Announcements

GEER II - We have received reimbursements and advance payments for GEER II totaling nearly $2 million. Our GEER II expenditures have exceeded $1.2 million to date. We have awarded $2 million in start-up grants, $300,000 in new school leader stipends, $300,000 in planning grants, and $35,000 for one expansion grant. We also have two active contracts for technical assistance and services (Replication and Expansion Cohort - GCSA, Lead with Excellence - New School Leader Fellowship). We purchased promo products for FindaGaCharter.org and have a contract for ongoing maintenance of the website. More than 95% of funds have been committed. Subgrantees have submitted their first requests for funds. All subgrant budgets have been approved, and subgrantees are authorized to request funds.

CSP - The SCSF has been awarded $38,295,000 by the U.S. Dept. of Education for the Charter Schools Program State Entity program to continue and expand the Charter Growth Initiative. We have submitted a revised budget and two subsequent revised budget narratives are awaiting approval. We have been given authority to start requesting funds as we await final budget approval; however, we remain cautious about accepting funds prior to budget approval. Right now, we anticipate opening the first grant round this summer.

Operational support - We continue to receive quarterly payments from the SCSC to support our operations expenses. We have negotiated an operational budget for FY2024, which will be included in the SCSC's budget for consideration by their commissioners in June. In FY2024, Michele will remain an employee of the SCSC, but all other operations and personnel will fall under the SCSF.

Grants & fundraising - We received a matching grant for $5,000 from Reading is Fundamental to purchase books for book vending machines and the Book Wagon. We are raising funds for Shining Star Teachers, and we have been included in a congressional special appropriation request for literacy support. The Junior League of Atlanta provided inkind support for the wellness room at Ivy Prep Academy, furnishing the room and bringing volunteers.

Other notes - We are reviewing financial policies and procedures and preparing for our first single audit at the end of the fiscal year. We have interviewed three firms and are making a final selection. Our bank accounts are now collateralized by the Georgia Bankers Association. 

The board will consider the following officers for a one-year term:

• Chair - Adria Welcher
• Past Chair - Chris Sears
• Other positions: Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer

• The board will approve FY2024 board meeting dates.
• The board will narrow down a time for a half-time planning meeting
• The board will narrow down plans for a social event in June.

Michele Neely will give an update on the Georgia Strategic Charter School Growth Initiative (Charter Growth Initiative). 

• FindaGaCharter.org launch and promotional products
• Replication and Expansion Cohort Program - update on participating schools/networks
• New School Leader Fellowship Program - update on participating schools
• Communications Campaign & Roadshow - dates and locations forthcoming

Michele Neely will provide an update on the CSP Grant.

• Awaiting budget approval
• Planning for cohorts
• Expecting to open the grant application late summer

Ms. Sarah Harvey, Founder of Sankofa Montessori, will tell the board about the school opening this Fall and her experience as a participant in the New School Leader Fellowship program and Start-up Grant subgrantee.

Board members will review nominations for Shining Star Teacher and will make final selections.

385 nominations were received for 268 teachers from 22 schools.

Board members will review the finalist applications for book vending machine grants and will vote on the two recipients.