None

Bill provided highlights and additional context to his prepared Executive Director report, including that the upcoming Governance and Finance Committee meetings will be moved.

Meghan reviewed the cash management memo shared with the Board and provided additional context on its purpose and implementation.

Trustees asked clarifying questions about how the school’s cash balances are currently managed and what external support or advice the school relies on. Meghan explained that our bank partners have supported and will continue to support implementation of the school’s cash management approach. Mary Kate noted the question regarding advisory support as a topic for the Finance committee.

Amy noted that the development of the cash management strategy has been a multi-year process and reflected continued progress toward implementation.

A trustee asked a question regarding the school’s level of reserves. In response, Meghan and Bill explained that reserve levels are influenced in part by the school’s long-term financing decisions, including the timing of the school’s mortgage at historically favorable interest rates, as well as the school’s intentionally conservative financial approach. They also noted that, as a charter school, Springfield Prep does not have taxing authority and must plan ahead for long-term capital needs, including future building repairs and replacement costs.

Jess presented an overview of proposed adjustments to school dismissal times, including comparisons to peer schools and the rationale informing the proposal.

Sally asked about the impetus for considering a change. Jess explained that a consistent theme from staff feedback is that the school day feels long, and that schedule adjustments are being explored as a potential support for staff retention. Bill added that this feedback has been reiterated through the Team Chair Council and noted that an adjusted dismissal time could also reduce the need for staff alternative schedules related to their childcare obligations.

Bill shared that informal parent outreach to date has been generally supportive of the proposal. Shawna asked what additional outreach beyond surveys was being conducted. Bill described other methods the school uses to engage families and gather feedback, noting that parents had expressed support during similar discussions in the past.

Mary Kate asked how the proposed dismissal change would interact with the school’s existing Friday half-day schedule. Jess clarified that the Friday half day serves a different purpose, providing time for teacher planning, collaboration, and other instructional preparation work. Garth asked follow-up questions related to the history of the Friday half-day structure.

Jess also noted that extracurricular activity schedules tend to align more closely with local district dismissal times, which are more consistent with the proposed change. Sarah acknowledged that access to extracurricular activities is an important consideration, while emphasizing that staff retention remains her highest priority.

Amy suggested that a point on outside obligations be included among the reasons outlined in the presentation materials. Sherriff noted that no board vote was required at this stage, but that the board supports staff continuing to develop the proposal and providing updates as the work progresses.

Meghan and Jess left the meeting at 6:35pm.

Amy and Anne shared reflections on the town hall process, noting that the sessions generated many thoughtful and challenging questions from stakeholders. Mary Kate observed that the feedback reflected the seriousness with which the community is engaging in the process.

Wendy summarized the recommendations outlined in the memo presented to the Board and reviewed the overall process to date. Board members expressed a shared view that, throughout the process, Meghan has demonstrated the skills and leadership capacity necessary for the role.

The Board expressed appreciation to Garth and Amneris for their work conducting reference checks. Sherriff thanked Wendy for organizing and managing a thorough and comprehensive process, and Wendy, in turn, thanked Shawna Wells for her support and partnership throughout the work.

Bill thanked the Board for its time and leadership throughout the succession planning process. He shared that an external professional opportunity has emerged that would require an April 1 start date, which would necessitate a March 31 departure from Springfield Prep.

Amneris asked clarifying questions regarding the logistics and timing of the transition. Bill explained that the transition framework previously discussed with the Board would be followed, with appropriate adjustments to reflect the accelerated timeline.

Bill reviewed the operational plan to support continuity during the transition, including Meghan’s role in overseeing day-to-day operations and shared decision-making on major matters. He also noted that Shawna Wells will continue to support the transition process. Bill emphasized that the school has a deep and capable leadership bench, with multiple team members already assuming or prepared to assume increased leadership responsibilities.

Mary Kate asked about plans to backfill Meghan’s role. Bill clarified that the Chief Operating and Financial Officer role will not be directly backfilled at this time; instead, the school has internally promoted a finance position to Director of Finance to maintain continuity and capacity and that other changes are in motion to backfill Meghan's many roles.

Anne shared that she felt comfortable with the transition plan and the steps outlined.

Anne Malone proposed entering executive session to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations, and to reconvene in open session at the conclusion of the executive session.  

Bill asked whether the Board wished for him, Wendy, and Patrick to remain in the executive session. After discussion, the Board requested that Bill remain. Wendy and Patrick Wigmore exited the meeting  at 6:35pm.

Garth reviewed updates to the Executive Director Employment Agreement developed with school counsel, Krokidas & Bluestein, noting the prior agreement was outdated. He reported that the updated agreement is ready for use.

Garth proposed a 15-month initial contract term due to the April 1 start date, rather than a standard 12-month term. The Board agreed.

Garth recommended setting compensation using the 2026–27 salary schedule to align with the majority of the contract term and simplify implementation. The Board agreed.

Bill provided an overview of the school’s compensation system and outlined options for adjusting compensation beyond the salary scale to reflect the increased responsibility of the Executive Director role. Board members discussed balancing adherence to the salary system with the need for a meaningful increase.

The Board reached consensus on a 5% increase above scale, noting this approach appropriately reflects increased responsibility, remains within the posted salary range, and allows room for future growth. Members expressed a preference for base salary adjustments rather than bonuses. Bill noted that off-scale compensation is rare but appropriate in limited circumstances.  The Board declined to authorize separate negotiation authority.

Garth noted that the proposed salary reflects the anticipated 2% COLA included in the 2026–27 salary schedule. The Board agreed to proceed.

The Board reviewed the proposed vote language authorizing the Board Chair and Vice Chair to extend an offer of employment to Meghan Wagner as Executive Director at an annual salary of $186,556 for the term April 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

Bill shared that at its 10/28 meeting, the Board approved an increase in his salary of 4.5%.  He noted that he believed this was based on a minor misinterpretation of the compensation scale and requested that the board amend his salary to $190,667, down from $192,927.90, which reflects the current scale.

Motion to adjourn Sally moves, Garth seconds