D. Eisenberg called the meeting of the school boards to order at 5:04 PM on March 5, 2025.

Principal Dan Norman shared an update about the priorities, successes, and challenges of this school year at the Southeast campus.

Priorities include creating greater building stability, setting students up for success.

Successes include support staff for scholars particularly in using restorative practices & implementing SEL, new curriculum change for ELA, Black History Month programs, principal coaching from Attuned
Opportunities to grow include enhancing student and staff culture (clear and consistent expectations, stabilization), strong finish to the year, enhance family engagement/connections strategies.

No one was present to speak.

Making good progress on planning for the Bash - still looking for attendees and corporate sponsors.

Network Priorities/Metrics

• On track re: enrollment
• Out of school suspension is higher than target, but substantially down from last year
• Chronic absenteeism is significantly improved from last year

Special Education Profiles - SY23-24

• The board discussed the results of the Ohio Dept of Education and Workforce annual Special Education Profiles, with a focus on the two indicators where our SY23-24 outcomes were not meeting the bar set by the state and IDEA. BPS is submitting improvement plans where required.

Proposed School Calendar - FY25-26

• First day of school: Monday, August 18, 2025
• Last day of school: Thursday, May 28, 2026
• Extending instructional day to be 8-2:45
• 7 in-year professional development and conference days.

Financial Update:

• Projected deficit is on track - increased projected FTE enrollment. 
• 4/6 entities are within revised budgeted expenditures. The two that are not we anticipate being able to bring in line (or finding additional money to cover).
• 5/6 network entities are projected to end FY25 with net income above board-approved budget.
• FY24 school audits are complete with no issues found.
• RFP process kicking off this spring for annual audits/990 preparation, banking.

Proposed FY25-26 Budget

• Most parts of the budget & approach are not changing for next year - continuing to work on the two commitments: balanced budget by FY27 & Equity floor for scholars.
• For next year's budget, we are assuming enrollment declines, consistent with past enrollment trends. This assumption allows us to plan more strategically and avoid having to make hard decisions midyear. However, academic capacity will be unchanged and will remain the basis of staffing.
• Budgeting a slight decline in per pupil revenues.
• The Board discussed a proposal to legally merge some of the schools (day-to-day school operations, academics, family and staff experience would stay the same, campuses would continue to operate). Provides some financial and network-level operational efficiencies.
• Asking the board for approval on a proposed deficit of $4M, including mergers, for next year's budget.

• Reviewed and approved home office org chart about structure to maximize student outcomes
• Focused on most support for principals - ensuring we're starting the year with the orientation about what principals need to be most effective.
• Discussion about implementation of academic strategy and how to make critical shifts for next year

Governance committee is looking to add four members to the board for next year. Have a strong pool, still looking to add someone with human resources/capital experience.

Planning for a board retreat in June/July.

Aditi Garg has been nominated and has accepted, pending Board approval, the role of chair of the school boards.

Contract meeting is scheduled for April 1st. Most changes will be minor legal changes.

Spring site visits will be March 31 and include electronic surveys to families, students, and staff.  Debrief from the site visits will be presented at the April meeting.

Sunshine & Open Meeting training deadline is upcoming.

Site visit conducted 3/4, had a wonderful conversation with Principal Brownrigg. Report will come in April