Participants were asked to note public comments in the chat for the virtual meeting.

There was no public comment.
 

Jennifer Lucas provided the market update.  Kestrel has gotten 22 applications in the past month; Kestrel got a total of 274 new applications for the past year.  As of the eighth day of school, Kestrel has 424 students enrolled.  Ms Vargas tracked the reasons for attrition in the current year, but all of the students that left were because of no virtual option.  Kestrel has a 22% attrition rate from year to year, but a sustainable attrition rate for a charter school is 8-9%.

Ms. Villegas shared information on Kestrel's proposed virtual academy.  The State of North Carolina did not allow charter schools to offer a virtual option until the end of August. Ms. Villegas covered the virtual program.  In this year's Hawks at Home program, the virtual academy will be a live stream version of the classroom and students at home will be required to turn on their cameras.  The master schedule will be followed, and electives will be offered at home in modified lessons.  Google Classroom will be the secure software that will be used, and core classroom teachers will save instructional videos to their classrooms.  There will not be windows for the virtual academy this year, but families will be required to complete virtual through the end of the month if starting the virtual option.  Hawks at Home is optional for families, and students will be required to use school computers and if approved by the Board, the instruction would start on 9/27/21.

Justin Matthews provided an update on the school construction progress. We have begun the pre-construction process; given the supply chain issues, we can pay for these with cash before going through the bond process.

Dr. Tracy and Stephon Bowens noted that the Board need to vote on the community handbook.  There were no substantive changes on the handbook.

Going forward, Board members requested that the handbook and/or policies with changes noted be presented to the Board for consideration.

Mr. Hess gave an update on Kestrel sports.  There is a new soccer coach (Coach Acosta) and the school has been able to field teams in most sports despite last year's gap year.  

Ms. Villegas provided an update on blended learning.  Teachers are implementing the blended learning model with guided reading, guided math and small groups.

Dr. Tracy noted that Kestrel participated in the on-site EOG results from the prior of the school year, and he reviewed those scores as included in his report.  While the federal government waived the school grading requirement based on EOG scores, the State of North Carolina still has a statutorial requirement for school grades.  

Kestrel uses iReady for assessing scholars at different points during the school year, and those tests are underway.

Dr. Tracy noted that Kestrel will have its first school-wide mind brain education session this Monday.

Ms. Villegas included as part of the blended learning update.

Ms. Villegas included as part of the blended learning update.

Dr. Tracy provided his Executive Director report, which included details on enrollment, meals, and other information on school operations.  Bus operations are going well (we have hired a third-party company), but they are having problems keeping drivers.  There are 17 kids still on the waitlist for bus services. 

Dr. Tracy provided the end of the year budget report for the previous fiscal year.  He got access to the budget information for the current school year from our budget vendor, and the school will have around $500,000 that can be moved into the school's cash reserve for this year.  

Dr. Tracy provided information on the strategic plan implementation.

Dr. Tracy provided an update on the monthly Epi Center report, and tasks are on schedule for now with three tasks due by end of September.

Dr. Tracy provided a COVID update.  Ms. Vargas created a COVID dashboard to improve transparency.  Dr. Tracy discussed the revised processes at the school for breakfast, lunch and snacks as well as mask mandates and rapid testing (through the ABC Collaborative).  The school is facing increased cleaning and sanitizing costs. 

No update from this commitee.

Ms. Callahan presented a proposal and research for improving the school's paid family leave policy.  Ms. Buckholz and Ms. Callahan presented the current practice and then three additional scenarios for consideration.  She noted that this policy is still in the research phase and there are still questions to be answered by our insurance vendors, including fiscal impacts.  Board members asked questions, including what other charter schools offer.  Ms. Callahan and Ms. Buckholz are going to continue their research on this proposal.

On August 31, Governor Cooper signed a bill into law that requires schools to vote on a mask policy each month.  Kestrel has developed a mask policy that requires students and staff to wear masks when at school.  Board members asked questions about the mask policy requirements from a voting perspective. 

This discussion was tabled for the October meeting.  Chair Davis asked that Board members email her with their proposed assignments.

Stephanie McGarrah that Board discussed three personnel issues, two of which require votes.

Board committee assignment discussions were moved to the following month.