No new vendor approvals.

B. Chan went over CFO report.

CFO went over current per pupil formula for all board members.

When Great Oaks was approved in 2014, the long-term plan envisioned growing to 750 students by 2020, but the building’s original structure created significant design limitations that prevented reaching this capacity. Because essential brick columns, load-bearing walls, and other fixed safety features could not be altered, classroom layouts lost flexibility and restricted how many students the school could ultimately serve. Despite these constraints, the school prioritized student-centered spaces, adapting smaller areas for instruction, particularly to meet the needs of its MLL and Special Education populations. Multiple assessments by architects and consultants confirmed that, without expanding the physical footprint, increasing enrollment beyond the current level is not feasible.

L. Hubbard went over COO report.

School Expansion Procurement

Procurement Status: Comprehensive list of all furniture, fixtures, and technology (classrooms, offices, gym, and common areas) has been developed.

Next Step: Vendor cost quotes due by December 1, 2025 for board review and budget approval.
 

Procurement/Construction Timeline:

• Dec 2025: Final vendor selection and budget approval
• Feb- March 2026: Construction begins
• Mar–Jun 2026: Structural and systems installation (tech, safety, HVAC, electrical)
• Jul 2026: Delivery and installation of furniture, fixtures, and tech
• Aug 2026: Facility ready for student and staff use

Enrollment Growth Strategy

Enrollment Growth Strategy: +90 High School Students by August 2026

• Goal: Enroll 90 additional students aligned with the new classroom capacity.
• Projected Capacity: Expansion will support approximately 450 total high school students.
• Recruitment Timeline:
  • Fall & Winter 2025: Launch outreach to feeder middle schools and community partners
  • Winter 2026: Application and recruitment period
  • Spring 2026: Retention, Lottery, acceptance, and onboarding communications
  • Summer 2026: New student orientation and family engagement events
• Recruitment Supports: Dedicated recruitment team, community partnerships, and targeted marketing.
• Outcome: Successful integration of 90 new students with full utilization of expanded facilities by August 2026.

J. Scalice went over CEO report and discussed School Expansion updates.

Great Oaks Charter School was approved and opened in 2014 with the understanding that final growth would be achieved by 2020 with a total student population of 750 students .

Constraints based on size altered this original plan.

Size Limitations- 

Challenge Created

The preservation of the building’s original layout introduced design constraints:

• Classrooms had to be constructed around existing brick support columns, load-bearing walls, and other safety features that could not be removed or altered
• Reduced layout flexibility
• Created challenges in achieving the school’s target capacity of 750 students, despite the available square footage.

Attempted and Implemented Solutions

Assignment of student spaces first:

Great Oaks prioritized student learning environments in all space allocations. Smaller or less suitable areas were adapted for instruction, ensuring that available square footage directly benefits students. This approach has been critical to meeting the needs of our 19% MLL and 18% Special Education populations.

Spatial Planning & Consulting:

The school engaged both external partners and the original architects to assess opportunities for reclaiming or reconfiguring existing space. These reviews concluded that, short of physical expansion, further increases in student population are not feasible within the current building footprint.

Scheduling Reviews:

Each year, school administration and grade-level leaders conduct a detailed review of the master schedule to maximize instructional space and ensure all students receive appropriate academic and support services.

Long-Term Planning

Health and Wellness:
Explore development of an on-site health clinic in partnership with local providers to increase access to preventive and behavioral health care.

Integrate health and wellness supports into the school’s SEL framework to improve attendance and student well-being.

Adult Learning:

Utilize evening and weekend hours to host adult education programs such as ESL and GED preparation.

Build collaborative partnerships with community colleges and workforce agencies to provide adult pathways.

Connection:

Use expanded facilities to host community-driven programs and resource events.
 

Position Great Oaks as a year-round hub for collaboration between schools, families, and local organizations.

Funding Opportunities:

The current expansion plan requires several adjustments based on updated financial realities. While the original model projected an increase of 100 students, the revised figure of 89 students allows the school to grow within its previously approved allocation without additional CSDE approval. However, rent costs—initially estimated without factoring in building-wide rent increases—may impact the financial feasibility of expansion as updated rental calculations are finalized. In addition, because state funding remains unpredictable, with models run using both flat and incremental per-pupil revenue scenarios, overall viability will continue to depend on external funding conditions outside of the school’s control.

No new business.