The committee discussed various topics related to the launch of the school year.

- A. Teevens reported that by many measures (staff turnover, discipline data, Classroom Walkthrough data), this school year is off to a stronger start than AY21-22. In places where staff have already departed, a deep bench of Associate teachers has made it possible for there to be a quick and smooth transition with minimal disruption to scholars. School leadership teams are also more aggressively identifying and supporting teachers of classrooms that are not yet stable so that any chronic issues can be addressed more swiftly than last year. 

- We begin Q1 academic testing the first week of October and will be prepared with a more thorough academic report by the November committee and board meetings. 

- A. Teevens will flag for T. DeLoach to bring an update on scholar attrition and enrollment to the next Board Meeting to identify any abnormalities or trends. 

- The committee asked for updates on materials, especially having adequately diverse books (culturally and linguistically) for our scholars. A. Teevens reported that this is ongoing work and B. Kurie is working on allocating some grant funds specifically for this purpose soon. 

- M. Kay and L. Hicks asked about field trips and college trips. A. Teevens reported that Operations teams are working to get these systems launched by early October (noting that bus driver shortages were a unique challenge in the spring.)

- M. Kay asked about data of Alma graduates. A. Teevens reported that our Associate Secondary Schools Guidance Counselor has worked on connecting with all graduates since July. About 50% of our first class are starting college this fall; we were unable to reach about 30% of that class. 

The committee discussed new committee goals for the 2022-2023 academic year. 

Educate the Board on issues concerning the academic program during 2 sessions at Board Meetings per year;

Educate the Board on issues of antiracism and anti-bias as it relates to student and teacher performance and outcomes during 2 sessions at Board Meetings per year.