City on a Hill Charter Public School

Minutes

April 2025 Governance Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday April 15, 2025 at 4:00 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/87237510633.

Committee Members Present

Brooke Fincke (remote), Melisa Lemire (remote)

Committee Members Absent

Ted Gildea

Guests Present

Jordan Lopez (remote), Nikia Davis, Sonya Pratt (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

Melisa Lemire called a meeting of the Governance Committee of City on a Hill Charter Public School to order on Tuesday Apr 15, 2025 at 4:16 PM.
Melisa Lemire made a motion to Call meeting to order.
Brooke Fincke seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Ted Gildea
Absent
Melisa Lemire
Aye
Brooke Fincke
Aye

C.

Approve February 2025 Meeting Minutes

Brooke Fincke made a motion to Approve February 2025 Meeting Minutes.
Melisa Lemire seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.

II. General School and Compliance Updates

A.

General School and Compliance Updates

Sonya Pratt, Executive Director, provided an overview of key school updates and shared that the school continues to perform well. She reported that enrollment remains high and that the school has not experienced any staff turnover this year. This level of consistency, she emphasized, has been instrumental in fostering a positive and stable school environment.

 

Pratt highlighted a successful 11th grade trip to Washington, D.C., which she attended alongside several teachers and the school principal. She commended the students for their engagement throughout the experience and described the trip as a meaningful and memorable opportunity for the 11th grade class. She also previewed several upcoming end-of-year events, including prom, service day, graduation, and the 30 for 30 celebration. Pratt extended invitations to the committee to attend graduation and the 30 for 30 celebration. 

 

Pratt expressed enthusiasm about the developing partnership with Roxbury Prep Charter School. She mentioned that offering a senior option in a charter school can be challenging, so she was pleased to establish a cohort option for our junior students. While the collaboration is progressing positively, she noted that final logistical details regarding student placement are still being finalized.

 

Pratt provided an update on the recent school hiring fair, which featured participation from approximately ten charter schools engaging with current staff about potential roles for the upcoming school year. She highlighted the extensive one-on-one support offered by the Human Resources Director to teachers as they prepare for their job searches. Additionally, she noted that Teacher Appreciation Week is approaching, and a variety of events have been planned to celebrate and recognize the staff’s hard work and dedication.

 

Pratt concluded her update by sharing her excitement for participating in the traditional CoaH end-of-year events and emphasized her intention to close the school year on a positive and celebratory note.

III. Closing Procedures Update

A.

Closing Updates

Jordan Lopez, Chief Operating Officer, provided final updates concerning the audit process, the transfer of student records, and the termination of existing contracts. She indicated that preparations for the closure on June 30th are progressing well and noted that the district team is currently working to determine which records must be retained in accordance with DESE requirements.

 

Melisa Lemire, Board Chair, expressed her appreciation to Pratt and Lopez for their dedicated efforts

IV. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 4:47 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Melisa Lemire
Brooke Fincke made a motion to Adjourn meeting.
Melisa Lemire seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
Melisa Lemire
Aye
Brooke Fincke
Aye
Ted Gildea
Absent
Documents used during the meeting
None