Tyler Turner presented about his firm, which has extensive experience representing traditional and charter schools. The scope of practice includes policy and bylaw review, governance issues, employment concerns, facilities, finance, etc.

Deb Wright spoke on behalf of Kylie Wright and expressed concerns about lack of details on student issue.

Amy Horn updated board on recent HR training, the 2020-21 lottery, and spoke about preparing for upcoming spring trips as well as the upcoming test season.

Discussed increasing number of board members to 12 during recruitment season; finalizing recruitment poster; April Beall might have one potential candidate.

Discussed bylaw review and need for most recent version before review can take place. Amy H. will look for updated bylaws document.

Discussed stricter adherence to time allotted for agenda items (as opposed to fully implementing Robert's Rules).

Moved discussion of governance vs. management to March meeting.

Amy discussed last committee meeting, which featured review of STAR testing data, including mid-year assessment. Staff still working to determine best ways to utilize new data and test processes.

Previously discussed charter amendments submitted to SCPCSD to be reviewed by district in May.

Voted to approve the committee goals discussed previously and listed below:

1. Review progress toward academic charter promises
2. Completing correlation with SC Standards
3. Evaluate teaching test taking strategies
4. Review charter goals and amend if needed
5. Implement and evaluate math interventionist
6. Improve school report card

Discussed combined financial policy.

 

No fundraising committee meeting held in February.

USDA loan process proceeding well.

Discussed need for building mockup to assist in planning placement of rooms, equipment, etc.

Discussed facilities support funding - need for long-term replacement costs to be covered (for items like HVAC and other equipment with limited lifetime). Would require a reserve study or buildup of reserve fund.

Discussed formalizing plans for new building for board input.

Discussed adding 5-10 minutes each meeting for long-term planning. This month: discussing college prep or trade school focus for the high school. (i.e. a potential multi-track system)

A "college track" could include re-arranging courses to line up more optimally for test taking and overall college prep. IGP meetings cover some of this and offer a college focus if family/student desire it, but based on parent input they might not make all opportunities available. Admin staff will relay feedback to staff involved with IGP process to ensure implications of course choices are clear in terms of college prep.

Discussed plan for 2020-21 system of tutoring or after school program for test prep.

Discussed need for school to have protocols for dealing with potential spread of coronavirus. School nurses receive updates from DHEC and CDC. School has been advised to follow preventive measures as if there was a flu outbreak.

Amy discussed review of three firms and recommendation for engaging Turner & Caudell.

Discussed architect contract for new building as well as repairs and updates necessary for existing building (to be completed summer 2020). Issue of repairs and updates referred to Finance Committee to research fund availability prior to USDA approval.