Rooted School - Washington
Minutes
Rooted School Vancouver Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday December 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Location
In Person Location:
10401 NE Fourth Plain Blvd, Suite 201,
Vancouver, WA 98662
Remote Option:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88295264427?pwd=aHlZREJDTTR3ejNjNXd4WTV6bGVNQT09
Meeting ID: 882 9526 4427
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Directors Present
A. Duncan (remote), A. Mason, L. White (remote), N. Chen, R. Johnson, S. Davis, T. Foster
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
A. Lundgren, C. Rauda, S. Carney
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
II. Approval of Minutes
A.
A. Approve Minutes from November 19, 2024 Rooted School Vancouver Regular Board Meeting
B.
Approve Minutes from December 07, 2024 Rooted School Vancouver Special Board Meeting
III. Communications
A.
Welcome Community Members
B.
Initial Public Comment
- No public comments were presented.
IV. REPORTS, REQUESTS, AND COMMENTS BY BOARD MEMBERS
A.
Reports, Requests, and Comments by Board Members
Adrienne Mason thanked members who attended the December 7 special meeting and encouraged others to connect for missed training.
V. Consent Agenda
A.
Approval of Financial Disbursements and Payroll as Audited and Certified per RCW Regulations
The following payments as audited and certified by the auditing officer, as required by RCW 42.24.080, and those expense reimbursements claims certified, as required by RCW 42.24.090, are approved for payment.
In addition, payroll payments in the amount of $61,167.22 are also approved.
General Fund
Accounts Payable
Total electronic payments totaling $70,611.40 and
Check numbers N/A totaling $0
Non-AP Cash Disbursements
Total electronic payments totaling $3,763.34 and
Manual checks N/A totaling $0
Payroll
Total electronic payments totaling $61,167.22 and
Payroll check numbers N/A totaling $0
B.
Employment Report – November 2024
VI. BOARD INFORMATION/DISCUSSION ITEMS
A.
Financial Update
- Enrollment variance noted: Current 54 students vs. 70 budgeted, leading to a $81,000 projected revenue shortfall.
- Efforts to mitigate loss include community outreach and improved enrollment strategies.
- Financials remain stable, with 108 days cash on hand.
Received a $17,000 Ninth Grade Success Grant and a $28,000 Beloved Community Grant (BIPOC-focused).
B.
Reports to the Board
Student Report:
Crystal Rauda and Samantha Sanchez highlighted:
- Spirit Week events.
- Plans for a Winter Formal pending venue and budget approval.
- Request for board support in fundraising and securing a venue.
Operations Report:
- Staff completed McKinney-Vento and multilingual language training.
Compliance requirements met, and January 14 student exhibition scheduled.
Executive Director Report:
Steven Carney provided updates on legislative, financial, and operational matters:
- Legislative Concerns:
- Highlighted a $12 billion state deficit and potential impacts on small school funding, noting that budget discussions may delay the school’s budget finalization until August 2025.
- Partnerships:
- Engaged with Excellent Schools Washington and Gates Foundation to secure additional support for growing pains.
- Collaborating with Rooted School Network to support the opening of Rooted School Columbia, which will include $5,000 for hosting the new Executive Director and virtual debrief sessions.
- Certifications and Compliance:
- Rooted School Vancouver achieved full certification status by the State Board of Education, meeting all requirements for course offerings and activities.
- Events:
- Encouraged board participation in the iUrban Teen MLK Breakfast in January.
- Promoted attendance at the Watch Charters Conference in May 2025, emphasizing its networking and professional development value.
C.
Reflection on the Johns Hopkins School Climate Survey
Steven Carney presented key findings:
- Strengths: Teacher-student relationships and clear expectations.
- Areas for improvement: Bullying concerns (staff-rated 2.8/5), student engagement (3.36/5), and equity issues.
D.
Review of Fall 2024 Quality School Review (QSR) Notes
Steven Carney presented the findings and discussion points from the Fall 2024 QSR:
Academic Performance:
- NWEA assessments showed growth in reading proficiency (45% above the 50th percentile, up from 39%) but identified math gaps, particularly in Algebra I.
- Math intervention programs, including Math Nation, are underway.
Organizational Performance:
- Governance requirements, teacher credentials, and safety protocols are compliant.
- New leadership transitions are planned for the next academic year.
Financial Viability:
- Financial health remains stable, though enrollment variance (53 FTE vs. 70 target) poses challenges.
- Recruitment and fundraising efforts are in progress.
Next Steps:
- Focus on improving math and reading outcomes.
- Prioritize student connectedness and engagement via project-based learning and other strategies.
- Address long-term financial planning and facility needs.
VII. Committee Reports to the Board
A.
Finance / Fund Development Committee Report
Adrienne Mason provided an update on the school's financial status and fundraising initiatives:
- Ongoing efforts to secure grant funding and private donations to offset enrollment-based revenue shortfalls.
- An audit update was provided, confirming compliance with RCW regulations.
VIII. BOARD ACTION ITEMS
A.
Approval of RSV Board Compliance Dashboard for 2024-2025_November
B.
Establishment of an RSV Growth Committee
The board approved the establishment of the Growth Committee to strategize long-term growth, including enrollment and staffing. Membership will be determined in subsequent meetings or by direct communication with the board chair.