This year marks the 30th anniversary of charter schools in DE.

Two events coming up: Charter Summit and DE Legislator Day

Current bills before DE legislature related to Charter Schools include: HB 197 related to unionizing; a DEI review; and some new policies that may impact public schools which we will follow.

Prepping for the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
Wrapping up the three summer programs: ESY, Freedom School and Migrant Education programs, and the MIgrant Education program is planning to return next year.
Reported that four students from the Freedom School program are planning to attend BASSE in the Fall.
Some changes are afoot in school policies including a shift to a more specific dress code, and new policies for cell phones as follows: cell phones will be checked at the door and locked in boxes for the day; and Chrome books will only be accessed off carts in the classroom when specifically part of a lesson plan.  The new policies will be drafted and come to the Board for a vote at the next meeting.
Enrollment was at 185, however, on Jackie's return she audited IC and found only 165 enrolled, so calendar and schedule will have to be amended, neither of which have yet gone out to parents.
No communication to parents as yet, waiting on Board to approve new policies.

The golf fundraiser has been postponed for later in the year.

The whole infrastructure of how to run it is set up and ready to go, just need to assign volunteers to get the work done.

We will be recruiting at the DE State Fair.

May need to look into the lease agreement specifically regarding components of physical plant which when mal-functioning preclude children in the building.

Postpone until after new members approved

As we conclude the inaugural year of the school, there are a number of the inaugural board members who are retiring from the board including:

Stacie Burton, Jeffrey Fried, Karen Higgins, Jalyn Powell, and Betsy Renzo.

Dr. Berry thanked everyone for their years of service and dedication to the school, and has been assured that all will remain engaged with the school.

Additionally, Cassie Edwards can no longer serve as the parent representative as her son will be attending Sussex Tech starting in September 2025, so has resigned from the Board; and Jackie Cantiello was only serving as the teacher/staff representative for the 2024-2025 school year, so has resigned from the Board as well.

Dr. Berry thanked them for their services as well.

Dr. Berry introduced Paula Roberst to serve on the BASSE Board of Directors.

Ms. Roberts is retired from the federal government where she worked as ani intelligence officer.  

She has been living in Georgetown for the past 15 years and involved in BASSE recruiting activities, and wants to join the Board to support the mission of the school and give back to her community.

Dr. Berry also introduced Candace Sheltzer, who is the Special Education Coordinator for BASSE to serve as the teacher/staff representative to the Board.  Candace shared her passion for the school and desire to see the school succeed, so is willing to serve on the Board.  She brings a long history as an educator in special education as well as her experience as a business owner, and current role on the leadership team at BASSE to her work on the Board.

Dr. Berry reminded new Board members of the requirements associated with the onboarding process including but not limited to: completing Financial and Governance training as required by DOE; completing a background check with the State of DE, and making a meaningful fiscal contribution to the school annually.  

Additionally Board members are encouraged to attend the CBOC meetings which are the third Tuesday of the month at 2:00 as they provide important education about the budget for the school, and to be involved in every two week meetings of the Charter School Network to stay informed about state policies and activities of charter schools across the state.  
Finally, Dr. Berry encouraged everyone to be involved in school opening activities from painting, to the Open House to getting school supplies, and anything else that comes up.

Based on new state law the policy related to family leave needs to be amended to include leave for families adopting a child.

Student Code of Conduct needs to be amended to include changes in dress code, cell phone usage in school and Chrome book usage in school

Approve June 2025 Financial Report as reviewed in the July CBOC meeting.

Review of 2025-2026 budget postponed to regular August meeting