An invocation was offered, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, the reading of the school’s mission and vision statements, and a review of the Board’s core values.

LaQuanya Chambers presented the monthly Family and Community Engagement Services update.

• Attendance: Schoolwide attendance was 99.62 percent. Early dismissals were trending upward, while unexcused absences and tardies remained low. One attendance intervention violation meeting had been held, with one tardy intervention violation meeting scheduled. Thirteen scholars were on tardy plans and four were on attendance plans. Attendance success plans had been completed for scholars identified with chronic absenteeism.
• Recruitment and Enrollment: The school had received 182 applications, representing 38 percent of its recruitment goal. The East Festival generated approximately 52 applications, with additional community block walks planned. Enrollment remained at 1,065 scholars, with seven withdrawals and a 99 percent persistence rate.
• Technology: A new technology provider had been implemented. The Panorama dashboard was being developed to consolidate attendance, discipline, assessment, and other student support data, with implementation anticipated in November. Chromebook access had been restored to a one-to-one ratio at the elementary and junior academy levels, with repairs pending for damaged devices. Technology restitution fees were being collected.
• Early Morning Care: Revenue from parent fees totaled $15,475, compared with $14,437.50 in payroll expenses, resulting in approximately $1,037.50 in net revenue.
• Family Engagement: Recent activities included the East Festival, Salvation Army Fall Festival, and Peace Academy. Upcoming events included Trunk or Treat and a spirit night. Ten percent of parents had completed their required volunteer hours, 32 percent had completed the required parent education session, and 51 percent were on track with volunteer hours.

Superintendent’s Update

The committee received an update recognizing Tameko Wilson, Lead STEAM Enrichment Teacher for fourth and fifth grades, for being named the national Project Lead the Way Launch Teacher of the Year. Formal recognition was planned for the October 26 Board meeting, with additional celebrations anticipated in January.

The committee was also informed that the independent auditors had issued an unmodified opinion on the school’s financial statements for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. The Finance Committee would review the draft audit findings and recommend acceptance to the full Board.

Foundation Update: Five Pillars of the Rally Cry

Dr. Ivy presented the Foundation’s progress toward its five strategic pillars. Policy and advocacy and PATH were on track. Philanthropic giving, grant administration and compliance, and early college and technical high school development were identified as areas requiring continued attention.

Policy and Advocacy
Liberty continued participating in a fellowship with The Mind Trust, the University of South Carolina, and the South Carolina Children’s Fund. Fellowship activities included board governance, operational leadership, and school visits. Legislative outreach was underway to prepare for the 2027 legislative session.

Early College and Technical High School
School visits were conducted to examine dual enrollment and technical education models. The team continued exploring partnerships with Morris College, Central Carolina Technical College, and the University of South Carolina Sumter. A quarterly newsletter had been launched, and internal planning continued in preparation for a public announcement regarding the high school’s location, offerings, and career pathways before the holidays.

Philanthropic Giving
The Foundation continued working toward its $2 million fundraising goal for FY27, requiring approximately $166,000 in monthly fundraising to support a balanced budget and the goal of 60 days of cash on hand. Pledges represented 51 percent of the annual goal, while funds received represented 9 percent.
 

The Foundation anticipated a $100,000 milestone payment from the Charter School Growth Fund in December and a $250,000 unrestricted Yass Alumni Prize. Additional grant applications had been submitted, with several funding decisions pending. The team also discussed a federal education tax credit scheduled to take effect in January 2027 and its potential to support eligible educational expenses.

Grant Administration and Compliance
The Foundation continued working to establish the required process for submitting claims against the $1.752 million federal grant supporting sixth-grade expansion. The team anticipated progress once the state Department of Education provided authorization and the claims process was established.

PATH Program
The PATH program remained on track, with September partner touchpoints fully accounted for and October activities focused on career education. The committee reviewed progress on partner problem statements, monthly video updates, and upcoming program activities.

Expedition Day was scheduled for November 6, followed by additional activities in December and January and Pitch Day in February. An $8,000 allocation for teacher gift cards was helping staff purchase materials for project-based learning activities. The sixth-grade program was also expanding career exposure by providing scholars opportunities to engage with all six career partners.

The committee emphasized that PATH must maintain a clear focus on career exposure and economic mobility. Discussion centered on ensuring scholars understand the careers connected to each project, the education or credentials required, earning potential, and opportunities for advancement.

The committee agreed on the importance of identifying the top two relevant careers for each partnership. Proposed criteria included strong projected demand, wages that support a reasonable standard of living, and clear career advancement opportunities. Where possible, pathways should include different entry points, such as a high school diploma, technical credential, or college degree. The team will develop criteria and incorporate career information into partner touchpoints and program communications.

Development and Grant Opportunities

The committee reviewed a proposed monthly report outlining grant development and major funding opportunities. Current priorities included pursuing a relationship with the Levine Foundation, preparing for an anticipated Charter School Growth Fund site visit in December, and monitoring an upcoming New School Venture Fund scale investment application.

The Foundation’s quarterly priority plan identified key goals for October through December, including refining PATH communications, producing video content, and identifying the priority careers associated with each partnership. The next six-month or quarterly plan was expected in December.

Directors were asked to submit new business items for future agenda topics to Dr. Hafner. 

Follow-Up Items

• Identify the top two priority careers for each PATH partner based on workforce demand, wages, advancement opportunities, and entry pathways.
• Continue pursuing fundraising opportunities and monitoring progress toward the annual fundraising goal.
• Advance grant administration, compliance, and reporting responsibilities.
• Continue planning for upcoming development and career exposure events.
• Finalize PATH partner problem statements and continue monthly partner touchpoints.
• Establish criteria for selecting priority careers within each PATH partnership.
• Incorporate career pathways, earning potential, and advancement opportunities into PATH programming.
• Continue establishing the federal grant claims process.
• Pursue outstanding grant applications and major philanthropic opportunities.
• Continue preparation for the technical high school public announcement.
• Provide the next Foundation quarterly priority plan in December.