new member and Board Treasurer for both Belmont Charter School and Inquiry Charter School.

The meeting, held in joint session with the Inquiry Charter School Board of Trustees and the Community Education Alliance of West Philadelphia Board of Trustees, included a CEO Report and a Financial Report indicating positive financials through May 2022. Key action items involved reviewing and approving the 22-23 Board Meeting Calendar, reapproving the BCS Board of Trustees Bylaws, confirming Board of Trustees roles (Secretary, Treasurer, and President), approving the budget for the 22-23 school year, and approving vendor contracts exceeding $30,000 as outlined in the bylaws. The Board also reviewed the annual safety report during an Executive Session.

The Belmont Charter School Board of Directors convened for a special meeting. The board reviewed expulsion hearing notes for S.D. and decided not to expel. Additionally, the board reviewed expulsion hearing notes for D.J. and decided to expel.

The Belmont Charter School Board of Directors held a regular meeting in a joint session with the Inquiry Charter School Board of Trustees and Community Education Alliance of West Philadelphia Board of Trustees. The CEO presented the Future Ready Index and reviewed the healthy schools dashboard. The Finance team provided a Finance Update. The board approved the Conflicts of Interest Policy, Internal Financial Controls, Belmont Charter Network Student and Family handbook, and Belmont Charter School Positive Behavior Supports. An update was provided on the BCS renewal.