Heidi acknowledges the end of the school year and introduces a video highlighting the 2023-2024 school year at Excel Academy.

The video includes:

• Music and visuals celebrating the school's achievements and activities.
• Highlights of hands-on learning experiences, student success stories, and personal testimonies from teachers.
• Stories of student resilience and accomplishments, including overcoming personal challenges like illness and significant academic progress.
• Celebrations of student graduations and personal connections between teachers and students.

Post-video, the board discusses the impact and significance of the video. They appreciate the positive and uplifting content, recognizing it as a promotional and motivational tool. The discussion shifts to student engagement, attendance at events, and the importance of inclusivity and outreach to ensure all students are involved. They also emphasize the role of teachers in encouraging participation and the need for strategies to engage reluctant students. The meeting concludes with acknowledgments of the challenges and efforts in reaching out to diverse student populations and ensuring their involvement in the school's community activities.

Hearing opened at 12:43 pm

Hearing closed at 12:59 pm

The public hearing began with an overview of Excel local indicators and Local Control Accountability Plan (LCAP). The presenter, Jenny Craig, highlighted key areas of focus, including teacher assignments (no missed assignments or vacancies), full implementation of academic standards across subjects, and strong community engagement and communication.

Key Points:

Local Indicators:

• No missed teacher assignments or vacancies.
• Full implementation and sustainability of academic standards, including Next Generation Science Standards and Career Technical Education.

LCAP Goals:

• Goal 1: Improve academic achievement for all students, including English learners and students with disabilities. Metrics include standardized test scores and course access.
• Goal 2: Promote a positive school climate through high-quality teaching, clear expectations, and frequent communication. Metrics include attendance, suspension/expulsion rates, and teacher qualifications.
• Goal 3: Increase family and community engagement, focusing on culture awareness and participation in school activities. Metrics include survey participation and feedback.
• Goal 4: Ensure all students are on track to graduate, with access to advanced courses and support for college and career readiness. Metrics include graduation rates and enrollment in advanced courses.

Community Engagement:

• Multiple opportunities for educational partners to engage, including PLC meetings, administrative meetings, and surveys.
• Highlighted successful community events and increased participation in surveys and feedback.

Celebrations:

• Exceeded participation requirements for state assessments.
• Increased survey responses and positive feedback from students and parents.
• Significant improvements in student performance and engagement.

Challenges and Compliance:

• Emphasis on continuous improvement and compliance with state standards.
• Recognition of the collaborative effort required to meet LCAP goals and the importance of detailed documentation and analysis.

The hearing concluded with acknowledgments of the hard work and collaboration involved in creating and implementing the LCAP, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning, community engagement, and accountability in achieving educational success.

Hearing Opened at 12:59 pm

Hearing Closed at 1:18 pm

The public hearing opened at 12:59 PM to discuss the proposed budget for the 2024-2025 school year. Joe presented the budget, noting it is based on the May revision, which has not yet been adopted by the state but is expected by June 3rd.

Key Points:

Budget Overview:

• Budget Cycle: The proposed budget needs adoption by July 1st, with the next meeting scheduled for June 20th.
• Assumptions: Using a 1.07% COLA for 2024-2025 and 0% for the next two years. Projected ADA (Average Daily Attendance) is 1,644, with a 98% attendance rate.

Cost Analysis:

• The COLA is significantly lower than last year's 8.22%, impacting budget allocations.
• Proposition 28 Art and Music Program will receive $229,000, to be used for hiring an art teacher and other related expenses.

Pension Contributions:

• Discussed the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) and its unfunded liabilities.
• Employer contribution remains at 19.10%, with potential risks due to investment volatility and demographic changes.

Multi-Year Projection:

• Projected increase in fund balance, with a healthy reserve of around 35% of expenses.
• Utilizing one-time funds from the art and music block grant to mitigate cost increases.

Concerns and Risks:

• Potential future cuts in funding for charter schools, estimated at around 10%.
• Importance of educating staff about budget constraints without causing undue alarm.

Board Comments:

• Appreciation for the clarity and detail of the presentation.
• Emphasis on the need to balance financial stability with staff and student needs.
• Discussion on future financial challenges and the necessity of proactive planning to maintain the school's operations and avoid layoffs.

The hearing concluded with a consensus on the importance of maintaining transparency and communication about financial matters to ensure staff are informed and prepared for potential changes.

Board members expressed appreciation for the work done throughout the year. Highlights include:

Website Update: Gratitude for the revamped Excel webpage and the inclusion of a personal favorite activity, skydiving.

Team Acknowledgment: Thanks to Heidi, Joe, Lauren, Jenny, and Megan for their reassuring and positive contributions. The board also appreciated fellow members Larry, Susan, Mike, and Bill for their collaboration.

Meeting Atmosphere: Praise for the positive and uplifting nature of the meetings, emphasizing that good decisions and teamwork contribute to this environment.

Graduation Ceremony: Positive reflections on attending the graduation ceremony, noting the impressive speeches by the valedictorians and the overall success of the event.

Overall Sentiment: A feeling of being blessed and proud to be part of an organization that positively impacts students' lives, with a shared commitment to continuing this success in the future.

The Executive Director expressed heartfelt appreciation for the staff during their all-staff celebration, emphasizing the mutual improvement and long-term commitment within the team. They acknowledged the significant contributions and positive impacts of each staff member, noting how intertwined everyone's efforts are.

Key Points:

1. Staff Celebration: The recent all-staff celebration was a humbling experience, highlighting the long tenures and deep commitments of the staff.
2. Teamwork and Improvement: The Director praised the continual improvement and dedication seen each year, with a focus on finding areas for growth.
3. Warner Renewal: Celebrated the approval of a seven-year renewal through Warner Unified, extending through 2031, recognizing it as a significant achievement.
4. Gratitude: Expressed deep gratitude for the board's support and collaboration, especially in overcoming unique challenges faced by small school districts.
5. Positive Outlook: Concluded with pride in the year's accomplishments and optimism for the upcoming year, appreciating the collective effort and heart put into their work.