Natasha Emya was introduced as a prospective Board member under consideration. She provided background on her experience with Springfield Prep as a current parent and active member of the Parent Action Committee. She also discussed her experience working with other Springfield-area nonprofits and her interest in education.

Meghan Wagner presented the Executive Director Report, which focused on leadership transition efforts, relationship building with staff and families, increased classroom engagement, and maintaining strong operational continuity during her first month as Executive Director. 

Board members asked several follow-up questions and shared positive feedback regarding the transition. Ron asked how the transition into the Executive Director role had been going, and Meghan shared that there had been significant gratitude from both students and families and that many had appreciated the continuity in leadership. Mary Kate asked whether there had been any student or parent feedback regarding the transition, and Meghan noted that feedback had been positive and appreciative. Garth asked why the school’s waitlist was so large, and Meghan explained that demand tends to cluster heavily within certain grade levels and enrollment years, contributing to particularly high waitlist numbers at key student transition points.

Marelin Velazquez presented the proposed FY27 budget, which projects a 5% increase in both revenue and expenses while maintaining the vast majority of school programming consistent with FY26. The presentation emphasized the school’s strong financial position, including more than five months of operating reserves, conservative multi-year projections following the conclusion of Student Opportunity Act implementation, and continued long-term fiscal sustainability.

Amy provided an update on the Finance Committee’s review of the budget and shared that the committee felt positively about the school’s financial position and overall planning process. Amy also highlighted the value of the multi-year financial modeling, noting that it gave the Board a stronger long-term view of sustainability; Mary Kate agreed with this assesment. 

Garth asked why staff salary expenses were increasing at a higher rate than projected revenue growth, and Meghan explained the underlying drivers, including salary scale movement and benefit increases, while noting that the trend is manageable in the near term, but could become a concern if left unchecked over a longer period of time. Garth also shared that he appreciated the additional commentary included in the notes section of the proposed budget materials, as it provided greater clarity around several line items. Ron asked Marelin how she was doing in her new role.

Meghan Wagner updated the Board on the FY27 employee benefits package, noting that the school was able to keep benefit increases within budget while maintaining the current 70% employer contribution toward medical insurance premiums. She also shared that Springfield Prep’s benefits offerings remain competitive with sector norms.

Amy noted that the school continues to offer a strong and competitively priced benefits package that helps attract and retain staff. Mary Kate agreed.

Meghan gave an update on the proposed parking lot repaving project. The project would repave the Roosevelt-side parking lot, which had been identified as a deferred maintenance need when the building was originally acquired. Meghan also reviewed other anticipated long-term facilities projects and discussed the school’s approach to planning for the reasonable life cycle of major building systems and capital improvements.

Ron shared the Finance Committee’s conversation on the issue and confirmed the committee believed the project was necessary and an appropriate use of the school’s capital reserve funds. Sherriff asked about other upcoming facilities and capital projects, and Meghan provided additional context on anticipated future needs and the rationale for maintaining the capital reserve for projects of this nature.

Meghan presented the annual staff and family survey results, highlighting strong participation rates and overall positive feedback trends from both staff and families. Meghan noted that 89% of staff reported being satisfied with their job, an increase from the prior year, and that family survey results remained exceptionally positive, including 98% of families saying they would recommend the school to others.

Shawna asked about the gaps identified between white and non-white staff members, particularly around understanding and access to growth opportunities. Shawna also offered suggestions regarding how to ensure the survey findings and related follow-up work are clearly communicated and shared with staff. 

Ron asked whether the school has seen an increasing trend of students expressing less interest in attending college. The Board discussed the school’s approach to balancing college preparation with supporting vocational and career pathways for students.

Jess presented academic achievement and culture Report, including updates on early literacy, ANet assessment performance, staffing, and enrollment. 

Jess shared that first grade students had made significant gains in reading achievement, while some students in second and third grade remained below target, often due to reading rate or comprehension challenges. She also reviewed ANet performance trends and noted that overall results were generally in line with or slightly improved from the prior year.

Jess reported that the school currently has 478 students enrolled, but leadership was not concerned about reaching full enrollment next year.  The Board discussed plans to offer optional classroom visit opportunities during the 2026–27 school year so board members could observe instruction and classroom practices directly.