As the meeting was coming to order, some participants reached out by email that they could not sign in with the provided Zoom link. Another Zoom session was opened quickly. Trustees and school personnel were able to sign in, using the alternate Zoom session. However, it is possible that members of the public may have missed the meeting since the original link did not work.

Executive Director, Luis Soria, responded to the warm welcome he felt from the FRCS community even before his official start date, July 1st. He publicly thanked Annie Azarloza and Heidi Berkowitz for so effectively leading the school through the transition of the 2020- 21 school year.

The board Packet included an end-of-year recap of academic highlights and other news. First and foremost was a recap of FRCS' 19th annual Commencement ceremony, which highlighted resilience amid the challenging senior year. The notes include excerpts from speeches by Ms. Azarloza, Katerina Souza, 2021 FRCS Valedictorian, Daniel Currier, 2021 FRCS Salutatorian, and the Class of 2021's chosen commencement speaker, Ms. Brittany Engle, High School English, who talked about what she learned from her students and encouraged them to continue to grow. Other topics in the packet: a FRCS 2020 Class dedication ceremony of memorial bench to a beloved classmate who passed away, completion of new stained-glass windows in the Porthole Window Project, and coverage of the 8th Grade Graduation celebration, with speeches by teachers and students, noting this class's perseverance through a challenging and unusual school year.

The board packet included notes of congratulations to current staff, welcoming notes to Dr. Luis Soria and new MS Principal Alisa Diakite, and a farewell to Mrs. Keonna Geer, who moved out of state. Matt Yezukevich inquired whether Ms. Geer shared any feedback on the school DEI efforts in the time before her move. Dr. Soria said Ms. Geer highlighted progress so far and gave great advice on how to shape questions in the search process. The intent is that FRCS continue to strengthen its DEI focus going forward

See above

The board welcomed Kim Jennings from YMCA to talk about the before- and after-school programming the Y will supply, beginning in the fall. Ms. Jennings explained how the Y is licensed and subject to oversight by the MA Department of Early Education. Their staff to child ratio is 1:10 (different than the school's, which is 1:13). Ms. Jennings emphasized that she and her team are "listening carefully" to teachers, staff and parents (in particular!) to learn how the Y can support kids and families and complement the school day. Dr. Soria commented that he has found Ms. Jennings and her team to be very responsive to families and the school. Sergio Martin asked Ms. Jennings questions about cost of the Y's offerings, as compared to how much families paid FRCS in the past. Ms. Jennings reiterated that YMCA offers discount vouchers and scholarships. They are willing to work with families if cost is a barrier. She even gave an example of how some of the older students can take part as volunteer counselors-in-training. The Y held a virtual meet-and-greet. More than 100 FRCS families attended. To date 40 kids are registered for the fall. FRCS' liaison with the Y will be Josette Perkins, who is well acquainted with the families who used FRCS before and after school programming in the past. Additionally, if more support or specific problem-solving is needed, Annie Azarloza will be that point of contact. When the school year begins, FRCS teachers and staff will focus on academics and the YMCA will focus on a safe and fun after-school program for families that want it, supported by Josette, and (when needed) Annie and Matt Harrington

FY22 Tracking and Projections were reported as of June 30, 2021. School-wide, there were 54 withdrawals as of that date. The retention goal for 9th grade is 125 students. Currently, there are 132 prospective 9th graders enrolled.

Matt Harrington included a report in the board packet. He recapped the expected summertime progress on the listed projects and COVID grant money was being used. Of keen interest are some renovations of the 8th and 5th grade walls and floors

Matt Yezukevich reminded trustees that the business office is preparing for annual audit. Karen Calvert and team are hard at work getting things ready. The board will not see financial data for a couple of meetings

Nothing to report at this time.

Nothing to report at this time.

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Nothing to report at this time.

Nothing to report at this time.

Nothing to report at this time.

Nothing to report at this time.

Nothing to report at this time.

Nothing at this time.

Tabled