Kairos Academies

Minutes

Programming Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday February 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM

Location

We invite you join us at this Zoom link. This notice was published at www.kairosacademies.org/board at least one day prior to the meeting.

Committee Members Present

J. Tyrrell (remote), K. Graham (remote), M. Vachow (remote)

Committee Members Absent

J. Horwitz, S. Bauer

Guests Present

I. Buchanan (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

M. Vachow called a meeting of the Program Committee Committee of Kairos Academies to order on Tuesday Feb 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

C.

Approve Minutes

M. Vachow made a motion to approve the minutes from Programming Committee Meeting on 09-23-24.
K. Graham seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.

D.

Approve Minutes

M. Vachow made a motion to approve the minutes from Programming Committee Meeting on 11-18-24.
K. Graham seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.

II. School Updates

A.

CSO Updates

Jonathan Tyrrell discussed the findings from a special education audit conducted with Ms. Garcia, which revealed a discrepancy between reported and actual special population percentages. The audit indicated that the percentage was around 33%, leading to an increase in compliance and staffing in the special education department. Currently, there are 125 IEPs, and the compliance percentage has improved by 20% in the last six weeks.

 

Jonathan Tyrrell highlighted positive trends in academic performance at Kairos, noting improvements in math and reading, especially in eighth grade math and 11th grade reading. Despite these wins, he expressed concern over the literacy levels of fifth and sixth graders, who are entering the school over two years behind. Interventions are being implemented to address these gaps, including changes in teaching assignments and instructional strategies.

 

Jonathan detailed the functionalities of the dashboard, which includes various tiles for student enrollment, attendance, and academic achievement metrics sourced from NWEA data. He emphasized the importance of the dashboard in helping educators identify trends and make informed decisions regarding student support. Ian inquired about the interview process for non-renewed staff, to which Jonathan clarified that those individuals would not be invited back for interviews.

 

Mike Vachow discussed the need to prioritize fifth-grade literacy to ensure middle school students remain engaged and successful. He suggested that attendance and literacy data, along with algebraic thinking standards, should be key metrics for evaluating progress. Jonathan Tyrrell mentioned upcoming structural changes, including a new reading program and dedicated time for remediation, to support literacy efforts. Ian Buchanan raised concerns about the qualifications of the current librarian and the potential for hiring a literacy expert.

III. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

M. Vachow made a motion to Adjourn Meeting.
K. Graham seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:42 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
M. Vachow