DHerrera welcomes the Board of Trustees to the first meeting of the 2024-2025 River Valley Charter School school year and acknowledges the new members present. She offers gratitude for their attendance and thanks them for their patience as their wait until the next meeting from DESE for their voting rights to be approved.

Denise read the statement listing the expectations of Trustee.

The River Valley Charter School Board of Trustees is committed to promoting a culture of accountability, integrity, and transparency. We expect our board members to demonstrate the highest level of ethical conduct and integrity in all aspects of their service. Board members must:

Act in the best interest of River Valley Charter School and its mission.

Attend board meetings prepared and on time.

Maintain an open mind and recognize the value of each board member’s input.

Contribute to meaningful discussions and decision-making processes.

Respect the opinions of other board members and show support for the majority’s decisions.

Set a positive example of behavior.

Actively participate in fundraising activities and events.

Remain current on financial information and legal documents pertaining to the organization.

Respect the roles and responsibilities of other board members and staff.

Respect the confidentiality of board meetings and information shared by board members, as appropriate.

Avoid any form of discrimination or harassment.

Act with integrity and professionalism in all dealings with the school, its staff, and members of the community.

None.

The audit, annual report, policies and procedures are in the works.

The school is full enrolled. 

Looking for part time school psychologist, very part time Spanish teacher. 

School lunch program is really exciting. The equipment, provided by grant money, has been dropped off. All dietary and allergy needs are being met; lunches and breakfasts are being provided. Extra meals are available for purchase.

ERankin - Can orders be placed the night before? KKuse - Triton says yes, parents can order the night before, will confirm at upcoming meeting. Breakfast is included with lunch

EBradley - Is there a form to fill out to participate? KKuse - Families must sign up, but all are eligible. No personal financial information is needed.

There is an email circulating trying to get a meeting going with city and neighbors regarding grounds redesign. Biggest challenge is redirection of traffic flow. Second is reworking wetlands.

Adding archery to the school.

Reviews in Great Schools have been moving up. A great positive for RVCS.

Mass Charter Public School Association is coming to RVCS at the end of July.

Background:

2020 brought to forefront, derailed by Covid, we are now catching up and KKuse has written up the policy. It makes sure all students have the opportunity to succeed.

KKuse: We have looked at all of our target groups. We have identified our groups who may struggle the most. We have found ways to help not only the students but their families. Lisa Kelley and Jonnie Lyn Evans helped with the research. We will be doing the full report every three years. In this very monochromatic area, the students struggling the most are special needs and students with disabilities and a few disadvantaged. 

Vote to adjourn:

ATing - yes

CGetz - yes

DHerrera - yes

ERankin - yes

ESimone - yes

Bradley - yes

MConnerton - yes

NDurkee - yes

TMurdy - yes

Chris Getz, Chris Whitford, Erin Bradley and Nancy Durkee each arrived a few minutes late and missed the voted to approved the June meeting minutes.

Chris Whitford left a few minutes early.