David Taylor, Board President, called the meeting of the Reach Cyber Charter School Board of Trustees to order on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 9:00AM.

There were no comments from the public at this time.

David Taylor, Board President, asked the board to review the agenda distributed prior to the meeting and asked if any changes were needed.

No changes were made at this time.

Jane Swan, CEO, reviewed the current enrollment numbers for the school noting trends in enrollment. Current enrollment stands at 5,917.

Mrs. Swan provided an update on ongoing efforts with staff and families to reinforce the message that cyber education is an essential option and should not face additional cuts. She also shared that parents and caretakers are invited to attend a meeting on Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 p.m. to learn more about how they can advocate for their children.

Mrs. Swan further noted that not all school districts have submitted their PDE‑363 forms, which are required to provide Reach with the updated tuition rates. She emphasized that, despite this delay, the school’s leadership is continuing to make strategic adjustments to reduce costs wherever possible.

Michael Garman, Director of Human Resources, reviewed current staffing levels with the Board, highlighting the authorized complement of 886 with 856 employees currently on staff - 83% of whom are 10-month employees.

Lisa Blickley, Assistant HR Director, provided an update on the benefits renewal for 2026.

Karen Yeselavage, Chief Financial Officer, reviewed that the school's financial statements with the board. She reviewed the revenue and expense statements, advising on changes since the previous months' statement. Ms. Yeselavage further reviewed with the board that school's balance sheet and current forecast.

Michael Garman, Director of Human Resources, provided an update on the Total Rewards Program. Mr. Garman indicated that for 2025, 76 staff members received incentives for job related certifications or advance job-related degrees.

Mr. Garman also indicated that a total 96 staff members received tuition reimbursement. 

Mr. Taylor requested that the board members review the items listed under the Consent Items.

A. Approval of the Minutes from the November 2025 Board Meeting.

B. Approval of Staffing Report.

C. Approval to Renew the Agreement with Padlet.

D. Approval to Renew the Agreement with Zoom.

E. Approval of Amendment to the Agreement for Earth Science Mentorship.

F. Approval of Amendments to the Agreement with Level Up Beauty Academy.

G. Approval of Agreement with Mastery Connect.

Rachel Graver, Chief Operating Officer, requested approval for several updates to the 2025–2026 Student Handbook. These include revised language in Section 2.3 (Nondiscrimination Statement) and Section 10.4 (Bullying, Harassment, Sexual Harassment, and Other Prohibited Behaviors). She also proposed the addition of a new section—Section 2.3.1: Affirmative/Preferred Names, Pronouns, and Student Records. All updates are scheduled to be published in the Student Handbook effective January 21, 2026.

Mrs. Graver additionally requested approval to update the language related to the Attendance Policy and the requirements for completing lessons.

Dani Leibig, Director of STEM, presented proposed updates to the STEM Kits for the 2026–2027 school year. The proposal includes reducing overall kit distributions and providing supplemental boxes specifically for students in grades 2–6.

Brandie Karpew, Director of Outreach, requested approval to adopt Muster, a software platform designed to support strategic government relations and grassroots advocacy efforts.

Mrs. Karpew requested approval for an agreement with PA Families for Education Choice to provide Parent Advocacy Training. The proposal outlines a comprehensive strategy to strengthen, organize, and empower families to advocate for cyber charter education across Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Graver requested approval of the 2026/2027 School Year Calendar.

Jessica Hickernell provided an update on Government Affairs. She noted that the Governor is preparing to present the proposed 2026–2027 state budget on February 3. While the hope is that cyber schools will not face additional funding cuts, the team is preparing for the possibility of further reductions. Jessica also highlighted that this is an election year for the Governor, which could influence both the budget and broader education policy decisions. She emphasized the importance of families staying engaged and continuing to speak out against any additional cuts to cyber education.

Kelley McConnell, Chief Academic Officer, provided an update on Reach’s response to the new Truancy and Attendance law in SB315, which prohibits habitually truant students (6+ unexcused absences) from transferring to a cyber charter during the school year. From December 13–January 20, Reach enrolled 152 new students but was required to deny 50 additional applicants—resulting in a 25% denial rate. A significant barrier is that districts have 10 days to provide records while cyber charters must enroll within 5 days, delaying truancy verification and forcing some students to withdraw and return to their home district. Despite these challenges, Reach has improved attendance by 13% over last year, with 82% of students currently on track.

Nate Laird, Director of IT, provided an update on IT operations, noting that all systems are functioning well. He also shared that a request has been made for a cybersecurity update to be prepared and presented to the Board at an upcoming meeting.

Mrs. McConnell provided an update on State Testing and announced two changes that will be implemented this year. First, Reach will discontinue the $50 daily stipend previously offered to staff supporting state testing. In addition, venue-related expenses will be reduced by decreasing the number of testing sites from 39 to 30.

The Board entered into an Executive Session at 9:57 a.m. 

The Board entered into an Executive Session upon a motion being made, seconded and confirmed via roll call vote of all Board members present. 

The Board cited the following for entering into the Executive Session: Pursuant to 65 Pa. C.S. §§ 708(a) (1) – to discuss any matter involving the employment, appointment, termination of employment, terms and conditions of employment, evaluation of performance, promotion or disciplining of any specific prospective public officer or employee or current public officer or employee and 65 Pa. C.S. §§ 708(a)(5) – To review and discuss agency business which, if conducted in public, would violate a lawful privilege or lead to the disclosure of information or confidentiality protected by law. 

Board members present were David Taylor, Paul Donecker, Marcella Arline, Ralph Woodard, and Anthony Alexander. Guests present at the request of the Board were: Jane Swan, Rachel Graver, Mike Garman and Karen Yeselavage. All others left the meeting at this time. 

No action was taken during executive session.

The Board returned to regular session at 10:18.