BELIEVE SCHOOLS, INC
Minutes
November Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday November 18, 2020 at 4:45 PM
Location
BELIEVE Schools is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: BELIEVE Board Meeting
Time: Nov 18, 2020 05:00 PM Indiana (East)
Time: Nov 18, 2020 05:00 PM Indiana (East)
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Directors Present
A. Bennin (remote), C. Crawley (remote), C. Glier (remote), J. Fulk (remote), L. Turner (remote), T. Hughes (remote)
Directors Absent
M. Whitmire
Guests Present
Angel Jackson-Anderson (remote), K. Neal-Brannum (remote), T. Vonderheit (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
C. Glier called a meeting of the board of directors of BELIEVE SCHOOLS, INC to order on Wednesday Nov 18, 2020 at 4:51 PM.
B.
Welcome and Attendance
C.
Approve Minutes
L. Turner made a motion to approve the minutes from October Board Meeting on 10-21-20.
J. Fulk seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
II. Executive Director Report
A.
COVID Response
- KN reported that mayor shut down schools as of November 30th. Teachers will rotate in the building to instruct.
- Interim assessment of in-person program is good. Working on plan to maintain academic growth while moving to virtual setting. Concerned about virtual challenges though.
- There will continue to be a few students that come in to the building to participate in the virtual program because of their home environment.
- LT asked if some students will need to pivot from home virtual to school virtual. KN said that they will monitor but confident that they have a good feel for who needs this assistance.
- Kinsley has said they will not partner for STEM. KN said that they are looking for an alternative. AB said that there are other viable players in this space and he offered assistance in this effort.
- CG asked if kids at school, how are they determined and is there a cap on how many. KN said there is no cap but likely will stay less than 10. KN speaking with parents about their ability to manage their kids' virtual school participation.
B.
Other School Updates
KN noted that an employee on a performance plan has resigned. Angel noted that documentation of the circumstances were kept.
III. Information/Discussion
A.
Board Recruitment
CG said this is an important board goal. She is in content with a potential new board member and will update when more information. She also asked that all board members reach out with any potential candidates.
IV. Committee Reports
A.
Academic
LT had no further updates
B.
Development Committee Report
C.
Finance Committee Report
JF noted that financials from October are available. TV noted that she has done a deep dive in the cash flow statement and a lot more clarifying adjustments have been made. LT and TH asked TV to give them the specific location for the latest documents.
D.
Governance Committee Report
TH noted that Board On Track will be used to help document and track committee goals.
V. Other Business
A.
Other Business
Principals report
- Angel talked through the monthly board report. Virtual scholars are monitored and given credit for attendance. 53 students which is consistent with last month (no new/lost)
- Test integrity training done and interim assessment will be reviewed
- Intentionally plan lessons around SAT preparation as opposed to state standards
- Angel noted that a ESL teacher is needed based on an assessment of students and current teacher capabilities
- Focused professional development on ensuring that teachers are grading for equity.
- 2.5 GPA average goal. LT asked when we could get more information on the current GPA levels which are under this goal. Angel said that she hypothesized that ESL support could be part of it. Will have more information at close of semester.
- Angel said interim assessment that shows progress towards mastery of standards. Next interim will be in February- delayed from January due to virtual situation
- KN said assessment shows they are progressing when kids are in school and it was the right decision to keep kids live while they could
- Angel noted that a Community Food Box will be established and partially managed by students for the benefit of families of the community. Also starting a Food Pantry and Coat drive. This would be in addition to food boxes provided for some students for the weekend. CG asked how they would like them. KN said just drop off coats at the school.
- Angel said many students could benefit from counseling. Looking at partnering with One Sensible Solution through virtual sessions. 10 students identified already that could benefit.
- Angel said there is a candidate with an offer that would come on board in January
- CG asked if there are areas that are vulnerable with the virtual model. Angel said that they are considering changes to the schedule - mainly synchronous vs asynchronous. Considerations for amount of screen time and combining classes. Also having some issues with Chromebooks not charging and some home internet problems.
VI. Closing Items
A.
Next meeting
CG noted next meeting is December 16th
B.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:47 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
C. Glier