Liberty STEAM Charter
Minutes
LSC FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE
AGENDA OF REGULARLY SCHEDULED MONTHLY MEETING
Date and Time
Wednesday February 16, 2022 at 4:00 PM
Location
LSC Administrative Offices
117 North Main Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Google Map of Meeting Location
This meeting is held in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act. A copy of the agenda has been made available to the local media & general public.
Mission: Liberty STEAM Charter (LSC) works to provide all students equal access to a world-class K-12 education in an academically rigorous & student-centered learning environment, creating graduates to be thoughtful & engaged citizens prepared to take on the leadership challenges of the 21st century.
Vision: In partnership with our families & the community, Liberty STEAM Charter (LSC) will provide interdisciplinary, real-world, personalized, and project-based learning experiences through a STEAM-based academic program where graduates become the next generation of leaders, employers, and employees who contribute to the economic well-being of their communities and families.
Mission: Liberty STEAM Charter (LSC) works to provide all students equal access to a world-class K-12 education in an academically rigorous & student-centered learning environment, creating graduates to be thoughtful & engaged citizens prepared to take on the leadership challenges of the 21st century.
Vision: In partnership with our families & the community, Liberty STEAM Charter (LSC) will provide interdisciplinary, real-world, personalized, and project-based learning experiences through a STEAM-based academic program where graduates become the next generation of leaders, employers, and employees who contribute to the economic well-being of their communities and families.
Committee Members Present
Cameron Chandler (remote), Khalil Graham (remote), Rodney Thompson (remote), Trevor Ivey (remote)
Committee Members Absent
None
Guests Present
Tyler Hamilton (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Rodney Thompson called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of Liberty STEAM Charter to order on Wednesday Feb 16, 2022 at 4:00 PM.
C.
Invocation
D.
Reading of the Mission Statement
Dr. Rodney Thompson read aloud the mission statement.
E.
Reading of the Vision Statement
Dr. Trevor Ivey read aloud the vision statement.
F.
Pledge of Allegiance
Dr. Khalil Graham led the group in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
G.
Approve Today's Meeting Agenda
Cameron Chandler made a motion to approve the agenda as presented by the staff.
Rodney Thompson seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
H.
Approve Previous Meeting Minutes
Cameron Chandler made a motion to approve the minutes from LSC FOUNDING BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE on 01-26-22.
Rodney Thompson seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
II. Academic Excellence
A.
Review of Old Business
No old business was discussed.
B.
Review of New Business
- Summary of Key Points
- Facilities and budget update- We are steadfast with the goal of the first rough draft of the budget. We have 3 buckets of money: PA, Network, and Year 0 costs that are being represented with one pot of money. Roughly $4.3M all in.
- To keep revenue high, we would have to increase a homeroom which would mean we need a larger facility.
- 4th grade vs 6th grade doesn’t have any cost difference. 4th grade pros: more time for construction of a high school. 4th grade cons: nontransition grade which is harder to recruit. 6th grade pros: aligns with many charter school models and is a transition grade. 6th grade cons: needing a more definite timeline with 3 years to build a high school. Both Mrs. Chandler & Dr. Thompson expressed concerns regarding a proposed class size of 30 scholars.
- Dr. Graham reviewed his key takeaways from the School of Excellence visit to Indianapolis (Purdue Polytechnic High School).
- There is a greater financial risk with 4th grade vs 6th grade.
- Must put the exact growth plan together prior to submission to the state board.
- Must make the decision for opening 4th or 6th grade by March 4th.
- Students need to hit their personal goal vs a state goal.
- 80% of students will be able to reach the National scores.
- The instructional Coach will start going into classrooms and do on-the-spot coaching to offer support in increasing the effectiveness of instruction.
- Starting Leadership Council on March 15th with parents and leaders. Mr. Logan (Academy Director) can give feedback to any questions or concerns they may have.
- Two teachers (1 in K and 1 in 1st) have shared that they will not be returning next year as well as the
- Mrs. Chandler asked for an update on the current recruitment process of teachers for the 2022-23 school year. There is a 7 step process that candidates go through. Currently, we have 3 candidates in lead teachers & 6 teacher fellow spots that are going to the final interview stage with academy leaders.
- The lead teacher pool is not looking great right now, but only time will tell.
- LSC was accepted in the Diverse Charter Schools Coalition Cohort. This allows us access to communities of practice, world-class PD, conventions, etc.
- Diverse Charter School Coalition has a UnifiED program that will pay for a new leader's salary to come into the school to help it get off the ground. They will also offer workshops, new school visits, etc.
III. Other Business
A.
Agenda Items from Committee Members
No additional agenda items were brought forth for discussion by committee members at this time.
IV. Executive Session
A.
Discussion of Contractual and Personnel Matters
Cameron Chandler made a motion to enter into executive session at 4:45 pm for the purposes of Discussion of Contractual and Personnel Matters.
Rodney Thompson seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
V. Action Related to Executive Session
A.
Action from Executive Session
Rodney Thompson made a motion to return from executive session at 4:55 pm.
Cameron Chandler seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
No action was taken from executive session.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Next Steps
- Final Action Items
- Dr. Graham will find time to do culture walks with the PA Director and Academic Counselor.
B.
Good of the Order
No additional information was shared during this portion of the agenda.
C.
Adjourn Meeting
Rodney Thompson made a motion to adjourn the meeting without any further action being taken.
Cameron Chandler seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:01 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Trevor Ivey
Cammy Chandler provided an invocation for the group.