Liberty STEAM Charter
Minutes
LSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS BOARD MEETING
NOTIFICATION OF THE SCHEDULED ANNUAL WINTER RETREAT
Date and Time
Wednesday February 7, 2024 at 8:30 AM
Location
Training & Conference Center
110 North Main Street
Sumter, SC 29150
Directors Present
(Tajma) LaShea Davis, Cameron Chandler, Elayne Brunson, Greg Thompson, Jenny Knopf, Kimberly Rauschenbach, Marion Newton, Rodney Thompson
Directors Absent
Heather Bass
Ex Officio Members Present
Trevor Ivey
Non Voting Members Present
Trevor Ivey
Guests Present
Tiffany Rhodes (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
Greg Thompson called a meeting of the board of directors of Liberty STEAM Charter to order on Wednesday Feb 7, 2024 at 8:30 AM.
B.
Invocation
C.
Pledge of Allegiance
Ms. Brunson Recited the Pledge of Allegiance.
D.
Chairman's Opening Remarks
Mr. Thompson welcomed the board members. He shared his excitement for the future of LSC and their time together so they could plan for that future.
II. Reading of the Mission & Vision Statement
A.
LSC Mission Statement
Ms. Brunson recited the LSC Mission Statement.
B.
LSC Vision Statement
Ms. Knopf recited the LSC Vision Statement.
III. Approval of Consent Agenda
A.
Today's Meeting Agenda
Cameron Chandler made a motion to approve the agenda as presented by staff.
Kimberly Rauschenbach seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
IV. Overview of the Retreat
A.
Review of the Retreat Outcomes
- The Board members reviewed current goals and set new goals for the Executive Director.
- Dr. Thompson gave an update on the facilities forecast.
- The Board Members reviewed the FY25 Budget.
- This budget of 9.3 million dollars includes maintaining the co-teacher model in grades K-3, and one lead teacher in 4th grade for a total of 13 new positions. The draft budget includes raising a certified lead teacher's minimum salary for a year to a minimum of $50,000.
- Mr. Shaw and Ms. Rauschenbach gave an update on the STEAM Workforce Development Day.
- The board members reviewed the composition & committee assignments. Three elected positions will expire in March. along with two appointed seats. All board members shared that they intend to run for the election in March to remain on the board.
- Board member LaShea Davis is signed up for the charter board member orientation training.
- They also reviewed the committee chairs. Ms. Bass will become the Chair of Development and Ms. Davis will join the Development Committee.
Rodney Thompson made a motion to Approved the First Draft of the FY25 Budget at $9.3 million.
Cameron Chandler seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
V. Academic Presentation
A.
Presentation Regarding Eureka & EL Curriculum
- The Academy Directors gave a brief presentation on the reading curriculum.
- After many meetings and deliberation, along with teacher input, the Academic Committee made the recommendation to change our current reading curriculum for the 24-25 SY.
Cameron Chandler made a motion to transition from the EL reading curriculum to the HMH Into Highlights reading curriculum effective 24-25SY, pending approval from SCPSD Board of Trustees.
Kimberly Rauschenbach seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
VI. Restructure of Org Goals
A.
Organizational Clarity
- The Board Members reviewed the school's mission, values, and cultural priorities.
- The Board Members reviewed the 2024-25 org chart.
- The 24-25 Org Chart will include 13 New positions - 6 new Lead Teachers, 1 new Academic Interventionist, 1 Scholar Intervention Specialist (a school psychologist), 1 new food services assistant, 2 new positions called "teacherpreneurs" who will teach 1/2 day and lead the other 1/2 of the day full implementation of our new reading curriculum for 24-25 SY, an assistant executive director, and 2 new lead enrichment teacher positions. We will offer full-time Spanish at both campuses next year and performance arts at the mall campus.
Cameron Chandler made a motion to Approve the First Draft of the 24-25 Org Chart to include 13 New Positions.
Rodney Thompson seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
VII. Retreat Discussion to Achieve Agenda Outcomes
A.
Discussion Items & Action Taken regarding Desired Agenda Outcomes
Greg Thompson made a motion to Vote Cameron Chandler as the Vice Chair of the Board, LaShea voted as Secretary of the Board, & Rodney Thompson remains as Treasurer.
Kimberly Rauschenbach seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Tiffany Rhodes
Rev. Newton provided an invocation.