Jenny Knopf gave an invocation.

Jenny Knopf led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Cameron Chandler read the mission statement and Jenny Knopf read the vision statement.

he Academic Committee met on February 24, 2026. Dr. Ivey presented the Executive Director’s Report.

Academic Excellence Committee Report by Dr. Michelle McDonald:

• Instructional Focus: Academic Excellence Pillar Rally Cry: Protecting instructional time  ensuring teachers have uninterrupted time to teach. Measurement of Instructional Time: Monitored through classroom observations; CFA implementation fidelity; Data-driven instructional adjustments
• Common Formative Assessment (CFA) – Window: Feb 17–26 Assessment Tools Used: Mastery Connect Test Item Bank (3rd Grade ELA); SC READY Sample Release Items
• Data Review Includes: Item analysis; subgroup comparison charts; mastery by standards; question breakdown; CFA FAQs review
• How Data Will Be Used: DCIs: Identify standards for Eagle Advantage tutoring; Coaches: Guide PLC data analysis and reteaching strategies; Teachers: Determine what to teach, how to teach it, and to whom; Administrators: Monitor rigor and standards alignment during observations
• Eagle Advantage 240 scholars served; Mastery Check Averages: 82% ELA; 80% Math
• Staff of the Year Timeline: Feb 23: Finalists announced; March 2: Applications due; March 4: Interview Day; March 9: Staff Announcement
• Cognia Accreditation Visit – March 19 Schedule: Leadership Presentation; Leadership Interviews; Teacher Interviews; Scholar Interviews; Board Interviews; Parent Interviews; Debrief
• Literacy Initiative: Million Word Reading Challenge underway to increase reading volume and engagement.
• Professional Development: March 6 Network PD; March 20 Personalized PD; Ongoing Coaching Support
• Future Fridays at LSC (Instructional Model): Primary Academy: Discovery Science; Elementary Academy: Differentiated Choice Boards; Junior Academy: Even/Odd Rotations; CCC: Homeroom-based assignments via Google Classroom: To be presented for board approval March 30.

Special Populations State of the School by Nicky Pack and Lara McAlister: Fall Staff Survey (100% participation) shows 90% satisfaction, with strengths in Individual Purpose, Basic Needs, and Teamwork. Focus areas: Belonging, Workload Balance, and Scholar Behavior.

• Recognized as a Unified Champion School; $880 raised for Special Olympics. Self-contained classrooms provide grade-level exposure.
• Action Steps: Increase system access for SPED staff, add retired SPED teacher for caseload support, and strengthen training in inclusion and classroom management.
• Support Needed: Additional SPED teachers/interventionists (61 resource scholars), full-time OT, increased coaching, and smaller pull-out groups. 

ED’s Academy Best Practices Task Force: Mental wellness stipend meaningful options are being explored through community partners like Stretch Zone, a local gym, etc. 

Possip Stakeholder Satisfaction Discussion: All survey results included in the meeting packet. 

Test Security Policy and Procedures: Amendment to include Assessment Proctor Requirement.

Succession Planning Documentation for Review: Executive Leadership and Sustainability Planning and Dr. Ivey’s Legacy Plan were included in the meeting packet for review. 

• Governance Committee finalizes grading and homework policy updates and Test Proctor Requirements for March 30 board meeting.
• Dr. McDonald will meet with Directors Douglas and Knopf re: GT and interim assessments/invited to observe Eagle Advantage. 
• Dr. McDonald to present the final Friday schedule for 26-27 SY to the committee in March. 
• Mental wellness options to be presented at the May committee meeting.
• Staffing request consideration(2.0 FTEs;1.0 FTE for hybrid admin & 1.0 for full time resource for EA/JA).