Young Scholars Charter School

Minutes

Regular Board Meeting

Date and Time

Tuesday February 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM

Location

Remote

This meeting is being held in compliance with Open Meeting requirements of the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act and is open to the public.  Notices were duly posted and the meeting was advertised in The Philadelphia Daily News. Formal action will be taken.

Trustees Present

A. Wang (remote), L. Umbrecht (remote), R. Halpern (remote), S. Piltch (remote), W. Churchill (remote), W. Weisman (remote)

Trustees Absent

B. Young, G. Singer, J. Brown

Guests Present

A. Wright (remote), J. Amenda (remote), K. Corcoran (remote), K. Lamilla (remote), K. Tini (remote), S. Smith (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

R. Halpern called a meeting of the board of trustees of Young Scholars Charter School to order on Tuesday Feb 3, 2026 at 4:00 PM.

II. Board Discussion Topics

A.

Dashboard and MOY Data Report

John Amenda reviewed the board dashboard. Kristen Tini then presented academic performance data, highlighting that 68% of students met their growth goals at mid-year, a 12% increase from the previous year, with 29% scoring in the 80th percentile or above. John explained that improved performance was due to external teacher coaching, high-impact tutoring, and the adoption of the Eureka Squared curriculum. 

B.

Facility Update

The group explored potential relocation options to a nearby property, with plans to engage Level Field Partners for real estate development services and discussions about renovation costs and timelines.

C.

Talent and Organizational Health Report

Shakira Smith presented the mid-year organizational health survey results, which showed strong positive trends with 91% staff participation and 90% positive ratings across most questions. The survey highlighted improvements in areas such as staff alignment, professional development, and instructional leadership, particularly attributed to the new principal's influence.

 

The board received an update on staffing, with Aniyah Wright reporting no current open roles but planning to review recruitment for the 26-27 school year.

D.

Committee Updates Where Applicable

Financially, John Amenda reported strong projections with a potential fund balance increase. The board discussed upcoming budget planning for the next school year and fundraising efforts, noting that they are nearly at their full goal of $450,000 for the current year.

 

Kevin Corcoran gave a summary of recent financial activities, noting that the school is in a healthy position. 

 

The board discussed foundation partnerships and agreed to review foundation board member lists to identify additional connections. 

E.

Statement of Financial Interests Form Due March 1, 2026

III. Approval of Minutes

A.

Resolved that the Board approve the Regular session minutes from the December 16, 2025 meeting.

R. Halpern made a motion to approve the minutes from December 16, 2025 Regular Board Meeting on 12-16-25.
W. Weisman seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Motions for Approval

A.

To approve updated Search Policy

R. Halpern made a motion to To approve the updated Search policy.
W. Weisman seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

B.

To retroactively approve 2025-2026 School Calendar

R. Halpern made a motion to To retroactively approve the 2025-2026 school calendar.
W. Churchill seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 5:30 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
W. Weisman