Paula Fontes

The accountability plan for New Heights Charter School of Brockton focuses on preparing students for college through an early college design, fostering a college-going culture, and developing professional and community partnerships. Key objectives include ensuring students are well-prepared for college-level work, creating a supportive school environment, and providing comprehensive professional development for staff. Measures of success include student surveys, college course completion rates, program attendance, and the establishment of community partnerships.

The board meeting covered various reports, including enrollment, staffing, alumni activities, community events, and grades and discipline data. Discussions included a review of the 37H ¾(b) law change and its implications for student discipline. Updates were provided on bus and van transportation, and a new MCC safety plan was approved. The Academic Excellence Committee report highlighted instructional goals, scholarship opportunities, and the need to address declining associate's degree completion rates. The Finance Committee reported a surplus, and the Governance Committee discussed Board on Track software, the Executive Director review, potential new trustees, and the extension of a trustee's term. The board also discussed transitioning to in-person meetings and the possibility of a future board retreat.

The board meeting covered various topics, including college partnerships and their scheduling challenges, staff retention, organizational charts, open positions, student enrollment, and fiscal year 2023 goals. Discussions also included the development of an administrator evaluation tool, tiered focused monitoring from DESE, a service learning trip to the Dominican Republic, gym rental updates, and the school audit. The finance committee reported on year-to-date finances and the governance committee provided updates on board membership, term reviews, and the executive director review.

The board meeting agenda included an audit report, post-issuance compliance procedures, a state site visit, hiring and enrollment updates, MCAS score release, the current political landscape, a webinar on board governance, custodial services, door-to-door transportation, and an evaluation form for staff. Financial reports (YTD Finances) were also to be reviewed. Discussion topics included the Data Dashboard from the Academic Excellence Committee and the Governance Committee.

The board meeting agenda included discussions on loan terms, the Friends of New Heights Foundation acting as guarantor, the designation of a second check signer, and a third credit card holder. Reports from the Academic Excellence, Finance, and Governance committees were also anticipated.