W. Gardner presented the Q3 academic achievement report. Alma is preparing to have scholars in grades 3-6 take the PARCC test for the second time in May. The test will be taken on computers and is broken into two segments: ELA and Math. Two tech tests have already been ran to ensure the tests run smoothly. W. Garner said the team hopes to receive results from the test sooner than last time, when results weren't released until November of the following school year. 

What Is Going Well:
 
?     Significant improvement in performance (as measured by % passing) on 3rd Math Interim Exams overall, especially in grades 2,3 and 5.
 
?     Productive and successful annual staff retreat laid out two priorities for the next school year:
o     Adult Culture
o     Content-Focused Literacy Curriculum
 
?     % of returning staff for next school year on track to be highest to date
 
?     Our new building construction continues to be on track
 
Challenges:
 
?     Reduced tuition amounts for next year means an additional $65K cut to our annual budget.
 
?     We are continuing to work through the long term challenge of aligning our projections beyond 3 years with an enrollment capped at 360 scholars.
 
?     Larger political landscape: this coming year is going to bring heightened statewide political noise about charters which may directly or indirectly affect Alma.

Following the unanimous decision to nominate Gail Fortes to the Board of Trustees, it was determined that J. Baptist would inform Gail Fortes of the decision and the New Trustee orientation will be scheduled soon. A New Trustee packet will be sent out. 

C. Hicks suggested that a second appeal be sent out later this spring in time for the end of the fiscal year fundraising push to help close the fundraising gap. J. Eagle and B. Kurie will meet next week to draft a development calendar (including special events and annual appeal process) and also discuss other fundraising efforts for this FY. 

We are still looking for 100% giving in both the annual and capital funds. Several foundations ask for percentage of board giving during the grant application process. 

Let's get Will busy this spring! We are looking for trustees to bring friends, neighbors, colleagues in to meet Will, visit classrooms, and also see the new building. Let B. Kurie know if you have someone in mind. 

During the month of May: Encourage your friends and family to dine in or order from Not Your Average Joe's in Dartmouth on Mondays in May. When guests mention Alma del Mar, 15% of that order will be donated back to Alma!

B. Cunningham presented the proposed budget with the latest cuts made in response to a decrease in per pupil funding. This decrease was seen across the state. 

B. Cunningham also presented information on the number of FTE's at comparable schools (fully grown out K-8 schools). The information showed that Alma has lower FTE levels than the comparable schools, based on our staffing projections for when we serve K-8. 

Meeting was at end of time, board asked to table this item for next meeting.