Ms. Davis provided an invocation.

Ms. Davis led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Development Committee: 

• Dr. Ivey reported that the committee reviewed several past and upcoming student field trips aligned with workforce development partnerships. These included visits to EMS Chemie, Central Carolina Technical College, City of Sumter Waste Water Management, and Nephron.

Finance Committee: 

• Dr. Ivey stated that finances are on track to exceed the FY25 budget by approximately $250,000.
  • A $200,000 grant from the SC Department of Education (SCDE) is expected soon.
  • An additional $200,000 in potential grant funds from SCDE appears promising based on recent communication.
  • $500,000 in federal reimbursements are currently pending receipt.
• Engagement with Afton Partners to reach 60 days cash on hand. A new line of credit will provide 30 days cash on hand.
• The construction loan has been paid down to $3.7 million but has since increased to slightly over $4 million.
• The FY26 budget is conservative, projecting a year-end profit of $733,000. 

The committee recommends second reading approval of the FY26 budget at the May Board of Directors Meeting. Third reading is anticipated at the June meeting.

Academic Committee: 

• The committee received updates on the upcoming Report Card rating, which will include:
  • Academic achievement at 18.96%
  • Parent/guardian surveys completed (worth 10 points)
  • Student and staff surveys to be completed in June/July

Governance Committee: 

• Ms. Chandler shared that updated committee assignments will be presented for board approval in May and policy discussions on board director term limits are scheduled for the summer board retreat.

Dr. Ivey also reported on:

• Team assessments and personal commitments reviewed since the mid-year off-site.
• Leadership recruitment and selection progress, noting a strong candidate pool.
   

Executive Committee discussion included information from Dr. Ivey:

• Title I funds will support interventionists.
• $250,000 from the general fund supports the second classroom teacher model at the primary level.
• All grade levels are strong, with promising outlooks for FY26 second grade.
• Liberty continues to attract high-quality talent.
• One special education position remains open, with strong candidates and a backup plan in place.
• SC READY rallies are underway; testing begins in two weeks.
• Attendance is on track, with full data to be shared at year-end.
• Policy changes regarding special education and the grading system will be presented for board approval for the next academic year.

Additional discussion included the correlation of the decline in public education outcomes and the increased crime rate in Sumter.

There were no agenda items from committee members.

The Board of Directors at its March 24 meeting gave full authority to the executive committee to vet all financial audit bids and make a selection for audit services. 

Ms. Chandler made a motion to enter into executive session for the purposes of discussion of negotiations incident to proposed contractual agreements and discussion of personnel matters. Ms. Davis seconded, and the motion passed unanimously. 

Upon Consensus, the committee returned to open session.

• Ms. Hansen will register board directors for the May 21 board orientation in Columbia. 
• Dr. Ivey will blast the attendance rate and attendance policy at the end of the school year 
• Dr. Ivey will send Chairman Thompson data/talking points regarding military students and include Superintendent Chris Neely’s recent Op Ed.
• Dr. Ivey will reach out to the Charter School Growth Fund.

• Ms. Hansen will register board directors for the May 21 board orientation in Columbia. 
• Dr. Ivey will blast the attendance rate and attendance policy at the end of the school year 
• Dr. Ivey will send Chairman Thompson data/talking points regarding military students and include Superintendent Chris Neely’s recent Op Ed.
• Dr. Ivey will reach out to the Charter School Growth Fund.