T. DeLoach highlighted a few items in the dashboard, including teacher retention which is trending slightly lower this fall compared to last year. Leaders are keeping a close eye on this point and do not see any concerning trends.

Suspension data is tracking really positively so far this school year, thanks to the hard work of our Culture Team for finding ways to keep scholars in school and in class.

T. DeLoach presented the report as written by acting executive director A. Teevens. 

J. Korn asked whether the Joint Committee on Education hearing was held yet. B. Kurie shared that it was held with a great turnout, and that we will share more details and the next call to action later during this meeting.

J. Korn pointed out the improvement for specific groups and grades.

D. Prentiss asked what is believed to be working to improve outcomes for scholars over the past year. T. DeLoach discussed the encouraging trends in educational performance, attributing progress to a strong curriculum and high teacher retention rates. The curriculum team's efforts in coaching teachers and providing quality instruction were noted as essential for continued improvement. J. Korn added that addressing school-to-school differences is crucial for overall performance enhancement.

J. Korn presented the draft agreement and policies related to Alma's Teacher Scholarship Program. B. Kurie shared that three teachers have applied for the Duet program in recent weeks, which has allowed us to better understand the enrollment process as well as how it will work for Alma's Foundation to pay tuition for these participants. 

The project is on track to launch early this winter, with teachers being able to enroll and begin the program in January 2026.

B. Kurie thanked J. Korn, S. Furtado, G. Fortes, D. Prentiss, D. Mello and J. Fox for handing in their personalized notes to be included in the appeal mailing! There is still time to drop off your notes!

C. Holley presented a proposal from Mike Onorato at CIBC (Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce USA Private Wealth) to serve as a financial advisor to the Alma del Mar Foundation and Board. 

D. Prentiss highlighted that CIBC was selected based on their reasonable rates and nonprofit expertise, although concerns were raised by S. Furtado regarding their customer service and the overall cost of $26,250 annually. J. Fox and D. Melo also contributed to the discussion, questioning the thoroughness of the selection process and the need for more transparency regarding other firms that were considered.

The discussion centered on a one-year financial advisory contract, with C. Holley indicating that there would be quarterly reviews. S. Furtado and J. Korn expressed concerns about performance expectations and the need for a termination clause in the contract. Dave Prentiss proposed delaying the motion to allow for additional information to be collected, emphasizing the importance of addressing the concerns raised.

C. Holley reported that the financial status is stable through Q1, with adjustments to salaries expected in Q2.

This report will be given at the next board meeting due to C. Wood's absence.

Dear Alma Trustees,

We need your help today! We must tell elected officials not to hurt charter public schools like ours. 

Elected officials have filed bills that, if adopted, would dramatically reduce funding for charter public schools, like ours. These bills would mean fewer kids could attend charter public schools in Massachusetts. Funding would be cut so much that some schools could even be forced to close.

The good news is, if we all speak up, we can stop these bills! Elected officials will be taking important votes on these bills soon, so we need your help writing to elected officials and calling their offices to let them know that our school, and all charter public schools, offer important and valuable options for families that should not be cut.

To help protect our school, visit ma4charters.org/Fall25Action today. 

Follow the instructions provided to email and call your state representative and state senator. Ask them to help stop these bills. It’s quick, easy, and will make a real difference.  

Please make your voice heard now. Stand up and speak out for our school today! 

Thank you!

P.S. Share this with friends and family! Every email and phone call counts.