Roll call

During the board evaluation discussion, members reflected on various aspects of their roles and responsibilities. They acknowledged that while certain areas are still "in progress," such as long-term planning and the onboarding of new board members, the board has made significant strides in establishing effective processes and communication.

The conversation highlighted the ongoing financial tests and the uncertainty in state funding, which led to some evaluation items being marked as "in progress." The board expressed confidence in the leadership, particularly in Joe and Heidi, commending their proactive approach, especially in handling audits and unforeseen challenges.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of collaboration and the need for a clear process when onboarding new members. Some concerns were raised about past onboarding experiences, and there was a consensus on the need for better orientation and understanding of the school's operations, especially for new members unfamiliar with virtual and distance learning.

Finally, the board discussed the importance of trusting the leadership and staff in areas like curriculum selection and student assessment, recognizing that while board oversight is crucial, it's also important to empower the principals and educational teams to lead these efforts. Overall, the board members expressed confidence in the current processes and leadership, while also acknowledging areas for continued improvement.

In the Executive Director's presentation of the Strategic Plan to the board, the key focus was on the school's goals and how each department contributes to achieving them. The presentation outlined four main goals: sustainable growth, retention, quality programs, and professional development.

Sustainable Growth: The Executive Director emphasized the importance of ensuring financial stability through student enrollment and community engagement. They discussed the strategic use of funds and the goal of creating a sense of belonging among families, with a vision of having strong community ties in each county served by Excel Academy.

Retention: The plan highlighted efforts to retain students and staff by offering meaningful feedback, supporting students' academic growth, and maintaining a strong special education program. Tools like POSIP were mentioned as a way to gather frequent, direct feedback from families and staff.

Quality Programs: The Director underscored the importance of continually improving educational programs, analyzing data, and empowering students through initiatives like grade-level homerooms. Parent education and student empowerment were also key components of this goal.

Professional Development: Emphasis was placed on ongoing staff development, with a focus on clear communication, effective feedback, and staying current with educational trends. The Director acknowledged the need for improvement in the "people side" of leadership, aiming for better communication and support for staff.

Throughout the presentation, the Director stressed the importance of each department's role in achieving these goals, aligning with the overall theme of collaboration and shared responsibility. They also highlighted the ongoing nature of these efforts, focusing on the current year's goals while considering multi-year objectives. The board was encouraged to provide feedback, particularly on making goals more specific and measurable.