Liberty STEAM Charter

Minutes

LSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE

NOTIFICATION OF REGULARLY SCHEDULED MONTHLY MEETING

Date and Time

Wednesday April 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM

Location

LSC Administrative Offices
117 North Main Street

Sumter, SC 29150

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. 

Committee Members Present

Cameron Chandler (remote), Jenny Knopf, Trevor Ivey

Committee Members Absent

None

Guests Present

Tiffany Rhodes

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Trevor Ivey called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of Liberty STEAM Charter to order on Wednesday Apr 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM.

C.

Invocation

Cameron Chandler provided an invocation. 

D.

Reading of the Mission Statement

Cammy Chandler read aloud the mission statement.

E.

Reading of the Vision Statement

Dr. Ivey read aloud the vision statement.

F.

Pledge of Allegiance

Jenny Knopf led the committee in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

G.

Approve Today's Meeting Agenda

Jenny Knopf made a motion to approve the agenda presented by staff.
Cameron Chandler 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 BOARD OF DIRECTORS ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE COMMITTEE on 03-22-23.
Jenny Knopf seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Academic Excellence

A.

Review of Old Business

  • The Academic Committee reviewed old business during this time including Possip, EL task force as well as the preschool task force. 

B.

Review of New Business

  • Dr. Ivey shared with the committee members that Liberty was selected as one of twelve schools that were selected to be a part of the CLI- Collective Leadership. 
  • Dr. Ivey reviewed the retention timeline and next steps for the group of families that have been identified.
  • Dr. Ivey shared with the committee members the plan for summer school. They are going to serve 60 scholars for two weeks.
  • There was an update provided regarding the preschool task force. Dr. Ivey has met with Pastor Witt regarding the planning and construction needed at the preschool campus.
  • Dr. Ivey provided an update on the search for a full-time SLP to share between the Primary and Elementary Campus. He also provided an update about staffing for the 23-24 school year.
  • The Academic Committee reviewed the proposed demographics for the 23-24 school year, there is a 4% increase in our minority count. 
  • The committee discussed the MAP scores and the EL task force. The members are encouraged by the steps being taken by the teachers and leadership.
  • The committee members reviewed this month's Possip results from staff members and parents.
  • Dr. Ivey shared with the committee members that Liberty was selected as one of twelve schools that were selected to be a part of the CLI- Collective Leadership. 
  • Dr. Ivey reviewed the retention timeline and next steps for the group of families that have been identified.
  • Dr. Ivey shared with the committee members the plan for summer school. They are going to serve 60 scholars for two weeks.
  • There was an update provided regarding the preschool task force. Dr. Ivey has met with Pastor Witt regarding the planning and construction needed at the preschool campus.
  • Dr. Ivey provided an update on the search for a full-time SLP to share between the Primary and Elementary Campus. He also provided an update about staffing for the 23-24 school year.
  • The Academic Committee reviewed the proposed demographics for the 23-24 school year, there is a 4% increase in our minority count. 
  • The committee discussed the MAP scores and the EL task force. The members are encouraged by the steps being taken by the teachers and leadership.
  • The committee members reviewed this month's Possip results from staff members and parents.

III. Other Business

A.

Uniform Policy Discussion on Bookbags and Hoodies

The Academic Committee engaged in a discussion regarding clear bookbags. Director Knopf made the commitment to do some more research from credible sources and will make a suggestion at the next board meeting.

IV. Executive Session

A.

Discussion of Contractual and Personnel Matters

Jenny Knopf made a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of Discussion of Contractual and Personnel Matters.
Cameron Chandler seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

Purposes of Discussion for Negotiations Incident to Proposed Contractual Arrangements,

Cameron Chandler made a motion to enter into executive session for the purpose of discussion for negotiations incident to proposed contractual arrangements.
Jenny Knopf seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. Action Related to Executive Session

A.

Action from Executive Session

Cameron Chandler made a motion to return from executive session.
Jenny Knopf seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

VI. Closing Items

A.

Next Steps

  • Dr. Ivey will follow up with Evett regarding a school tour at Legacy. 
  • Dr. Ivey will share the final hiring tracker at May’s Academic Meeting. 
  • Ms. Knopf will attend the next EL task force meeting.

B.

Good of the Order

The board members were invited to attend Welcome to Liberty that is taking place on Saturday, 4/29.

C.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 3:00 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Tiffany Rhodes