Ms. Davis noted that anyone with public comment could use the meeting chat.

There was no public comment.

Ms. Vargas shared the marketing and enrollment report.  There were 315 returning and 88 new scholars for a total of 423 scholars.  The 2025-26 enrollment push begins as the application for next year begins on Friday.  Bloomwell Group has already developed the plan for marketing Kestrel.  This plan includes a "show what you know" showcase that will take place this week.

Mrs. Jackson shared the facilities report on behalf of Mr. Thompson.  The parts for the heat exchangers have been purchased with a prioritized list of repairs.  The school received a donation of 6 picnic tables from Lowe's Home Improvement.  There was also a donation of a conference table from a local law firm and chairs from Burt's Bees. Burt's Bees has also donated some low voltage displays for our art department.

Mr. Touchette provided a report on Parent and Family Engagement as it relates to the School Improvement Plan.  Parents and families have provided input into the plan and have participated in the process.

Mr. Touchette shared Kestrel's School Improvement Plan that has been developed over several years.  The plan is managed in the IndiStar/NC Star portal in the state.  There are 12 key indicators.  The School Improvement Team manages the plan and includes staff and parents.  

Ms. Villegas shared an update on NC Check-Ins.  NC Check-Ins are assessments designed to assess the students's performance. There is significant growth in language across several grades.  The reading scores also showed improvement across information and literature.  Math scores also showed improvement.  Intervention work continues.

Mrs. Jackson shared her Executive Director's report.  All of the EpiCenter reporting requirements have been completed.  The ELL, Exceptional Children, and Federal Reporting requirements have all been met.  There is an upcoming site visit for school nutrition.  There are two openings at Kestrel, but there are no hiring recommendations at this time.  Kestrel presented before the NC Charter Review Board, and Mrs. Jackson shared her gratitude for everyone who contributed.

Mrs. Jackson shared the September budget report. There is a deficit for the month for $273k because there has been a delay in receiving federal dollars.  There are a few areas trending high for the year - books & supplies, insurance, technology and facilities - but many of these categories tend to have front-loaded expenses.  For the bond requirements, Kestrel is exceeding the requirements for days cash on hand and debt service coverage ratio.

Mrs. Jackson shared the highlights of the annual audit report, which was sent to board members prior to the meeting.  The school has exceeded requirements, and there has been a decrease of around $500k in the school's financial position mostly because of the expiration of federal COVID funds.  There were no findings or corrective actions.  

This meeting includes the new committee structure.

Ms. Wimberly met with Mr. Love, and he has already put together a plan for AIG.  The advisory committee will review one component of the plan each month. 

Ms. Davis shared that the recreational space grant is nearly completed to go to Durham County.  Mr. Patterson and Ms. Davis had a great meeting with Durham County.

Ms. McGarrah shared that the facilities committee will keep working on playground, including announcement of date and signage, and gaga pit.

No report.

Mr. Powe shared that they worked on how policies will be reviewed.

Mrs. McGarrah reported that the Board discussed a personnel issue during the closed session.