Nicole King led attendees in a Brain Smart Start

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Paige Teusink provided the PTCA Update, noting an increase in membership and progress toward meeting their fundraising goal.  Brittney Gove was appointed PTCA co-president.  The Fall PTCA grant cycle has been postponed until January.  See Board Packet for full report.  

Elizabeth Hearn announced that CREATE has secured 2 large federal grants, securing the continuance of the program for at least the next 3 years.  

Chuck Meadows announced that the reorganization of the Business Office is now complete.  Jerry Hanes is serving in the position of Chief Financial Officer, while Business Managers Martha Kessenich, Markecia Jacobs, and Paige Teusink are respectively responsible for Cash and Accounting, Budget and Personnel, and Advancement and Marketing. 

Chuck Meadows provided an overview of recent developments in the charter renewal process.  APS responded to the submitted charter renewal application with a list of items for which they requested clarification or additional information.  The response to these requests is due October 28.  The State Board of Education will vote on the charter renewal petition in February or March.  See Board Packet for full report.  

Chuck Meadows provided an overview of the School Family Survey which asked faculty/staff and parents/caregivers for feedback regarding the school's response to the COVID pandemic.    Over 80% of respondents to the School Family Surveys either approved or strongly approved of the schools' response to the COVID-19 pandemic thus far.  Chuck also provided an ANCS COVID-19 Health Safety Overview.  The 3 key components of the Health Safety Plan are to: 

1.  Take active measures to ensure that no one with COVID-19 enters the buiilding 
2.  Base safety procedures and protocols on the assumption that everyone has COVID-19 
3.  Maintain student groupings in such a way that allows for containment of an outbreak 

This overview included discussion of the school's response in the event that a student tests positive for COVID, as well as of new fixtures and equipment that are being purchased to ensure a safe, sanitary environment.  

See Board Packet for full report.   

Emily Ormsby provided the Business & Operations Committee report.  Health insurance for school employees is being renewed through Open Enrollment in November.  The school has secured a 1% reduction in premiums from last year.  The Committee is working with the Business Office to revamp finance reports for usefulness and efficiency.  The annual audit is currently underway, and will be completed by the November Board Meeting.  See Board Packet for full report.  

Jordache Avery provided the Facilities Update.  Asbestos was found and has been removed from the Middle Campus.  Air quality tests have been completed and passed.  An automated, secure entry at the middle campus is being installed.  Brick sealing and cleaning is being done in preparation of return to school.  

Hanah Goldberg provided the Educational Excellence Committee report.  The Committee has been working with Chuck and GCSA to address APS' requests for clarification regarding the charter renewal application, specifically those related to outreach and the lottery.  The Committee is also working on drafting a temporary attendance policy for use during virtual/hybrid instruction, and will present this policy to the Board for consideration.   

Jason Rhodes provided the update on the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force.  The DEI Task Force met with Equity Support Coordinator Tilifayea Griffin to discuss how the Board might improve the effectiveness of its support for DEAT.  Suggestions discussed at this meeting included Board support for a DEAT budget as well as for additional support provided to Tilifayea and DEAT for diversity outreach efforts. These suggestions will be further discussed at the next Task Force meeting.  The Task Force has also discussed proposals designed to increase socioeconomic diversity on the Board.  A set of recommendations regarding Board support for DEAT and the school's diversity outreach efforts, as well as efforts to increase socioeconomic diversity on the Board, will be presented for Board consideration at the November meeting.  

The Board did not go into Executive Session.