• Sharon Blazejowski and Brooke Darling presented the June 30, 2026 annual audit for Hill View and the Foundation.
• Sharon reviewed the required Board Communication Letter and explained the audit process.
• Two new accounting standards were adopted:
  • GASB 103 – Updated the Management's Discussion and Analysis section.
  • GASB 104 – Related to certain capital assets but did not affect the current financial statements.
• The auditors reported no difficulties completing the audit and no disagreements with management.
• One minor noncompliance finding was identified involving two late grant reports during the transition from Elizabeth to Central Source.
• A new process has been implemented to prevent late filings going forward.
• Brooke reviewed the draft financial statements and confirmed that the school received a clean, unmodified audit opinion.
• Financial highlights included:
  • Total assets of approximately $4.7 million, an increase of $296,000.
  • Cash and cash equivalents of approximately $1.6 million.
  • Capital assets of approximately $2.5 million.
  • Total liabilities of approximately $2.3 million.
  • Total net position of approximately $1.9 million, an increase of $170,000.
  • Operating revenues of approximately $6.2 million.
  • Tuition revenue of approximately $5.3 million.
  • Operating expenses of approximately $5.9 million.
  • Salaries and benefits of approximately $4.2 million.
  • Operating income of approximately $130,000.
• No material weaknesses or significant deficiencies were identified.
• Sharon asked the Board four required questions regarding subsequent events, undisclosed related-party transactions, litigation, and fraud.
  • The Board responded no to all four questions.
• One legal letter is still outstanding before the audit can be finalized.
• Jeff asked whether anyone had additional questions or concerns regarding the audit.
• The finalized audit must be submitted to the state by October 30.
• Jeff H. made a motion to accept the audit as presented in draft, assuming no changes are made.
• Motion approved.

• Rahul introduced himself and shared his interest in joining the Board.
• His daughter currently attends Hill View in first grade, and he expressed a personal interest in supporting the school.
• He has a background in business management, science, life sciences, and data analytics.
• Currently works as a senior product owner for a life sciences company.
• Jeff H.asked how Rahul's professional background could benefit the Board.
  • Rahul discussed opportunities to make accountability data easier to understand through dashboards, scorecards, and measurable goals.
  • He explained that his experience could help connect data to strategic objectives and track progress.
• Jeff L. asked about his availability for monthly Board and committee meetings.
  • Rahul shared that evenings are generally manageable, although occasional work travel throughout the year.
• Andy asked how Rahul would balance being both a parent and Board member, particularly when other parents bring concerns to him.
  • Rahul explained that concerns should be directed through the appropriate school administration channels rather than handled informally as a Board member.
• Board members asked about his previous experience and what he enjoys most about Hill View.
  • Rahul shared the positive changes he has seen in his daughter's learning, particularly her reading skills and independence.
• Rahul thanked the Board and stepped out while members discussed his candidacy.
• Scott shared that he had no reservations and felt Rahul had a strong skill set and good temperament.
• Kevin highlighted Rahul's experience working with complex data and presenting information to different audiences.
• The Board discussed Rahul's positive involvement as a parent and his potential long-term commitment to the school.
• Jeff L. made a motion to approve Rahul as a new Board member, and Kevin seconded.
• Motion approved unanimously.
• Jeff will email Rahul with the decision and next steps.

• Current Board and committee meeting attendance is approximately 91.49%.
• The Board continues to exceed its goal of 80% attendance.
• Jeff mentions that attendance remains strong.

• Two Hill View staff members have been nominated for YMCA Educator of the Year:
  • Matt DeWinde – Middle School Humanities Teacher.
  • Ginger Whitson – Head of School.
• Hill View has two of approximately ten nominees.
• The awards event is scheduled for November 10, 2026.
• Board members were encouraged to attend and support the nominees.
• The November Development Committee meeting will need to be rescheduled due to the event.

• Ginger shared feedback from Darnisa Jackson's professional development focused on creating a culture of belonging and inclusion.
• She plans to provide the Board with more frequent updates on staff professional development throughout the school year.
• Massachusetts recently announced digital safety and mental health grant opportunities.
  • Hannah is working on an application.

7th Grade Overnight Trip

• Only 12 of 32 seventh graders participated in the overnight trip to Vermont.
• Participation has historically been much higher.
• Ginger explained that the school considered canceling due to low attendance but ultimately decided to continue.
• The students who attended were having a great experience.
• Parent survey feedback identified several reasons for low participation:
  • Students not interested in the outdoor experience.
  • Length of the trip.
  • Students not wanting to be without their phones.
  • Cost concerns raised by two families.
• The trip costs approximately $150 for four days and three nights.
• Staffing was adjusted to one staff chaperone and two parent chaperones, reducing substitute coverage needs.
• The school plans to survey eighth-grade families earlier to better anticipate participation in their spring trip.
• Jeff discussed whether a day trip may be more appropriate for seventh graders in the future.
• Ginger shared that the school will consider alternative options, including a day trip to Camp Lincoln.

