Kestrel Heights Public Charter School
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday June 8, 2021 at 6:30 PM
Location
Board meetings can be accessed virtual via the following link:
https://zoom.us/j/97270389749?pwd=VlEyYlVVL2V1THlZdnVleUZSUmU2Zz09
Meeting ID: 972 7038 9749
Password = KHCS
https://zoom.us/j/97270389749?pwd=VlEyYlVVL2V1THlZdnVleUZSUmU2Zz09
Meeting ID: 972 7038 9749
Password = KHCS
Password is KHCS
Directors Present
A. Davis (remote), B. Paris (remote), D. Wimberly (remote), J. Featherstone (remote), L. Lewis (remote), R. Clement (remote), S. Goram (remote), S. McGarrah (remote)
Directors Absent
S. Foy-Watson
Ex Officio Members Present
M. Callahan (remote)
Non Voting Members Present
M. Callahan (remote)
Guests Present
A. Touchette (remote), B. Buckholz (remote), Dottie Heath (remote), Holly Thom (remote), M. Tracy (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
A. Davis called a meeting of the board of directors of Kestrel Heights Public Charter School to order on Tuesday Jun 8, 2021 at 6:34 PM.
B.
Public Comment Submission
C.
Record Attendance and Guests
D.
Approve May 2021 Regular Board Meeting Minutes
R. Clement made a motion to approve the minutes from Regular Board Meeting on 05-11-21.
D. Wimberly seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
E.
Public Comment
There was no public comment.
II. Key Agenda Items & Presentations
A.
Marketing Update
Dr. Tracy noted that Ms. Lucas was unable to attend the meeting. The updated report was included in the agenda. There are 362 returning scholars, and a 45% acceptance rate for new applicants. Kestrel would be at 445 scholars if this data stays the same, which is below our goal but exceeds last year's enrollment. We need to get at least 100 more applicants in order to get 50 seats filled. Highest growth was in kindergarten and sixth grade, which were our targeted grades. The school will continue to do in-person recruitment activities now that the campus has reopened.
B.
Strategic Planning Update
Dr. Tracy provided an update from Ten Square on the school's strategic plan. The committee discussed the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis that will be used in the development of the 5-year plan.
C.
Mind Brain Education
Dr. Tracy provided an update on the Mind Brain Education. The next track for teacher and staff enrollment opened yesterday.
D.
Blended Learning Update
Dr. Tracy provided an update on the blended learning committee. They have identified model classrooms and professional development topics for the next school year.
E.
2020-21 Accreditation Process
Mr. Touchette covered the 2020-21 accreditation process, and he shared the final report with the Board, which had been sent out prior to the meeting. Kestrel received the highest marks (blue) for many of the categories in the accreditation process. The report identified areas of improvement, including providing experiences that cultivate and improve leadership effectiveness as well as having learning and resource capacity standards. Parents, students, staff and board members were interviewed as part of the accreditation process. Kestrel Heights Charter School earned a score of 334, which was higher than the average of 278, and was recommended for full accreditation.
F.
Facilities Sub-Committee
Brandon Paris and Robin Clement provided an update from the facilities committee, and they shared that the next step was to confirm a price for the facility before going to a bond issuance. The committee and consultant was able to negotiate a purchase price of $10.5 million for the current facility and the debts incurred for delayed lease payments related to the closure of the high school. The Board would need to authorize the agreement included in the agenda to approve this purchase, which covers the purchase price, conditions for purchase, and contingency for school to secure bond.
B. Paris made a motion to approve the general terms of the Kestrel Heights Charter School purchase for $10.5 million pending attorney review of the agreement.
S. McGarrah seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
G.
Annual Medical Insurance (FIrst Read/Vote)
Ms. Buckholz provided an overview of the annual medical insurance negotiations. The Board will have to meet later in the month to discuss final numbers once they come back. The Board will meet on June 22 at 6 pm to discuss.
III. Academics
A.
End of Year iReady Results
Dr. Tracy presented on end of the year iReady results. 56% of Kestrel's scholars are proficient in reading, and 44% are proficient in math. Kestrel is hiring 6 title 1 reading tutors to assist students. While scholars experienced growth, the growth rates were lower than previous years likely due to remote learning.
IV. Operational Reports
A.
Executive Director Report
Dr. Tracy provided an overview of his monthly report. The Kestrel Summer Camp is being by run by Mr. Price and Ms. Hart along with Ms. Villegas and Mr. Touchette. 85 scholars have enrolled in Camp Kestrel this summer, and the enrollment period will be extended.
B.
Monthly Budget Report
Dr. Tracy provided an overview of the monthly budget report. The school is 92% into the fiscal year with 95% of revenues received and only 80% of expenses incurred.
C.
Budget Request: LED Sign for School
Dr. Tracy shared that he is requesting taking money that was previously approved by the Board to repurpose the learning cottage for a parent resource center. The costs for the overhaul of the learning cottage came back well over-budget given the coronavirus-related building challenges. Instead, Dr. Tracy is requesting that the Board use the money to purchase a new LED sign for the school.
