Rev. Newton gave the invocation.

The EA Eagle Ambassadors from the Classes of 2033–2036 led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Greg Thompson welcomed everyone to the meeting.

Mrs. Chandler read the Vision Statement.

Mrs. Davis read the Mission Statement.

The Board recognized the 2025–26 Exceeds Scholars, commending their academic excellence, character, perseverance, and leadership. Greg Thompson congratulated scholars and their families and invited them to be excused following recognition.

Dr. Ivey reported that no members of the public were registered to speak. The meeting proceeded to the next agenda item.

Dr. Ivey presented his monthly report including TEaching on Learning is 100% on track; talent is 63% on track, family and community engagement is 92% on track, communication and external affairs is 80% on track, operations and business administration is 57% on track. Overall progress: 38 of 45 metrics (84%) are on track or complete. Possip update and staff/parent feedback. He noted October priorities include facilities stabilization, PATH build-out, leadership capacity building, and defining “what success looks like.” Major challenges include expansion of campus facilities, personal sustainability, and leadership capacity.  Board Input needed includes policy approvals and direction on ED’s Academic Task Force initiative. He ended his report acknowledging August Torch Bearers and recognition that 50% of LSC scholars participated in the Sunrise with Someone Special weekend event. 

Dr. Ivey welcomed teachers Ashley Greenwood, Brenda Johnson, and Kaitlyn Ward to present the Review of State Assessment Student Achievement data and action plan.

The Journey to Excellence Has No Finish Line: Our Story So Far

Performance Snapshot (Math, ELA, Science)

• State averages: 55% | 62.1% | 49.2%
• SCPCSD averages: 47% | 59.25% | 42.5%
• SSD averages: 39.2% | 48.75% | 39.5%
• LSC: 58.3% | 62.4% | 39.3%

LSC is above the state average in Math and ELA, but below in Science.

Achievement Breakdown

• Detailed analysis of 3rd grade ELA/Math and 4th grade ELA/Math/Science
• Levels tracked: Did Not Master, Approaches, Meets, Exceeds
• Data also reviewed by race, gender, and special populations
• Growth measured from 3rd to 4th grade cohorts

Plan Forward

Focus areas to improve scholar outcomes:

• Address the science performance gap
• Strengthen staff development
• Increase support for special populations
• Elevate scholar voices

Strategic Framework: Turning the Flywheel

To maintain momentum, Liberty will use a continuous improvement model with these levers:

1. Intentional Selection
2. Collaborative Improvement
3. Assess Progress
4. Transformational Coaching
5. Achieve Learning
6. Enhance Reputation
7. Passionate Staff
8. Fiscal Discipline

Goal: Increase organizational clarity and keep Liberty’s “flywheel” spinning toward excellence.

Greg Thompson shared that at the July retreat, directors were asked to submit recommendations for community representatives to serve on committees. In accordance with Bylaws Article VIII, non-directors, as appointed by the Chair, may be allowed to serve in an advisory capacity without voting power. He asked committee chairs to share their recommendations.

• Academic Committee (Knopf): Recommended Candidate A (Waiting on Confirmation)
• Development Committee (Bass): Recommended Travis Norton
• Finance Committee (Dr. Thompson): Recommended Rachel Sucheki
• Governance Committee (Chandler): Recommended Kyle Kelly 

Board Action:

Greg Thompson approved the recommendations and expressed gratitude to these community members for their willingness to serve and contribute to Liberty’s success.

Governance Committee (Cameron Chandler)

• Reviewed legislation and policies for alignment.
• Presented two draft policies for October consideration:
  1. Live Streaming of Board Meetings Policy
  2. LSC Enrollment Policy

Finance Committee (Rodney Thompson)

• Reported on FY25 financial closeout, audit status, and monthly financial dashboard.
• Provided updates on federal reimbursements, construction loan/line of credit, and Afton Partners scope.
• Recommended First Citizens Bank as the institution for banking services.

Board Action:

• Motion made and seconded to approve the Finance Consent Agenda:
  1. Adoption of Banking Services Resolution (First Citizens Bank)
  2. Approval of Updated Bank Account Signature Requirements and Internal Controls

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

Academic Committee (Jenny Knopf)

Reported on special populations, gifted and talented programs, school culture, professional development, and academic initiatives including enrichment and best practices task force.

Development Committee (Heather Bass)

Reported on family and community engagement, Festival of Windmills fundraiser, PATH progress, LIFT initiatives, and the Sixth Grade Roadmap.

Dr. Ivey shared additional information regarding the Sixth Grade Roadmap. The roadmap includes seven major steps in the enrollment and onboarding process:

1. Application, lottery, and completion of enrollment paperwork (December–January)
2. Hopes & Dreams listening session with a Liberty staff member; VIP/scholar receives official admissions letter and pennant (February)
3. Meet and interact with parent navigator (March)
4. Attend Welcome to Liberty event (April)
5. Complete academic screening; VIP receives Kindergarten Readiness Home Kit (May)
6. Attend Back to School Nest Fest (July)
7. Participate in Culture Camp (August)

Ongoing expectations:
 

• August–January: Families complete 10 volunteer hours and choose PEACE Academy sessions to attend.
• February: VIPs who have completed at least 5 volunteer hours are eligible to re-enroll.
• March–May: Families finish 10 volunteer hours and select additional PEACE Academy sessions.

Families must complete all required steps. Scholars of VIPs who do not fulfill requirements will be moved to the bottom of the enrollment lottery waitlist.
 

A motion was made by Cameron Chandler and seconded by (Tajma) LaShea Davis to enter Executive Session for the purpose of:
 

• Negotiations incident to proposed property contractual agreements
• Proposed contractual agreements, and/or Personnel matters.

The board VOTED to approve the motion. The Board entered Executive Session.

With no objections, the Board returned to open session.

There was no action related to executive session.

Motion made by Cameron Chandler and seconded by Rev. Newton to approve the Monthly Personnel Report.

The board VOTED to approve the motion.

Directors were asked to provide agenda requests to Dr. Ivey for future meetings.