Cameron Chandler gave an invocation.

Cameron Chandler led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Cameron Chandler read the mission statement.

Kimberly Rauschenbach read the vision statement.

Annual Review of Policies, Procedures, and Bylaws: Dr. Ivey reported that the annual review of board policies, procedures, and organizational manuals has continued following the May Board meeting. Proposed revisions were prepared for Governance Committee review and recommendation to the Board.

Dr. Ivey explained that the majority of revisions are nonmaterial updates, including title changes, operational updates, compliance language, and formatting improvements. Material revisions include updates to financial authorization procedures, attendance policies, scholar discipline procedures, and grading policies.

Scholar and Family Handbook: The committee reviewed proposed revisions to the Scholar and Family Handbook, including:• Updating references from Executive Director to Superintendent. • Revising Level 1 discipline procedures for grades 6 through 12. • Clarifying procedures for scholars who have been expelled and subsequently seek reenrollment.

Dr. Ivey explained that expelled scholars seeking reenrollment must participate in the standard enrollment lottery process. If readmitted, scholars would be placed on an enhanced strict probation plan requiring regular parent conferences, behavior monitoring, academic monitoring, and attendance reviews. Any subsequent disciplinary infraction would result in a recommendation for expulsion consistent with existing Level 3 discipline procedures.

Attendance Policy Revisions: The committee reviewed proposed attendance policy updates designed to further reduce chronic absenteeism. Key revisions include: • Clarification of chronic absenteeism definitions.  • Required participation in summer school for scholars identified as chronically absent. • Requirement that scholars who violate an Attendance Intervention Plan or who are chronically absent participate in an Attendance Success Plan conference within the first fifteen days of the school year. • Clarification that failure to complete required summer school attendance recovery may result in retention under existing promotion and retention policies.

Staff reported that chronic absenteeism declined from 54 scholars during the previous year to 31 scholars during the current year.

Enrollment Age Requirements: The committee reviewed clarified language regarding age requirements for enrollment in kindergarten and first grade. Staff noted that no exceptions will be granted beyond the age requirements established by policy.

Grading Policies and Procedures Manual: The committee reviewed proposed revisions to the Grading Policies and Procedures Manual, including removal of grading provisions no longer permitted under recently enacted state legislation.

Political Activity Policy: The committee discussed revisions to the political activity policy to ensure elected officials may participate in school events in their official capacities during election periods while maintaining compliance with applicable regulations.

The revised policy requires approval by the Superintendent and notification through the Board Vice Chair for political activities or appearances occurring on school property.

Board Policy Manuals: The committee reviewed updates to board policy manuals, personnel policies, and human resources policies. Updates included: • Leadership title changes.• Administrative and contact information updates.• Compliance language related to recently enacted South Carolina charter school accountability requirements.• Confirmation that required financial transparency measures, including publication of financial information, are already being implemented.

Financial Policies and Procedures: The committee reviewed revisions to financial policies reflecting updated signature authority and account authorization procedures that will become effective with the upcoming leadership transition.

Board Goals and Performance Data: Dr. Ivey reviewed year-end organizational goals and performance data. He highlighted Liberty STEAM’s academic growth results compared with schools supported by Charter School Growth Fund. Liberty ranked among the highest-performing schools within the comparison group and achieved the fourth-highest growth index among participating schools using the same assessment system.

Athletics and Enrichment Proposal: The committee reviewed a proposed athletics framework for the 2026-2027 school year. Staff recommended focusing resources on six athletic offerings as the school prepares for future expansion opportunities.

FY2027 Organizational Goals: The committee reviewed proposed FY2027 organizational goals. Minor revisions reflect the addition of a second school accountability rating and updated performance benchmarks aligned with long-term proficiency goals.

FY2027 Budget: The committee reviewed the proposed FY2027 budget for third reading.

Staff reported: • Projected achievement of 60 days cash on hand. • A planned contribution of approximately $400,000 to reserves. • Continued alignment of budget priorities with organizational growth and sustainability goals.

Board and Committee Meeting Schedule: The committee reviewed the proposed FY2027 Board and Committee meeting calendar, which will be presented to the Board for approval.

Committee members were reminded to submit topics for future agenda items.