A. Davis made a motion to approve the budget allocation from the parent resource center to a new digital sign.
D. Wimberly seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
D.
Return to School 2021-22
Dr. Tracy covered the return to school plan for the 2021-22 academic year. It includes a plan to return in-person to the greatest extent possible given ABC Collaborative, CDC and state guidance. There is also a plan for families that want to attend remotely. The option will be asynchronous only with no hybrid plan, and the asynchronous option would involve a third-party vendor that the school has previously used for students that needed that option for other reasons.
The Board asked questions about the plan, and Dr. Tracy noted the intent of the school to send out a survey to families asking about their plans for the next school year.
The Board asked questions about the plan, and Dr. Tracy noted the intent of the school to send out a survey to families asking about their plans for the next school year.
E.
Monthly Epi Center Report
Dr. Tracy provided an update on the monthly epi center report to the State of NC Department of Public Instruction. Kestrel is meeting all of our requirements.
V. Committee Reports
A.
Academic Sub-Committee
Adrienne Davis provided an update from the academic sub-committee. They welcomed a new member to their committee, and Mrs. Kennedy talked about how the Board can support mind brain education.
B.
Governance Sub-Committee
No update from the governance sub-committee.
C.
Development Sub-Committee
No update from the development sub-committee.
D.
Board Member Recruitment and Elections
Mrs. Callahan noted that the Board has gotten 3-4 applications for new board members. The dates are June 24, June 30 or July 1 from 6-8 pm over Zoom for interviews. Nominations for Board positions are open: President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary for the 2021-22 Academic Year. Votes will be taken at the next meeting.
Josephe Featherstone nominated Adrienne Davis for President and seconded by Stephanie McGarrah.
Josephe Featherstone nominated Dalia Wimberly for Vice President and seconded by Stephanie McGarrah.
Brandon Paris nominated Stephanie McGarrah for Secretary and seconded by Stephanie McGarrah.
Josephe Featherstone nominated Brandon Paris for Treasurer and seconded by Adrienne Davis.
Mr. Hensler plans to resign his teacher/faculty position from the Board as an ex-officio Board member. Mrs. Callahan will send out an email letting staff know that they can apply for the open ex-officio seat.
Josephe Featherstone nominated Adrienne Davis for President and seconded by Stephanie McGarrah.
Josephe Featherstone nominated Dalia Wimberly for Vice President and seconded by Stephanie McGarrah.
Brandon Paris nominated Stephanie McGarrah for Secretary and seconded by Stephanie McGarrah.
Josephe Featherstone nominated Brandon Paris for Treasurer and seconded by Adrienne Davis.
Mr. Hensler plans to resign his teacher/faculty position from the Board as an ex-officio Board member. Mrs. Callahan will send out an email letting staff know that they can apply for the open ex-officio seat.
B. Paris made a motion to enter into closed session under NCGS ยง 143318.11(a) (3), (5), and (6). (5)To establish, or to instruct the public body's staff or negotiating agents concerning the position to be taken by or on behalf of the public body in negotiating (i) the price and other material terms of a contract or proposed contract for the acquisition of real property by purchase, option, exchange, or lease; or (ii) the amount of compensation and other material terms of an employment contract or proposed employment contract and (6) To consider the qualifications, competence, performance, character, fitness, conditions of appointment, or conditions of initial employment of an individual public officer or employee or prospective public officer or employee; or to hear or investigate a complaint, charge, or grievance by or against an individual public officer or employee.
R. Clement seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
VI. Closed Session
A.
Enter Closed Session
The Board discussed staffing.
S. McGarrah made a motion to return to open session.
B. Paris seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Board Agenda for Next Month
The Board will meet on June 22 at 6 pm to discuss sale of building and medical insurance review.
B. Paris made a motion to approve the candidate for ELA middle school teacher.
R. Clement seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B. Paris made a motion to approve candidate for art teacher.
R. Clement seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B. Paris made a motion to approve candidate for teacher assistant.
S. Goram seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B. Paris made a motion to approve candidate for EC teacher.
S. McGarrah seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:21 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
S. McGarrah
Documents used during the meeting
- Kestrel June Board update.docx
- Kestrel Heights School 217532 Remote AER Report.pdf
- Kestrel - 2021 - Purchase and Sale Agreement 4815-9452-2349_2.doc
- Diagnostic Status Reading EOY.pdf
- Diagnostic Status Math EOY 2020-2021.pdf
- Diagnostic Results Reading EOY 2020-2021.pdf
- Diagnostic Results Math EOY 2020-2021.pdf
- Diagnostic Growth Reading EOY 2020-2021.pdf
- Diagnostic Growth Math EOY 2020-2021.pdf
- Executive Director Report June 2021.pdf
- KESTREL HEIGHTS FY21 BUDGET REPORTS - Board Report 2021.05.pdf
- Monthly Budget Review June 2021.pdf
- Kestrel Heights School NEMC r.pdf
- Vantage LED Displays.pdf
- Kestrel Heights School NEMC Proposal.pdf