Requests were received before the meeting; open to students, family members, faculty, and staff. Limited to 3 mins for each speaker

• Topic: The removal of 3 freshman students from the AP Cybersecurity Course.
  • Jai Arun, son is a freshman their critirea to select RTHS was because of the AP cybersecuirty course. Jai stated that the kids have joined since they have been in the school enjoyed the class and placed high. Jai would like the board to reconsider removing the 3 freshman students from the course. 
  • Varshal stated the understanding how to securely use devices should be taught to the kids. Their son was actively trying to learn this and the coruse was very motivationg for their student to pursue cetifications. Varshal asks the board to reconsider the 3 students removal. Note: Varshal sat in the open house for the session and believes the students can do the work required. 
  • Trupti stated seeing the students are doing well in the course an have been removed after 3 weeks they would like for the board to reconsider the removal of the freshman.
     

The board will discuss this separately, but not at this meeting
 

CSO report presented by Akiba.

• Student Council had a color war, great way for students to meet other from different classes
• Meet the teachers was on September 15th, great turn out and wonderful family reviews
• Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month until October 15th, will highlight some of the students.
• Arts department has started activities for Art Education week.
• Homecoming game and Dance
• Senior College App Day

• As of the end of August, we have a surplus of 210,712 in unallocated funds. Still funded off last year's ADM ( 571) and won't know the new ADM until October.

• Salary adjustments are now included in the budget.
• We have a new employee premium in the state health plan, which is 2.4% of salaries. We do not participate in the state retirement program, so we are being charged and did not know until we received the invoice.
• The new vacancies since last month are School Counselor and EC Teacher.
• The audit projected surplus is 118,002. We have submitted all materials to the auditors; they have submitted a few requests. They know we need the audit by mid-November.

Required Legal Language recommended by Lisa to add to the handbook by September 1st, to be approved by the board on September 16th.

Student and Employee Handbook Updates

• Prohibits discrimination based on individuals' protected classifications under federal law, including antisemitism as defined in G.S. 12-3-2

Michelle Fiscus (Development and Governance interest) and Monique Miller (Academic Excellence and Finance interest) were recommended to be board members.

School Engagement Team applications went out to the staff members and students who may be interested. The goal is to finalize the team by the end of September. The team already has a 3-year plan mapped out and will select goals to work on during the school year. 

Academic Committee reviewed the EOC data for 2023 - 2026. Students are not meeting expected growth in Biology and Math 1 (9th grade math).  English is doing well; Math 3 is mixed. Not meeting growth in Biology is a statewide trend in NC; the test was revamped in 2024-2025. 

• The Hispanic subgroup is not meeting expectations in Math.
• Biology subgroup data is not available.
• Our Biology percentage for students' passion increased by 2% from 68% to 70%
  • New biology standards were developed; they should be available around October. Teachers are involved in rewriting them, but RTHS teachers were not invited.

Implementation Plans

• Practice questions will be taught throughout the year.
• NC check-ins (interim assessment systems) will be conducted
• Math 1 push-in support from Math instructional coach

• Development Committee received the development plan from Dina, and we will update it with current-year info and priorities. 
• Shoprasie demo with Akriba is scheduled for September 28th.
• The local business engagement event is in the planning phase, with rain plan options.
• Discussing how to refocus the Raptor Fund so it is distinct from the PTSO.

Board member orientation for current members is complete.

Steven will conduct the new orientation for recently approved members

Oct 8th board retreat: 8 am - 12 pm, across the street from RTHS, 600 Park Offices Drive, in the Training Room.

The next board meeting is Oct 21.