City on a Hill Charter Public School
Minutes
February 2025 Academic Excellence Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Monday February 10, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Location
This meeting took place remotely pursuant to a supplemental budget bill which, among other things, extends the temporary provisions pertaining to the Open Meeting Law to March 31, 2025 signed into law by Governor Healey on March 29, 2023. The meeting was held via Zoom at https://cityonahill-org.zoom.us/j/86514691965.
Committee Members Present
Alekz Hirschmann (remote), Danielle Canty (remote)
Committee Members Absent
Edelyn Contreras
Guests Present
Laura Edouard (remote), Nikia Davis (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
Alekz Hirschmann made a motion to Call the meeting to order.
Danielle Canty seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Danielle Canty |
Aye
|
| Alekz Hirschmann |
Aye
|
| Edelyn Contreras |
Absent
|
Alekz Hirschmann called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of City on a Hill Charter Public School to order on Monday Feb 10, 2025 at 5:03 PM.
C.
Approve December 2024 Meeting Minutes
Alekz Hirschmann made a motion to approve the minutes from December 2024 Academic Excellence Committee Meeting on 12-09-24.
Danielle Canty seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Danielle Canty |
Aye
|
| Edelyn Contreras |
Absent
|
| Alekz Hirschmann |
Aye
|
II. General Academic Updates
A.
SY2024-25 Q2 Academic Results
III. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
Alekz Hirschmann made a motion to Adjourn the meeting.
Danielle Canty seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Edelyn Contreras |
Absent
|
| Alekz Hirschmann |
Aye
|
| Danielle Canty |
Aye
|
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 4:43 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Alekz Hirschmann
Documents used during the meeting
- CoaH Academic Data 2024-2025 (2).pdf
Alekz Hirschmann, Committee Chair, directed the Committee’s attention to Laura Edouard, Chief Academic Officer. Edouard then presented a thorough analysis of the data, trends, and comparisons for Quarter Two. She noted that, since the close of Quarter Two in January, City on a Hill (CoaH) has appointed a new interim principal, and the spring dual enrollment program has begun. Additionally, Edouard reported that, of the senior class, 23 out of 38 students have submitted applications to one or more colleges, and 12 students have been accepted into four-year institutions so far.
Edouard highlighted a positive trend, observing a 10% or greater increase in passing rates in Math, English, U.S. History, and Chemistry compared to the previous year’s Quarter Two. However, she pointed out that a select group of courses still have passing rates below 50%, with Spanish proving to be the most challenging subject for students. Looking ahead, Edouard outlined the next steps, including discontinuing MCAS retakes, as they are no longer a state requirement, and restructuring Spanish classes to provide better support for students.
Hirschmann inquired about the current state of attendance. Edouard acknowledged that attendance continues to be a challenge, as many students have been out sick with the flu, often missing nearly a week of school at a time. Despite this, Edouard expressed optimism for improved attendance in the upcoming quarters, with the goal of finishing the year strong.
Edouard then opened the floor for questions, the Committee had none.