Step Academy

The 2025-2026 Literacy Plan for STEP Academy aims to support every child in reading at or above grade level, beginning in kindergarten, and to assist multilingual learners and students receiving special education services in achieving their individualized reading goals. Key goals include increasing the percentage of students in grades 3-8 achieving proficiency on the MCA Reading Test or FastBridge aReading Assessment to at least 50%, and increasing the percentage of students in grades 1-12 scoring in the green (50-84.99%) on the FastBridge aReading test by at least 10% from Fall to Spring annually. The plan also focuses on universal and dyslexia screening, parent notification and involvement, and professional development for educators.

Key discussion topics included a discussion of Affiliated Building (ABC), approval of April 2023 financial reports and the FY22 revised budget, a school and staff update, approval of the 2023-24 school calendar, approval of a line of credit application from Propel Nonprofits, and a board vacancy update and 2023 board election.

The meeting covered key updates on student enrollment (637 students), the temporary shift to distance learning due to COVID-19, and the approval of STEP Academy's expansion. The financial statement audit report highlighted a December deficit, but projected a year-end surplus due to anticipated grants and reimbursements. Academic reports detailed preparations for ACCESS and MCA testing. Behavior reports showed a decrease in referrals. The Special Education report included updates on caseloads, a teacher residency program grant application, and the formation of a Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC). The Parent Coordinator also reported on a SEAC meeting. Finally, the board approved authorization for the school leadership team to shift to virtual learning if needed due to COVID-19.

The meeting will include an update on the 2022-23 school year and staff, approval of the 2023-24 staff employment agreements, discussion of the STEP and IQS contract, and designation of an identified official with authority for education identity access management.

The meeting will cover financial reports from May 2024, budget approval for 2024-25, a school and staff update for 2023-24, and the approval of a committee to interview and hire the COO. Board training will also be conducted.