KN also expressed that BCC applied for the 10% set-aside CARES Act. The application was submitted, but were then told we could not receive funds since we received PPP. KN shared that we will not accept the PPP funds so that we are eligible for 10% CARES Set Aside. 

KN shared that we are 50 students short of where we wanted to be. Currently, we're receiving funds for about 75 kids around 50k, but would drop to 33k once count day hits. 

Board Chair CG raised a question regarding funding and budget restrictions and guidance due to COVID-19 from the city. Kim mentioned there isn't much at the state, local, or national level. 

MW posed the question around transportation funds in the city. He will check in with BPI regarding this. KN shared that BCC has found a potential bus to purchase that 1/3 the cost of our the original bus budget. 

CG raised questions regarding student data/breakdown. KN shared we have 55 students and 60/40 Female and Male split. KN also shared that most cities are operating on the 12% threshold meaning once cases hit 12% schools will go virtual. 

CG posed questions regarding safety, in-person options, and mask policies. Unanimously, board members requested written procedures and protocols be documented shared and distributed. The board needs an in-depth review. 

CG wrapped the conversation by including BCC is following the correct safety procedures and protocols but they need to be properly documented. MW also pushed for verbiage to include that we'll follow the city's 12% threshold for positive rates. Board Chair CG made the argument that we might want a threshold that's under the max limit. TH noted he's comfortable following the county guidelines. 

Dr. T stated that Marian has a weekly communication wit hall staff that includes quarantine cases, positivity rates etc. JF stamped the importance of staying in constant contact with families, staff, and the board regarding so. 

KN added that the reason BCC decided to go the cohort route was to limit the amount of exposure and cross contamination of students as much as possible. Dr. noted she will reach out to her Marian resource who is on the board at Matchbook regarding its procedures. 

CG reiterated the importance of having a document in place with all procedures and protocols. All board members want to ensure that we are following the best practices and guidelines that are in line with other schools and programs. She also stamped the importance from the employer/employee aspect. JF made the push for a waiver for employees. She stamped it might not cover/include everything we need but it will make people feel better. 

MW also noted that the board needs to review and digest the materials and protocols before they are distributed. KN stated that the board will receive the procedures documents this evening and board members will have a week to review. CG called a meeting for the following Wednesday, August 26th for final review and sign-off. From there, BCC leadership team will share all with families for sign-off. 





 

KN shared that two students dropped, but we also gained two. KN also shared updates regarding Freedom Fridays -- students were part of discussions centered around poverty, race, and neighborhood differences. KN also shared that students went on an IndyGO tour last week and reflected on the different neighborhood variances. 

Board member Dr. T raised the question regarding parent engagement. KN shared that parents have been pleasant and enjoyable. KN also mentioned that parents have been compliant with COVID practices and procedures. Board Chair CG raised the question around procedures and plans in place for COVID. KN shared that we have procedures and protocols but they have not been published or publicized with families yet. Dr. T asked if OEI has provided any guidance. KN shared that there is no real guidance from OEI or other leaders in the city. 

MW among other board members reiterated the importance of procedures/written protocols regarding COVID. 

KN mentioned that we are having some minor attendance issues -- some kids aren't coming at all times. They are logging on when they at home. KN mentioned we might push for students to be in-person if they don't have symptoms or aren't sick. 



 

Board Chair Christl Glier shared the importance of the assessment tool on Board on Track and the data we were able to pull from doing so. This assessment identified areas of growth and areas that the board is strong in. CG shared while this information is not surprising, the board will need to go through some training regarding open door laws, finance trainings etc. CG mentioned the need for the entire board to receive the controller's report each month in a timely manner. CG stated that it's important for the board to clearly define roles and responsibilities. 

CG also raised questions/concerns around committee attendance and the need to increase attendance and acquire new attendees and committee members. CG shared we all need to push to gain new members to help and jump in. 

KN shared she has a few connections that would be interested in joining committees. She will distribute this information and share with the board committees. CG also noted that it's important for committee members to help recruit others. 

Academic Chair Dr. LaTonya Turner raised the question around the data dashboard and if KN has communicated with Russ regarding so. KN shared we’ll be acquiring Illuminate and SchoolRunner for data dashboards. CG mentions the importance of the dashboard for all board members to begin to review, digest, and understand.

KN requested Teagan Vonderheit to have Jawn Manning and Angel Jackson-Anderson attend next month's board meeting to share student data updates. KN also shared that board members will be able to preview Lexile levels, math scores, attendance, etc for the board to review regularly. Dr. T also added the importance of adding what the states numbers and and tracking against so. 

 

Committee Chair Andre Bennin shared he does not have any updates yet. He feels more comfortable knowing what the gap is now, officially, and what we need to do regarding recruitment etc. Updates to come during September's meeting. 

Committee Chair Marques Whitmire noted the need for tightness regarding logistics around reports being distributed. This is something BPI should have distributed. Moving forward, the Finance Committee will be sure to distribute appropriately and timely. MW also shared the importance of applying for textbook reimbursement. TV will determine when the application window opens. 

 

Governance Committee Chair Taylor Hughes briefly highlighted the different training opportunities that we’ll be implementing following the assessment data -- push for open door laws, board and leader best practices. Board Chair CG also added that we'll be scheduling a BOT training.

Board Chair CG raised the question regarding the ribbon cutting ceremony. KN mentioned that OEI needs a week's notice for this type of event. KN also mentioned that this should be an outside only event after kids leave the building. There should be an optional time for a tour if time allows. We do not want community members around students or other kids. 

KN suggested having the event around the dates of September 14th and 15th. KN added that we'll need a guest list (potential donors, vendors etc present), invitations, cake, representative from Marian, Ivy Tech, and Kenzie Academy. 

Andre Bennin suggested inviting some of the non-profit leaders, governor's office (education portfolio). Given the scope and the mission of the school -- the mayor might want to attend. KN will be reaching out to Patrick McAllister regarding the Mayor. Andre Bennin will also send over name for the event. 

KN noted that she will be reaching out to key individuals to arrange for the best event date. Tony Mason, IUL, the Mayor, Governor's Office, Brandon Brown etc. KN concluded that we'll push fro the last two weeks of September or early October. We'll wait to hear back from key individuals before finalizing and publishing. 

Andre Bennin will reach out to Strada and the Governor's Office. KN will contact A. Johnson from IPS for support and someone from Ivy Tech. Dr. T will get in touch with a contact at Marian.

KN will circulate COVID protocols and procedures this evening. 



 

Next meeting is Wednesday, September 16th 2020.