Jim Handy read the Commission's Vision and Mission Statements.

• None

Tori reported the School Performance Committee discussed the following:

• The Annual Performance Framework Reports for all Schools.
• The use of a tiered system to rank school performance for greater transparency to the schools.
• Maine Arts Academy's request to increase enrollment.  
• The use of the Innovation Fund for Social Emotional Learning ("SEL") curriculum.  The Committee does not believe this use meets the criteria for the Innovation Fund, but suggested that if a school demonstrates a need for SEL resources, the Commission should provide resources to pay for it.

Brian and Lana reported the Finance Committee discussed the following: 

• School financial performance in SY2024-25.  Nothing overly concerning was reported.  The staff and Joe Drago will monitor and work with schools on any red flag areas that arise.
• Public Instrumentality transition - Bank accounts have been opened.
• Commission oversight fee - The Committee determined that the fee will remain the same as last year.
• Maine Arts Academy's request to increase enrollment.

Leigh reported the Executive Committee discussed the following:

• The Annual Performance Framework Reports for all Schools.
• Public Instrumentality transition.
• Maine Arts Academy's request to increase enrollment.

Tom asked if the Executive Committee has considered a public relations campaign.  Leigh and Lana agreed this would be worthy of future conversation.

Susan Muzzy shared CRCS held a free Farm to Table Family Garden Meal on October 23rd.  The menu items were planted, cultivated, and harvested by learners.  In addition, 30 lbs. of produce from the farm were provided to families. 

Casey Frederick noted that a CRCS outing club has been formed and is available to all Overman Academy learners.  The school partnered with Skowhegan Outdoors a local non-profit promoting free programming of outdoor activities.  Some of the activities they have participated in are geocaching, trail maintenance, visits to natural museums, hiking, canoeing, fly tying, overnight camping, etc.  Many more activities are being planned.

The next Community related project is Gift of Giving which is a free store for CRCS Community's holiday season. 

Lana provided the following school updates:

Maine Arts - Students will have an art opening and receptionist on Friday, November 28th through New Years at the Michael Paul Gallery in Hallowell; The Dance Company will perform Break, Burn Build at Colby College on November 14th and 15th; The school is going to donate Thanksgiving dinners to families in need and hold a food drive.

ELC - Biology & College Statistics students engaged in a service-learning project by planting native shrubs.

MCA's Student of Month is Marie Metcalf, a talented gymnast who devotes 9-11 hours each week to training.  MCA allows her to successfully pursue both school and gymnastics.  

Moxie Public Schools is in its pre-operational year with a primary goal of finding a facility. They are currently focused on a facility in South Portland.  The school has received a $60K enrollment support grant and has formed a student advisory group to help design the school.  Their website went live with enrollment interest forms, and they have begun to receive them.  

Lana provided the following organizational updates: 

The Annual Performance Framework Reports will be received and placed on file later in the meeting.  The staff has been put together the documentation over the last few months.  Lana thanked the school leaders and boards for providing information, Amy Allen as the primary data collector and author of the reports, Sue and Joe for the financial portions of the reports. Tori noted the volume of information in the reports and that they provide a clear view of school performance.    

Lana attended the National Association for Charter School Authorizers ("NACSA") Conference in Houston, TX.  She came away with ideas about making reporting to the public more transparent.  

Tom asked Lana for a follow-up on her attendance at an Edunomics seminar.  She reported that she receives useful newsletters, and their website is well maintained.  She will send on a link.

Professional Development focused on finding, recruiting and retaining board members with Mike Mizzoni from BoardOnTrack was provided for charter school board members & leaders. Representatives from seven of ten schools participated. Victoria Criado of PLT Strategies will be meeting with school leaders for communications training on November 13th at Maine Virtual Academy's offices.

The Finance Committee agreed to keep the school fee that funds Commission activities at 2.45% for FY27.  The Committee acknowledged the financial challenges at the schools and agreed to use savings related to the new Commission structure and increased revenue from the addition of a 10th school, to maintain the fee at the current level.  Leigh suggested to communicate to the schools that maintaining the fee at current levels does not happen automatically.  It is an annual evaluation.  

Tom asked about updates to the MCSC website including Commissioner biographies and the informational one-pagers handed out at the Hall of Flags event.  Lana reported that the staff is looking at developing a new website but will make updates to the existing site in the meantime.

Lana was quoted on Maine Public Radio on the subject of charter school enrollment.

• ACADIA Academy (Mary Morrisey Torsch)

• Ecology Learning Center (Justin MacDonald)
• Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (Sally Beaulieu)

• ACADIA Academy (Amy Dieterich) - Lana noted Amy is a founding member and long-time chair and thanked her for her dedication.
• Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (Erin Brown)
• Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (Robert Dodge)
• Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (Kimberly Patnode)

December

• No meeting

January ( Zoom meeting only)

• 10/1 Enrollments
• Annual Boards and Commissions Report
• Mid-Year Annual Calendar Progress Checks
• Education Committee meeting possible
• Lana will meet with the Kennebec Valley Superintendent's Association

Upcoming Professional Development

• November 13, 2025 (9:30am to 12:00pm) for School Leaders
  • Why Communications and Advocacy Matters
• January 26, 2026 (9:00-10:30am) for School Leaders
  • How to Host a Successful Policy Maker Visit and Engage Your Board
• February 10, 2026 (10:00am-12:00pm) for Board Members and School Leaders
  • Strategic Planning: Mid-Year Update
• February 11, 2026 (10:00am-12:00pm) for Commission Members
  • Revisit MCSC Strategic Plan, Mission, Vision, and Performance Framework

Other

• May 2, 2026 (11:00am-1:00pm)

Maine Arts Academy 10-Year Anniversary Gala

• December - No Meeting
• January - ZOOM Only
• February - Room #103/Cross Office Building, Augusta