Ms. Ford reported that 95% of the girls have all the materials they need for remote learning, and, as is true on the boys’ side, the girls have demonstrated steady academic growth.  The girls’ enrollment stands at 297; one student was expelled on 12/21 because of behavioral issues.  Since September twenty-one students and nine staff members have tested positive for COVID. In contrast to the boys’ school, Ms. Ford has seen little growth in the SWD population, but tremendous growth in the ELL population and will be monitoring the budget implications of this growth.  

Ms. Snyder asked Ms. McLean and Ms. Ford to update the trustees on enrollment and any issues related to the pandemic.  Both principals had provided the board with summary materials on 1/12, but each highlighted their summaries.

Ms. McLean reported that the Boys’ School is enrolled at 263, slightly over budgeted goal.  The SWD population is currently 9%, but there are 23 potential SWD scholars, who, if certified as such, will bring the numbers to 17%.  Many of the disabilities are related to regression during the pandemic, particularly for students who remained remote.  The addition of these SWD students will have budget implications:  an increase in contracted services with Spotted Zebra and perhaps an additional staff member.  Ms. McLean will keep the board apprised of the school’s needs in this regard.

There are ten boys on the kindergarten waiting list and no space for them.  Ms. Snyder questioned whether it would make sense to consider adding a third kindergarten moving forward.  

No decision at this time, although such consideration will be part of upcoming budget deliberations for 2022-23.

Following district guidelines, the school shifted to remote learning on January 10, with a projected end date of January 21. (In-person instruction to resume on January 24.) The first two days were devoted to planning for both the staff and families.  School personnel delivered chrome books and instruction packets to students in their homes when families could not pick them up at school.  Ms. McLean reported that the organized planning ensured that the transition to remote instruction went smoothly.  Speaking from a parental point of view, Mr. Romain seconded that the transition had been very smooth.

The school has created a flow chart that clearly and simply explains when a student should be quarantined.  There are enough COVID rapid tests for all.  When a student tests positive, he is sent home with a test, and parents need to provide a photograph of a negative test result before the student can return.  (This also applies to students at the girls’ school.)

Ms. McLean reviewed scholar progress, which, though slow because of the pandemic, is nonetheless happening, which is gratifying for all.  She has implemented a testing program to ensure that teacher-generated assessments match the rigor of NYS tests.  

Ms Snyder concluded the meeting with a brief governance report.  She stressed the importance of having a quorum at the February board meeting, where the board will discuss the budget, including the implications of the bond restructuring and changes to the compensation structure. She reminded the board that it will be important for Brighter Choice to reach out to the NY State Department of Education in the next few months.