Amani Public Charter School
Minutes
Amani Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday June 8, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Location
Amani Public Charter School
Third Floor Conference Room
Directors Present
A. Spencer, G. Sardi, J. Kuo (remote), K. Wigfall, M. Smith, P. Morenberg, S. Mayo, S. WuDunn (remote)
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
Candace Gomez (remote), Charlie Stern, J. Ciavirella, Ryan Daniusis (remote), Tamur Cajeux
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Chairs Report
A.
Community Bios
B.
Board Recruitment
The Chair then led a discussion regarding long-term Board development and recruitment. He noted that while the Board currently has a strong and engaged membership, it is important to begin proactively identifying future trustees as the school continues to grow.
Board members discussed dedicating a substantial portion of the upcoming Board Retreat to Board recruitment, succession planning, committee assignments, and officer positions.
Several ideas were discussed, including:
- Developing a Board Candidate Profile identifying desired skills and areas of expertise.
- Creating a Board Expectations document for prospective members.
- Expanding recruitment efforts through members' professional and community networks.
- Seeking individuals with expertise in education, finance, fundraising, law, nonprofit leadership, media, communications, and community engagement.
- Increasing parent engagement and identifying potential parent Board members.
The Chair encouraged members interested in leadership or committee changes to discuss those interests before the annual Board Retreat.
III. Capital Planning Committee
A.
Moved to executive session
The Board voted to enter Executive Session to discuss matters related to capital planning.
Following Executive Session, the Board returned to Public Session.
B.
CFC Contract Discussion
Following its return to Public Session, the Board considered a resolution authorizing the execution of a financial advisor contract in connection with the school's capital project.
After the resolution was read, a motion was made and seconded. The Board approved the resolution by voice vote.
IV. Finance
A.
Enrollment Updates
Finance Committee Chair T. Cajoux presented the financial report, enrollment update, and proposed FY2026-2027 operating budget.
Enrollment Update
Management reported that enrollment projections for the upcoming school year continue to be strong.
Highlights included:
- Enrollment is currently approximately 93% filled for the upcoming school year.
- Waitlists exist for most grade levels.
- A newly created Enrollment Manager position will focus on student recruitment and family engagement.
- Management will continue outreach throughout the summer to maintain enrollment and reduce attrition.
Board members discussed strategies to maintain engagement with newly enrolled families, including regular communications, events, and community outreach.
B.
Budget Presentation
The Finance Committee reviewed the proposed FY2026-2027 operating budget.
Management noted:
- Revenue projections were intentionally conservative.
- Enrollment remains the primary driver of financial performance.
- Operating expenses remain generally in line with the Board-approved budget despite higher utility costs.
- The school projects a positive operating surplus under both conservative and stronger enrollment scenarios.
The Board discussed long-term financial sustainability, enrollment growth, and expense management.
C.
Incentive Compensation
Incentive Compensation Discussion
Management introduced the concept of an incentive-based compensation program tied to the school's financial performance.
The proposal would reward employees if established financial targets are achieved while maintaining responsible fiscal management.
The Board expressed support for further development of the concept and requested additional details regarding implementation and communication.
D.
Approve Budget FY2026-2027
A motion was made and seconded to approve the FY2026-2027 budget as presented.
The motion passed unanimously.
A second resolution authorized management to further develop an incentive-based compensation plan and present recommendations to the Finance Committee and Board at a future meeting.
V. Educational Accountability
A.
Math Red Alert
Principal J. Ciavarella presented the instructional update highlighting year-end academic achievements and upcoming school events.
Highlights included:
- Mission Moment classroom activities reviewing student learning throughout the year.
- Science Expo projects across multiple grade levels.
- Grade-level STEM and environmental learning initiatives.
- Elementary Field Day.
- Annual Art Expo showcasing student work.
The Principal also reported:
- A new Dean has been hired.
- Summer professional development will focus heavily on strengthening mathematics instruction.
- Teachers will participate in intensive training designed to improve instructional consistency and student achievement in mathematics.
- Staff will continue expanding the use of small-group instruction and data-driven interventions.
She also highlighted the success of the school's first elementary concert, which had strong family attendance.
VI. School Report
A.
Executive Director D. Stern provided updates on school operations and strategic priorities.
Discussion included:
- Continued enrollment efforts throughout the summer.
- Ongoing community outreach and family engagement.
- Future fundraising initiatives focused on cultivating donor relationships through smaller events in advance of future gala fundraising efforts.
- Expanding community partnerships and corporate sponsorship opportunities to support the school's long-term growth.
Board members also discussed opportunities to increase community awareness of Amani's academic and enrichment programs.
VII. Closing Items
A.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to come before the Board, a motion was made and seconded to adjourn the meeting.
Board Chair M. Smith thanked the Board and administration for their continued commitment as another successful school year came to a close.
He reminded Board members to submit professional biographies and photographs for publication on the school's website.