Academics and testing: State testing progress and performance data

• Middle school ELA state testing began last week; students adapted well to computer-based testing and used classroom strategies effectively.
  • Sixth grade ELA: day one started yesterday; day two completed today; testing spanned 9:00 AM to -3:30 PM for some students. Eighth grade ELA begins tomorrow; math testing starts next week.
• Mock math exam results:
  • Sixth grade (n=13): high performers 15% (level 3–4), approaching 30% (level 2), below proficiency 55% (level 1).
  • Seventh grade (n=15): proficient 27% (level 3–4), approaching 33% (level 2), below proficiency 40% (level 1).

Data is being used to target supports to move students to approaching or proficient levels.

RTI and Saturday supports

• RTI focus shifted from ELA to math and science as of last Friday:
• Grades 6–7: math RTI aligned to upcoming state exams.
• Grade 8: science RTI now (June test timeline); Algebra support coordinated.
• Mr. Lubin supports Mr. Roberts with instruction. 
• Saturday Academy will focus on sixth grade ahead of math testing.

Operations, culture, and community engagement: Attendance and discipline

• Average daily attendance: 76.9%; year-to-date: 76.1%.
• Targeted outreach by deans, main office, and leadership continues, with incentives for perfect attendance and advisory-based competitions to boost engagement.
• Attendance challenges include 7–10 students with inconsistent attendance (not LTAs), and students who have left but are not yet pulled from rosters; these factors depress rates. The school does not bill for students no longer attending.
• Discipline: in-school suspensions were two (down from last month); zero out-of-school suspensions since last month.

Enrollment, lottery, and recruitment

• Current enrollment (ATS): 282 (93% of target). Billable enrollment: 263 (85% of target). One student was discharged due to a family move.
• Lottery: 81 applications to date; 16% of mailed items were returned by USPS. Applications continue via SchoolMint and outreach through Vanguard.
• Post-lottery recruitment includes enrollment packet distribution, follow-up calls/emails, tours (about 4 to 5 families expected this week), open houses, and school visits by the community partnership team (led by Dr. Campbell, with support from Ms. Handshaw).
• FY26–27 enrollment target: budgeted at 300; goal is 310–315 to build cushion. The 81 lottery applications are expected to contribute toward this target.

Family engagement, events, and senior activities

• Parent-teacher conferences: first of the year held in person (Oct/Nov). Subsequent sessions (January and April) are virtual to maximize participation; in-person meetings are available upon request.

College and career programming:

• College and Career Day: April 24.
• Monroe University partnership: hosting a college acceptance reception for accepted seniors on April 28.
• College Signing Day will occur in May after May 1 commitments, typically the third week of May.
• Graduation: June 26 for both middle and high school at Clara Barton; tentative times—Middle School at 9:00 AM and High School at 12:00 PM (awaiting final confirmation).
• Senior trip: tentatively May 26–29 in Pennsylvania; if minimum interest and deposits are not met by month-end, alternatives will be local day trips. Seniors are fundraising, including Spring Fling dances (High School: April 24; Middle School: May 1, pending permits).

Community and culture:

• National Poetry Month celebrated next week with instruction and a spoken word showcase.
• Multiple Sclerosis Walk on April 26 with school community participation.
• Staff Appreciation Week: May 4–8.

Staffing and professional development

• Staffing: Ms. Taylor (main office administrator) moves from full-time to a three-day per diem schedule; coverage on off-days by Ms. Hansen and Mr. Livingston. Duties are clearly assigned to ensure continuity.
• Instructional focus: strategic thinking and evidence-based responses (building on fall focus on effective teacher questioning). Emphasis on intentional scholar conferencing for students near proficiency.
• PD: a session led by Ms. Cleveland covered conferencing techniques; administration is observing classrooms to see conferencing in practice.

Observations and AP:

• Round two of formal observations runs over the next 30–60 days (High School window: April 27–May 1; Middle School to follow).
• AP exams begin in early May across six classes.
• Planning is underway for new courses/programming in the 2026–2027 school year.

Financial status and outlook (period ending March 31)

• Days cash on hand: approximately 127 as of March 31, including five deposits received from the DEA; one additional current-year deposit is expected by end of month or early next month.
• Cash and cash equivalents: approximately $1.26M in the operating account and about $1.1M in an interest-bearing account.
• Receivables: approximately $149K, including Title grant funds. Recent allocation updates increased the annual Title amount; an amendment will be submitted, followed by a drawdown. Cash is expected in May or early June.
• Liabilities: payroll liabilities include accruals for 11-month employees. Approximately $0.5M in prepaid/deferred revenue (February deposit for April) will be recognized in April; another deposit expected for May and June will temporarily increase this balance before it drops to near zero by June 30.

Revenue, expenses, and projections

• Year-to-date revenue: approximately $4.9M; expenses: approximately $4.7M.
• Year-to-date surplus: approximately $171K.
• Projections improved due to an updated rate in the 20%–60% category (+-$1,000 per student) applied to 34 students, increasing revenue by about $34K. The projected deficit narrowed from -$250K to -$228K, alongside minor projection adjustments.

Cash flow outlook

• Cash flow projections estimate inflows from the pending deposit (expected by early May) and receipt of the Title grant drawdown.
• Outflows are estimated for the next three months; projected days cash on hand by June 30 is about 90, subject to actual inflows/outflows.

Board leadership transition: Dr. Cassandra Andres Jackson submitted her resignation effective April 30; DOE was notified, and handoffs to Ms. Coleman Brown are underway.

No report at this time.

The Academic Excellence Committee lead is recovering from a medical procedure; a report will be provided when available.

A draft renewal report was received; factual corrections submitted by the school were accepted. The school is awaiting the Chancellor and Board of Regents vote.

An ACR (annual review) visit date is being scheduled; confirmation is to be sent by Thursday.