T. Pedracine reported that there is nothing new to report/discuss, and that from the perspective of the parents, things are going well.

W. Akhtar stated that a discussion about specifics the Board would like parent Board members to report on would be helpful and suggested the topic be added to a future agenda.
 

T. Jaeckle shared that the $15 million pledge from P. Rowland shows up on financial statement now, even though funds have not yet been received. 

S. Klug asked what the $100,000 received in June is and how pledges can be shown ahead of money received?
T. Jaeckle replied that they are listed as "pledges receivables" - a pledge was made but cash flow doesn't happen until a later date

T. Jaeckle shared that we are running a regular monthly deficit of $200,000.  The current financials reflect the $75,000 down payment made for the facility at 1707 W Broadway

T.Jaeckle stated that we are projecting there will be plenty of money in the bank at the end of our fiscal year ~ $1.9 million

We are still waiting for one charter school payment in June

T. Jaeckle reviewed fiscal year expenses per student. G. Ladsen-Billings stated that personnel expenses at 60.3% of total budget are standard, but wondered if the total expenses per student are actually $30,000? T. Jaeckle stated that the figure is accurate and that once we hit full enrollment as a K-12 school, that number will be significantly lower, closer to $15,000 per student. K. Caire agreed with the figures and also that the figure will decrease as indicated, once we are at full enrollment.

C. Zdeblick asked if the cost of occupancy will be at the new facility, once we have full enrollment?
T. Jaeckle replied that we do not have the exact figure yet, but will be able to calculate the cost soon. 
 

K. Caire said that hiring is nearly complete for the 2021-22 school year. He commended D. Davis and L. Allen for their outstanding work. There are still two positions open for Scholars Academy. 

Meetings with current staff to review contracts and employment status are ongoing.

K. Caire stated that the team is heavily engaged in preparing our budget for the 2021-22 school year. The budget will be ready for Board approval at the regular July Board Meeting.



 

K. Caire stated that the team will be revisiting/revising our COVID-19 protocols for the summer and the 2021-22 school year. 

K. Caire and members of the leadership team have held calls with 12 legislators so far, with a 13th planned for early June. At this point, we are not asking for anything. The purpose of the calls is to alert members to the fact that we are beginning serious advocacy efforts around support for charter schools. Members have been very receptive and supportive so far.

K. Caire shared his concerns moving forward are generally around energy and stamina, in scholars, families and staff. Being mindful of the fact that we have been one of the only schools to remain open during the pandemic, with all of the attendant challenges, has taken a toll. 

T. Jaeckle asked how the Board can help with energy issues? K. Caire said that it is helpful for members to provide plenty of notice if they will be unable to attend a meeting, and to remain patient with staff. 

It was suggested that it may helpful to create a Program Committee. Board members have been incredibly helpful on the Facilities and Finance Committees. 

T. Jaeckle asked if creation of committees of the Board requires a vote and K. Caire replied that the Board Chair has the authority to appoint committees. 

G. Ladsen-Billings stated that we need to develop a teacher education program soon and gave the example of a successful program at Pacific Oaks, in California.  K. Caire reviewed our current plans for our "train the teachers" program through UW-Madison, and introduced learning pathways being established for One City Preparatory Academy (OCPA).

Plans for the Capital Campaign Committee to hold its initial meeting are being developed and will be shared with the Board at the June meeting.

K. Caire also shared that with full enrollment for the 2021-22 school year we will have 274 students in 4K-grade 4 and 28 in preschool. G. Ladsen-Billings asked what the vision is for total enrollment one One City expands through grade 12? K. Caire replied that we expect to have 962 scholars and that we are preparing to accommodate new special needs students.

The Monona City Planning Commission meeting on 5/24 went well.  One City shared renovation plans for inside the building and reviewed possible signage options for the building exterior. The Commission would like more information on how traffic around the building will be impacted. 
 

M. Ruffin reported on current status of enrollment for the 2021-22 school year.

Open enrollment began on March 1, and lasted for 3 weeks.

We used an online program, Power School, to assist with enrollment. 

4K, 5K and 1st grade are full and have increasingly long waitlists.  Seats are still available in 2nd, 3rd and 4th grades. There are 60 seats total among all 3 grades. 

25 families, both current and new for the 2021-22 school year, missed the deadline to complete enrollment by May 14th. 

Accurate information on demographics will be shared as the information is obtained and documented. 

 

D. Stephan reported that S. Martyniak and V. Ramakrishnan have been working together to consult with legal teams and we will hire Hamang Patel at Michael Best to help with the work on New Market Tax Credits.

G. Ladsen-Billings stated that they used NMTC to help with the housing program through the Urban League. 

I. Perea is investigating security systems for the new facility.

JLA and Findorff are helping to determine logistics of having classrooms for use on the 3rd floor and using the kitchen on the main floor, while construction on the main floor is underway. 

We are in the process of reviewing the possibility of a private drive around the new building. 

• •  

K. Caire reported on the status of the $20 million grant applied for through Kellogg. Our application did not move beyond the peer review process, though the peer review ratings were generally positive. 
It was clear from the reviews that some reviewers of our application did not understand the early childhood education industry. 

One City and members of the ECE4ALL coalition are committed to continuing with the initiative. The next step is to look into securing a planning grant. ​​​​​​​

K. Caire introduced Judy McNeal, Senior Administrative Manager who started on May 3rd. Judy will work with the External Relations team, reporting to G. Wiseman.  J. McNeals primary focus will be in the area of customer service. 

We have also hired a Human Resources Manager, Jackie St. Onge, who will start on June 1st. 

T. Jackle asked if we will still work with QTI and whether costs of HR will go down? K. Caire replied that we will continue working with QTI for some things, but the cost will decrease. 



 

K. Carie reported that a planning team for the Capital Campaign Committee is being assembled and will hold its first meeting in the next month or so. 

K. Caire shared a video of the Spring Academy Showcase. 
W. Akhtar asked how Academies will develop as our scholars get older and have personal preferences? 
K. Caire replied that Academies are meant to be an introduction for our younger scholars and are designed to expose them to as many opportunities as possible. Academies are intended to spark interest. As scholars get older, Academies will last longer and scholars will choose which they will participate in. 

K. Caire further reported that we are looking into some exciting partnerships. The Wisconsin Youth Symphony Orchestra (WYSO) is looking for space. Monona Grove High School would like to partner around sports. We are looking into ways to partner with them and and with other organizations. 
 

T. Jaeckle thanked everyone who participated in the recent Board Retreat.