Rev. Newton gave an invocation.

The Primary Academy Eagle Ambassadors led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Greg Thompson welcomed and thanked everyone for their attendance.  

Ms. Douglas read the Vision Statement.

Ms. Rauschenbach read the Mission Statement

Greg Thompson welcomed Ms. Rojas and scholars for a special Hispanic Heritage presentation, which reflected LSC’s commitment to fostering cultural awareness.

There was none. 

LaQuanya Chambers presented for Board Acceptance the sixth grade roadmap, titled 6th Grade Scholar Roadmap to Becoming College, Career and Military Ready. She noted this is a living document to be amended and updated as LSC progresses. There are currently seven stops on the roadmap for scholars and opportunities throughout the year for VIPs to meet the mandatory volunteer hours. The first stop is the Career Assessment, and directors had the opportunity to participate in the assessment noting it was very accurate.  

Dr. Ivey presented his monthly updates:

• Liberty STEAM Charter School continues to make strong progress toward its annual goals
  with 87% of initiatives on track or complete.
• Teaching and Learning remains a standout area, achieving 100% completion across curriculum
  modules, interventions, instructional cycles, and leadership development, with the next
  assessment scheduled for December–January.
• Family and Community Engagement also demonstrates full alignment, maintaining 100%
  enrollment, strong attendance and satisfaction rates, and a successful launch of Cognia surveys this month.
• The Talent domain shows steady progress with high satisfaction and compliance rates, though
  continued attention is needed in building out AED, Finance, and HR teams.
• Communications and External Affairs have raised $1.5 million to date and submitted $3
  million in grant applications, while Operations and Business Administration sustain Tier 1
  financial standing, with minor challenges in breakfast participation and facility expansion.
• Key priorities for November include:
  ○ stabilizing facilities
  ○ launching hiring for the 2026–27 school year
  ○ preparing for SPARK and Cognia accreditation.
• Leadership is focused on defining “What Success Looks Like” across teams, strengthening
  collective leadership capacity, and addressing sustainability.
• The board’s continued partnership is requested in guiding facilities planning, policy
  approvals, and succession discussions.
• Directors are encouraged to remain visible in schools, champion the 6th Grade Roadmap, and
  attend key upcoming events:
  ○ the Report Card Rating Huddle (week of Nov. 3),
  ○ PATH Pitches (Nov. 13–14)
  ○ Flywheel All Call (Nov. 14).
• Key Wins & Celebrations: This month brought several exciting achievements and moments of
  pride for the LSC team.
  ○ LaQaunya Chambers was recognized among the Top 10 Under 40 for her outstanding
  leadership and impact in education.
  ○ Melvin Archie, Jr. successfully completed his BA+18 certification, advancing his
  professional growth and instructional expertise.
  ○ Harmony Gadson, for her diligence, accuracy, and consistency in overseeing federal
  programs that ensured LSC maintains Tier 1 status for the third consecutive year and
  her valuable work and contributions to a clear audit.
  ○ The PEACE event drew 136 attendees, highlighting our strong family and community
  engagement. These milestones reflect the dedication, excellence, and unity that continue
  to drive Liberty STEAM Charter School forward.

At last month’s meeting community representatives were appointed to our standing committees, and having expressed interest, Rachel Sucheki who was appointed to the finance committee will also serve on the executive committee. We certainly look forward to the positive impact each of our community representatives have already made and will continue to make alongside our committees.
 

The executive committee received academy updates and organizational highlights across both campuses. Instructional priorities continue to focus on teacher coaching, student progress monitoring, and assessments. Organizational updates included Liberty meeting a Charter School Growth Fund milestone and Dr. Ivey’s upcoming participation in the Yass Prize Alumni Award presentations.

Cameron Chandler provided the Governance Committee update including that the committee discussed a proposed amendment to the LSC Bylaws regarding community representation on board committees. The amendment would require community representatives to meet the same minimum qualifications as board members in order to serve. Board approval of this amendment will be requested at the December meeting.
 

The Committee also reviewed the Educator Assistance Legislation. Dr. Ivey confirmed that under South Carolina Code §59-19-85, the SICLI (Sick Leave Incentive/Bank) provision includes existing language protecting the SICLI bank. Liberty has already incorporated this language into its current policy framework.

