David Taylor, Board President, called the meeting of the Reach Cyber Charter School Board of Trustees to order on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at 9:00AM.

There were no comments from the public at this time.

Mr. Taylor 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, presented an overview of the school’s current enrollment, highlighting overall trends and patterns observed across the student population. She provided context on how enrollment has evolved over time and discussed factors influencing these trends. Ms. Swan reported that current enrollment stands at 5,878 students.

Michael Garman, Director of Human Resources, presented an overview of current staffing levels to the Board. He reported an authorized staffing complement of 886 positions, with 859 employees currently on staff.

Mr. Garman also reviewed the Human Resources Committee’s Strategic Objectives and meeting schedule. He noted that the committee met on January 16, 2026, and February 6, 2026. At the February meeting, the committee formally voted to approve both the strategic objectives and the committee meeting schedule.

Karen Yeselavage, Chief Financial Officer, reviewed the school’s financial statements with the Board. She presented the revenue and expense statement, highlighting variances and changes since the prior month’s report. Ms. Yeselavage also reviewed the school’s balance sheet and discussed the current financial forecast.

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

A. Approval of the Minutes from the January 21. 2026 Board Meeting

B. Approval of Staffing Report

C. Approval to Purchase Additional Laptops

D. Approval to Purchase Additional Canon Printers

E. Approval to Purchase Additional Headsets

F. Approval to Purchase Additional Mice for Laptops

G. Approval to Purchase STEM Kits for 26/27 School Year

H. Approval to Purchase Cosmetology Kits for 26/27 School Year

I. Approval to Purchase Art Kits for 26/27 School Year

J. Approval to Purchase Books & Novels Curriculum for 26/27 School Year

K. Approval to Purchase Music Kits for 26/27 School Year

L. Approval to Purchase Occupational Kits for 26/27 School Year

M. Approval to Purchase Physical Computing Kits for 26/27 School Year

Andy Gribbin, Director of Teaching and Learning, shared information about the New Reach AI Schoolwide Policy which outlines guidelines for the careful, limited use of generative AI tools, emphasizing data privacy, regulatory compliance, approved‑tool vetting, and ongoing training for staff and students.

Cody Smith requested approval of the MOU with Community College of Philadelphia for dual enrollment.

Jessica Hickernell provided a brief overview of current state budget activity. She reported that Governor Shapiro’s February 3 budget address included a proposed reduction in funding for cyber charter schools. Ms. Hickernell noted that legislative budget hearings with the Pennsylvania House and Senate are scheduled for February 23, with a follow‑up meeting with the Pennsylvania Department of Education planned for March 3, 2026.

Brandie Karpew, Director of Outreach, along with the Manager of School Community, Manager of Communications, and Manager of External Outreach, provided an update on current outreach activities. The team discussed the progress of ongoing initiatives and highlighted key areas of focus across their respective roles. The Outreach Team also shared analytics related to the transition of social media management in house, the Muster advocacy campaign software, and recent grassroots marketing and community engagement efforts.

Kelley McConnell, Chief Academic Officer, provided an update on our CSI goals indicating that we have met all of our goals at midyear, being the first time in 10 years to do so.

The Board entered into an Executive Session at 10:03 AM. 

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, Anthony Alexander, Gail Hawkins Bush, Leigh Anne Kramer, and Matt Ryan. Guests present at the request of the Board were: Jane Swan, Rachel Graver, Kelley McConnell, Karen Yeselavage, Mike Garman, and Pat Hennessey.

The Board returned to regular session at 10:44 AM.