Before the CEO Update, Board Chair Edelman discussed news stories of challenges in schools across the country and the importance of right sizing goals and expectations.  

CEO Darilek began her update welcoming Rob Murphy, the new Senior Director of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment.  She indicated that it was the fourth week of school, and remarked on the following three themes:

• Joy evident through walking through the hallways, observing classrooms, and cheering on sports team;
• Constant change, such as covering classes for staff members not feeling well, adjustments to  changing Covid-19 guidelines, and adjustments to support quarantining students; and
• Early exhaustion given the pace of change and shortfalls in staffing in certain respects.

A Board member commented on the common practice of continually adding on duties to staff in education and the importance of considering what could be taken off the list, especially to support staff sustainability throughout the year. 

CEO Darilek next discussed the Strategic Plan, and reiterated that it still is the "North Star".   She referred to the 2021-2022 Organizational Dashboard provided in advance of the meeting, and indicated that it would be discussed further at a future Board meeting.  CEO Darilek then provided updates on the vaccine mandate, student medical exemptions, the use of the at-risk preference in the lottery, recent visits by City leaders to the school, and 2021-2022 enrollment.  

In response to a question from a Board member, CEO Darilek discussed the Covid-19 testing program.  Board members then asked questions about students with medical exemptions and unvaccinated staff members, which led to a discussion on retaining and attracting staff. 

School Performance Committee Chair Westendorf provided an update on themes of focus during the Committee's most recent meeting.  He turned to Chief Academic Officer Hunt Taylor to provide an update on successes and challenges during the first few weeks of school. 

Dr. Hunt Taylor first discussed highlights, such as Leadership Week, Coaches Institute, and the new Staff Institute; student energy and engagement from in-person learning; strong compliance with Covid-19 protocols; and being on track to complete assessments to create a reliable plan for instruction needs.   She then focused on areas of focus, including instructional staff shortages and reductions in attendance.  Referring to materials provided in advance of the meeting, Dr. Hunt Taylor reviewed the attendance year to date by campus, noting the largest gap as compared to prior years in the Elementary School.  

Next, Dr. Hunt Taylor reminded the Board of key priorities for the 2021-2022 school  year, including instruction, individualized student supports, wellness, and family engagement.  She provided progress updates against each priority.   Dr. Hunt Taylor then focused on challenges related to meeting key priorities, including prioritizing work, managing an ever-expanding distance learning program, and needing to increase focus on family engagement. 

CEO Darilek provided an update on Governance Committee activities.  The Committee's key focus of the year will be recruitment, given one Board vacancy and four Board members who have terms  expiring.  Committee members will reach out to individual Board members for recommendations for Board candidates.