Stephanie Nowell

The board meeting included a closed session to discuss a legal matter and personnel updates, followed by the formal approval of candidates. Financial discussions centered on the status and forecast for the current fiscal year and the approval of the fiscal year 2027 final draft budget, noting expectations for surplus and debt coverage. The board approved the 2026-2027 meeting schedule. Administrative reports provided updates on end-of-grade testing, school visits, student performances, teacher appreciation events, and potential partnerships with Alamance Community College for athletics and mentorship. Board member transitions for the upcoming fiscal year were also noted.

The board discussed and adopted resolutions for the 2026 NC 401(k) and 457 plans. The finance committee presented a report indicating a projected budget surplus and reviewed the draft budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Administrative reports covered plans for a spring fundraiser, updates on the consolidated grant process, and new requirements for remote instruction plans. Personnel updates included ongoing recruitment efforts for teaching and administrative roles, and the board reviewed upcoming eighth-grade promotion events.

The board meeting involved discussions on recruitment efforts scheduled for the upcoming spring and summer, a review of the school climate and culture survey, and administrative reports from the Managing Director and Principal. Key policy changes included a resolution to revert to the sick leave policy used prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the board reviewed financial reports and formally approved new personnel hires for the 2023-2024 school year during a closed session.

The board discussed organizational updates including the status of site contract negotiations and marketing service procurements. Key actions included planning for enrollment and lottery timelines using SchoolMint, approving a school calendar with a two-hour Monday early release for professional development, and establishing official school operating hours. The finance report confirmed the receipt of initial funding and reviewed expenditure tracking procedures. Additionally, board members were briefed on mandatory professional development sessions provided by the Office of Charter Schools.

The board meeting involved several key actions, including the formal recognition of a board member's service, the adoption of a new board meeting schedule for the upcoming school year, and the approval of various institutional policies such as Codes of Conduct for adults and students, and a new refund/returns policy. Furthermore, the board reviewed and approved the draft Employee and Parent/Student handbooks. Administrative reports were presented by the Managing Director and Principal, a recruitment update for new board members was shared, and the results of the school climate and culture survey were summarized.