AT reviewed the roles and responsibilities of the Accountability Committee. The following was discussed:

Purpose and Legal Context:

Massachusetts charter schools are required to have an accountability committee

Connection to state accountability (DESE) and to the charter’s mission

How the committee supports the Board of Trustees in fulfilling oversight duties

Scope of Responsibilities:

Reveiwing academic performance (student outcomes, MCAS, internal assessments, growth over time). Both disaggregated data and aggregated data are reviewed.

Reviewing organizational health (staff retention, culture, compliance, financial sustainability)

Evaluating faithfulness to the charter (Montessori model fidelity, unique commitments made in charter application/renewal)

Supporting renewal and site visit preparation

Compliance and Risk Management: 

Understanding DESE accountability frameworks (e.g., performance criteria for renewal)

Identifying early warning signs of academic or organizational risk

Supporting corrective action or board-level interventions if needed

Practical Expectations for Members:

Time commitment (meetings, data review, site visits)

Skills and perspectives that strengthen the committee (education, finance, governance, parent voice)

Commitment to objectivity and mission-alignment

Committee–Board Relationship:

Advisory vs. decision-making role

How the committee reports findings to the full board

When and how recommendations flow from the committee to board action

Tools and Processes:

Annual accountability calendar (e.g., state reports, board self-evaluations, school performance updates)

Use of data dashboards, surveys, and school improvement plans

Documenting minutes, findings, and recommendations for board record-keeping

Interaction with Stakeholders:

Collaborating with school leadership to understand context behind data

Ensuring parent and community perspectives are included

Balancing transparency with confidentiality (especially with sensitive staff/student data)

Long-Term Goals:

Building institutional memory for the board

Supporting continuous improvement beyond compliance

Ensuring accountability is a living practice rather than a “check-the-box” exercise

The committee agreed to the current proposed dates and times, as listed on the school public calendar. The meetings will be held over either zoom or in person, but no hybrid method will be available. At the next meeting we will confirm the dates that will be zoom vs. in person. The meeting on Sept 16, 2025 will be held over zoom at 6pm.

While the time of the meetings was not perfect for all members, it was decided that the proposed times and dates were the best option for the committee as a whole. 

Committee members reintroduced themselves, citing areas of expertise, relationship to RVCS, and motivations for serving on the commitee.

The committee discussed the timing and process of the annual survey, noting that it should follow last years timing, where it was sent out in January with results shared by March. 

The importance of having the questions ready to share with full BoT by the November meeting was emphasized for any additional survey comments.

It was also highlighted that having the results shared by March gave time for the Administration to affect change before the end of the year.

The special education audit was highlighted, with expected audit to to happen in Feb 2026 with report expected before the end of the school year.

The committee noted the importance of reviewing disaggregated data, particularly with MCAS and screeners, but carried out with the upmost care for privacy of our students.

The need for better recording and tracking of accountability plan criteria progress was noted. Proposed to add a tab to the draft accountability dashboard to track progress.