• A concern was raised regarding incomplete attendance and missing participant names in the prior meeting minutes.
• Board agreed to revise and confirm accuracy using the sign-in sheet before final approval.
• Final vote on approval was deferred pending revisions.

• Speakers were allotted 2 minutes each, with no board dialogue.

Summary of Comments:

• Parent Perspective:
  • Positive experience with the school; intent to enroll additional family members.
• Staff Perspective (Veteran Teacher):
  • Highlighted school legacy (20-year milestone, leadership history).
  • Raised concerns regarding:
    • Enrollment decline
    • Staffing challenges
    • School climate and student engagement
  • Emphasized need for collective problem-solving and community collaboration.
• Alumni Perspectives:
  • Strong appreciation for the school’s impact historically.
  • Concerns about:
    • Staff turnover
    • Student morale
    • Changes in school culture
  • Calls for:
    • Increased alumni engagement
    • Mentorship opportunities
    • Programs to support current students

A. School Report

Presented by: Dr. Karen Valbrun, Executive Director & Leadership Team

General School Updates

• Spring Break: April 2–10; students return April 13
• NYSESLAT Testing: April 13–17
• ELA State Exams: Week of April 20
• Parent-Teacher Conferences:
  • Virtual: April 29
  • In-person: April 30

Enrollment & Attendance

• Current enrollment: 596 students (vs. budgeted 683)
• Shortfall: 87 students (~$1.73M revenue impact)
• Attendance rate: ~94.7%

Finance Report 

Presented by Li'Esha Garcia CFOO

Financial Position

• Cash: ~$1.39M (decline from prior year)
• Accounts receivable and overall assets decreased year-over-year
• Equity down ~$1.2M

Key Financial Concerns

• Enrollment-driven revenue decline
• Tight liquidity and cash flow constraints
• Projected deficit ~ $1.5M (inclusive of accruals and depreciation)

Board Discussion

• Need for more conservative enrollment projections
• Budget scenarios being developed:
  • Based on 605 and 629 students
• Leadership implementing:
  • Cost containment measures
  • Staffing adjustments where feasible

Academic & Program Updates

Instruction & Student Performance

• Focus on:
  • Data-driven instruction
  • Weekly progress monitoring
  • Targeted small group interventions
• Early indicators show:
  • Growth in some subject areas
  • Continued need for improvement in others

Staffing Updates

• New hires:
  • Guidance Counselor (starting April)
  • Gym Teacher (starting April)
• Middle School Principal position posted

Presented by Fred Givens, HS Principal

College & Career Readiness

• ~97% college acceptance rate reported
• College trips and visits scheduled
• Career Day hosted with alumni participation

Student Representative Report

Presented by:  Emmanuel Alagbon 

Key Themes:

• Communication Challenges:
  • Delays in sharing schedules and event details
  • Inconsistent access to information among students
• Instructional Concerns:
  • Increased use of substitute teachers
  • Impact on student preparedness for exams
• Positive Developments:
  • Improved communication efforts (in progress)
  • Strong student engagement in mock exams
  • Positive community-building events (e.g., staff vs. student basketball game)

Recommendations:

• Improve communication systems beyond email
• Reinforce consistent teaching coverage
• Provide earlier notice for key academic events

Discussion of a student issues.