Kevin Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, opened the discussion by sharing an update about virtual learning at City on a Hill. Taylor shared that one challenge that presents itself with new City on a Hill students is lack of familiarity with class structure and City on a Hill culture. Under the leadership of COAH's Director of Climate and Culture, Martin Quirk, deans and teachers have made phone calls weekly to students since the start of the School Year 2020-21.

Sonya Pratt, Chief School Officer, shared that a major focus has been placed on the transition from a physical classroom to a virtual one. In October, the Leadership Team shifted to making calls to connect with COAH students interpersonally to making calls to ensure that students are actively engaging in their classes. Pratt also shared that planning is underway for Quarter 2, and conversations with students, families and staff about increasing the amount of time on learning.

The Board discussed that City on a Hill's Charter peers have teachers instructing remotely, while City on a Hill is requiring teachers to teach from Circuit Street to ensure rigorous on-site professional development and teacher coaching. The discussion concluded by Taylor sharing that COAH continues to monitor rising COVID-19 positivity rates to allow for the safest learning environment for both students and staff at City on a Hill.

Kevin Taylor opened the review of the FY20 Financial Audit by sharing with the Board that the Finance Committee has already reviewed the audit in detail with AAFCPAS at the October 2020 Finance Committee Meeting. Taylor also shared context to new Board members that it is because of the cost cutting initiatives taken by the Board in School Year 2019-20 that City on a Hill has made such financial progress as reflected in the FY20 Audit.

Matt McGinnis, AAFCPAS, overviewed the FY20 Benchmarking Ratios, underscoring that the cost-cutting initiatives taken by City on a Hill in School Year 2019-20 translated to strength moving into FY20 from a financial standpoint. McGinnis also shared that throughout the audit process, AAFCPAS was kept well informed and this is a testament to internal management at City on a Hill.

The review concluded by the Board discussing how the results of the audit impact City on a Hill moving forward.

Kevin Taylor shared that City on a Hill's enrollment currently stands at 299 students. Taylor also shared that this is the first time in six years that City on a Hill has a waiting list, with 39 tenth graders on the current waitlist. The discussion concluded with Taylor sharing that from an enrollment perspective, City on a Hill is on track.

Melisa Lemire, Committee Chair, shared an overview of the October 2020 Governance Committee Meeting. At the meeting, committee members discussed the status of the probationary conditions, including the one relating to MCAS results. Melisa shared that Committee also discussed Board growth and finding candidates before December 31 to fill the Chair and Vice Chair positions on the Board.

Jack Gearan, Committee Chair, shared an overview of the October 2020 Development Committee. At the meeting, committee members discussed the planning of the 2021 City on a Hill Virtual Gala. Gearan shared that the Committee discussed finding a strong keynote speaker and other planning that would make a virtual event successful.

Sarah Griffin, Committee chair, shared an overview of the October 2020 Academic Excellence Committee Meeting. Griffin shared that Laura Eduoard, Principal, joined the meeting to share City on a Hill's Quarter 1 progress report scores. Griffin also shared that Eduoard highlighted that there are several steps in place to increase engagement, such as adding Town Hall back to students’ schedules, moving the end of Quarter 1 back by one week, and extending remote class length.

Cara Stillings-Candal, Committee Chair, gave an overview of the October 2020 CEO Support Committee Meeting. Candal shared that the purpose of the CEO Support Committee is to evaluate the CEO, Kevin Taylor's, performance and support him throughout the year. Candal shared that Taylor’s bonus eligibility is calculated in two ways: progress toward goals (to be paid in June) and academic results (to be paid in December).The Committee discussed what other measures, in the absence of MCAS data be used to consider eligibility for the December 2020 payout. 

Candal concluded by sharing that the Committee will review proposed measures at the December 2020 meeting, and vote to approve to use those measures moving forward.

Andres Tejeda, Committee Chair, gave an overview of the October 2020 Finance Committee Meeting. Tejeda shared that at the meeting, committee members discussed the FY20 Audit overview as AACFA highlighted the audit documents. Tejeda shared that from a financial standpoint, the Finance Committee believes that City on a Hill is in a position of strength. 

Taylor shared the purpose of the CoaH Effect, a snapshot of school data that can be read like a dashboard. It is created to allow for understanding of key measures at the school and steps the organization is taking to move forward towards school year goals.

Taylor walked through COAH Effect dashboard and provided explanation of the progress towards each goal, including additional context for goals that do not have data available at the beginning of the school year, such as college acceptances, and spring student and staff climate survey data.