Reach Cyber Charter School Board of Trustees
Minutes
Reach Cyber Charter School
Date and Time
Wednesday October 18, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Location
Meeting Location:
800 East Park Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17111
Trustees Present
Anthony Alexander, David Taylor, Gail Hawkins Bush, Leigh Kraemer-Naser, Marcella Arline, Matthew Ryan, Paul Donecker
Trustees Absent
None
Guests Present
Alicia Swope, Andy Gribbin, April Kretchman (remote), Brandie Karpew, Corey Groff, Dan Daley (remote), Danielle Marsicano (remote), Devin Meza-Rushanan, Erica Carroll (remote), Gregory McCurdy, Jane Swan, Josh Hicks (remote), Karen Yeselavage, Katherine Rutkowski, Kelly McConnell, LeeAnn Ritchie, Lisa Blickley, Maurine Hockenberry (remote), Michael Garman, Mike Hinshaw (remote), Rachel Graver, Scott Shedd, Scott Stuccio
I. Opening Items
A.
Roll Call
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
II. Public Comment
A.
Comments from the Public
III. Routine Business
A.
Approval of Agenda
David Taylor, Board President, asked the board to review the agenda distributed prior to
the meeting and asked if any changes were needed. There were no changes to the
agenda at this time.
IV. Oral Reports
A.
CEO's Report
Jane Swan, Chief Executive Officer, shared an update about recent events that have occurred since the last meeting of the Board of Trustees.
1. Charter Renewal Update: Ms. Swan shared that based on a thorough review of Reach Cyber Charter School’s renewal application and other documentation and a mutual agreement concerning enrollment parameters, the Pennsylvania Department of Education is renewing Reach’s charter. The renewed charter shall be effective for a term of five years, beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2029.
2. Enrollment Report: Current enrollment is at 6,277 students. Concentration of students is highest in Philadelphia County. The report also included a graph showing enrollment by grade level, student demographic, and specialized instruction.
B.
Human Resources Update
1. Staffing Report: Michael Garman, Director of Human Resources, reviewed current staffing levels with the Board highlighting the 852 current staff members and 82% of staff who are 10-month staff.
There have been 87 new hires this school year and 16 departures.
2. 2024 Benefits Renewal: Mr. Garman introduced Lisa Blickley to provide an overview of the benefits renewal. Ms. Blickley highlighted key data relevant to the renewal.
C.
Financial Report (to follow)
Karen Yeselavage, Director of Finance, reviewed the school’s financial statements with the Board. She reviewed the revenue and expense statements, advising on changes since the previous months’ statements. Ms. Yeselavage further reviewed with the Board the school’s balance sheet and current forecast.
V. Consent Items
A.
Approval of Consent Items
Mr. Taylor asked if there were any items from the Consent Items that should be moved to Action Items for discussion, or tabled. No changes were noted.
- Approval of Minutes from the September 20, 2023 Board Meeting
- Approval of Staffing Report
- Approval of Invoice from Board on Track
- Approval of Staff Professional Enhancement Payments
- Approval of Updates to Parent and Family Engagement Policy
VI. Action Items
A.
Approval of Charter Agreement with PA Department of Education
This item represents a vote to approve the proposed charter agreement for the period July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2029, as shared during the CEO Report.
B.
Approval of Resolution to Execute Charter Agreement with PA Dept of Education
This item authorizes the execution of the charter by the President of the Board of Trustees and the delivery of the performance of the charter.
C.
Approval of 2024 Benefits Renewal
This item approves the 2024 Benefits Renewal plan shared by Ms. Blickley as part of the Human Resources update.
Marcella Arline abstained from voting.
D.
Approval of 7th and 8th Grade Oyster Kits
Jane Swan requested approval of a proposal to provide Oyster Kits, career kits that drive instruction at the middle school level with hands on experience, to 7th and 8th grade students.
E.
Approval of Agreement with Fabric 1-9-6-8
Jane Swan requested approval to expand the existing contract with Fabric 1-9-6-8. Items included in the expansion include a small sewing machine which students get to keep.
VII. Information Items
A.
Legislative Update
Brandie Karpew, Board and Legislative Liaison, shared an update on recent government
affairs, specifically highlighting the recent Basic Education Funding Commission hearings.
Mrs. Karpew additionally shared updates about the government affairs team's ideas to combat HB1422.
VIII. Strategic Planning
A.
Strategic Planning Retreat (detailed agenda to be provided separately) – Full Board
School staff provided an update to the Board regarding the status of the school's 2023-24 SY Strategic Goals.
There were no comments from the public at this time.