Collegiate Charter School of Lowell
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday September 17, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Location
Collegiate Charter School of Lowell
1857 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA 01851
Meeting Notice
The Collegiate Charter School of Lowell, 1857 Middlesex Street, Lowell, MA
will hold a Board of Trustees monthly meeting on September 17, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in room 128.
Posted to The Lowell Sun 9/15/2024.
Trustees Present
A. Miller, B. Chapman, D. Tucker, E. Nelson, K. McCarthy, P. Patel, W. McGrail
Trustees Absent
None
Guests Present
A. Bakr, C. Connors, C. Nystrom, P. Rondon, T. Cameron
I. Opening Items
A.
Call the Meeting to Order
B.
Record Attendance
C.
School Mission
D.
Approve Agenda
E.
Approve Minutes - August 2024
II. Public Comment
A.
Floor Open to the Public
No members of the public.
III. School Culture and Athletics
A.
Athletics Update
- Brian Henderson introduced himself as the new Athletic Director. Highlighted his experience
- Highlighted the current fall sports
- Highlighted the Football co-op with Lowell Catholic
- Huge increase in girls' volleyball this season
- Boys' soccer is increasing numbers, lots of interest in middle school soccer
- Girl's soccer increased over last year. Daily practice is helping, with field.
- Academics first. Grades monitored. Study halls. MIAA requirements.
- Moving towards being a MIAA league for 2025-26.
- Focus on youth to build program.
- Website updates to athletics page.
- Vision - wrestling, baseball, softball, tennis. Investments may be needed for equipment, etc.
- Need more coaches.
- Student involvement in volunteer opportunities - social media/photography, concessions.
B.
Culture Update
- Student Council elections. Winners at October board meeting.
- City of Lights Parade - November
- Senior Trip 2025 - GradBash @ Universal Orlando - April 2025
IV. New Business
A.
Student Opportunity Act Report
A. Bakr presented Student Opportunity Act Report as presented for board approval.
New SOA covers next 3 school years.
Review of goals in report.
Review of budget needed.
Review of matrix to gauge success.
B.
Board Retreat Planning
October 9th and 10th
Location to be determined.
4:00 - 7:30p
C.
Bullying Prevention Plan
A. Bakr reviewed the Bullying Prevention Plan as presented.
Language adjusted to account for title changes and new SEL curriculum.
Review of Second Step - Social Emotional Learning curriculum.
V. Committee Reports
A.
Finance
Discussion of new bill signed by Governor regarding replacement of ESSR funds.
Changes:
- Removal of negative Social Worker salaries line item
- Removal of negative Student Management sales line item
B.
Education
None.
C.
Facility
None.
D.
Governance
None.
E.
Community Outreach
None.
F.
Board Development
None.
G.
Director's Evaluation Sub-Committee
Shared questions/survey to be used for evaluation in Spring 2025.
VI. Director's Report
A.
Academic Dashboard
C. Connors presented on the current academic standing of the school.
- 9/13 half day for afternoon PD workshops
- Co-teaching review
- Grading updates in October - MCAS and MAP
- New Teacher Mentor Program
- Curriculum Nights K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.
- Panorama review
B.
Marketing
C. Crane presented on current marketing activities.
- STEM grant coverage in Lowell Sun
- Focus on partnerships - Trinity (CPR), Pirates, local gym, Innovation
- Focus on internships - what worked, what didn't, changes for Spring 2025
- Focus on PR/Marketing - Ashley organizing bi-weekly Marketing meeting
- Grant opportunities
- Facilities - renting out athletics, advertising on field
C.
Staffing
T. Cameron provided staffing update as presented in the Director's Report.
D.
Enrollment
C. Nystrom provided enrollment update as presented in the Director's Report.
E.
Events
A. Bakr shared update on important dates and events.
VII. Unfinished Business
A.
Bicknell Easement III - Settlement Payment Request
B. Chapman updated following call with legal counsel.
Discussion of possible additional property availability.
Pending further review by legal counsel.
B.
Organizational Chart
W. McGrail asked for clarification on structure.
A. Bakr presented on updated organizational chart to clarify structure.
The board recited the School Mission Statement.