Mr. Martin welcomed new Trustees Katie Breault and Ryan Higgins. They will abstain from voting until their trusteeship has been officially approved by DESE. 

There was no privilege of the floor.

Mr. Romer presented his Executive Director Board update including the following highlights:

• Recent school events.
• Enrollment open house - 200 applicants.
• Teaching and learning team equity audit.
• MCPSA advocacy week.
• Federal policy updates.

Both student representatives Saanvi and Ishika Kumar commented on the success of the high school social event and the debate team representing FRCS at the regional debate event in March.

Mr. Romer reported that he had contacted the union on proposed changes to the schedule and they are onboard with proposed changes to the calendar.

He then reviewed the FY26 calendar. Due to late timing in the season when families have already made vacation plans, etc., he proposed to keep the schedule as it is for this year with orientation the week before Labor Day, Kindergarten starting the following day and the rest of the school the day after on Wednesday.

Changes will be proposed for FY2027.

Mr. Romer reviewed his chart providing proposed multiple scenarios of all grade level enrollments over the next five years with the goal to project an enrollment number that ensures a stable staffing level.  Discussion ensued on the various scenarios for tuition reimbursement from the state.

The Finance Committee had approved the pre-enrollment number to be submitted to DESE and he asked for the Board's approval. 

Mr. Romer reported that he and Ms. Berkowitz have been reviewing FRCS policies approved by the Board to ensure that they are clearly communicated and referenced, are up-to-date and in alignment with current best practices and legal requirements. Ms. Berkowitz reviewed her spreadsheet of all policies which she has begun to edit and suggested that a template issued by the Charter Association be used in customizing all FRCS policies. These polices will all be centralized.

Mr. Romer added that the policies are designed to be at a high-level followed by detailed procedures and guidelines on how polices are to be implemented. The HR director is currently reviewing student and employee handbooks for conflicts and inconsistencies.

Mr. Martin reviewed the chart of committees and current membership. The following votes were taken:

Incorporate Appeals Committee into Governance Committee.

Appoint Chairs and Vice Chairs.

Discussion on membership will continue at the next meeting.

In Ms. Foley's absence, Mr. Romer suggested that the Academic Excellence Committee take the matter of assessment review to committee for in-depth study and report back to the Board.

Finance and Facilities

Overall Net Operating Income trending lower than budget due to offset based on salary adjustments. Next meeting of the FinCom is March 7.

DEI

Efforts underway to bring in new members to support administration and school. Concerns on federal policy with regard to immigration enforcement being addressed.

Mr. Romer noted that, since Taunton’s enrollment has been increasing over the past four to five years to be one of the top five sending districts, leadership has explored whether it makes sense to formally make the town part of its sending districts. Up to this time Taunton’s increasing enrollment has been possible because of the way the lottery works and the relative availability of spaces in different grades for the initial enrollment of a student and the guarantee of enrollment for siblings.

While FRCS now offers a fee-based regional transportation to a large majority of families, as a larger district it could take part of the state reimbursable transportation program. This program mandates transportation to all families. Taunton is geographically the farthest away, and while offering a protection to Taunton families, it would set a higher bar overall for the district to meet.

Following discussion with the Finance Committee, it was agreed not to add Taunton as a formal district. The decision does not impact Taunton's ability to enroll students.

No updates.

Mr. Martin reported that an offsite strategic retreat of the Board will be scheduled in May. External facilitators will be interviewed. Suggestions were made for a) a weekday half-day morning retreat as well as a mid-day-evening retreat with dinner; and b) possible off-campus retreat at Wheaten College. 

Ms. Berkowitz will send out a doodle poll for available dates.

She will also put together a suggested table of contents for a Board binder to distribute to members for the purpose of onboarding the two new members with copies to existing members, as well as a “welcome” FRCS logo gift.

Mr. Martin reminded the new Trustees to attend DESE's open meeting law training. All board members need to attend conflict of interest training on March 9th.

Heidi Berkowitz has created an onboarding binder with key FRCS and Charter's information for new members, as well as current board members.

No executive session.