Executive Director M. Maccera presented data from the Spring 2016 administration of the Smarter Balanced Assessment (SBAC). With average growth of 7.5%, Great Oaks Charter School outpaced the state (3.3%) and host district’s (1.15%) average growth. The Academic Committee noted in an analysis of achievement by subgroup, absolute achievement by Hispanic and ELL students is higher than that of the whole school while absolute achievement of Black and Special Education students is lower than that of the whole school. However, when analyzing growth by subgroup, it was apparent that growth among subgroups is consistent with stronger growth in 6th grade math among Black students than the population as a whole.

Executive Director M. Maccera discussed some of the strategies used in the school to ensure the growth including increased instruction in mathematics in grade 6, successful implementation of a research-based reading intervention curriculum during the Tier II tutorial intervention and providing teacher coaching and support. These strategies as well as some new ones including implementation of a new research-based math intervention curriculum for use in math tutorial, improved our structures for Response to Intervention and Child Find and improvements to our systems of school culture. 

Director of Finance R. Iandoli gave an overview of the school's financial discussion. The Finance Committee has approved an hourly part-time employee to support school operations this year. Board discussion of the CCJEF school finance ruling ensued. 

Chief Operating Officer M. McGregor provided an update on the planned long-term facility. Architectural plans have been finalized and the project’s developer has acquired the permitting necessary to break ground on the construction. Great Oaks continues to pursue financing of about $2 million in tenant improvement (TI) obligations in order to begin the project this fall.