Hope Community Academy

The board meeting involved the appointment of a new teacher board member and the review of the Executive Director's report, which covered staffing, program operations, and compliance efforts. Significant actions included the approval of the school's strategic plan and the authorization of additional funding for special education curriculum. The board also reviewed reports from the Executive, Operations, and Finance committees, including a discussion on the financial status and upcoming election processes.

Key discussions during the meeting included the approval of the agenda, which involved moving Board Training to a committee report section, and the approval of the Consent Agenda items, specifically amending the November 2025 board minutes and postponing the New Hire Report. The Interim Director's and Executive Director's Report focused on the HOPE status changing to Level Three: Notice of Probationary Status with UST, requiring improvement in academic plans, Hmong/Karen programs, marketing/enrollment, and special education services. The board unanimously approved proposing $300K from the budget for an Academic Turnaround Plan. Operational updates noted the roof completion and planned installation of new AC units. Committee reports covered the Executive Committee discussing the ED evaluation and appointing Jody Rademaker to the teacher board vacancy until June 30th, 2025, upon completion of training. The Finance Committee reviewed the November 2025 financial report, noting cash on hand is sufficient for 134 days, and confirmed the ADM adjustment to 739. Board training requirements and the next meeting dates were also reviewed.

This document is an evaluation rubric used by the University of St. Thomas to assess Hope Community Academy's performance for the 2023-2024 and 2024-2025 school years. It evaluates the school's adherence to its three-year strategic plan (2023-2026) across three main sections: academic success, financial viability, and organizational effectiveness. Key evaluation areas include student proficiency and growth in core subjects, financial management and fund balance, compliance with legal and governance standards, staff licensing and professional development, special education and English Learner services, student and teacher retention, parent satisfaction, facility safety, and the fostering of a welcoming and inclusive environment. The strategic plan's priorities focus on expanding Hmong language and culture programs, extracurricular activities, improving academic outcomes, and investing in staff well-being.

Key discussions during the meeting included a teacher expressing intent to vacate their Board seat, followed by the Interim Directors' Report. The report covered updates on a grant submission to MDE totaling $600,000 over three years intended to support transition, community partnering, cultural enrichment, and mental health. Additionally, the Board addressed a proposal from Dao Tech for a door access system control, totaling $58,000 plus $7,500 for labor, contingent upon budget availability. The Consent Agenda included the approval of the HOPE School Profile regarding AP Courses. Committee reports were presented for the Executive, Board Operations, and Finance Committees. Existing business covered the status update on the Executive Director Hiring Process and the Authorizer Contract Renewal. New Business included Board Development Goals, Board Self Review, Board Training, Recruitment & Engagement, Board Vacancy Process, and the designation of an Identified Official with Authority (IoWA) for the EDIAM system, with Dr. Kevin Xiong being designated as the new IoWA and approved as a certified bank signer.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda, which involved an amendment concerning the renumbering of items related to the board vacancy and the financial audit. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the consent agenda, which covered the October 2025 Board Meeting Minutes and the New Hire Report. The financial statement audit for FY20 was presented, highlighting inaccurate meal counts, with corrective action planned. The Board revisited and approved the existing mission statement, while updating the vision statement to include "diverse programs." Updates were provided on student enrollment (ADM at 751), curriculum alignment for Hmong Language and Culture, and ongoing efforts to address inaccurate meal counts in kitchen operations, including the planned implementation of a POS system in January. The Board unanimously approved allocating up to $50,000 for exploring the acquisition and installation of an external LED sign for marketing purposes. Furthermore, a motion was passed to reallocate door sensor replacement costs to ABC Building Company, and three individuals were appointed to the HCA Company board. Committee reports noted that all board directors must complete mandatory training by December 30, 2025.