Andrew Engel, of Hamilton Consulting, Shawn Pfaff, of Pfaff Public Affairs, LLC, and William McChosen, of Michael Best and Friederich joined the meeting to update board members on the significance of the passage of Joint Finance Committee Bill SB 330.

All three are members of a six member lobbying team that was pulled together by One City Schools, making this the largest lobbying team ever assembled for K-12 education. Other members of the the group include: Adam Barr, of Michael Best Strategies, Bob Welch, of The Welch Group and R. J. Pirlot, of the The Hamilton Consulting Group. 

Financial support for this team was donated by Joe and Mary Ellyn Sensenbrenner, with their deep understanding of the critical nature of this advocacy work for One City Schools and for K-12 education in Wisconsin.  

Mr. Engel stated that, at the May board meeting, success still seemed a ways off. K. Caire's work in particular has been pivotal throughout this effort. While good timing was one factor, a major factor was the work K. Caire did to set the this up for success, including: a tight focus on per pupil increase and staying consistent with the number of $12,000, in spite of some push back about that number being unreasonable.  Together with all the coalition work, we were able to get there. Mr. Engel advised that there is still work to do for the senate and assembly to pass the budget bill. SB 330 passed in a bi-partisan fashion which is a testament to the work One City has done. One City should be proud of the role we played. It was critical that we stuck to our goals.

Mr. McCoshen reminded board members of the advocacy meeting of the board that he participated in last summer, where he stated that if Governor Evers were to win the election, it would require a grand bargain to get more charter funding. There were several coalitions and independent actors at work, focused and aligned int the same direction. The opportunity presented itself for the charter funding piece to be added. The lobbying team pulled together by One City is a great team. Mr. McCoshen stated, and other lobbyists agreed, that K. Caire's work in establishing and working with coalitions, along with his visits with legislators in the Capitol was critical to success.  The message K. Caire shared resonated on both sides of the aisle. It was very clear to all, in every meeting, that K. Caire is 100% focused on improving education for all children. K. Caire's transparency in all areas, including detailed explanations of One City's budget, helped legislators understand the importance of creating greater equality in funding. This funding increase is historic. Mr. McCoshen anticipates that, as more money is poured into the funding formula, independent charters will continue to get increases. 

Mr. Pfaff expressed his thanks to K. Caire for letting lobbyists be lobbyists. K. Caire and  lobbyists were able to communicate with both the Dane county Democrats and Republicans, which is no easy task. K. Caire made it clear that we are not competing with Madison schools and that we all want all kids to do better. It was great to get charter, choice and public schools all done together. 

Mr. Engle, Mr. McCoshen and Mr. Pfaff explained that the Senate will take up the budget tomorrow. Senate Republicans have a veto proof majority. The bill might be signed by July 10, maybe sooner. To the best of their knowledge, the Governor hasn’t said anything negative about the education package. The Governor appears to be seeing more of the value of alternative educational options. The Governor's office is much more open to how different options can work. 

Lobbyists emphasized the tremendous impact of the One City tours. Lawmakers eyes were opened to what One City is doing and why.

One City will set up tours in the Fall to bring in JFC members, so they can see firsthand why we do what we do for our children. 

N. Wray complimented K. Caire and the entire team on the work they did to get this bill passed, and suggested that we extract some of the key things that took place so they are recorded for the future.   

Mr. Pfaff suggested that the team develop a PR plan for what the increase will do for us to share with lawmakers in the Capitol. 

All three lobbyists stressed that the role played by K. Caire and One City was critical and that K. Caire and those who attended meetings with legislators and legislative hearings should be very proud of what was accomplished. 

K. Caire stressed that this was a coalition victory, and no one did it alone. He thanked the lobbyists, board members and staff members for their efforts. 

K. Caire shared details of the May 2023 financials. 

The remaining Phase I construction debt has been paid. 

Funds to complete the playground are available, and the playground must be completed in order to ensure a safe outdoor space for One City children. 

The June state aid payment was higher than expected. 

Our mid-year fundraising appeal letter will be sent shortly after the budget is signed by Governor Evers.

With donor dollars and the anticipated passage of the state budget, we are now in a better operational position. We have put a pause on capital expenses until Summer of 2024, when we must complete renovation of the building, in order to accommodate the number of students we anticipate by Fall of 2025.

The cost to complete renovations may have changed due to some construction costs increasing or decreasing, but is expected to be in the range of $12MM.

K. Caire specifically gave a shout out of appreciation to Findorff and subcontractors who were patient and supportive of One City during a difficult year. 

There is a remaining balance of ~$275,000 on our loan with FCI, which will be paid off prior to resuming construction.

A question was raised around the ratio of students to adults at One City. N. Fees replied that the ratio is very low as compared to most charters in WI and across the nation. Teacher turnover and lack of quality candidates was, in large part, a result of the pandemic. The tide is changing a bit now. The salary schedule One City has implemented, along with the pathway for growth is unparalleled. N. Fees will share solid numbers at the next board meeting for next year. The current ratio of staff who spend 75% or more of their time with kids is approximately 1:9.5.

K. Caire presented the proposed budget for the 2023-24 school year, walking board members through key portions of the budget in great detail. 

K. Caire stated that the budget overall is conservative in its assumptions. 

We will have a slower growth model this year and have projected enrollment at 95%. We have 23 seats left to fill in the elementary school. This is our year of stability to fully implement our model. 

An enrollment marketing campaign will commence following the July 4th holiday. The plan is to over enroll by a small number for each class, recognizing that a number of enrolled students move away or enroll elsewhere each fall. 

Our 2023-24 fundraising goal is $2MM.

72% of our budget is for staff and benefits.  One City spends more on Professional Development for our teachers compared to traditional public schools. 

There was a question regarding how the $1B coming to Wisconsin for broadband access will affect One City. K. Caire responded that we do not expect any additional resources from this as it is not specific to schools and education. 

Department reports are attached to the agenda. Board members with questions regarding the reports should reach out to G. Wiseman, COO and Board Secretary, or K. Caire, CEO. 

We will discuss the 10th anniversary celebration in greater detail at the July board meeting. 

Fundraising needs/plans were addressed during the May 2023 and budget approval discussions.

Board Chair Noble Wray and CEO Kaleem Caire will discuss succession planning for Board positions moving forward.

K. Caire shared a brief clip of the AI reading project One City co-founder Vivek Ramakrishnan and his colleague are working on. 

Board Chair requested a full presentation on AI and the future of education at a future Board meeting.