Roll Call: 

Board Members:

Adrienne Mason: Board Chairperson

Ach' (Sheila) Davis: Board Secretary

Tyrone Foster - Board Member 

Nikki Chen - Board Member

Rhianna Johnson - Board Member

Lisa White - Board Member

Ashley Duncan - Board Member

Student Representative:

Samantha Sanchez

Crystal Rauda

School Officials:

Steven Carney: Executive Director & School Leader - RSV

Angie Lundgren: Director of Operations Fellow - RSV

Adrienne Lee-Kernell - RSV Assistant School Leader

Guests:
Jame Young-Lewis - Student Success Coach (2025/2026)

Chelsie Pierce - Humanities Teacher (2025/2026)

To introduce and formally welcome new staff members to the Rooted School Vancouver community for the 2025–2026 academic year, acknowledging their roles and contributions in support of student success and academic excellence.

New Hires:

• Jame Young-Lewis – Student Success Coach (2025–2026)
  Jame brings a strong background in student mentorship and academic support, and will be instrumental in advancing Rooted’s goals for student engagement, persistence, and social-emotional development.
• Chelsie Pierce – Humanities Teacher (2025–2026)
  Chelsie joins Rooted with a commitment to culturally responsive teaching and an innovative approach to integrated ELA and Social Studies instruction. She is currently serving as a paraeducator and will transition into the teaching role in the fall.

Objective:
Celebrate and acknowledge the onboarding of these team members, reinforce alignment with Rooted’s mission and core values, and provide the Board and community an opportunity to learn about each staff member’s background and anticipated impact.

Recommendation: The board approves the minutes of the April 29, 2025 regular board meeting.

BOARD SECRETARY TO READ PRIOR TO ALL PUBLIC COMMENT:

Our Public Comment period is for members of the public to address the board. Each member of the public may sign up to comment at the meeting and will be allotted three - five minutes. The board will listen, but may not directly respond to any comments. Please do not use specific student, teacher or administrator names in your comments as our meetings are open to the public and public record, and we must adhere to FERPA - Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. As such, if your comment is about a private matter, please contact the board via email, or speak to the board chair privately.

The "Reports, Requests, and Comments by Board Members" section of the board agenda is a platform for members to share updates, solicit requests, or make comments on relevant topics.

(Subject to objections by the board members, the following items will be passed by a single motion to approve all listed actions and resolutions. There will be no discussion on these items unless requested by the board. If discussion is requested, the items will be moved from the Consent agenda and considered separately after the motion has been made and passed to approve the remaining items.)

Purpose:
To formally approve audited financial disbursements and payroll for April 2025, as required by RCW 42.24.080 and RCW 42.24.090, ensuring legal compliance, transparency, and accountability.

Recommended Action:
Approve the following financial transactions, confirming they have been audited and certified by the Auditing Officer and made available for Board review.

Attachments:

• Payroll and Accounts Payable Certification (April 2025)
• Payroll Summary
• Accounts Payable Register
• Non-Accounts-Payable Cash Disbursement Register

Board Certification Statement:
Payments have been audited and certified by the Auditing Officer as required by RCW 42.24.080, and those expense reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090. These payments have been recorded on a listing which has been made available to the Board.

As of May 27, 2025, the Board approves the following totals:

Category                                                                                                                       Amount

Payroll Direct Deposit                                                                                              $49,988.61

Accounts Payable (EFT – Public Checking)                                                           $71,066.07

Accounts Payable (EFT – Private Savings)                                                            $0.00

Non-Accounts-Payable Cash Disbursements (Public Checking)                        $1,223.21

Non-Accounts-Payable Cash Disbursements (Private Savings)                         $0.00

Total Disbursements Approved                                                                                $122,277.89

Rationale:
This approval ensures Rooted School Vancouver maintains compliance with Washington State Law, Charter School requirements, and Open Public Meeting standards for the certification of public expenditures.

Board Motion:
I move that the Board approve the audited financial disbursements and payroll for April 2025 as presented, including payroll direct deposit payments totaling $49,988.61, accounts payable electronic disbursements totaling $71,066.07, and non-accounts-payable cash disbursements totaling $1,223.21, in compliance with RCW 42.24.080 and RCW 42.24.090.

Purpose:
To review Rooted School Vancouver’s current financial status, discuss key financial metrics, and assess implications for operational and strategic planning.

