Rev. Newton gave an invocation.

Mr. Thompson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Thompson opened the meeting by welcoming all attendees and expressing gratitude to the members of the military who protect and serve our nation. 

Mr. Thompson read the Mission Statement.

Ms. Chandler read the Vision Statement

The Board recognized and presented certificates to the following community members in appreciation of their outstanding support and contributions to Liberty STEAM Charter. Their efforts have directly impacted student success and provided meaningful experiences that help make the Liberty difference:

• HYPE After-School Program
• Tandem Health
• The Item
• Sumter Economic Development 

The Board recognized and presented a certificate to L’ara McAlister in honor of her outstanding achievement in being named the South Carolina Psychologist of the Year. Ms. McAlister was commended for her dedication to student well-being and her impactful contributions to the field of school psychology.

The Board recognized and presented a certificate to Director Shafara Douglas in acknowledgment of her successful completion of the required Charter Board Orientation Training. Her commitment to governance excellence and ongoing learning was commended.

There was none.

Dr. Ivey presented updates on the following topics:

1. CSGF Updates: Efforts are ongoing in partnership with the Charter School Growth Fund (CSGF) to support Liberty’s strategic priorities. Updates included continued progress in alignment with long-term growth and sustainability goals.
2. AFO Accountability Rating System Review (SCPCSD): Liberty’s AFO (Academic, Financial, and Operational) Accountability Rating from the South Carolina Public Charter School District was reviewed. Liberty remains fully compliant with all requirements outlined in the South Carolina Charter Schools Law.
3. Collective Leadership Efficacy Survey Results: Results from the recent climate and leadership survey were presented. The data reflected a strong, positive learning environment for students, with encouraging levels of teacher engagement and participation.
4. FY25 End-of-Year Organizational Goals Review & FY26 Goals Proposal: An overview of FY25 performance, noting strong committee engagement and positive year-end data was provided. The Board discussed proposals for FY26 goals, focusing on sustaining progress in high-performing areas and intensifying efforts to improve student achievement outcomes. Additionally, Dr. Ivey shared that Liberty STEAM Charter will undergo Cognia accreditation during the FY26 school year. Cognia accreditation is considered both rigorous and comprehensive. Preparations are underway to ensure a strong showing of alignment to standards of continuous improvement and excellence.
5. 10 Wins for the 2024–2025 School Year: The Board reviewed Liberty’s top 10 achievements from the current school year, with a central emphasis on student success, academic gains, and strategic organizational improvements.
6. End-of-Year Goals Update Presentation: A data presentation was delivered to summarize Liberty’s progress toward its end-of-year goals. The report supported strategic planning discussions for the upcoming academic year.

Mr. Thompson commended the recent work of all Board committees. Members had been provided with substantial information in advance and engaged in thoughtful discussion across each area.

On behalf of the Executive Committee section, Mr. Thompson presented three items for Board approval. 

1. FY26 Organizational Goals Proposal
   Ms. Chandler made a motion to approve the FY26 Organizational Goals Proposal. Rev. Newton seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 
2. Military Enrollment Preference Ad Hoc Committee
   Ms. Davis made a motion to approve the establishment of a Military Enrollment Preference Ad Hoc Committee with membership including Ms. Davis, Ms. Douglas, and Ms. Chandler. Dr. Thompson seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 
3. FY26 Board/Committee Meeting Schedule
   1. Ms. Chandler made a motion to approve the FY26 Board/Committee Meeting Schedule. Ms. Davis seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 

Ms. Chandler provided the Governance Committee update that included the annual review of LSC policies and handbooks noting board action for several documents under the Policy Consent Agenda. The following policies and handbooks were reviewed with no recommended changes:

• LSC Board Governance Policies
• LSC Financial Policies and Procedures
• LSC Financial Operations Policies  

Ms. Chandler made a motion to approve the Policy Consent Agenda consisting of:  
 

1. LSC Whistleblower Protection Policy 
2. LSC Scholar Enrollment Policy
3. LSC Scholar Attendance Policy 
4. LSC Operational Policies
5. LSC Scholar and Family Handbook
6. LSC Human Resources Policies
7. LSC Personnel Policies Handbook

Ms. Davis seconded, and the motion passed unanimously.

