Marion Newton provided an invocation.

Heather Bass gave an invocation.

Heather Bass read the mission and vision statements.

The April 25–26 F.A.C.E. Update shows strong school performance with 909 scholars enrolled and a 97% persistence rate. Attendance remains high at 96.54% ADA, though 31 scholars are chronically absent. Parent volunteer engagement is steady but slightly declining across March–May. Key highlights include welcoming new families, launching Career Navigator pathways (healthcare, digital arts, agriculture, hospitality, finance, arts & entertainment, public service, and military), completing climate surveys, and continued PEACE Academy programming.

Looking ahead, May will feature major milestone events including the 5th Grade Crossover Ceremony, 5th Grade Graduation, Capstone presentations, and Kindergarten Graduation.

Roadmap efforts continue expanding career-aligned programming, with Healthcare and Business Technology work underway and Industrial Technology & Engineering development planned with Sumter Economic Development. Overall, the update reflects strong operations, growing career exposure, and meaningful end-of-year celebrations. 

Family engagement remains strong, highlighted by the final PEACE session of the year, which drew over 300 parents. This reflects the effectiveness of the board-approved expectation that each family participates in at least one engagement session annually. Currently, parent volunteer completion rates are in the low 80% range, with continued progress toward the 10-hour annual goal. Additionally, key milestones within both the kindergarten and fifth-grade roadmaps are being successfully implemented. The Welcome to Liberty event for incoming kindergarten families reinforced clarity and connection, while fifth-grade scholars are completing career exploration experiences, including exposure to high-demand career clusters and capstone presentations to declare their intended pathway.

Development efforts continue to expand scholar readiness through programs such as the Amazing Shake, which builds essential soft skills through real-world simulations. The program has successfully narrowed participation from 300 scholars to top finalists, with community partners engaged in the final selection process. 

On the grants and fundraising side, the school has received the first installment of YASS grant award of $250,000 with additional $250,000 funding expected in September. Progress is also being made on a $1.75 million congressional grant application, with next steps underway to finalize a more detailed submission. 

Dr. Ivey previously reported that he successfully completed all FY26 PATH partner site visits and continues to collaborate with the committee to finalize PATH assignments for FY27. Planning is underway to ensure that teachers have opportunities to initiate personal contact or conduct site visits with their assigned partners either before the end of the current school year or during the first week prior to scholars returning.

The Directors’ PATH Working Group remains actively engaged in identifying potential new partners while also strengthening the integrity and sustainability of existing partnerships to ensure meaningful, high-quality engagement for scholars.

The newly renamed LEADS program (Leading in Education, Action, Direction, and Service) will launch, providing community leaders with an immersive experience in the school’s mission and model.

The Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) is in progress and must be submitted by May 15, with a site audit scheduled for May 7. Stakeholder feedback continues to guide funding priorities, especially in small-group instruction and intervention staffing.

Graduations are scheduled for May 27 for fifth grade and May 28 kindergarten.

The search firm continues to make steady progress in the recruitment process for the Deputy Superintendent role, remaining on track with projected timelines and key milestones.

Lastly, work is beginning on the FY27 Organizational chart that will reflect the newly filled leadership positions. 

Recommendations Include:
 

1. Poster Design: Dr. Ivey will develop a poster for PATH partners and community partners.. 
2. Supervisor Contacts: Mr. Shaw will compile supervisor contact information for PATH partners and provide it to Amy Hansen to support individualized thank-you letters for direct managers by May 8.
3. Partner Assignments: Heather Bass and Dr. Ivey will distribute PATH partner assignments, along with next-step instructions, by May 12. 
4. Dr. Newton will follow up with Morris College and provide Heather Bass's contact information.
5. FY27 Planning: Heather Bass will align with Dr. Ivey on the FY27 PATH theme and outline next steps.