Brighter Choice Charter Schools
Minutes
Governance Committee Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday July 16, 2020 at 8:30 AM
Location
Remote due to Covid19 closure
Committee Members Present
M. Snyder (remote), N. Maresca (remote), N. Velilla (remote), T. Hanmer (remote), Z. Nelson (remote)
Committee Members Absent
S. Wallace
Guests Present
K. Ford (remote), K. Mclean (remote), L. Licygiewicz (remote), R. McLaughlin (remote), S. Jahn (remote), T. Stutsrim
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
M. Snyder called a meeting of the Governance Committee of Brighter Choice Charter Schools to order on Thursday Jul 16, 2020 at 8:34 AM.
C.
Approve Minutes
Minutes from the Board of Trustees Annual meeting will be attached to next month's agenda so that they can be approved, then.
II. Governance
A.
Charter Renewal
School administrators had a check-in recently with Dan Pasek. In all likelihood the renewal process will take place remotely, with the authorizers interacting with the school by Zoom.
B.
Covid-10 Closure / Reopening Plans
If the region is testing at a rate less than 5%, the plan is to be in the building. Both Karen McLean and Kristina Ford will be sending parents a survey about their comfort level in sending their scholars back to school. Teachers are also being surveyed.
The schools have stocked 500 masks, 30 gallons of hand sanitizer, and made changes to the water fountains. Each classroom will have a dedicated computer cart. Teachers will switch classrooms, rather than have students do so. Desks will be arranged in rows rather than pods. The design of the classrooms makes six-foot distancing impossible.
There are still questions about remote learning that have to be resolved including how much charters have to comply with Cuomo guidelines, how attendance will be counted, how curriculum will be designed, how assessments will be given.
The schools are currently planning to have all students come into the buildings in small groups over several days for major state tests. Parent-administered testing is to be avoided.
The general consensus is that remote learning is more difficult for younger students.
There will be parent meetings in August to detail expectations for parents.
Zoe Nelson reminded the trustees of a Webinar this afternoon (7/16) at 4, hosted by the Charter Association and SED.
The schools have stocked 500 masks, 30 gallons of hand sanitizer, and made changes to the water fountains. Each classroom will have a dedicated computer cart. Teachers will switch classrooms, rather than have students do so. Desks will be arranged in rows rather than pods. The design of the classrooms makes six-foot distancing impossible.
There are still questions about remote learning that have to be resolved including how much charters have to comply with Cuomo guidelines, how attendance will be counted, how curriculum will be designed, how assessments will be given.
The schools are currently planning to have all students come into the buildings in small groups over several days for major state tests. Parent-administered testing is to be avoided.
The general consensus is that remote learning is more difficult for younger students.
There will be parent meetings in August to detail expectations for parents.
Zoe Nelson reminded the trustees of a Webinar this afternoon (7/16) at 4, hosted by the Charter Association and SED.
III. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 8:56 AM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Z. Nelson