Financial Highlights:

Assets and Liabilities:

• Total Assets: $2,558,982.51 (up from $2,479,231.75 in March; increase of $79,750.76)
• Cash Balances: $724,951.77 (down $68,907.46 month-over-month)
• Accounts Receivable: Increased to $92,601.50, reflecting delayed receivables
• Total Liabilities: $1,136,668.49 (unchanged from March)
• Long-Term Liabilities: Stable, ongoing construction loan repayment continues

Revenue:

• Total Revenue Received (YTD): $1,626,381 (64.5% of annual budget)
• State Revenue: Continued impact from enrollment shortfall
• Grants and Other Sources: Progressing steadily toward targets
• Private Donations: Still significantly under budget

Expenditures:

• Total Expenditures (FASB basis): $1,323,555 (54.3% of budgeted)
• Personnel Costs: Stable and tracking with budget
• Facilities and Operations: Remain under budget
• Contingency Fund: Fully utilized due to earlier shortfalls

Cash Flow and Stability:

• Days Cash on Hand: 109 days (still above target of 60) — indicative of solid short-term liquidity
• Payroll and Disbursements:
• Payroll Direct Deposit Total: $49,988.61
• Accounts Payable (Public Checking): $71,066.07
• Non-Accounts-Payable Cash Disbursements (Public Checking): $1,223.21

Enrollment Impact:

• April Enrollment: 52 students (Budgeted: 70 students)
• Impact: Ongoing shortfall continues to pressure revenue; recruitment campaigns are ongoing

Key Discussion Points:

• Reevaluate FY25–26 staffing to align with updated enrollment and funding projections
• Enhance fundraising efforts and explore new donor pipelines
• Closely monitor expenditures and identify potential mid-year adjustments

The "Reports to the Board" section provides straightforward updates from key areas within Rooted School Vancouver. The board will receive regular reports from (reports this month will be verbal reports):

• Student Representatives:  Detailed report outlined student life at RS-V
• Operations: Overviews of the daily operations, infrastructure, and any logistical matters.
• Executive Director: Comprehensive updates on school-wide initiatives, policies, and overall performance.

The Board will hold an open discussion regarding potential strategic partnership or programmatic collaboration opportunities aligned with Rooted School Vancouver’s mission and growth vision. This is an early-stage, exploratory conversation. No decisions will be made.

Purpose:

To review and discuss the findings of the Washington State Charter School Commission's 2023–24 Annual Academic Performance Framework (APF) Report for Rooted School Vancouver, and to assess the school’s response, progress, and strategic academic priorities moving forward.

Background:

• Rooted School Vancouver, in its first year of operation, was evaluated by the Washington State Charter School Commission under the Academic Performance Framework (APF), which includes three key indicators:
• State and Federal Accountability Results (WSIF – not applicable in Year 1)
• Geographic Comparisons (compared to assigned district schools)
• School-Specific Academic Goals
• Due to its inaugural status, Rooted did not receive a WA School Improvement Framework (WSIF) score. However, the APF report highlights areas of strength and growth opportunities in student performance, particularly for 9th graders and in dual credit participation.

Key Data Highlights:

• 9th Grade On-Track Rate: 89% (Exceeds standard)
• Dual Credit Completion: 83% (Exceeds standard)
• Regular Attendance: 47% (Does Not Meet standard; attendance interventions initiated)
• Math Goal Progress: 72% of students 3+ grade levels behind improved by at least one grade level (Does Not Meet standard, but strong internal growth reported)

School Response Summary:

• Emphasis on individualized, competency-based learning
• Internal diagnostics (IXL, MAP) show strong academic growth despite lack of SBA data
• Attendance challenges addressed through new engagement systems
• Commitment to refining instructional strategies and expanding credit options in Year 2+

Action Items:

• Discussion – Board to reflect on initial performance results and their implications for long-term academic strategy.
• Recommendations – Consider resource adjustments, staffing, and professional development to address attendance and math performance.

The "Committee Reports to the Board" section provides straightforward updates from the following Board Appointed Committees:

• Fund Development: Updates on fundraising efforts, grants, and financial support initiatives.
• Finance Committee: Summaries of the school's financial status, budgets, and expenditures.
• Academic Excellence Committee: 

Purpose:

To provide the Board with comprehensive updates on Rooted School Vancouver’s financial position, fundraising progress, grant submissions, donor engagement activities, and strategic development efforts.

Finance Updates:

Monthly Payroll: ~$60,800​.

Cash Reserves: ~$794,000​.

Revenue Shortfall: Managing ~$81,000 shortfall linked to enrollment challenges​.

Private Donations: Still significantly below goal; YTD giving: $5,655 vs. goal of $42,720​.

