All speakers spoke on item VII:

Kathleen Wheeler shared her concerns with cuts in support staff, especially due to the number of teachers still in programs to become teachers.

Norman Bijou shared his concerns with covering cleaning needs for 81,000 sq feet with less than the current 9 staff. He feels keeping a few extra staff is necessary to keep up with the needs.  He currently has 5 full time and 4 part time staff.

Faith Wilson asked how the cuts would support the goals and vision of the school.  She wondered how we keep up with the academic and safety needs without the current staff numbers.  Thinking about parent concerns with safety if we cut support staff.  She's concerned about teacher supports and how to fill the frequent vacancies.

Ckaris Dillon mentioned that the chart that Dr. Holmes shared of the admin staff at other schools was a comparison to schools that have selective enrollment.  Since we take every student, we have more challenges than those on the comparison chart.  If the teachers are worried about classroom discipline and not getting help with curriculum, they will suffer.

Dr. Bressler shared updated on BESE compliance items.

Ms. Murray shared updates on schedule creation for next year and each component.

Ms. Murray additionally shared a meeting matrix of regular meetings between the central office and school staff.

Ms. Martin shared current business bests including:

• Kindergarten Roundup
• 7th & 8th grade project-based learning day
• LEAP/Autism Awareness Spirit Week
• New Enrollees School Tours
• Ms. Paz's Kindergarten Class published a book
• Autism Awareness Walk

Ms. Martin additionally shared progress on our strategic plan goals for the year.  She also shared updates on DIBLES testing and the effect on 3rd grade retention.

Mr. McCoy shared that due to timing just before testing, there was not a lot of new data to review.  The committee spent most of the time discussion preparations for LEAP testing and the summer PD for improvement planning.

Ms. Anthony shared that they have held 2 committee meetings this month primarily to review the draft 24-25 budget.  

The committee also discussed a few major buckets from financial reporting such as transportation.

Additionally, the committee is exploring options for additional grants and investment options.

Mr. McCoy shared that the committee reviewed staff certification status and the number of staff in programs currently.

The committee also discussed the new onboarding plan for 24-25 to increase staff retention with multiple touch points from the time of hire.

Dr. Holmes shared the original intention for the creation of the Task Forces.  

Ms. Wright shared that the goal of the task force was to review and respond to the stakeholder surveys from the year.  Through this, the committee identified 3 policies that need review or updating.  These policy needs will pass to the new Governance Committee to take on as action steps.  The discipline policy will be one of the first priorities.

Ms. Washington shared that the first committee meeting will be on May 8th.  They will discuss the merger with the task force and create priorities.

Leaning towards a retreat date of June 22nd.  Time options of 8-12, 9-1 or 10-2.

The board is fine with combining the June board meeting with the retreat.

Agenda additions:

By-laws review, board self-evaluation, potential BESE changes, LAPCS new policies to be aware of.  

Dr. Holmes shared a preference to have one board member at each school event.  When present, it is asked that the board member introduce themselves and share the board support.

Ms. Tate will send out some talking points.

Ms. Tate shared the difference between the immediate positions for approval and those still pending.

Mr. Brooks shared the reason for the budget shortage this year due to two primary reasons of:  1-100 less students, 2-loss of ESSER dollars.

Dr. Holmes shared the process the board has gone through to date to review the budget.