Maine Charter School Commission
Minutes
Monthly Commission Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday October 8, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Location
Room #103, Cross Office Building, 111 Sewall Street, Augusta or via Zoom
The Vision of the Maine Charter School Commission is that "Innovative public charter schools will provide Maine students with an equitable opportunity for an excellent education where students are valued, supported and challenged."
The Mission of the Maine Charter School Commission is "To authorize, monitor and support innovative public charter schools that provide a dynamic, high-quality education for every student."
Reminders:
- This meeting is being recorded via Zoom.
- We ask members of the public to hold comments until public comments are heard.
Any person seeking special accommodation for the public meeting should contact Sue Whipkey at (207)816-2187 or susan.whipkey@maine.gov.
Directors Present
Brian Langley (remote), James Ford (remote), Jim Handy, Norm Higgins, Tom Keller, Tori Kornfield
Directors Absent
Leigh Albert
Guests Present
Amy Allen (remote), Lana Ewing, Susan Whipkey (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
To Consider the Approval of the 9/10/24 Commission Meeting Minutes
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| James Ford |
Absent
|
| Leigh Albert |
Absent
|
| Tori Kornfield |
Aye
|
| Brian Langley |
Aye
|
| Jim Handy |
Aye
|
| Norm Higgins |
Aye
|
| Tom Keller |
Aye
|
II. Comments from Commission Chair
A.
Comments
Lana and Norm met with the Maine Alliance of Charter Schools. The discussion focused on the effective marketing of Charter Schools.
III. Additions or Adjustments to the Agenda
A.
Additions/Adjustments
None
IV. Committee Reports
A.
School Performance Committee
Tori reported that the Committee reviewed and discussed the following:
- Renewal applications for Ecology Learning Center (ELC) and Maine Virtual Acadamy (MeVA). The Committee recommends renewal for both schools.
- SY23-24 Enrollment/Unenrollment data.
B.
Finance Committee
Lana reported the Finance Committee reviewed the following:
- The financial portions of the ELC and MeVA renewal applications. The Committee supports renewal.
- Joe Drago's report on 4th Quarter Financials.
- Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (MEANS) budget gaps and concerns around enrollment.
- Post Covid Analysis of Non-subsidy funding. On average schools are retaining about 80% of funds received during the Covid years.
C.
Executive Committee
Norm reported the Committee discussed the following:
- MEANS financial situation and possible solutions and opportunities the school might pursue.
- Marketing opportunities and effective communication with the Legislature.
V. Public Comment*
A.
Public Comment
Nicki Reinholdt and Travis Works from Community Regional Charter Schools (CRCS) provided a status report on their work exploring options for a new facility. They have contracted with Raymond James to review financing options, Highmark for project development and Ben Lund for legal advice. They have determined they need a 45K square foot building to house all students with 25 acres and public water/sewer. Raymond James is completing feasibility studies.
VI. Executive Director/Commission Staff Report
A.
School Updates
Lana provided the following school updates:
- Maine Connections Academy has moved to their new location in South Portland.
- MEANS has completed fall intensives, project based academic programming including outdoor activities and field trips.
- Maine Arts Academy held their first art show of the year at Blanchard Art Gallery in Hallowell.
- The work for closure of Harpswell Coastal Academy is nearing completion.
B.
Organizational Updates
Lana reported the following:
- MCSC is on track to receive the New School Applications in February. There are currently seven Letters of Intent as one organization withdrew.
- Norm and Lana met with David Hartman of Venn Education LLC to discuss Norm's role in the New School Application process. Norm will ensure an unbiased review by the Committee who will perform the same review steps for each applicant.
- Lana attended the Edunomics course at Georgetown.
- The staff is working on the Annual Monitoring Reports to present at the November Commission Meeting.
- Lana will be on temporary leave in November.
C.
Media Updates
VII. Monthly School Portfolio/Data Report
A.
SY2023-24 Year End Unenrollment/Enrollment Data
Lana presented the Enrollment/Unenrollment data with the following takeaways:
- Overall, 485 (18%) students unenrolled which is comparable to the prior year.
- 5 schools retained more students, 4 lost more than previous year.
- Summer retention was higher than prior year.
- Students who enroll stay longer.
VIII. New Business Requiring Approval and/or Acceptance
A.
To Consider the Approval of Ecology Learning Center's Renewal Application
Leza Packard and Beth Alma spoke on behalf of the Ecology Learning Center's application. Lana gave a summary of the Renewal Package and provided the Staff recommendation for renewal.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Leigh Albert |
Absent
|
| Brian Langley |
Aye
|
| Jim Handy |
Aye
|
| Norm Higgins |
Aye
|
| Tori Kornfield |
Aye
|
| Tom Keller |
Aye
|
| James Ford |
Aye
|
B.
To Consider the Approval of Maine Virtual Academy's Renewal Application
Melinda Browne and Donna Pelletier spoke on behalf of Maine Virtual Academy's application. Lana gave a summary of the Renewal Package and provided the Staff recommendation for renewal.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| Tori Kornfield |
Aye
|
| Brian Langley |
Aye
|
| Norm Higgins |
Aye
|
| James Ford |
Aye
|
| Leigh Albert |
Absent
|
| Tom Keller |
Aye
|
| Jim Handy |
Aye
|
Tom read the Commission's Mission and Vision statements.