Prior to the board meeting, there was an optional "The Latin Way" session with several AJC students and faculty.

The students and faculty did not stay for the board meeting.

Ken Merritt announced that Glenn Kautt has stepped down from the WLPCS board due to personal reasons.

Barry Caldwell gave a testimonial at a recent DC Council meeting about legislation that requires charter board members to get annual training in their governance roles.

Ken Merritt attended a board chair charter school focus group in March.

Peter Anderson informed the board about the following issues.

• SPED audit
• OSSE complaint
• settlement

Security at HAREWOOD needs to be addressed.

Caroline Gifford explained in detail the "Science of Reading" standards (for K-5) being implemented by OSSE starting SY25/26.

Schools are being asked to recertify their Title VI compliance by tomorrow on Apr 23 Wed. Peter Anderson mentioned that OSSE has agreed to sign. WLPCS plans to also sign and include an accompanying letter clarifying our understanding of the attestation. A board member commented that the letter attached to the signed attestation would be for context only.

Understanding Title VI Discrimination Categories: The letter explains that Title VI of the Civil Rights Act prohibits schools receiving federal funds from discriminating based on race, color, or national origin. It outlines two main categories of discrimination: intentional discrimination (treating individuals differently because of their race) and unintentional discrimination (facially neutral policies that have unjustified adverse impacts). Even well-intentioned policies that treat individuals differently based on race may violate Title VI.

Peter Anderson highlighted and elaborated on the charter review process that is due every 5 years. The next charter review for WLPCS is SY25/26.

Caroline Gifford shared the rankings @ 2nd St US @ 2nd ST MS @ AJC according to the ASPIRE FRAMEWORK, and elaborated on how schools are scored/tiered.

For middle schools, the focus is on growth.

For high schools, the focus is on proficiency.

Geovanna Izurieta reported that WLPCS has been managing resources well so far. An increase in student enrollment is another factor contributing to a good year financially.

Board members were requested to review the 990 documents and acknowledge receipt by May 15 Thu. A vote is not required.

WLPCS received the DC FY25 Q4 payment from the DC government, despite the uncertainty about the DC budget. There has been no cuts in education so far.

The DC FY26 Q1 payment from the DC government might be in jeopardy.

Geovanna Izurieta presented a few pessimistic scenarios.

• Cautiously Optimistic
• Extremely Conservation (Per Pupil Funding at 0)
• Pessimistic
• Doomsday

For the "Extremely Conservative" scenario, WLPCS is looking at a significant cut in expenses to balance the budget.

The board was asked to consider ways to help with reducing costs. The following are a few suggestions.

• LEA retreat location (thanks to Laurie Ballenger)
• relaxation and vacation opportunities
• faculty appreciation events at special off site venues

Currently, the HAREWOOD project is on time and on budget.

For SY25/26, these are the nominations for the following positions.

president : Ken Merritt

vice president : Brendan Williams-Kief

treasurer : Elizabeth Paisner

secretary : Lisa Rucker

A few possible board candidates have been invited to attend the June board meeting.

WLPCS is looking for board candidates with the following criteria.

• with academic background
• with finance connections
• with law expertise