Ms. McGarrah noted that people can make comments in the chat.

There was a comment in the chat regarding an update on the hiring of the Math 1 teacher.  Ms. Davis noted that all updates on personnel occurs after closed session.

Ms. Vargas noted that we are at 425 enrolled scholars, 74% of which are returning students and 26% of which are new students at Kestrel.  Kestrel's average daily membership was 415 students. There were two withdrawals and two additional students.  Ms. Vargas also shared the Bloomwell marketing outreach report. 

Mr. Thompson provided the facilities report update.  There was an HVAC vendor that conducted an assessment in the spring and all updates have been completed.  The heating system has also been assessed, and the estimate for repairs has been submitted for consideration.  The Kestrel light study passed on the third try, which was necessary for the building certificate of occupancy, after addressing multiple issues.  There was a power surge in September, and that situation has created problems for the elevator, fire alarm and rooftop HVAC in the elementary building. The school had to bring in a certified Trade technician to bring the unit back online manually.

Mrs. McGarrah provided an update on the Gaga pit.  There is a boy scout who is constructing the Gaga pit.  Mrs. Jackson provided an update on the playground; it has been ordered, and we do not have an arrival date yet.  Ms. Davis is working on an application for a Durham County playground grant match.  The Board had some discussion about what questions we should ask of the county prior to the grant.

Ms. Villegas and Mr. McFadden provided an update on Parent and Family Engagement. The first is a Show What You Know Scholar Showcase for families on November 14, which aligns with a Title 1 requirement.  This showcase will include providing student data for parents.  Mr. McFadden shared that Spirit Week and the Book Fair will take place in October. 

Mrs. Jackson shared the Executive Director's report, including the Epicenter report and the analysis.  Kestrel will have our charter review meeting in November.  Mrs. Jackson also shared the Office of Federal Programs update, including the requirements for the English Language Learners, Exceptional Children and School Nutrition programs.  Kestrel had our School Nutrition visit, and while there were no findings, there were some suggestions for improvements that need to be made.  The NC Charter School Review Board is requesting that the board members and the school administration attend the meeting on November 12, 2024.

Mrs. Jackson shared the monthly budget report for August. Kestrel has spent more money than we have received because we have not yet received some of the local funds.  There are three categories - books, supplies and insurance - where we are over-budget, but all of these are front-loaded expenses for the school year.  Mrs. Jackson answered questions from board members. 

Ms. Davis shared the new committee structure, and she asked committees to start meeting.

Ms. Wimberly is the board member assigned to this committee.

Ms. Davis and Mr. Patterson are the board members assigned to this committee.  The committee is considering a small business event to get Kestrel-affiliated small businesses and the community on campus.

Mrs. McGarrah is the board member for this committee.

The finance committee meets prior to the Board meeting each month and includes board officers.

Mrs. McGarrah reported that the board discussed a personnel recommendation, a tax issue, a finance issue and a personnel matter in closed session.