Board Action Governance Consent Agenda: Upon an extensive review of current legislation and our existing policies to ensure alignment and compliance, the Governance Committee is prepared to present the following policies and amendments for Board approval under the Governance Committee consent agenda: these policies and amendments shared at last month’s meeting are included in your board packet.

1. LSC Livestreaming of Board Meetings Policy

2. LSC Enrollment Policy

(Tajma) LaShea Davis welcomed Gifford Shaw to present the Finance Committee update including the FY25 Audit for Board Acceptance. 

Board Action FY25 Audit: Mr. Shaw reported a clean audit for FY25 with no findings or recommendations. The Board was asked to accept the FY25 Audit report.

Mr. Shaw continued with the Monthly Financial Report and new Dashboard, which included LSC's Financial Report September 25 and organization totals last year, current year, and percent increase.

• Scholars per Classroom 24 \25\ 4.2%
• Total Scholars 731\914\25.0%
• Total Waitlist 1,440
• K5 Waitlist 337
• General Fund Budget Growth $9,977,909.00 \$12,882,672.51\ 29.1%
• Total Capital Investment Growth $8,500,000.00 $12,000,000.00\ 41.2%
• Total Projected Year End Capital Assets $16,000,000.00\ $25,000,000.00 56.3%
• FTEs 115\125\8.7%
• Teachers 87\86\1.1%
• Scholar to Teacher Ratio 8.4 to 1 \10.6 to 1\26%
• Scholar to Ttl Staff Ratio 6.35 to 1\ 7.3 to 1 \15%
• Total Bank Debt $13,846,285.11
• Ttl Days Cash on Hand 17

The Finance Dashboard provides a snapshot of LSC’s financial and operational performance with current status indicators:

• Cash on Hand: $600,000 (17 days), currently red. Closing at First Citizens is also red, expected imminently.
• Enrollment: Below target of 913, currently green.
• Recurring Income to Budget: Projected at $12 million on a budget of $12.12 million, yellow.
• Philanthropy and Grants: Minimal donations to date, red; upcoming events (Festival of Windmills, Thompson Golf Tournament) expected to generate over $500,000.
• Budget and Salaries/Benefits: Projected at $9.4 million, green.
• Budgeted Expenses: Startup expenses currently at 29% of budget, yellow.
• Net to Cash Reserve: Projected at $275,000, yellow.
• Risk Management: No issues, green.
• Percentage of Classroom Time on Core Curriculum: Only 50% of time dedicated to core instruction (32 hours/week), yellow.
• Meal Participation: Over 75%, green. 

Dr. Ivey provided an update on the federal programs and gave recognition to Harmony Gadson for her work in maintaining Tier 1 status for the fourth consecutive year, keeping us in excellent standing with the South Carolina Public Charter School District. 

It was noted there is expected to be a strategic compensation grant in the amount of $200,000 that will offset the decrease in Title I funding due to additional schools qualifying for these federal funds.  

The new facilities supervisor is working on a 30-60-90 day plan to be presented.  

Jenny Knopf presented the Academic Committee Update.  The committee received a presentation on Transformational Coaching from our Teacherpreneurs Valerie Smith and Kelli Carlisle who reported on Transformational Coaching, noting a positive shift in teacher collaboration and engagement. They also highlighted the Just Write Reader program supporting early literacy in the Primary Academy.

Dr. Ivey shared the launch of the Academy Best Practices Task Force, and LSC is on track for a December Charter School Growth Fund payment. Key action items include a possible adjustment to the 2026–27 calendar for staggered kindergarten testing and continued focus on coaching and equitable instructional support.

Heather Bass presented the Development Committee Update. The committee reviewed Family and Community Engagement metrics, including 913 enrolled scholars, 3,582 parent volunteer hours, 96.8% average daily attendance, and two completed service learning projects, alongside October highlights like the E-STEAM Festival, PEACE Academy, PATH Initiative, Block Walks, and Trunk or Treat. Updates were shared on the Hopes and Dreams sessions, which help understand new scholars and families’ expectations while introducing the Roadmap to Becoming an LSC Scholar. 

Dr. Ivey reported on grants, partnerships, and fundraising, including milestones with the Walton Foundation, Charter School Growth Fund, ATI Grant, Quixote Foundation Golf Tournament, Festival of Windmills, strategic compensation funds, and PATH integration with LIFT, with PATH Pitch Day set for November 13–14. 

With no objections, the Board returned to open session.

Directors were asked to present future agenda topics of interest to Dr. Ivey.