Ms. Davis invited participants to put any public comments in the chat.

There was no public comment.

Mr. Price gave the marketing update on behalf of Ms. Vargas.  He shared that the tours were starting in the new year.  Additionally, Ms. Vargas has distributed 5,000 postcards in surrounding neighborhoods.  He shared pictures of the social media work and other incentives (Kestrel swag) for families that make referrals.

Mr. Matthews provided a facilities update that the school construction will likely be finished in less than two weeks.  Within the next 7-10 days, the school will likely receive a temporary certificate of occupancy.  A final certificate of occupancy usually follows within 30-60 days following the temporary certificate pending the completion of outstanding construction items.  Lastly, the school will ask to start moving items into the new space as soon as possible.

Mr. Love presented on the Academically and Intellectually Gifted program at Kestrel.  He shared that the AIG plan was adopted in June, and the school just finished the testing process.  39 students were referred to the program; 11 students were identified for talent development and 11 students qualified for AIG (some were new students, and some were current AIG students testing for different subjects).  Statewide, around 10% of students receive AIG services in public schools, and Kestrel has around 20% of students receiving AIG and talent development.  Mr. Love shared that he has been creating a custom curriculum for AIG by grade level.  Mr. Love also shared some plans to write grants for devices that can enhance curriculum.

Mr. Price shared the Dean of Culture report.  The main shifts in the culture of Kestrel is use of Class Dojo for all grade levels, moving to a restorative from a punitive culture, implementing community meetings, and giving teachers different strategies to address behavioral issues.  PBIS celebrations and store have been used to provide incentives to students.  Referrals of discipline problems have decreased in the second quarter of the school year; 

Ms. Jackson provided an overview of the Executive Director report. All EpiCenter and grant submissions are on-track for DPI.  She also shared the requirements for Office of Federal Programs (includes English Learners, Exceptional Children and Title 1) and shared that all plans have been submitted to meet those requirements. 

Ms. Jackson shared that the school is 42% of the way through the fiscal year, and the budget is on track to be under budget for the school year.  The Finance Committee met on Monday to review the budget, and the committee and Ms. Jackson will review the facilities line item.

Ms. Gordon provided an update on the moving plan for K-5, particularly K-3 from the River Church to the new building.  The move out will start on Friday with the move of furniture allowed by construction firm.  There will be an opportunity for some volunteers.

Ms. Gordon shared the Operations Report.  The roof and roof repairs for the existing building are needed and quotes have been received.  There has been some maintenance performed on HVAC and buses as well as resolving the telecommunications equipment with the construction-related problems.

Ms. Jackson shared a proposal to adjust the instructional calendar in order to allow time for the move into the new building at the start of the calendar year from January 3-6 and learn new procedures.  The students would be given review assignments to complete during an asynchronous learning period and there would be an open house at the end of the week for families.  The assignments would be graded by teachers.  The NC Department of Public Instruction has granted permission for Kestrel to use these days as asynchronous learning days.  The Board and staff discussed the challenges for parents with this approach and acknowledged the need to make sure that students are safe.

Ms. Jackson announced that Kestrel has received an Academic Growth Award from the NC Department of Public Instruction for meeting academic progress during the 2021-22 school year.  This recognition is a significant accomplishment during a very difficult time with the pandemic.

Ms. Davis shared that the Development subcommittee is going to focus on four main areas: roof replacement, exterior refresh of older building, playground and play structure as well as new picnic tables.  The plan is to start with key Kestrel families and Board members to kick this off with a major campaign.  

Mr. Powe shared that the Academic subcommittee has been focused on strategic partnerships. They have several meetings scheduled in January for Camp Kestrel resources as well as the second part of the current academic year.

Ms. McGarrah shared that the Board discussed a personnel matter and that the Board is continuing to gather information on change orders.