Chair Davis invited participants to submit comments into the chat.

Postponed until the June meeting.

There was no public comment at the meeting.

Ms. Vargas shared the Marketing and Enrollment update for May. The social media campaign started that highlighted AG, transportation and mind brain education for middle school students as well as daily activities.  Facebook and Instagram pages reached many prospective families, including a large jump in Instagram activity.  Enrollment continues with 484 scholars enrolled and 33 scholars pending.  The school will backfill with students for vacant seats on a rolling basis.  There have been no new enrollments or withdrawals for the last month, and the school has done exit surveys for families that left or declined their seats.  Additionally, the team has added new families to the announcements and communications.

Ms. Vargas provided an update on Hawks at Home Academy.  There are 390 students in person and 42 students at home.  The Hawks at Home scholars know that they are required to be in person for testing.

Mr. Matthews provided an update on the Facilities.  The City of Durham released the building permit, and the foundation will get started in next two weeks.  Engineers have worked on-site to evaluate moving the Duke Energy line. The Board asked questions about the progress.

Mr. Love shared the Academically and Intellectually Gifted Plan for 2022-2025.  The Board will approve the plan before Kestrel submits it to the Department of Public Instruction.  There was an AIG advisory committee of parents and staff that helped create the AIG plan.  Mr. Love shared the plan today, and the Board will vote on the plan at the June meeting.  The plan is updated every three years to make sure it conforms with the new standards.

Ms. Villegas shared that the End of Grade Testing (EOGs) calendar has been published that meets the state standards.  In the past two years, EOGs have not functioned on a regular schedule with EOGs being cancelled two years ago and waivers offered last year.  This year, the US Department of Education is requiring all students to test, and schools are penalized in proficiency scores if all students do not test.  Ms. Villegas has a team together that is communicating with parents and making sure they know about in-person testing requirements (including the Hawks at Home families).

Mrs. Jackson praised the team and the work that they have done to get students back on track after the pandemic.  She shared that the federal compliance program review for the Exceptional Children's program that has been going on for a few years has been officially closed. The EpiCenter report is up-to-date.  There have been several school spirit events as well. 

Ms. Villegas shared an update on intervention on Mr. Touchette's behalf.  Kestrel's approach is to remain upbeat and positive for EOG preparation, and Ms. Villegas shared photos with how stations and small groups are used within classrooms.

Mrs. Jackson shared the budget report with the Board.  At 83% of the school year complete, the budget shows 5 areas - books and supplies, contracted student services, transportation and travel, COVID-19 relief, and administrative services - that show overspent categories for these areas.  Mrs. Jackson is meeting with Charter School Partners soon to investigate these areas to make sure expenditures are coded correctly.  Overall, the budget is in good shape with 79% of the budget spent with 83% of the year complete.

The Board had a chance to review the proposed 2022-23 budget, which represents a 112% increase over the previous school year.  The Board had an opportunity to ask questions. 

Mr. Powe reported that they are recruiting teachers for Camp Kestrel and that they have gotten some swag from employers.

Ms. Davis noted that the subcommittee will bring up the family leave policy at the next meeting after getting budget numbers.

Ms. Buckholz provided an update on the staff's recommendation that Kestrel continue with the current auditor, Rebekah Barr, to complete the financial audit this year.

Ms. Buckholz noted that she has worked with a consultant to develop a preventative maintenance schedule for the school, which was shared with the Board. 

The board discussed a lease agreement during closed session.

Ms. McGarrah shared that the Board discussed the details of the lease agreement during the closed session.