Eighth-Grade Mathematics Program

Leadership discussed a possible modification to the eighth-grade mathematics program for the 2026–2027 school year.

• The school is considering whether all eighth-grade students should continue taking Algebra I or whether some students should instead receive the eighth-grade mathematics curriculum and take the Grade 8 New York State mathematics assessment.
• Leadership reported that some students have struggled with Algebra I.
• The Board discussed the possibility of offering Algebra I to students who demonstrate readiness while providing an alternative eighth-grade mathematics course for other students.
• The Board also discussed double-block mathematics programming, foundational-skills support, Illustrative Mathematics, professional development, instructional coaching, and the importance of reviewing student-performance data before making a final decision.
• Z. Martinez offered to arrange an observation of her school’s mathematics program and connect leadership with an experienced mathematics teacher and instructional coach.
• No final decision was made. Any change would take effect during the following school year and would require a non-material charter revision.

Fiesta for Firsts

The Board continued its discussion regarding the Fiesta for Firsts fundraising event.

• Board members were asked to invite approximately five potential guests or donors, sponsor tickets for guests, or help secure a raffle item.
• P. Simon contacted Touro University regarding the possible use of its West 43rd Street location.
• Touro University requested additional information regarding the event date, expected attendance, catering, and other logistical details.
• P. Simon agreed to connect school leadership with her university contact.
• School staff offered to prepare concise emails and text messages that trustees could use to invite members of their networks.
• Board members expressed support for assisting with invitations, ticket sponsorships, or raffle contributions.
• Leadership will continue planning and provide the Board with event materials and updates.

• . Account Balances Reviewed

• ASNY did not present a formal monthly financial report. The report would be circulated to the Board after it was prepared by Accounting Solutions.

NYSED Liaison Visit

• The school’s NYSED liaison was scheduled to visit the school on March 26, 2026.
• Trustee attendance was not required, but Board members were invited to attend.
• M. Melkonian and N. Gallagher planned to participate in the visit.

Sixth-Grade Recruitment

• Leadership reported that sixth-grade enrollment had not materially changed.
• The school had received 46 applications at the time of the meeting.
• Univision had visited the school to record new advertising content featuring M. Melkonian.
• The television advertising campaign was expected to begin March 1.
• Additional digital advertising was expected to begin the following week.
• The school was working with Underdog Strategies on telephone outreach, in-person canvassing, social-media advertising, and other recruitment efforts.
• Underdog Strategies reported collecting approximately 20 additional applications that had not yet been entered into the school’s online application system.
• Leadership expected to provide updated application figures at the next meeting.

Middle School Burglary and Security Update

Leadership updated the Board regarding a burglary at the middle school campus.

• The burglary occurred shortly after the school returned from the winter recess.
• The police responded, and a police report and insurance claim were filed.
• The most valuable stolen items were laptops, including two staff devices.
• School security protocols were activated to protect student information, and the affected Chromebooks were remotely disabled.
• Some devices were subsequently recovered.
• The middle school is located in the PS 30 building, where building access and the primary security system are managed by the New York City Department of Education.
• The perpetrators reportedly entered through a roof entrance and exited through the front of the building.
• Leadership later learned that the building alarm had not been functioning since November.
• PS 30 also experienced property loss during the incident.
• Leadership expressed concern that media coverage did not adequately explain the building’s shared governance or the DOE’s responsibility for the building security system.

Security Cameras

• American Dream Charter School had installed cameras in its fourth-floor space several years earlier.
• Those cameras captured the available footage of the individuals involved in the burglary.
• The DOE had previously asked the school to remove its cameras because they were not part of the DOE security system.
• The school’s understanding was that its cameras could remain until the DOE installed a replacement camera system.
• Following guidance from legal counsel, the school informed the DOE that it would retain the cameras until the DOE system was installed.
• The roof-access gate was subsequently repaired.
• At the time of the meeting, leadership could not confirm whether the building alarm system had been fully restored.