Representatives from NorthStar Education Partners joined the meeting to provide an overview of the strategic planning process.  Mr. Kumar first discussed NorthStar's expertise in strategic planning. He then reviewed key phases of the strategic planning process and the related timeline, including scheduled interactions with the Board. Initially, work will focus on the identity of E.L. Haynes and aspirations for E.L. Haynes' graduates.  After that work has been completed, the focus will shift to strategy and priorities to support the identity and aspirations. 
 

CEO Darilek commented on the numerous activities being held during the fourth quarter of the school year, including upcoming PARCC assessments and Advanced Placement exams. She reported that the school had been fortunate to obtain a grant to fully fund the strategic planning process, and then shared student reflections from the annual Civil Rights Tour of the South. 

Next, CEO Darilek provided updates from each school:

• A team of visitors from IDEA Public School visited the Elementary School recently to observe teachers implementing Wit and Wisdom in our classrooms. These visitors provided positive feedback on the teachers. 
• Through the IFLY Scholars Program, 15 girls from the Middle School will travel to Cartagena, Columbia.
• Two of our High School students earned First Place in the "group documentary" category for the local National History Day ("NHD") competition.  Both students were selected to participated in the National NHD competition in June. 

CEO Darilek last reported on the status of the 15-year renewal, security updates, and on student enrollment.  

Future Audit, Finance, and Facilities Chair Greene provided a overview of the draft budget provided in advance of the meeting, and indicated that it would not likely change materially between now and the May Board meeting.  He turned to COO Carlo-Miranda to provide an update on the SY 19-20 Budget. 

Referring to the deck provided in advance of the meeting, COO Carlo-Miranda first highlighted assumptions updated since the last meeting, including increases in the uniform per student funding formula and reductions in costs associated with employee benefits.  She reminded the Board of priority investment areas, and reviewed key revenue and expenditure drivers.

COO Carlo-Miranda then informed the Board of efforts to address items noted in the facilities study and proposed updates to Middle School facilities.
 

COO Carlo-Miranda reminded the Board of the creation of ELH Kansas Avenue, Inc. in connection with the financing for the construction of the Kansas Avenue school campus utilizing federal New Markets Tax Credit incentives. She noted the unwinding of the New Markets Tax Credit financing, and indicated that there is no longer a need to maintain ELH Kansas Avenue as a separate entity.  COO Carlo-Miranda referred Board members to a merger agreement prepared by the school's counsel to collapse the organizational structure, and related Board resolutions.  Board members indicated no objection to the merger agreement. 

 

 

At the request of Committee Chair Westendorf, CEO Darilek provided an update on teacher retention at each school.  Committee Chair Westendorf then asked Board members to have small group discussions on recommendations related to the Special Education and English-Language Learner programs provided in advance of the meeting.  

After the small group discussions, Board members shared key reflections.

Senior Director, Development and Communications Callahan reported that, to date, more money has been raised for the Annual Fund than during the prior year.   He discussed progress against budget goals, and informed the Board of new sponsors for the 15th anniversary event.

Mr. Callahan then reviewed a list of upcoming school events and encouraged Board members to attend if available.    
 

The Board met in Executive Session to discuss matters of mutual interest.