The Board approved these minutes. We then realized these minutes had already been approved.

The Board viewed a video showing scholars saying what they are excited for in the new remote school year. 
W. Gardner shared school reopening updates.
W. Gardner reviewed the timeline of training for all staff. 
W Gardner explained to the Board which scholars qualify to return to school in person as a part of "Group A".
W. Gardner described the school's approach to allowing teachers to teacher remotely from their homes instead of from classrooms.
C. Arnold asked about the updated ventilation system in the Ottiwell building. 
W. Gardner reported that all students in Massachusetts are required to receive a flu shot by December 31.The school is looking to schedule flu shot clinics for staff and scholars.
W. Gardner reviewed the statewide metrics for determining opening model based on the presence of COVID-19 in the New Bedford community. 
W. Gardner reviewed Alma's current enrollment.

W. Gardner shared Alma's priorities for Reopening with the Board. 
B. Cunningham stated that the Board needs to have access to this document.
E. Darrow will share the priorities with the Board.
Related to our priority of promoting equity, C. Arnold asked about how the school is currently doing in terms of promoting equity.
W. Gardner responded that Alma is naming this more explicitly as a priority.
C. Arnold asked about instructional walks. W. Gardner explained how these would be used to monitor the remote learning program.
M. Kay discussed the challenge that teachers are working through in order to teach remotely this year. The Board discussed finding a way for the Board to view remote classes to gain an understanding of the scholar and teacher experience. 

The Douglass building construction is on track for completion during the 2021-2022 school year.
A key item is the delivery of the pre-fabricated building structure. 

C. Arnold reports that we have welcomed Becca Kurie back
The Board is planning a groundbreaking event for September for the new building.
The Board discussed a fundraising dashboard.
B. Kurie stated that she will meet with our Director of Finance to confirm fundraising and then will share the info out with the Board.
J. Baptist asked about the vision and agenda for the groundbreaking ceremony. 
B. Kurie stated that she is working on that now and will share more information with the Board soon. 
B. Kurie described COVID-19 precautions that will be taken at the event. 
The Board discussed ways to honor Mr. Haddad who has worked so hard on the planning for the new building.

B. Cunningham asked who would be invited to the groundbreaking event. W. Gardner will connect B. Cunningham with B. Kurie to discuss and to ensure that the invite list is inclusive of all relevant stakeholders. 

B. Cunningham reports that we have a new addition to the Finance Committee. 
B. Cunningham described the budget surplus from last year.
C. Arnold asked how we have managed budget surpluses in the past. 

L. Hicks departed the meeting.

G. Fortes discussed the goal setting process for all committees. 
G. Fortes discussed ongoing Anti-Bias and Anti-Racist trainings for the Board of Trustees. 
Each committee has been asked to set goals that reference and include Alma's dedication to becoming an anti-racist organization. 
G. Fortes reports that the Governance Committee is focused on planning for the Annual Meeting and Board Retreat. 
M. Rosario asked for more information about the staff training and board training to promote equity. 
G. Fortes stated that the Governance Committee is reviewing the slate and also is considering new trustees and reviewing the bylaws.