Mr. Shaw provided a financial overview of FY25 highlighting a projected surplus and strong fiscal management, positioning the school well for the upcoming academic year. The positive performance of food services was also emphasized.

1. May Financials Close-Out: Revenue vs. Expenditures: 

• Year-to-date financials indicate a positive variance, forecasting an estimated $200,000 surplus  by year-end.
• Cash on Hand: Liberty maintains a strong financial position, with over 60 days of operating cash available.
• Year-End Forecast: Projections support continued fiscal stability through the end of FY25.
• Food Service: Positive financial performance was noted, reinforcing the program’s operational efficiency.

2. Federal Reimbursements: An update was provided on FY25 federal reimbursements.

3. Construction Loan/Line of Credit: An update was provided related to the construction loan and line of credit. 

4. Afton Partners Scope of Work Update: Progress was reported on the consulting engagement with Afton Partners who are assisting with financial planning and forecasting. 

Dr. Thompson made a motion to approve the Finance Consent Agenda that consisted of:

1. Proposal for Insurance Policies
2. FY26 Proposed Budget Third Reading
3. Title I, II, III, IV Authorizations

Ms. Davis seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 

Mr. Thompson read into the minutes the three goals that accompany the FY26 Budget:
 

1. Maintain class sizes as small as possible by aligning staffing and resource planning with enrollment levels and academic priorities.
2. Ensure that all allocated funds and charitable donations are applied in a way to directly impact classrooms by prioritizing expenditures that support instruction and student outcomes.
3. Grow the reserve fund through operational funding sources to meet our financial milestones and long-term sustainability goals.

Mr. Thompson read into the minutes the Federal Authorizations including Title I, II, III, IV:

• To authorize the executive director to serve as the representative for the South Carolina Department of Education Application for Grants to meet the special educational needs of educationally deprived children under Title I of Public Law 103-382; 
• for Grants to increase the academic achievement of all students by helping schools and districts improve teacher and principal quality and by ensuring that all teachers are highly qualified through professional development activities for Title II;
• for Grants to provide instructional activities and services to meet the special educational needs of limited English proficient and immigrant students under Title III of Public Law 107-110; 
• for Grants which are intended to improve the students' academic achievement by increasing the capacity of States, LEAs, schools, and local communities by (1) providing all students with access to a well-rounded education; (2) improving school conditions for student learning; and (3) improving the use of technology in order to improve the academic achievement and digital literacy of all students.
• And to authorize the executive director to allocate any federal programs allocations from SCPCSD to reflect the comprehensive needs assessment supervised by the boards' academic committee from April 2025.

Ms. Bass shared highlights from the Academic Excellence Committee meeting:
 

1. LSC Leadership Development Program: The committee discussed the success of Liberty’s Leadership Development Program, under the direction of Ms. Rauschenbach. The program is designed to build internal leadership capacity and support the professional growth of emerging leaders across the organization.
2. Proposed Core Values: The committee is in the process of developing Core Values intended to guide organizational culture and strategic direction.

Ms. Bass provided an overview of the Development Committee's current and prospective fundraising and partnership initiatives:

1. Key Funding and Grant Opportunities: Updates were shared on active and upcoming efforts with several partners and grantors, including:
   • Walton Family Foundation
   • SCDE Strategic Compensation Pilot
   • Charter School Growth Fund
   • Children’s Trust Fund of South Carolina
   • Connected Communities
   • Additional SCDE grant opportunities
2. PATH Initiative – STEAM Workforce Planning: Continued planning efforts are underway to advance the PATH Initiative, with a focus on developing robust STEAM workforce pipelines.
3. The LIFT Initiative was established as a professional development partnership to provide Dr. Ivey with direct insight from business and industry leaders. The first convening included Gregg Hoffman of NOVA Molecular. The committee is now seeking two additional industry leaders, one in business technology and one in industrial technology, to further support this strategic talent development effort.
   
   
    

Upon Consensus, the Board Returned to Open Session.

Mr. Thompson concluded the meeting by thanking Directors and Staff for continued support.

There was no discussion.