Mrs. Davis noted that the Board will accept public comments after the minutes are approved.

There was no public comment.

Jerod Cohen presented on employee benefits renewal for Kestrel Heights.  The new plan year begins on September 1, 2023.  

Blue Cross Blue Shield is the medical provider for two plans (HSA and a copay plan).  BCBSNC is offering a no shop renewal at 2% increase over current, which will cost the school an annual increase of $4,320.00 with a new estimated annual cost of $282,203.16. 

Guardian is the non-medical insurance provider for dental and vision.  Guardian is offering a 7% increase in rates with no change in benefits, which would cost Kestrel an annual increase of $1,310.  Guardian did not change rates or benefits for vision insurance, short-term disability insurance, long-term disability and employer paid life insurance.  

As proposed, the total annual increase to Kestrel's costs for employee benefits would be $5,630 at 48 employees.  There will be additional increase will be relevant if Kestrel expands their staff to 53 employees.

Mrs. Vargas presented the marketing and enrollment update.  She shared the social media ads; Kestrel's ads reached over 10,000 people with paid impressions around 20,000.  New scholar applications are down slightly year over year.  Currently, Kestrel has 459 scholars enrolled and has other families still in the decision stage.

Mrs. Vargas has many current and upcoming platforms including social medias, flyers to local businesses and preschools, in-person tours, and connecting new families with Class Dojo and with other Kestrel resources.

Mrs. Davis provided an update from the facilities subcommittee.  This committee is going to shift to current facilities and will have an overview next month.

Mr. Price shared the school culture report.  Mrs. Bowie just wrapped up the Read To Achieve camp, and Camp Kestrel has started.  The transportation interest survey has been sent out, and the school will be using We Trams as the transportation provider for the 2023-24 school year.

Mrs. Jackson presented the Executive Director report.  There were no new Epicenter requirements in June 2023, but Kestrel will begin the charter renewal process in August of 2023.  Kestrel's charter is up for renewal in August 2025, and it is a two-year process per NCGS 115C-218.6(b).

Mrs. Jackson shared the monthly budget report for June 2023, which was the closing of the fiscal year.  Kestrel Heights ended the fiscal year with a surplus of $248,470.93.   The school has 113.57 days of cash on hand, which meets our requirement for the bond covenant of at least 45 days cash on hand, and the debt service coverage ratio of 1.17, which also meets our bond covenant of above 1.05.

Mrs. Gordon provided an overview of the operations report.  HVAC installation has started, and Duke Energy has been contacted and an application has been completed for a rebate.  The monument sign will be fixed soon, and the mini-bus repairs have been completed.  Emerge Consulting Group is gearing up for a recabling project.  e-Rate dollars will be used to cover the costs. 

Mrs. Gordon presented the National School Lunch program request for proposal.  Kestrel had one vendor, "Be Sweet and Savory," to apply for the program and complete the requirements for NSL program.  Meals would be catered at the rate of $2.15 for each breakfast and $4.35 for each lunch.  

Mr. Powe presented on behalf of the academic subcommittee.  Seven organizations will be providing content for the Camp Kestrel, and the goal is to build a long-term partnership with these community organizations.

Mrs. Davis presented on behalf of the governance committee.  The Governance Committee is seeking prospective Board members for Kestrel Heights Board.  There is also an opportunity to be part of the ribbon-cutting ceremony planning.  

Mrs. Davis noted that the Board needs to nominate Executive Committee team members:

President - Adrienne Davis

Vice President - Brandon Paris, Derek Powe

Treasurer - Serja Goram

Secretary - Stephanie McGarrah

Mrs. McGarrah reported that the Board discussed construction and personnel recommendations.