Chair Davis invited people to add public comments in the chat.

There was no public comment.

Mr. Touchette provided an update on the intervention program and small group instruction in our core classes, which are in alignment with the school's strategic plan (goal 1). The intervention program is more data driven and designed for the individual student; these intervention programs are typically guided reading or guided math instruction with a small group of students (2-3) and a teacher.

Ms. Vargas provided a marketing update on 2021-22 enrollment.  As of today, 94% of students have recommitted to Kestrel.  She shared data on Kestrel's website and social media site; both social media sites reached a combined 8,000 families.  Kestrel has continued to backfill seats and enroll scholars mid-year as a few current scholars have left (6 withdrawals in January were due to moves or attending a private school).  

Ms. Vargas provided an update on the Hawks at Home Academy.  The Hawks at Home Tracking shows that there are still nearly 50 students that have moved to virtual learning for February. Those numbers tend to fluctuate month-to-month as families' health situations and comfort levels with COVID change.

Chair Davis kicked off need to sign bond related documents, including a construction agreement, new construction timeline, contingency plans and increasing the amount of the bond contingency by $200,000.  The board and its attorney, Ms. Mary Nash Rusher, discussed the pros and cons of including the bond contingency amount and the requirements of when the funds must be spent and how the funds can be used. The Board discussed using the additional funds for improvements to the existing building after the new construction has been completed and new playground has been rolled into the new construction project.

Mary Nash Rusher explained the role of School Improvement Partners in terms of helping the school complete the continuing disclosure agreements that are required for charter schools in completing bond paperwork.

Mr. Matthews and Ms. Clement provided an overview of the facilities work and progress.

Ms. Villegas shared information about the Education Value-Added Assessment System (EVAAS). The pandemic has impacted the testing data as some students did not take the tests during the pandemic.  Kestrel uses iReady data, and we were able to use that data in EVAAS to get growth data scores for each grade.  K-2 students have been impacted most by the pandemic.  There is a strong correlation between iReady scores and end of grade tests. The school as a whole is starting to see an increase in scores. 

Mrs. Jackson provided an update on the Executive Director's report.  She talked about enrollment, school culture, upcoming NC Department of Public Instruction audits, counselor activities, and PTA-created lactation room.

Ms. Jackson provided an update on the budget.  There is no new report yet from Charter School Partners.  She noted the construction expenses that have been incurred so far.  

Mr. Powe noted that there are new members on the academic subcommittee.

Ms. Callahan noted that the committee and staff are reviewing the community handbook and will provide suggested edits.  The Board will get the handbook prior to the March meeting.

No update at this time.

Ms. Buckholz noted that there were no suggested updates to the mask policy.

Ms. Buckholz provided an update on the Strong School Toolkit.  NC DHHS released an update and now provides the school with a test to stay option as long as the school has a mask mandate in place.  The school plans to use this option and wanted to make the Board aware of their approach.

Ms. Buckholz provided information on NC DHHS's program which provides the school with Mako COVID tests and trains staff on how to do testing.  This program will benefit parents and students because school can do testing on-site and the test results are quick.

Mrs. Jackson shared the Kestrel COVID contingency plan for when the school has insufficient staffing due to COVID.  The school would transition to online schooling ONLY in instances where the school has insufficient staff (e.g. 8-12 of teachers are out or 35-55% of staff) with no possibility of getting substitutes to cover these classes.  This scenario happened in January, so the school has experience in handling this scenario.  Another criteria is if 60% of students who attend in person experience COVID exposure and are staying remote; in this scenario, the school would temporarily transition to all remote instruction.  The contingency plan includes notification plans and how to get technology to students.

Ms. McGarrah reported that the Board discussed a contract issue and personnel recommendations in closed session.