Mr. Powe asked if there were any public comments that participants add them to the chat.

There were no public comments.

Mrs. Vargas presented the total enrollment data.  As of today, there are 445 scholars enrolled.  To date, Kestrel has had 37 withdrawals and 22 declined seats.  Mrs. Vargas played the ribbon-cutting video for the Board.  Mrs. Vargas also shared the social media and web analytics.  Flyers and referrals along with in-person tours are continuing.

Mrs. McGarrah shared the plan for grounds and building improvements with the Board.  The plan has been shared with the Board via email.  The Board needs to raise a significant amount of funding, and Mrs. Davis noted that she will ask Board members to volunteer for specific areas.

Mr. Price shared the School Culture Report, including the goals discussed for the opening week and other professional topics. He shared the first week of school events, PTA uniform swap and water party, updates on transportation (full with four students on the waiting list), and open houses.  He also shared information on school uniforms, attendance and parent sessions, and community engagement.

Mr. Touchette shared an update on the activities to open the unified campus.  He reported on the activities of the first few weeks, sharing data with teachers, and an overview of at the new building and how it was being used.

Mrs. Villegas shared the Student Performance Analysis from 2022-23, which is a summary of the End of Grade and End of Course tests.  This analysis is tied to Kestrel's first goal in our strategic plan.  The context for this report is that grades 4-8 started school on the middle school campus, and students in grades K-3 moved several times.  There were key staffing changes during the year as staff and students were still recovering from COVID-19. Kestrel experienced a large decline pre and post pandemic, but saw a 4% increase in proficiency overall.  There were strong scores in math and reading in third grade and strong reading scores in seventh grade.  While the State of North Carolina is currently debating changing the school performance grade, Kestrel is at a D letter grade, but has made some improvements this year.  Kestrel has not met all of our long-term goals set by the state.  Kestrel has met the testing participation goals, which is important.  Kestrel is now designated as a low-performing school by the state because of our second year at a score of a D.  While Kestrel is not happy with this designation, the administrative team recognizes that there is more work to do and the team has a plan in place for improving these test scores, making sure there is high-quality instruction, and expanding math and reading intervention.

Mrs. Villegas also reported on Beginning of Grade testing, which sets a benchmark for third grade students on their reading.  There are positive scores for the current third graders with big improvements over the last year's data.

Mrs. Jackson shared the Executive Director report.  She shared an overview of the Year 1 Charter Renewal process, which has heavy involvement with the administration and school.  Board members will need to participate in these processes.  Mrs. Jackson also noted that Year 2 of the Charter Renewal process is mostly work completed by the Office of Charter Schools at the state level.  The Board briefly discussed legislative changes that could modify the process.

Mrs. Jackson shared the Epicenter Analytics; Kestrel is 100% in compliance and is in the process of completing seven reports due by March 2024.  She also shared staffing vacancies; Kestrel is mostly staffed, but is still looking for a 4/5 math teacher.

Mrs. Jackson shared the Monthly Budget Report.  Because of the State of NC not yet passing a budget, Kestrel has not yet received as much funding as typical at this point in the year.  Kestrel is in a good position at this time.  Because we are only in the 13th day of school, Kestrel is still waiting to find out the 20th day Average Daily Membership, which will determine the amount of funding received for the school year.  Kestrel has enough days cash on hand to meet our bond covenants.

Mrs. Gordon shared the Operations Report.  Emerge is working with the recabling vendor to schedule recabling during Fall Break.  Toilets and ceiling leaks have been repaired.  The monument sign has some internal repairs needed.

Mr. Powe kept up contacts with organizations that provided services during Camp Kestrel. He will reach out to them as additional opportunities are needed.

Mrs. Davis noted that there are two potential Board members who may join Kestrel's board.  

Mrs. Davis also shared that the Development subcommittee update.  Board members are going to take on individual assignments.

Mrs. McGarrah shared that the Board discussed a personnel recommendation and school construction.