Marcella Arline, Board Treasurer, asked the board to review the agenda distributed prior to the meeting and asked if any changes were needed. No items were added to the agenda.

Jane Swan, Chief Executive Officer, reviewed the current enrollment numbers for the school noting trends in enrollment. Current enrollment stands at 5,967 students, with Philadelphia having the highest enrollment.

Stephanie Lane, Director of STEM, gave an update on the E-Sports teams. Two teams from Reach won the state championship.

Michael Garman, Director of Human Resources, review current staffing levels. There are currently 870 employees of which 80% are 10-month staff. There were two new hires, four position changes, and 1 departure since last board meeting.

Lisa Blickley provided a summary for 2025 Open Enrollment.

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' statement.  Ms. Yeselavage further reviewed with the Board the school's balance sheet and current forecast.

Michael Garman shared a summary of the number of staff that participated in the Tuition Reimbursement program and the total amount of reimbursement provided to those staff.

Within this program, eligible staff receive reimbursement for one hundred percent (100%) of tuition costs for up to a maximum of $5,250 per calendar year for qualified educational expenses and successful completion of eligible undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate courses in accredited colleges or universities.

Mr. Garman shared a summary of the number of staff that participated in the Professional Enhancement program. This program incentivizes staff to obtain job-related certifications, Instructional II certifications, and advanced degrees.

Ms. Arline asked board members to consider the items from the Consent Items. No questions or concerns were noted.

• Approval of Minutes from the November 20, 2024, Board Meeting
• Approval of Staffing Report
• Approval to Renew MOU with Alaska Sealife
• Approval of Invoice for TCB Promotions
• Approval to Purchase OT Kits
• Approval of Revised Employee Handbook for School Year 2024-2025
• Approval to Renew Career Mentorship Agreement with WQED
• Approval to Renew Agreement with Harrisburg University
• Approval to Renew Agreement with Women in Forensics

Brandie Karpew, Director of Outreach, shared details regarding moving digital content filming to March of this school year. This will allow the new campaign to be ready for an end of the school year campaign to launch in May.

Rachel Graver, Chief Operating Officer, shared a copy of the proposed student calendar for the 2025-2026 school year. The calendar includes a first day of school on September 2, 2025, along with 180 days of learning.

Brandie Karpew, Director of Outreach, shared information about the upcoming National Charter School Conference that will be held June 20-July 2, 2025 in Orlando and invited the board members to advise if they were interested in attending.

Brandie Karpew, Director of Outreach, along with the Outreach Department Managers provided an update on Social Media, External Marketing, and Social Outreach.

The Board entered into a Executive Session at 9:40 a.m. upon a motion being made, seconded and confirmed via roll call vote.

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 protect by law.

Board members present were: Paul Donecker, Marcella Arline, Matt Ryan, Leigh Ann Naser and Anthony Alexander. Guests present at the request of the Board were: Jane Swan, Rachel Graver, LeeAnn Ritchie and Mike Garman. 

No action was taken at Executive Session. The Board returned to open session at 9:49 AM.