Danielle Eisenberg called the school board meeting to order at 5:01 PM.

There was one guest in attendance to observe, Maria Wilson from E Prep Cliffs. There were no public comments. 

President John Zitzner delivered an FOB update. Highlights included:

The annual Breakthrough Bash takes place on Friday, April 28 at the Hilton downtown. Close to 1,000 guests are expected.

John announced his plans to retire in June 2025. Succession planning will begin immediately. 

FOB will be acquiring the Gaines Funeral Home property located next to the Woodland Hills campus at 9116 Union Avenue. The sale is expected to take place this summer. We will begin to consider options for expanding the Woodland Hills campus, which currently serves about 600 scholars and 90 staff members.

CEO Ralph Johnson walked through his CEO update deck, which is linked in Board on Track. 

Grovider is leading the organization through a Mission, Vision, and Values refresh. They just wrapped up an internal listening tour, and will be moving on to the community survey phase. 

Chief Talent Officer Denise Rice-Ali shared her strategy for the Human Capital department team. Denise shared that one of her top priorities is to better utilize an HR Information System. Denise is evaluating whether or not there can be modifications made within the existing system or whether or not we need to consider if the current system is really the best fit for us organizationally. 

Denise also shared that 89% of our current teachers intend to return next year.

Ralph Johnson also spoke to current scholar retention data shared. We currently retain about 80% or our scholars year over year, which is below our goal of 88%. There have been many national shifts in the enrollment landscape, with Cleveland being hit exceptionally hard. Declining birth rates and more home schooling are several factors that are contributing to lower enrollment numbers.

Our new scholar enrollment team is focusing on promoting the urgency of Kindergarten, expanding our presence on social media, and developing video tours.

With respect to fiscal stewardship, a roadmap has been developed that leads to a balanced budget in FY27.

Academic Chief of Staff Anar Amin provided the dates for Spring testing in our schools: 

State Testing (grades 3-8): 

ELA - April 17 - 21 

Math - April 24 - 28 

Science - May 1 -5.

K-2 Acadience - May 1 - 17

i Ready Testing - May 15-19  

There have been two significant changes in Academic leadership: John McBride has moved on and left Head of Schools role at BPS, and Andrew McRae is out on paternity leave for the months of April and May. Anar Amin is filling in while Andrew is out.

Board members will share their availability with Juliet Kaye and Megan Johnston for a proposed reschedule of the May board meeting.

Andrew Lee spoke about the challenges we are still dealing with after Covid. The budget process for FY24 was very comprehensive. We need to continue to ensure that our academic metrics speak to what we are investing in. 

Celeste Farmer presented the monthly school and BPS financial reports (March 23). April financials will reflect the transfer of funds to the CMO (one time school payment approved on 4/17/23).

Governance Chair Jen Howard referenced a letter that was included in the board packet from Governance Committee, looking for input for planning a June board retreat. 

Committee Chair Danielle Eisenberg shared that the committee is drafting a three year academic roadmap for the board to review in May. The roadmap has very specific goals and metrics to be completed by 2026.

Committee Chair Paul Harris is looking to schedule a meeting before the May board meeting and will be reaching out with possible dates. 

Lesley Wilkins-Valentine was in attendance to represent CMSD.

Site visits are being scheduled and will include focus groups (staff and parents). They will look different next year and they will be planning over the summer.

CMSD will return to Glenville in May as they have not met any of the indicators this year for improvement.

The CEO search is still taking place, with a decision anticipated in the coming weeks.

CMSD is holding an SEL conference at Tri-C in May. Principals will be invited, all all from the community are welcome.

Maureen Barbessi was present and spoke to her recent site visit. She praised the coaching program in place for teachers. She suggested that more consistent structure in classrooms is an opportunity for improvement.

There was no executive session for the month of April.

On May 2nd the board is having a farewell reception for John McBride, from 5:00 - 6:30 PM at the Union Club. Hazel Chama will be sending invitations.