Melisa Lemire, Board Chair, directed the attention of the Committee to the Executive Director General Updates. Sonya Pratt, Executive Director, conveyed that her General Updates would be integrated into her discussion of her previously set Goals.
 

Pratt reiterated the four goals set for the School Year 2023-2024:

1. Negotiating a successor agreement with the Boston Teachers Union (BTU), which represents the two bargaining units at City on a Hill.
2. Engaging in professional development programs tailored for Charter School Leaders.
3. Formulating a long-term staffing strategy for administrative roles.
4. Finalizing a financial plan ensuring stability beyond the expiration of Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds, scheduled for the following calendar year.

Starting with the goal related to the successor Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), Pratt confirmed the goal was successfully accomplished. The successor agreement with the Boston Teachers Union (BTU) was signed on May 9th, 2024, and was executed within the allocated budget.

Next, Pratt moved to her second goal relating to professional development. She mentioned her ongoing involvement in leadership groups such as Leaders of Color, Old Sow, and the Boston Charter School Alliance. Pratt plans to engage in additional professional development training out of state over the summer to boost visibility and promote positive public relations. 

She noted she is currently engaged with a new public relations firm to partner with City on a Hill, focusing on sharing positive highlights and improving organizational visibility.

Then, Pratt noted the long-term structure and hiring goals have been finalized and this goal has been met. Pratt announced that all administrative roles have been restructured for the School Year 2025 (SY25) and are currently fully staffed. Additionally, staffing for instructional positions has also been completed, with potential consideration for hiring two additional staff members based on anticipated needs for the upcoming school year.

Finally, Pratt mentioned that goal four has also been accomplished. She highlighted that the School has established a balanced budget for the 2024-2025 period, aimed at sustaining operations until June 2025. Additionally, she indicated that the Finance Committee will review the budget at an upcoming meeting, with the Board scheduled to vote on it in June.

Pratt expressed her gratitude to her team and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) for their support in achieving a successful School Year 2024 (SY24), despite the challenges posed by closures. She emphasized her anticipation of concluding the year positively and invited questions from the Committee. The Committee extended their gratitude to Pratt and did not pose any questions.

Sonya Pratt, the Executive Director, presented that the School implemented  Executive Director Succession Plan. The plan outlines procedures for addressing short-term planned leaves, stating that the Board will appoint an Acting Executive Director based on the School's recommendation. Pratt recommended Jordan Pina, Chief Operating Officer, to serve as Acting Executive Director during her absence, taking into account current priorities and capacities. 

Jordan Pina, Chief Operating Officer, proposed the School's suggestion to designate Asha Ibrahim, Chief of Staff, as a signatory for City on a Hill Charter Public School's financial accounts. Gildea then facilitated a discussion and called for a formal motion on the proposal.