Jenny Knopf gave an invocation.

Jenny Knopf led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Jenny Knopf read the mission and vision statements.

Committee members received comprehensive academic and organizational updates from Ms. Smiling, Dr. McDonald, and Dr. Ivey focused on student achievement, instructional improvement, organizational culture, and planning for the 2026–27 school year. 

Ms. Smiling presented updates related to kindergarten and first-grade academic performance, CSI scholar growth, intervention implementation, and differentiated instructional supports. Early literacy and math performance trends were reviewed, noting stable Tier 1 instruction and a continued focus on strengthening differentiated small-group instruction through expanded implementation of UFLI and Bridges intervention supports, co-teaching models, and targeted intervention groupings. Strong CSI scholar growth outcomes were highlighted, including positive reading and math growth among intervention subgroups.

Dr. McDonald presented updates regarding progress monitoring, instructional coaching and co-teaching structures, staffing and academic forecasting, Cognia feedback, professional development, PLC development, teacher-led planning initiatives, and leadership alignment efforts.

Dr. McDonald presented an instructional curricula request for May 26 board consideration and approval: National Geographic Learning/Cengage NG World History: Great Civilizations, 1st Edition for Grade 6, Houghton Mifflin Into Literature for Grades 6–8, and Everfi Platform Eagles Excel for Grades K–12. Administration noted that the proposed curricula align with organizational academic priorities, instructional improvement efforts, and South Carolina Public Charter School District requirements for formal board approval of new instructional materials. 

Discussion included development of monitoring structures for instructional implementation, plans to strengthen coaching and PLC systems, and summer professional development focused on collaborative instructional planning, common formative assessments, and vertical alignment. Leadership also shared updates regarding teacher-led pacing and curriculum planning initiatives designed to strengthen instructional alignment, staff empowerment, and teacher voice in organizational decision-making.

Dr. Ivey reported continued progress toward organizational academic goals, with reading proficiency increasing from 60.5% to 67% and math proficiency improving into the low 70% range compared to the prior year. Long-term organizational targets remain set at 85% proficiency in both reading and math. He anticipates that the majority of organizational goals for the year will be met.

He reported strong SPARK staff survey results with rankings at or above the 95th percentile across measured domains, and positive progress in student and staff culture indicators. 

Additional discussion included inclusion classroom performance analysis, technology and science curriculum recommendations under review for budget alignment, staffing projections for the upcoming school year, climate survey considerations, and preparations for upcoming graduation ceremonies and end-of-year events.

Committee members were reminded to submit future agenda topics to Dr. Ivey.

Action Steps

1. Finalize implementation and progress-monitoring systems for UFLI and Bridges interventions.
2. Continue staffing efforts for:
   • Part-time physical therapist
   • Scholar Support Specialist
3. Submit curriculum and technology recommendations for FY27 budget alignment.
4. Conduct additional review of inclusion classroom performance data before revisiting class-size recommendations.
5. Expand differentiated small-group instructional practices in K–1 classrooms.
6. Develop stronger PLC structures focused on teacher-led data analysis and intervention planning.
7. Finalize and communicate summer professional development schedules and opportunities.
8. Build first-quarter pacing guides, assessments, and instructional resources before the school year begins.
9. Complete leadership summer planning sessions focused on vertical alignment and operational coordination.
10. Develop communication strategies to ensure staff understand how their feedback is shaping organizational decisions.
11. Continue refining climate survey understanding and accountability reporting processes.
12. Second reading of FY27 budget May 26 with FY27 budget final reading and approval in June.
13. Finalize logistics and participation details for graduation ceremonies and celebration events.