Angel Vasquez first explained the guidelines for community participation.  

• A parent raised concerns about the timing and method of communication with families regarding assessments and other important updates.
• It was suggested that the board be engaged in future discussions about how to strengthen supports for parents and students.
• School leadership and the Parent Association discussed ways the PA could assist with additional resources, including classroom materials and art supplies.

1. Community Events & School Culture

• Thanksgiving Dinner: Nov. 25 (4–6 PM)
• Parent–Teacher Conferences: Dec. 3 (1–5 PM) and Dec. 4 (4–8 PM)
• Perfect Attendance Celebrations: Dec. 7
• Winter “Kindness Closet” opens Dec. 8 (no-cost winter items for families)
• STEAM Fair: Dec. 10
• Family Zoom Meeting: Dec. 15
• Spirit Week: Dec. 15–19
• High School Homecoming Dance: Dec. 19 (6–10 PM)

2. Enrollment

• Current enrollment: 598 students (decrease from prior month)
• Attendance for October: 94.4% (goal: 95%)
• Current Special Education: 98 students (projected increase)
• English Language Learners: 92 students

Leadership outlined the new Enrollment Success Toolkit with three focus areas:

• Family outreach: root-cause analysis of withdrawals
• Retention risk analysis
• Engagement with newly accepted families

Internal staff will take on enrollment responsibilities; external vendors are also being reviewed. A potential partnership with Sisulu-Walker Charter School of Harlem is being explored for pipeline development.

3. Academic & Instructional Update

Middle School

• Multiple vacancies remain: 7th & 8th grade science, 6th grade math, school-wide speech.
• Quarter 1 performance concerns:
  • Grade 6: 22 of 41 students failing one or more courses
  • Grade 7: 21 of 58
  • Grade 8: 41 of 85
• Leadership is restructuring to stabilize instruction, improve tiered intervention, and reduce teacher coverage burdens.
• New deans have been placed; SEL and culture systems reinforced.

High School - Presented by Fred Givens

• Over 90% pass rates across most departments.
• ELL performance gaps remain, especially in math and biology.
• AP Computer Science launched school-wide for 10th grade; foundational supports will need strengthening.
• College application progress is strong; senior class is on track.

4. Middle School Leadership Transition

• Dr. Joye submitted resignation effective November.
• Parents were notified; staff were briefed in a phased approach.
• Grade-level meetings with students are scheduled with social workers present.
• A parent raised concern regarding students learning the news from staff before families; leadership will follow up individually.

5. Operations & Safety

• Additional building cameras installed.
• Partnership created with Marble House for expanded mental health services.
• Website updates planned to improve accuracy and parent access to information.

Finance Update (Presented by CFOO Li’Esha Garcia)

• Financial Position (as of October 2025)
• Revenue
  • Revenue is up $344K compared to last year due to per-pupil rate increase.
  • Enrollment shortfall remains the major challenge: 85 students below budget, representing $1.6M in lost revenue.
• Expenses
  • Total expenses down $200K compared to same period last year due to reductions in salaries, instructional costs, facilities, and fundraising spending.
• Lease-Back Structure
  • Current Civic lease-back is costing the school $2.2M annually with no rental assistance eligibility.
  • CFOO is exploring alternatives:
    • Bond structures to buy out Civic
    • Renegotiation with Civic
    • Possibility of restructuring for lower rates
• Audit
  • Template received; awaiting management letter.
  • Audit delays are timing-related; no performance issues identified.