Integrated Monitoring Review

• The school has an Integrated Monitoring Review scheduled for January 2027.
• The state will review approximately 25 areas, including:
  • Civil rights and student access.
  • Document translation and accessibility.
  • Teacher licensing.
  • Professional development and compliance requirements.
• Ginger and Niamh will attend training on November 9 to prepare for the review.
• Ginger explained that this will be a significant project for the school.

The Hive 

• Session 2 is currently underway, with 63 students participating.
• Five clubs are being offered:
  • Lego Club.
  • Art Club.
  • Cooking Club.
  • Spanish Club.
  • Paint & Create.
• Nearly all students are paying full tuition, which has been positive for program revenue.
• Registration for Session 3 will begin soon.

School Events

• The Screenagers parent education event was held October 6, with approximately 49 parents attending.
• Ginger shared that the feedback was very positive.
• Trunk or Treat is scheduled for the following week.
  • Approximately 23 cars registered to decorate.
  • More than 160 attendees registered.
  • A food drive will be held to replenish the school pantry.
• Mystery History Day will include students researching historical figures and presenting them in a wax museum-style event.
• Families, kindergarten teachers, and Middle School teachers have been invited to attend.

Accountability and Enrollment

• Ginger reviewed the school's 2026 DESE accountability results.
• The school's accountability percentile increased:
  • 2024: 25.
  • 2025: 27.
  • 2026: 34.
• Ginger highlighted the continued improvement in the school's accountability standing.
• Enrollment increased from 305 to 307 students.
• The Massachusetts Charter Public School Association contacted Ginger regarding Hill View's notably low chronic absenteeism rate.

• The Board reviewed Ginger's updated Head of School goals.
• All previously discussed goals remained unchanged.
• An additional goal was added focusing on cultivating a positive and collaborative staff culture.
• Board members expressed support for the additional goal.
• No further changes were requested.

• Jeff L. presented an overview of financial governance following board's request for a clearer understanding of school finances and the Board's responsibilities.
• Discussed the transition of financial oversight responsibilities to Ginger and the current structure involving June and Central Source.
• The Board has five core financial responsibilities:
  • Ensure timely submission of the annual report.
  • Oversee the annual independent audit.
  • Approve the annual school budget.
  • Approve certain purchases, sales, or leases of property.
  • Oversee investment policies.

Annual Budget Process

• The annual budget process begins in January with Ginger, June, and Central Source.
• The previous year's budget is used as a starting point, with adjustments for staffing, tuition, and other anticipated changes.
• February and March are spent refining projections as additional information becomes available.
• The Board receives its first draft in March.
• Additional reviews and discussions continue through May or June before the final budget is approved.
• Jeff L. emphasized the Board's responsibility to ensure the budget:
  • Is accurate and realistic.
  • Aligns with school priorities and strategic goals.
  • Maintains appropriate financial reserves.
  • Considers long-term facilities and operating needs.

Financial Oversight and Responsibilities

• The Finance Committee reviews monthly financial reports with Ginger, June, and Central Source.
• Reviews spending trends, budget variances, and future financial needs.
• The school currently falls within DESE's low-risk financial categories.
• Jeff L. reviewed the financial responsibilities of school administration:
  • Ginger has final approval authority over financial decisions.
  • June manages day-to-day financial administration, invoices, purchasing, payroll, school accounts, and staff questions.
  • Central Source manages accounting, monthly financial reporting, bill payments, and related reporting requirements.
• Financial policies establish check-signing and approval requirements.

Questions and Discussion

• Scott asked whether the school has money available for investment.
• Jeff L. explained that the school still holds more than $400,000 from previously received Employee Retention Tax Credit funds.
• The funds had originally been designated for roof and HVAC repairs.
• Scott suggested reviewing investment opportunities for the remaining funds.
• Jeff L. agreed that the Board should consider developing an investment strategy with professional guidance.
• The Board discussed restrictions associated with the funds and April 2027 as an important date.
• The Board also discussed future building expenses and the importance of planning for major repairs.
• Ginger discussed ongoing roof leaks near the Olive classroom.
  • The contractor has returned several times to reseal the affected area.
  • Some classrooms continue to experience heating, cooling, and ventilation inconsistencies.
• Jeff suggested postponing the detailed budget review to a future meeting.
• The Board agreed.

• Hannah presented a glossary of accountability terms for Board members.
• The goal is to ensure everyone uses consistent definitions when reviewing school performance data.
• Paul asked whether anything had changed from previous years.
• Hannah explained that the glossary was primarily intended to establish a consistent understanding of terminology.
• Jeff H. suggested uploading the document to Board on Track.
• The Board discussed using the glossary as an onboarding resource for current and future members.

• Natali shared that staff had requested additional information about Ginger's goals.
• Natali explained that she spoke with Ginger and June will send her the meeting notes.
• She will include the information in her regular staff update.

