Marlen Gomez, the engagement leader, started by introducing herself and Robert. Marlen is in charge of reviewing and signing the audit while Robert is the auditor in charge. Marlen stated that Scholarship Prep had no issues and do not have to report any findings. There were three adjustments, but they were not material, and there were no uncorrected misstatements.

Board Chair, Charles Friedrichs, asked if there were any corrections or concerns. Marlen stated that there was a finding last year regarding TK that was redacted and that the did have to record some journal entries, but they were not material.

Principal Chantel Van Pool and some students from the Grand campus provided the campus update. Topics covered included the Native American Heritage Month performance, iReady tests, the writing contest, and the Art and Cheer clubs. 

Executive Director, Jason Watts, provided the organization update. He first discussed the Oceanside charter renewal. The San Diego Board voted and approved, 5-0, the Oceanside site for another five years. He then discussed the CAASPP data for each school, discussing areas of strength and areas of growth. 

Charles Friedrichs asked a few questions regarding the CAASPP scores. He asked what the highest and lowest scores were looking for a way to contextualize the scores. Taylor Ellis said the lowest score is negative 280, or somewhere around there. Andrew added that the state says that 15 points is a significant jump. Charles then asked if there was any type of error range and how parents are supposed to understand all of this data? Taylor explained student score report is color-coded and shows where each student falls within their score range, helping families understand the student's performance. It includes an explanation of the score and suggests next steps or actions that can be taken at home. The report is available in multiple languages and is sent home with families when the test scores are received.

Barbara George asked to be reminded of the demographics of our students. Andrew Crowe stated that South Bay and Oceanside are about 70% Hispanic, South Bay has about 20% black students, and Oceanside has about 20% white kids. These are the significant subgroups at the campuses.

Charles also asked if we had pre-covid data that we would compare our scores to. Andrew responded and explained that Oceanside is already passed where they were pre-covid, South Bay has no data pre-covid, and Orange County is below where they were pre-covid. However, Orange County's scores are better this year compared to year one. 

Charles also said he is curious as to the transitory nature of our student population and if that makes a difference. Andrew explained that in Orange County, the school faces a higher turnover rate compared to other campuses, with only about 80% of students returning, while other campuses have 90-95% retention. This is partly due to the 25% of students experiencing homelessness and other traumas. These factors contribute to the data but are acknowledged as challenges to address. The focus is now on providing additional supports to help these students succeed despite these difficulties.

Jason Sitomer at Charter Impact provided the2024-25 First Interim update. The 1st interim report is one of four required state compliance reports presented annually. It includes actual data through October, along with 8 months of projections. This report is an update to the board, and in March, the second interim report will be presented. The original budget is presented in June, and the unaudited actuals are shown in September. At this stage, four months into the year, the report provides a refined view based on the most current information and trends. This presentation included updates and highlights for the Oceanside, Orange County, and South Bay school sites as well as an update on all bond covenants, which are all projected to be met.

Board Secretary commented that she agrees with the approach Scholarship Prep is taking regarding comparing CAASPP scores, noting that things are unlikely to return to how they were before and she believe this is a good strategy moving forward.

Charles Friedrichs also commented that he appreciates the pride and dedication the team shows in their work, which is uplifting and motivating for the faculty and staff. He is encouraged by the academic growth and believe it boosts morale when the results of their efforts are evident. He is also interested in seeing continued progress and is curious about next year's theme.