Marion Newton gave an invocation.

Greg Thompson welcomed the LSC Eagle Ambassadors to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Greg Thompson read the mission statement.

Cameron Chandler read the vision statement.

The Board recognized thirteen staff members who achieved certifications or degrees.  

The Board recognized newly minted National Board Certified teacher Katie Huggins and Libby Ortmann, a three-time National Board Certified teacher with over 40 years of experience in education. Mrs. Ortmann had the honor to pin Ms. Huggins. 

The Board recognized community partners from the By Name Project and Santee Watery Regional Transportation Authority for their support of and service to Liberty STEAM Charter school staff and scholars.

Mr. Payne joined Dr. Ivey in recognition Liberty STEAM Charter School for having received the Palmetto Silver Award for high academic achievement. 

Kerry Fuller, lead teacher at LSC, announced that the readathon raised over $30,000, with proceeds going toward creating a library at the school. 

Dr. Ivey presented his monthly update included in the meeting packet. He noted the recent recommendation for Cognia accreditation and the award of a $2 million Yass Award Prize investment. The meeting also covered upcoming assessments, spring holidays.

Dr. Michelle McDonald will continue leading the implementation of recommendations from the Cognia accreditation external review for ongoing refinement.

Sally Harris organized LSC’s first out-of-state field trip experience for scholars, parents, and staff to the nation's capital.

Parents will be asked to complete the parent climate survey by Wednesday.

Micah Vaughn and Kendall Jones will announce the finalists for the Amazing Shake on April 17.

Board and staff continue to review partner assignments for the PATH initiative, add new partners for the new grade level, and share matches with teachers before summer break.

Stop 3 of the Navigator agreement exposure event is April 14 and will include the four core Liberty career clusters.

Board members have the opportunity to join a tour of the Junior Academy expansion on April 14.

Greg Thompson provided an update on the recent executive committee. 

The executive committee received the same positive reports you hear from all committees this evening. In addition, we reviewed the vetting of Non-Director Committee Appointments in accordance with our Bylaws Article VIII.  It is my pleasure to make the following non-director appointments:

• Academic Committee: Glenn Huggins
• Development Committee: Travis Norton
• Finance Committee: Rachel Suchecki
• Executive Committee: Rev. Billy Bennett

Athletics Buildout Program for SC High School League Accredited Sports

Greg Thompson read the following statement:

"Building on the great work of our committees, I want to highlight another exciting initiative that reflects our commitment to developing the Liberty Scholar academically, socially, and physically.  

We are actively seeking to build a middle school athletics program with the goal of offering six South Carolina High School League accredited sports: soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, and golf.

With our focus on both academics and athletics, the Liberty scholar will be a well-rounded, confident, and resilient young person who excels in the classroom, develops leadership and teamwork skills on the field, and carries the discipline and perseverance learned through sports into every aspect of life.

By laying this foundation now, we are creating structured, supportive opportunities that will help every scholar grow, explore their talents, and achieve their fullest potential.  

This initiative reflects our commitment to providing the very best opportunities today, to ensure the very best outcomes for our scholars and for our community tomorrow. We are eager to share updates and progress as our athletics program develops." 

Due to Jenny Knopf's remote connection, Cameron Chandler updated the Board on the recent academic committee meeting. 

The committee reviewed updates to the Gifted & Talented program (documentation included in the meeting packet), including cluster classes for 4th grade, capstone projects for grades 4–5, and expanded identification with a new school psychologist.

There was a review of middle school curriculum options, SEL updates, and staffing needs, along with GT teacher endorsements and funding considerations. 

Cognia accreditation and transformational coaching initiatives were highlighted as key supports for instructional quality. 

Dr. Ivey also provided updates, under final review of the governance committee, on executive leadership succession, the YASS loan, and resolutions on curriculum, testing policies, and grading practices for full board consideration.
 

Heather Bass presented the  Development Committee update that included the monthly Family and Engagement update for March highlighting enrollment at 911 scholars, strong attendance at 96.5% ADA, and continued family engagement efforts, including parent volunteer participation. The committee also noted that FY27 kindergarten enrollment is full with 151 new scholars.

Discussion centered on the College, Career, and Military Ready Roadmap, with a focus on strengthening scholar exposure to a broader range of career clusters—particularly engineering, skilled trades, and other high-demand fields. Plans are underway for a capstone presentation to showcase scholar experiences and learning.

The committee also reviewed progress on the PATH initiative, with all 37 partners recommitting for next year and increased interest in targeted grade-level engagement. Additional highlights included the $2 million YASS Award, updates on the executive leadership search, and exploration of early college opportunities.

Next steps include finalizing PATH partner assignments for FY27 and refining the roadmap experience to ensure scholars are exposed to key regional career pathways.

There was a proposal for Stop 3 of the Navigator agreement to provide exposure to include the four core Liberty career clusters as opposed to the original plan of the top three choices in order to expose scholars to more opportunities. The event will take place April 14.

Rodney Thompson provided the Finance Committee  update noting a review of several key items related to LSC's fiscal health and ongoing financial planning. He invited  Gifford Shaw to present the monthly financial reports.

gifford Shaw informed the Board of the school’s current financial position, noting approximately 25 days of cash on hand and enrollment slightly below target at 911 students. A major highlight was the $2 million YASS Alumni Award, including a $500,000 grant and $1.5 million 0% interest loan to support Junior Academy expansion.

The FY27 budget was introduced with projected revenues of $16 million and a potential $478,000 surplus to strengthen reserves, though concerns remain around funding Whole Child initiatives. Additional discussions included a facilities project at the primary academy, federal program planning deadlines, and progress on leadership succession and the executive search process.

The committee will continue refining the FY27 budget and facilities plans, with a board tour of the Junior Academy expansion scheduled for April 14. Recommended actions include moving forward with the YASS loan agreement and advancing the FY27 budget for first reading.

Cameron Chandler provided the governance report. The committee finalized reviews on leadership succession and Dr. Ivey’s Legacy Plan, approved resolutions for curricula adoption (Math, Science, and SEL), and reviewed updates on grading, homework guidance, and testing security procedures.

Upon consensus, the Board returned to open session.

Greg Thompson reminded directors to submit requested agenda items to Dr. Ivey.