Efrat Kussell, Launch middle Head of School, presented on the leadership transition, goals, and next steps for the school. She presented her goals for the 18-19SY: increasing in proficiency for all sub-groups on the NYST, retaining staff members and meeting the annual workplan learning targets. Efrat answered brief questions from the board.

The Executive Director presented on the current state of renewal and expansion efforts. The ED updated the board on Regent Cashin's January 9th visit and efforts to invite the chancellor to visit Launch as well as Launch's parent outreach work. The ED answered brief questions from the board.

The Executive Director presented on progress made toward securing a private site if the school is approved for expansion. Launch has submitted a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a site and has an initial concept design for Launch elementary. Launch is also starting to work with a highly recommended owner's representation firm, UPC. The Executive Director answered brief questions from the board.

 

The Executive Director and the Director of External Affairs updated the board on the schools branding work and new website development. Launch's new website will launch this spring. Launch also contracted with a designer in order to update our color and font and design schemes.

The Executive Director presented key information items to the board:

• Recruitment: Launch has received applications for the middle school that put it ahead of last year's pace
• Launch's ESSA accountability rating is 'in good standing'.
• Launch Expeditionary Learning Charter School's seventh-grade project Black History Geometric Portraits has been accepted into the EL Education's Models of Excellence collection. The entire Launch team is especially proud of our digital media teacher, Tiana Scott.