Contingency: Fully depleted; tight operational management ongoing​.

Fundraising and Development Updates:

Grant Writing and Funding Updates:

Secured: $28,000 Title IA Grant​.

Pending: New submissions for STEM expansion, student wellness, and workforce readiness programs.

Pipeline: Monitoring new grant opportunities with PNWF support; next deadlines in June and July.

Donor Engagement & Stewardship:

March’s "Invest in Futures" campaign completed; modest recurring donor growth​.

PNWF-led donor database segmentation project near completion.

Personalized Board Member engagement letters drafted to strengthen donor stewardship​.

Fundraising Campaigns & Revenue Goals:

Give More 24! Campaign:

Date: September 25, 2025​.

Goal: $50,000 via peer-to-peer fundraising and matching gifts​.

Matching gift sponsor packet finalized​.

Board and staff recruitment for peer fundraisers begins June 2025​.

Recurring Giving: Growing slowly; key messaging around career-connected learning and financial literacy​.

Database and Infrastructure Development:

Zeffy platform fully implemented for online donations and recurring gifts​.

Initial dashboard reports indicate:

Average online donation: ~$75

Recurring donors: 5 monthly givers as of April 2025.

Infrastructure upgrades allow for improved tax receipt and donor acknowledgment processes.

Next Steps and Action Items:

Finalize Board "Who Do You Know?" session for major donor pipeline building (target date: May 15, 2025).

Recruit and train peer-to-peer fundraisers for Give More 24 by June–August​.

Secure at least 3 additional Matching Gift sponsors for Give More 24​.

Launch RSV Quarterly Newsletter highlighting student success, career pathways, and donor impact stories​.

Board Discussion and Feedback:

Strategic input on fundraising priorities (Give More 24, major donor development, grants focus).

Board member participation in Give More 24 peer-to-peer fundraising.

Ongoing suggestions for potential grant connections or major donors.

The Board will convene into Executive Session pursuant to RCW 42.30.110 to discuss matters exempt from public disclosure. The purpose of this session is to address issues that require confidentiality as permitted by law. These matters may include, but are not limited to, discussions about the performance of a public employee, legal counsel on potential litigation, or consideration of the acquisition or sale of real estate. The Executive Session is expected to last approximately 60 min, and no final actions will be taken during the session. The Board will reconvene into the public session at the conclusion of the Executive Session.

The Board will now enter Executive Session to review the performance of a public employee and to evaluate the qualifications of that employee for continued public employment, pursuant to RCW 42.30.110(1)(g). The session is expected to last 60 minutes. No action will be taken during Executive Session.

Approval of RSV Board Compliance Dashboard for 2024-2025 April

 Background: The RSV Board Compliance Dashboard for 2024-2025 for April, as required by the Washington State Charter Commission, provides a comprehensive overview of various performance and compliance indicators. This includes academic measures, financial management, governance, and organizational obligations. The dashboard aligns with the requirements of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), particularly concerning charter school operations and accountability.

Proposed Action: The School Board is requested to approve the RSV Board Compliance Dashboard for 2024-2025 April. This approval will ensure continued adherence to state regulations and support effective monitoring of the school's performance and compliance with the Charter School Act as outlined in the RCW.

Purpose:
To present and seek board approval of the proposed 2025–2026 academic calendar for Rooted School Vancouver, aligning with state requirements, educational priorities, and operational needs.

Recommended Action:
Approve the 2025–2026 school calendar as presented.

Key Highlights:

• First Day of School: August 27, 2025
• Last Day of School: June 17, 2026
• Total Student Days: 184
• Total Staff Days: 196

Designated Breaks:

• Thanksgiving Break: Nov 26–28
• Winter Break: Dec 22–Jan 2
• Spring Session Break: April 6–10

Designated Snow Make-Up Days: March 20, May 22, and June 20–24

Key Events:

• Back to School Night: September 11
• Student Exhibitions: January 13 and June 2
• Student-Led Conferences: October 27–30 and March 23–26

Rationale:
This calendar supports instructional continuity, staff development, family engagement, and student success. It balances state compliance, effective scheduling, and flexibility for community needs.

Board Motion:
I move that the Board approve the 2025–2026 academic calendar for Rooted School Vancouver as presented.

Board Retreat: June 20-21, 2025

Next Board Meeting: June 24, 2025

Loteria -  June 7th

June 3 -  PEBCI Visitation

June 3 - Exhibition

Motion: The motion was made to adjourn the meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at X:XX PM PST