Karen Venable-Croft provided an update on the Aspire metrics for Girls Global Academy, noting that 18 metrics are being tracked, with 7 showing potential improvement by June. The current simulation shows a 27 percentage point improvement, up from 24 last year, though some data is still unavailable. Karen explained that 84% of students took DC CAP exams, and the administration received an excellent rating from an audit. The team discussed challenges with the MAP assessment participation rate and advanced coursework requirements, with Karen noting that students must both enroll in full academic year and complete industry-specific assessments to count towards participation rates.

The board discussed the current status of Aspire metrics, confirming a 24% achievement rate after excluding certain metrics due to denominator changes and a lack of graduating students. Karen Dresden presented a framework for an improvement plan focused on key metrics, including attendance, high school transition, college acceptance rates, and academic growth, with the Academic Committee set to review strategies by June 20th.

Due to pressing requirements by the PCSB 5-Year vote, the board discussed shifting from a strategic plan to an Aspire improvement plan. The Academic Committee will develop over the summer. They have already drafted a framework for Karen VC and her team to build off of using the metrics highlighted at the 5/3 retreat. The plan will focus on SY 25-26 data, and the board discussed how to get data to the board to monitor. Karen VC and her team are implementing a new summer program and leaning into pathways and project-based instruction. Instructional coaching this year has demonstrated improvement in the students. 

For the PCSB vote on June 2, Karen plans on presenting on lessons learned, early intervention strategies (9th grade), paying attention to subgroups and personalized attention, data recognition, and making decisions based on data (weekly sessions, progress reports). Her team is simplifying to ensure students can meet metrics.  The team agreed to focus on concrete plans rather than simulations for the upcoming PCSB meeting.

Maria reported that enrollment has reached 73% of the target of 185 students, with 135 students registered, and Karen explained that while 9th grade enrollment is lower than other grades, it's trending better than last year's 43% at this time, with the team working to increase summer enrollments.

Elizabeth Pillion from EdOps joined the call to present the budget. 

The board discussed the Financial Corrective Action Plan (FCAP) implemented through 2029, with Laura explaining it was triggered by decreased enrollment, private grant dependence, and high occupancy costs. Karen reported improved financial metrics, including 81 days of cash on hand and a debt service coverage ratio of 2.14, significantly better than the required 1.15. The board learned they can endorse rather than approve the 5-year plan, and Elizabeth noted there's flexibility to submit a more optimistic budget on June 25th if financial conditions improve.

Elizabeth and Karen discussed the revised school schedule and staffing model, which was designed to be conservative and accommodate a potential increase in enrollment. They explained that the first step with additional funding would be to increase staff salaries, followed by potentially adding more staff if enrollment reaches 175 students. Karen Venable-Croft shared that staff reductions had been communicated, with notifications sent to those not continuing at the school, and that salary increases were contingent on budget approval. The team emphasized that fewer staff would impact the school, but they were confident they could still run their program and ensure students obtain the necessary graduation credits.

The board discussed a conservative budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year, which includes reducing staff positions from 13 to 10 and increasing class sizes to accommodate a 162-student enrollment. The plan involves cohorting students, implementing more IB curriculum, and offering fewer electives. Elizabeth presented a revenue overview, noting a $905,000 decrease from the previous year's anticipated numbers, but highlighted potential increases in earned fees and rental income. 

The board agreed to endorse the 5-year budget plan per PCSB's requirement, with plans to review and approve an updated budget in June. 

The board discussed upcoming officer elections, with Beth announcing that three officer positions are open due to rotating off: vice chair, treasurer, and secretary. Beth requested board members to consider serving as officers or nominating others (please mention this to that person before nomination). Notify Andria by June 16th with officer nominations. Beth also requested that each person talk to someone they know about the board and recommend names by email to Beth by June 23rd.

Due to time constraints, this item was not presented. Board members were requested to read the Executive Director's report, which was included in the agenda.