Will Gardner mentioned that there has been some improvement in scholars’ math scores. Our Charter approval will be up for its 5-year renewal on February 12th  and approval of our request for expansion is also awaited.
 

Jan Baptist explained that there is the need to include Will’s goals for the  year and his thoughts  on fulfilling those goals in next year’s evaluation. And we would continue to use the Board on Track evaluation program as well.
 

Bronwen Cunningham reported on the December Financial Report that everything was going along in an opportune manner. We will potentially be getting more funding per scholar. (80K/scholar)  Alice is tightening the lunch program and consequent reimbursement payment needed.

The construction of our new school is progressing slightly ahead of time and is now 20% complete.  Will Gardner and Alice Sheehan asked for a change in the signing of the Capital Project checks in order to make timely payments.  The motion was made and seconded and unanimously VOTED to permit two signatures on Capital Project checks that of Will Garner and Alice Sheehan.  
 

Jeanne Eagle reported that since our last meeting there have been about $45,000 in new individual gifts, making for a total of $47,600 in individual gifts and $131,925 overall in the annual fund.  If you wish to introduce new supporters to the school the time periods of the first two Fridays of each month from 8:30 to 10:30 have been assigned for this activity.  Please let Will Gardner know if you are bringing someone so he can plan.  Jeanne mentioned 3 upcoming events for the school.  1. A party in March at Jeanne’s for special donors ; 2. A party at Cile Hicks’ Nonquitt home in July; and 3.  A celebration of the opening of the new school building  and the celebration of Alma’s 5-year anniversary in the Fall.

Emily Stainer joined us and we divided into three groups to visit classrooms lead by three members of the staff (Alice Sheehan, Brittney Sousa and Liz Leiwant) to see learning in action. It was a very rewarding and fascinating experience to see the impressive work of the teachers and scholars whom we support.