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. There were no changes needed at this time. 

Mrs. Swan reviewed the current enrollment numbers for the school noting trends in
enrollment. Current enrollment stands at 6,440 students. The current enrollment demographics are 51% White, 23% Black or African American, 16% Hispanic, and 10 other.

Staffing Report: Michael Garman, Director of Human Resources, reviewed current staffing levels with the Board highlighting the authorized complement of 919 and the 871 current staff members of which 83% are 10-month staff. There have been 118 new hires and 37 departures since the beginning of the school year.

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. 

In addition, Ms. Yeselavage provided an update on the status of the school's independent audit. The audit will be concluded ahead of schedule and should be ready for review at next month's board meetin.

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 January 17, 2024, Board Meeting
• Approval of Staffing Report
• Approval of LinkedIn Recruiter/ Career Package

Mr. Taylor advised the Board that two Board member’s term was up for renewal at this meeting, Leigh Ann Naser and Matt Ryan. Both were asked if they were interested in renewing their term on the Board, which both confirmed. Brief discussion was held on the renewal of the terms, and fellow Board members indicated their support and appreciation for their continued service. 

Cody Smith, High School Principal, proposed the addition of the phrase "6 college credits per school year" to the current Dual Enrollment Program Policy to clarify the number of credits the school would provide tuition for. Ms. Naser suggested that additional phrasing be included stating that those credits "include any required 09 classes full or in part."

JD Smith, Director of Career Readiness, requested approval of an addendum to the current agreement with Barbizon. Due to the popularity of the existing program, Mr. Smith requested to expand the program to Middle School aged participants and to add an additional level to the high school program.

Mr. Smith requested approval for an agreement with Level Up Beauty Academy which would provide opportunities in cosmetology through an industry partner career mentorship for students that want to learn more about certain fields including Lashes and/or Make-up Essentials.

Ms. Karpew shared an update on recent government affairs. She specifically highlighted.
the recent annual budget address by Governor Josh Shapiro and its potential impact on the school.

Members of the Academic staff shared an update of the academic highlights so far in the 2023-24 school year. 

• Dr. Kelly McConnell shared an information on the school's benchmark growth and school wide celebrations.
• Radelle Fritz, Director of Family Services, shared celebrations and accomplishments from the Family Mentor team.
• Principals Cody Smith, Alicia Swope, and Devin Meza-Rushanan shared updates from the high school, middle school, and elementary school respectively. 
• Katherine Rutkowski, JD Smith, and Stephanie Lane shared updates related to the math initiative, literacy gains, career readiness and STEM opportunities.

Stephanie Lane, Director of STEM, provided an update specific to the Hydroponics Program, including the number of Rise Garden kits currently with staff and students and the feedback received from all. 

Stephanie Lane requested approval for an invoice from Rise Gardens that would supply additional new kits to more students and provide seeds for existing owners. 

The Board entered into an Executive Session at 9:58 a.m. 

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, Matt Ryan, Gail Hawkins Bush, and Anthony Alexander. Guests present at the request of the Board were:  Jane Swan and Mike Garman. All others left the meeting at this time.

No action was taken during Executive Session..

There being no further discussion and upon a motion being made, seconded and
confirmed via roll call vote of all Board members present, the Board resumed Open
Session at 10:12 a.m.