Ms. Davis invited participants to place public comment in the chat.

There was no public comment.

Ms. Vargas shared the Marketing and Enrollment Update.  Social media engagement remains strong with pictures of activities and new building.  Enrollment did drop from 476 to 426.  Most of the scholars that left were returning scholars.  Exit survey indicated that transportation and moving out of the area as reasons for leaving the school; it's possible that some families are moving post-COVID because they were able to get into other schools.  Returning scholars make up 69% of current students and new scholars make up 31%.  

Advertising with signs, referrals, flyers, and car magnets are part of the advertising approach.

Mr. Matthews shared an update from the Facilities subcommittee.  The construction project has experienced a number of delays.  The subcommittee is working through the change order process at this time, and there are a number of discussions that need to take place regarding these negotiations.  BCCG has committed a new project manager to the our project.  The Facilities subcommittee meets weekly with BCCG on the project (including the school team).

Mr. Touchette provided an update on the opening of the lower school campus.  The River Church has been a great partner, and there have been minimal disruptions to instructional plans. The third grade classrooms are in the same space, but you would not know it given the teachers' approach.  There has been a strong emphasis on a strong school culture.

Ms. Villegas shared an analysis of student performance, which included the testing data that was released last week.  DPI provided a lot of context for the data, and they noted that proficiency declined across the state as a result of the pandemic.  The test results are the end of grade and end of course tests in reading (grades 3-8), mathematics (grades 3-8) and science (grades 5 and 8 only).  

Kestrel's overall scores fell from 38% in 2019 proficiency to 22% proficiency in 2021 and 23% proficiency in 2022.  Kestrel's grade level proficiency scores fell from 52% in 2019 to 36% in 2021 and 37% in 2022.  Ms. Villegas's presentation also included grade level data.  Kestrel's academic growth was at 75%.  Overall, Kestrel met growth for all categories of students except economically disadvantaged students and EC students.  Kestrel's school performance grade (which is calculated on 80% achievement and 20% growth) is a D.  Many schools experienced declines and Kestrel's grade reflected what the vast majority of other Durham charter schools and public schools received.

Ms. Villegas also shared the school's plans for responding to help students, including grants, additional resources, small group settings, and math tutoring after school for students.

Mr. Price shared a report on Kestrel Culture.  Sixth grade orientation started with a scavenger hunt, set a goal and wrote a letter to themselves, and let them sign the rock. The Kestrel culture is a focus on a restorative, not a punitive approach.  The entire school will use Class Dojo.  

Mr. Price also shared information on transportation and WeeTramz, which is our service provider.  There was a waitlist for transportation at the beginning of the year (29 scholars as of August 29), and Mr. Price was able to accommodate 16 of these scholars.  He also reaches out to parents that indicate transportation is a barrier.

Mr. Price also shared the School Culture 2022-23 plan, which includes goals to strengthen school culture.  Goals included:  having a 98% attendance goal, having all teachers to award a minimum of 2 dojo points at the start of the day, having 100% of students engaged throughout the school day.

Mrs. Jackson shared the Executive Director report. It included an overview of the charter requirements, school culture, budget changes related to changed enrollment, and other matters.

Ms. Jackson shared a detailed monthly budget report.  The reduced enrollment will have a budget impact of approximately $500,000, so there will need to be budget adjustments.  The finance committee and school team are working on those adjustments and will bring back budget changes at our next meeting.  

Ms. Jackson requested that the Board approve funding in the amount of $8,332 for NewsELA resource for teachers to be paid for out of Title 1 funds.

Mr. Price shared that the Emergency Operations Plan has been updated for the current school year to reflect the changes with a lower school in the River Church and other changes as needed.

Ms. Davis shared that she will be talking with potential board members and getting them to apply.  Board members should let Ms. Davis know if they have suggestions for new members.

Ms. McGarrah reported that the Board discussed staffing recommendations and a contractual agreement in the closed session.