• The Board reviewed the updated Restraint Prevention and Behavior Support Policy.
• Ginger explained that the policy was updated to comply with current state requirements.
• The changes are not expected to significantly affect existing school practices.
• The school does not use seclusion, and the current reset room meets the safety expectations discussed.
• Jeff L. made a motion to approve the updated policy, and Paul seconded.
• Motion approved.

• Jessica McCarthy is the new PTO co-chair.
• Upcoming PTO events and activities include:
  • Five Guys fundraiser.
  • Trunk or Treat.
  • Student Vendor Fair, with approximately 13 vendors signed up.
  • Fall Cleanup on November 3.
  • Proposed Middle School spaghetti dinner.
  • Middle School dances.
  • Ski Club.
• The PTO is planning a dinner where Middle School students can invite a special person.
• The Board discussed the importance of offering more events for older students and their families.
• The November 3 Fall Cleanup will take place on a professional development day when students are not in school.
• Parent volunteers will assist with outdoor cleanup.

Foundation

• The community skating fundraiser is tentatively scheduled for January 9.
• Hannah explained that the date conflicts with a Montessori conference that some staff will attend.
• Additional rink dates are being requested before finalizing the event.
• Rock & Roll Bingo planning is beginning.
• Hannah and Tai will take a more active role in sponsorship outreach.
• The Foundation will focus on building relationships with larger sponsors and identifying new supporters.

• Jeff L. explained that only three or four Board members had returned their completed forms.
• Discussion postponed until additional responses are received.
• The Board will revisit the matrix at a future meeting.

• Reviewed school bylaws and Board governance responsibilities.
• Discussed legal and training compliance requirements for Board members.
• Discussed creating a digital document repository and improving onboarding materials.
• Several follow-up tasks were identified.
• Next committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 5, 2026.

• Hannah presented updated accountability data comparing Hill View with Haverhill Public Schools.
• Discussed adjustments needed to the reporting spreadsheet, including cells displaying red when no data is available.

MCAS – ELA

• Overall meeting/exceeding expectations:
  • Hill View: 28%.
  • Haverhill Public Schools: 26%.
• Grade 7:
  • Hill View: 53%.
  • Haverhill Public Schools: 27%.
• Grade 8:
  • Hill View: 41%.
  • Haverhill Public Schools: 28%.
• Overall ELA student growth percentile: 56.
• Hannah reported that Hill View had the highest ELA growth among Haverhill elementary schools.

MCAS – Math

• Overall math student growth percentile: 52.
• Second-highest math growth among Haverhill elementary schools.
• Math achievement remains an area requiring improvement, particularly in lower grades.
• The Board discussed the importance of considering growth alongside raw MCAS scores.

Questions and Discussion

• Kevin discussed following student cohorts from year to year to better understand changes in performance.
• The Board discussed how small grade-level populations can cause significant changes in percentages.
• Hannah explained why comparisons to Haverhill Public Schools may be more meaningful than statewide comparisons because the schools serve similar populations.
• Niamh shared that approximately 53 MCAS-eligible students in grades 3–8 have IEPs.
• The Board discussed the importance of understanding student needs when interpreting assessment results.
• Hannah shared that approximately 19% of students in the partially meeting category were within five points of meeting expectations.
• Approximately 12% were within five points of the not-meeting threshold.
• The Board discussed how small score differences can change achievement categories.

Civics

• Hill View students performed approximately 20 percentage points higher than Haverhill Public Schools.

DIBELS and STAR

• Hannah reviewed reading proficiency trends:
  • Fall 2024: 40.3%.
  • Fall 2025: 39.2%.
  • Fall 2026: 46.1%.
• Discussed summer learning loss and improvements in reading performance.

Reporting Format

• Jeff H.  suggested that the presentation contained too much information for one meeting.
• Recommended focusing on one assessment area at a time, such as MCAS, and reviewing DIBELS and STAR separately.
• Hannah discussed separating assessment areas into different presentations.

• The November Development Committee meeting will be rescheduled due to the YMCA Educator of the Year event.
• Hannah reported nearly 100% Board participation in the Annual Fund.
• Approximately $12,620 has been raised so far.
• Hannah identified an internal fundraising goal of $15,000.
• Fundraising communications will continue through the weekly newsletter.
• Hannah set a Rock & Roll Bingo sponsorship goal of $20,000.
• She has begun reaching out to local businesses and previous supporters.
• Several school visits are being arranged for potential sponsors.
• Board members were encouraged to share contacts for businesses interested in charitable giving.

• The Finance Committee reported that the school is currently in good financial standing.
• Current projections show spending approximately $150,000 under budget.
• Some of the difference is expected to level out as additional staff are hired.
• Salary expenses are currently trending below budget.
• Some unexpected facilities expenses have occurred, but no major financial concerns were identified.

Next Board meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 3, 2026