Ms. Davis invited the public to enter in any comments into the chat.

There was no public comment.

Mr. Lyman Millard from the Bloomwell Group presented on the work they are doing on enrollment.  First, he shared the growth in NC, but the decline in the school age group in Durham. Others are confronting the same demographic shifts, and the Bloomwell Group and Mr. Millard have worked with charter schools over the past 14 years to help develop strategies to address this climate.  Bloomwell uses an outside-in model of recruitment, starting with our school's families and equipping them with the tools to help with referrals.  They also use the community, and Mr. Millard talked about the importance of kindergarten as a positive experience that leads to a 9-year commitment.  Lastly, Mr. Millard shared their marketing approach using data and events along with a schedule for next month. 

Ms. Vargas presented on enrollment data.  We had three withdrawals for the current school year (one moved across the country, one is homeschooling and one did not respond), but there were no new students enrolling.  380 students have enrolled for next year with 66 new students that have confirmed.  We have an additional 91 students invited with 21 on the waiting list for grades 3-6. 

Ms. McGarrah and Ms. Davis presented on the facilities and develop subcommittees.  The plan is to ask families for help with landscape plan development and drainage work at the school.  The goal would be to host a beautification day on April 27 with community partners, including Aspida.  Board members are invited to pitch in and help identify partners who can donate.

Work continues on the US DOE grant work around energy efficiency.

Ms. Villegas presented the NC Check-in data from the State of NC, which mirror the End of Grade testing. The school has improved between check-in 1 and check-in 2 across several grades in both math and language.  Ms. Villegas shared the next steps, including the staff meeting to do a deep dive into the data to regroup for intervention.  There is also going to be a new Student Success Elective for 7th and 8th graders.

Mr. Touchette presented the School Culture Report, which included a discussion with faculty to set goals and use the data.  There were several events, including the 100th day of school, the school store (run by the PTA), advisory lessons on demonstrating kindness, the golden clock award, a spelling bee, a celebration of Black History Month, and big wins in athletics (boys and girls basketball and ultimate frisbee).  Mr. Touchette shared some examples of the work completed by students, including writing and performance.

Ms. Jackson presented the Executive Director's report.  All of the Epicenter reports to DPI have been submitted online.  The team is working on federal data requirements.  

Ms. Jackson presented on the federal ESSER and GEER funds monitoring. Kestrel is in full compliance with ESSER and GEER requirements and received a closing letter from the State of NC on the program.

Ms. Jackson shared the monthly budget report.  All of the statements are reconciled.  There were several areas of the budget where we are still trending higher than expected, including facilities, nutrition and food, utilities and transportation.  Other areas, including books and technology, are typically front-loaded expenses for the school year.  

Ms. Jackson reported that we are in compliance with cash on hand and debt service coverage ratios according to our bond covenants. Next steps include assessing the full use of ESSER federal funds by the September 30, 2024 deadline, present an amendment of the FY 2023-24 budget, and begin developing the FY 2024-25 budget by seeking stakeholder input.

Ms. Gordon presented the operations report for February.  The security and surveillance system installation is underway, and the staff will be trained soon.  There are some light poles that need to be repaired.  Mr. KT made multiple repairs to the building, and preventative maintenance has been conducted.

An RFP for the catering/school lunch vendor will go out next month.

Ms. Jackson submitted for our review and approval to continue with Rebekah Barr and Associates as our auditor.

No report at this time.

Ms. Davis presented that we will have additional policies to review, including Title 1.  The Board needs to review the employee policy. 

Ms. McGarrah reported that the Board discussed a contracting issue and a legal issue.