Young Scholars Charter School
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday June 11, 2024 at 3:45 PM
Location
Remote Only
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), B. Harrison (remote), B. Young (remote), E. Kaplin (remote), G. Singer (remote), I. Brind (remote), J. Wang (remote), T. Rebar (remote), W. Churchill (remote), W. Weisman (remote), r. Halpern (remote)
Trustees Absent
E. Ashe, J. Brown
Guests Present
B. Chazin (remote), C. Freyer (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
II. Board Discussion Topics
A.
Dashboard
B.
Transportation
Shakira Smith gave an update on transportation exploration and planning. We decided to enter into a direct contract with a school bus company to provide bus services to at least 6th graders (eventually 5th grade) in additional to Spec-Ed students. YSCS would also be responsible for routing. Next steps- sign contract, communication to families, secure enrollment, cost savings and benefits to 5th and 6th grade families. The contract is up for approval at the end of this meeting.
C.
5th Grade Enrollment Amendment
John Amenda shared that we were approved to enroll 5th grade starting in 2025.
D.
Elevate 215 Grant and Design Teams
John Amenda shared information about the strategic headlines. We were approved to enroll 5th grade starting in 2025.
1- A True Middle School
2- A Ratio for Rigor and Relationships
3- A Great Place to Teach
4- A Curriculum for Rigor and Relationships
5- A Destination Learning Environment
6- A Mental Health Model
Shakira Smith talked through our design sprint teams that are part of our Elevate 215 grant, and design principles- 1- Education is freedom, freedom is joy, 2- one band, one sound, 3- designed to inspire, built to last, 4- affirmation is motivation, 5- go far, go together.
Mr. Amenda discussed the project (redesigning school program model), Agency by 8th (Funded by Elevate 215). Program not based on growth, based on program effectiveness.
1- Design Team Formed, Program Design Review and Revisions Underway
2- Pilot Programming for Project Based Learning and Standards Based Grading
3- Teams attending Conferences in CA and DC and returning learnings to PD in August
4- Planning for Excellent School Visits and Preparation for 5th Grade throughout 24-25
He went through the project impact metrics and goals for each year.
E.
Phase 1 Facility Planning
John Cacciola and Sammi Aufiero from Aegis joined the meeting to share updates on facility renovations and timeline.
We received the building permit, Phase 1 construction will begin on June 18th and be completed August 15th. P. Agnes is finalizing GMP.
F.
Capital Campaign
Schultz & Williams, capital campaign consultant joined the meeting to talk about the YSCS capital campaign and planning study.
G.
Committee Updates Where Applicable
1- The list of high schools where students were accepted this year was shared with the board.
2- Kevin Corcoran gave a finance update. The school is in a strong, healthy position. We continue to meet all financial benchmarks and metrics by comfortable margins.
III. Approval of Minutes
A.
Resolved that the Board approve the Regular session minutes from the May 13, 2024 meeting.
IV. Motions for Approval
A.
To Approve the updated Education for Homeless Children and Youth Policy
B.
To Approve the Updated Procurement Thresholds for Federal Funds (effective January 1, 2024)
C.
Transportation Agreement
D.
To accept the resignation of Ira Brind from the Board of Trustees effective July 1, 2024
E.
Building Renovation Authorization
F.
To approve the 2024-2027 Comprehensive Plan
V. Executive Session
A.
School Safety Report
The board went into a brief executive session to review the 2023-24 School Safety and Security Report.
No questions about the dashboard at today's board meeting. EOY data findings will be shared at the first meeting of the 24-25 school year.