Board candidates Rebecca van de Sande and David Yassky introduced themselves and shared their professional experiences as well as how they became interested in joining the board. Rebecca and David answered several questions from the board prior to the vote.
 

LES Head of School Lori Riddick shared the progress that the elementary team has made. The elementary team is focused on teacher recruitment, student recruitment and building out the curriculum/program. The team has made a tremendous amount of progress in these areas. Lori answered a brief number of questions from the board.

The ED presented another possible incubation space for the elementary school located in District 17. This space is very compelling in terms of its location as well as its facility (former day care center). Launch now has three possible incubation spaces for the elementary school. The next steps in this process will be for Launch to submit a non-binding Letter of Intent (LOI) for the incubation space in District 17. The ED took several questions from the board concerning the incubation space and search process.

 

The ED discussed the current political climate in Albany and challenges that Launch is facing. The board discussed some ways to increase our lobbying efforts and visibility with the Board of Regents. The ED will follow up with another conference call with the board in order to support these efforts.

The ED also mentioned the the board holiday dinner will be on December 19th at Jonathan's apartment. An invitation will be sent to all board members.

The Executive Director briefly summarized previous information that was sent to the board regarding a shift in leadership, moving the current CAO into the Head of School role and the current Head of School into the Director of School Culture role.  The ED explained the benefits of the shift, and the desire of all parties to make it.  The ED answered questions prior to the board making a motion to approve.