The scheduled open board meeting was added as the first meeting. At the start of the school year, the first open board meeting is historically in September. Some members of the board were unable to attend this meeting but will generally be able to attend meetings this school year.

ED walked through each section of the report presentation with questions at the end of the presentation. Topics in the presentation include (1) school year priorities, (2) from recovery to new normal, (3) staffing, structures and culture, (4) student enrollment, (5) engagement, and (6) teaching and learning - PARCC & STAMP. 

The monthly pulse check survey results were shared. A summary of PARCC and STAMP results for the 2023 school year were shared. Results will be discussed again this fall. Calle Ocho campus took PARCC for the first time this school year with 3rd grade class. Interventions and goals that are in place will be discussed by the academic committee and at a future open board meeting.

The board participated in a retreat on Tuesday, August 29th with the focus on board goals and engagement.

The ED Ops team did a verbal overview of the finance report. The pre-recorded feedback was played at the meeting. 

Currently there is a soft close because still working on closing the books. 

A board member question regarding the adjustments regarding a $600,000 variance was addressed by the executive director as connecting to grants being drawn down more efficiently than expected.

An update was provided by the chair. The ED Evaluation is to be completed at least every 18 months, but on an annual basis is the goal. The entire board evaluated the ED on July 11. The evaluation is an opportunity for the board and stakeholders provide direct feedback to the ED as it relates to performance. It helps the board to be explicit about accountability. Those that were involved included the following: direct reports of the ED, external service providers, and contractors.

A safety and security update was provided by the COSO, Kat Park. Collaboration with caregiver groups at both campuses was highlighted. Individual updates were provided for both J.F. Cook and Calle Ocho campuses. At J.F. Cook light installations, detection sensors, and presence of an officer in the mornings were highlighted. At Calle Ocho in terms of safety, we are working to socialize families that alleys are not where they should be driving.

A board member question whether there is an opportunity to connect with other schools in the area that are close to the campuses? We have done some coordination and there is always room for improvement. 

Board Member Allison presented on the new Engagement Taskforce that is kicking off for the 2023-2024 school year. The overview of the committee was shared.

Engagement Committee objective: the goal is to listen and act on behalf of our caregiver community, teachers, and students; identifying priority areas to focus on for improvement.