Nils Lewis

The board meeting covered several key items, including the approval of the Executive Director Report and the Annual Report. Furthermore, the board reviewed and approved committee reports for Marketing and Fundraising, as well as financial reports for October and November. Additionally, the board held a discussion regarding amendments to the school's enrollment policy.

This annual report for Friendship Academy of the Arts outlines the organization's performance and strategic direction. The plan focuses on three key priorities: Academic Growth, ensuring accelerated learning and closing opportunity gaps; Positive and Intentional Interactions, fostering trust and academic success among staff, students, and families; and Data-Based Decision Making, using observations, student work analysis, and data to inform all instructional and school-wide decisions. The overarching goal is to cultivate a thriving, joyful environment where every child becomes a confident, competent, and creative citizen.

The meeting included the approval of the agenda and a review and approval of the minutes from the October 27, 2025 meeting. Key discussion points covered in the Executive Director Report included active hiring for several positions, termination of two paraprofessionals due to attendance issues, and a shift towards proactive staff conversations. Professional Development focused on a PD Day held on November 4th, covering topics such as empathy interviews, data analysis of ANet Interim #1 Results, and feedback from the TNTP Survey. The team is preparing for winter benchmark testing in January (Fastbridge, ANet Interims, NWEA MAP) and is nearing the completion of formal observations. Student Culture metrics highlighted 238 referrals for the school year, with a specific focus on 8th-grade referrals. Staff Culture initiatives included appreciation efforts, staff gatherings, and positive results from the Insight Survey, showing significant score increases in several categories for both Support Staff and Teachers, with Leadership scores notably improving. Academics involved the analysis of ANet Interim 1 results. The board also addressed Annual Report approval and committee reports, and discussed Enrollment Policy Changes.

The board meeting included the approval of the call to order and the agenda for the current session. Key business items addressed included the approval of the Audit Report and the Authorizer Communication. Reports were also presented and approved for the Executive Director, the Finance Committee (for December activities), and the Marketing & Fundraising Committee (for December activities). The session concluded with a motion for adjournment.

Key discussion items included the creation of the 2026 meeting calendar, which superseded the need for further discussion on the 2025 calendar. Organizational documents review covered various operational documents and Minnesota affiliated building company statutes. Significant attention was given to conflict issues between the Charter School Board and the ABC Board, resulting in the interim appointment of officers (Chair, Treasurer, Secretary) and a plan to engage staff regarding board interest. Discussions also covered the upcoming Annual Investor Call, facility maintenance report completion timelines, and the recent submission of the audit. An electronic rental agreement copy was noted as being available on the website.