Spero Academy

The meeting included approval of the order of the agenda and reports from various standing committees: Accountability, Facilities, Finance, Governance, and Marketing. Under Governance, a motion concerning the use of peace officers and crisis teams to remove students with IEPs from school grounds was tabled to the March Board agenda. Several policies underwent second reads, specifically Policy 500 (Equal Employment Opportunity), Policy 510 (Nepotism Policy), and Policy 101 regarding the development of Parental Involvement Policies for Title I Programs. Policy 606 (Transportation Policy) was presented for a first read.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda order. Key discussions included a public comment session and an information session regarding Minnesota Paid Leave. The consent agenda, excluding previous minutes, involved the approval of the Executive Director's FY 26 Professional Development Plan and a bid for a concrete driveway at the Mpls playground. Standing committee reports covered Finance, where the Board approved a transfer from the General Fund to cover a loss in Fund 02 for FY25, and approved establishing an Insured Cash Sweep Account (ICS). Future business included scheduling the next regular Board meeting for November 25, 2025. A policy review was conducted for the Equal Education Policy 102, focusing on protected classes, which received a first read under the Accountability Committee.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda order. Key discussions included a public comment period and an Audit Presentation by John Stachel of ABDO, followed by Executive Director Comments. The Consent Agenda was approved, which included approvals for emergency leave of absences, although previous meeting minutes and financial statements were not to be summarized. Standing Committee Reports involved action items from Accountability, such as the approval of Equal Education Policy 102 (adding other protected classes) and the approval of the 2025-2026 Family and Staff Calendars. The Finance Committee approved the revised 2025-2026 budget. Business under 'Policies' involved a second read for a policy on the use of Peace Officers and Crisis Teams regarding students with IEPs, and first reads for the Equal Employment Opportunity and Nepotism Policies, as well as a policy development for Title I parental involvement. The next board meeting was scheduled for February 24, 2026.

This document details Spero Academy's strategic approach to the Minnesota Comprehensive Achievement and Civic Readiness (CACR) initiative, aligning it with the academy's broader 2024-2029 strategic plan. The plan addresses five core goals: ensuring all children are ready for school, closing racial and economic achievement gaps, preparing all students for career and college, supporting high school graduation, and fostering lifelong learning. It aims to empower academic, social, and emotional growth in an inclusive and collaborative environment, guiding programming to ensure every student reaches their full potential.

This Strategic Plan outlines Spero Academy's roadmap to empower academic, social, and emotional growth in a culturally inclusive and collaborative environment. The plan is rooted in four strategic focus areas: retaining and recruiting qualified staff, enhancing strategic communications and partnerships, measuring and demonstrating student growth, and implementing innovative programming. The overarching goal is to ensure every student feels valued and is prepared to reach their full potential.