The prior meeting minutes were previously approved.

Matt reviewed the financials.  Snapshot of financials: 90,000 last year and with this year 1.4 million extra. If there are ideas for things you would like to do - i.e, after school has been supplemented in the past with extra funding.

Student recruitment is key to the financials.  Goal is to have 65 students per grade.

Per student funding is increasing.  They are currently in the registration process for students for next year which is critical to funding.

There are 2 days in June and 2 days in August for an audit with the same firm that has been auditing the TNAACS for years.

Lisa commented on the enrollment number of 350, a number that has been pretty consistent, is the number that the budget will be based upon.  She also spoke about backfilling grades and how that supports the school's funding but more importantly serves the community.
Mac asked about the max and the charter cap is 370 students and that is written in the charter.
The school is maintaining the 15:1 ratio.  There are 2 Achievement First charter schools opening next year which can pose a challenge for other schools in the district.
 

Erin Farley, a master teacher, is not returning.  Lisa stated that while she is a fine educator, they realize that working as a team leader is not for her. It is an amicable parting. Lisa was supporting her.  It is the end of her loop (Grade 2) and so it is a good time to reset the team.
There will be a clearer picture of the succession plan by next month.  Enrollment will determine the need for a MT.  There also may be someone already within the school who could become a grade leader and be coached into becoming a Master Teacher. Lisa referenced how there has been a successful track record of promoting from within the organization for a leadership position.
Lorraine Scorsone was in agreement that it is best that Erin is resigning.  She added that the mentoring Lisa provided was a true support but it was just not a good fit.  
Lisa stated that she will keep the board informed about the next steps.
Lisa spoke about how there is a protocol now for candidates and MT to advocate for staff in house promotions.

Lisa explained the lottery process ie how it was videotaped, inform parents.  225 students were accepted in total. The goal is to get 70 students and history says that in order to get 70, you need to make 140 offers.  The marketing staff makes contact and markets the school.  
They sell $10 sweatshirts at the registration and events for accepted families to keep them on board for attending in September.

103 students were waitlisted.

Registration is in process. There have been 41 in two weeks.

Vanguard is the mailing service used to help recruit students through direct mail postcards, letters etc. The marketing staff is continuing to recruit also through prek centers and out in the community.
 

There are two potential board members who need to be interviewed - Ida and Holly.  Current board members need to let Lisa know availability to do phone interviews.
Lisa will check for everyone's availability for next week. They would be excellent, committed board members.

Kimberly Santiago - NYSED - was the liaison from the state who supported with the opening of TNAACS.  She will be visiting informally to check in.  The tentative dates are May 30 or 31.  She will see the changes and provide support with questions about the renewal.

Lisa will inform the board, post visit.

One final comment - NYS Math exam is being given tomorrow and Wednesday.

Lisa explained that over spring break, there was a math camp for students/parents who were interested in order support those who needed extra help with math. There were 15 students who attended and 3 teachers to work in small groups for three hours over 3 days.

Mac also spoke about various ways to engage parents which can also help to recruit students. For example, events that seem to draw parents (concerts, movie night) vs. traditional PTA meetings.