There were no public comments.

The board chair chose to forgo opening remarks.

Caprice Young recognized high-performing instructional teams (teachers and small-group instructors) for attaining high levels of student proficiency and growth on annual SBAC assessments.

Teams celebrated for high growth were: Nancy Salazar and Mirna Velasco-Alvarado (GPS); Jamie Mongoso and Da'Rell Calvin (HCC); Karie Stevens and Ashley Munday (HPS); and Gabi Roldan, Ashlind Martinez, and Alexia Santiago (WPS).

Teams celebrated for high proficiency levels (at or above 80%) were: Olivia Bueno and Hayley Cavagnaro (GPS); and Carrie Fosdick and Carly Picha (HPS).

Caprice Young provided a brief overview of consent agenda items.

Caprice Young highlighted the purpose and importance of establishing an organizational Investment Policy. The board chair suggested three policy-related topics to forward to the finance committee: conflict of interest policy pertaining to investments; investments to avoid; and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing.

Kirsten Carr described after-school activities and the strengths of the service provider. She explained the scope of services to be provided.

Caprice Young introduced guest attendees Gary Larson and Heather Vega from Larson Communications. The board reviewed key services to be provided by the firm, including: website optimization, internal communications, parent communications, and targeted public relations for the recruiting of staff. Board members discussed their familiarity with the firm, contract timelines, and an additional focus on development (fundraising). The board chair mentioned a previous board discussion in which J.P. Anderson highlighted several parent outreach strategies, and he suggested the firm connect with J.P. Anderson on that topic.

Caprice Young provided background on parent groups at Navigator Schools. She highlighted the benefits of adopting a School Connected Organizations Policy for parent groups, including advantages relating to accounting, insurance, training, and increased parent participation. Board members asked clarifying questions.

Crystal O'Rourke shared images from the first day of school and reviewed organizational goals for 2023-24, including data-driven instruction, effective interventions, and student culture. She also explained Valor Circles. Each school principal presented school goals for 2023-24 and reviewed strengths and opportunities highlighted in brief summaries of student and staff data. Topics included enrollment, attendance, academic achievement, staff retention, and surveys. They also celebrated notable achievements of 2022-23. Board members asked questions at the end of each school presentation. Jaime Quiroga expressed interest in the potential impact of school calendars and schedules, including minimum days, on student achievement. Board members thanked principals for the presentations and for everything the principals do to ensure the success of Navigator Schools.

Kirsten Carr provided an overview of the Community Schools planning grant and the guiding philosophy of the Community Schools strategy to reduce inequities. She introduced key components and structures of community school development, including Community Schools Coordinators and Community Schools Advisory Councils (CSAC). She reviewed the findings of research focus groups. She highlighted needs and next steps for each school. Board members discussed strengths and opportunities related to the effort, including funding, partnerships, and positive student and community impacts. 

The board will continue to explore potential board retreat dates and times.

1. Personnel Exception: The board approved, by unanimous vote, the hiring of Noël Russell-Unterburger as Chief Financial and Operating Officer (CFOO).
2. Anticipated Litigation: No action taken.