Chairman Scafidi applauded the low administrative costs associated with the CSP grant.

Chairwoman Good applauded the school for taking its course correction seriously. Dr. Good visited the school and noted that the improvements were noticeable on her last visit.

A representative from the school thanked the SCSC and its team for their work with the school and for providing them with another opportunity. He explained that the school just lost a student, demonstrating the need in the community. He believes the school has the potential to change the community. 

The Chair voted in support of the school.

The was no comment from commissioners. School representatives, Patrice Meadows and Jocelyn Scott, thanked the SCSC and staff. They noted that the school started during the pandemic, and it was a great opportunity to continue to serve its students. 

Chairwoman Good noted that the school met SCSC standards in all years. The Board Chair, Executive Director, and Director of Operations spoke on behalf of the school. The board chair noted that the school has come a long way in the last 10 years. The school views the renewal as a deliberate step forward on the path to charter replication, when that time comes.

He thanked the commissioners and complimented SCSC staff on their assistance. 

The NCA 11th-grade Student Body President and 11th-grade Representative spoke on behalf of the school, explaining that the renewal represents five more years of rich education, stability, opportunity, and offering families and the community a valuable choice. The Student Body President thanked commissioners and staff for their support.

Chairman Dudgeon discussed how often the classical school model comes up in his legislative work. He noted that voters mention the model by name.  

Jeremy Berry, with National Heritage Academies, the school's partner, thanked the SCSC for allowing the school to expand its attendance zone.

There was no discussion.

The school's board chair, Brandon Jones, spoke on behalf of the school. He explained that the board had to make a tough, emotional decision about surrendering the charter. He thanked the school's entire team for providing a safe and impactful environment for its students and community.

He noted that facilities were a challenge. He urged new schools to carefully evaluate facility leases to ensure continuity of services and supports. He noted that he was saddened to ask the commission to accept the surrender of the charter contract.

Commissioner Dudgeon noted that the school's team worked very hard and acknowledged that, on some occasions, it does not work out. He thanked the team for their work.

Commissioner Lowden noted that it is tough to make the right choice for students. He noted that the school is making the right decision for the students, but urged the school's team to continue pursuing their passion for serving in education.

Commissioner Scafidi noted that there is an impressive group of people running the school. 

Chairwoman Good noted SLAM's turnaround. She noted that some of the leaders on the SLAM team had previously served charter schools. She noted that the right choice is incredibly difficult, including tough conversations with various stakeholders. More tough decisions are ahead. The school is commended for its leadership in making the right decision at the right time.

Commissioner Lowden noted that the school leader from a previous charter school that surrendered its charter now runs a very successful charter school.

There was no discussion.

Commissioner Lowden noted that, in recognition of Black History Month, he congratulated Chairwoman Good as the first African-American Chair of the State Charter Schools Commission.