Collegiate Charter School of Lowell
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday November 19, 2024 at 5:30 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 November 19, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. in room 1223.
Posted to The Lowell Sun 11/17/2024.
Trustees Present
A. Miller, B. Chapman, D. Tucker, E. Nelson, K. McCarthy (remote), 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 - October 2024
II. Public Comment
A.
Floor Open to the Public
No comments.
III. Activities Update
A.
School Events
Presentation by Mrs. Bailey and three members of the Student Council - Beatriz De Oliviera, Emily Delarosa, and Chloe Silva.
- Students shared info on HOCO 2024.
- Info on student volunteer opportunity @ Dwelling House of Hope preparing food.
- Wolves of the Week celebrating students and staff.
- Upcoming events - honor roll/perfect attendance assembles, pictures with Santa, school play
B.
Athletics
Presentation by Mr. Henderson, Athletics Director.
- Update on fall sports.
- Shared that visiting schools admire our field/courts.
- Update on understanding of power-rankings
- Look ahead at winter sports.
- Student volunteers for various jobs.
C.
Performing Arts
Update from Mr. Bakr on behalf of Mr. Abrams.
- Play "North Pole Goes Rock & Roll" - 12/13 @ 6:30p and 12/14 @ 12:00 p.m.
IV. New Business
A.
Uniform Policy
Mr. McGrail requested clarification on the current uniform policy.
Mr. Bakr provided an update on the current policy and rational behind minor changes made.
B.
Staff Survey Update
Mr. Bakr provided an update on progress made post-survey.
- Leadership meetings and staff meetings held to discuss strengths and weaknesses.
- Will have updated info to share at December board meeting.
Mr. Nelson asked about context of questions asked and what is typical questions.
C.
Building Projects
Mr. Nystrom discussed updates and plans. Garage build-out for facility storage needs. Update on new sound systems in the cafeteria and the gym.
Mr. Chapman provided an update on contracting with third party company to conduct survey. Additionally, discussed past rental success of new field.
V. Committee Reports
A.
Finance
Mr. Miller provided summary of September and October budget vs. actual discussions from sub-committee meeting. Audit has been submitted.
B.
Academic Excellence
None.
C.
Facility
Mr. Chapman provided update. Releasing RFP for maintenance garage build-out.
Mr. Nystrom discussed Catie's Closet move of location.
D.
Governance
None.
E.
Board Development (Fundraising)
None.
F.
Director's Evaluation Sub-Committee
Mr. McGrail requested to table until December board meeting.
VI. Unfinished Business
A.
Approval of Executive Director's Evaluation for 2023-24
Mr. McGrail requested to table until December board meeting.
B.
Bicknell Easement III - Settlement
Mr. McGrail provided an update based on legal advice.
Mr. Miller is in favor, with explicit guarantees to protect future needs.
Mr. Patel reviewed and summarized the current deed.
Mr. Nelson suggests having a Real Estate Conveyance Attorney review the deed for guidance.
Mr. Nystrom will contact said specialized attorney for review and guidance.
C.
Organizational Chart
Mr. Bakr discussed suggested additional position and recommendation on search.
Mr. McGrail requested to table until December board meeting.
VII. Director's Report
A.
Marketing
Ms. Crane provided an update on recent events. Veterans Day festivities, front page of Lowell Sun.
Dwelling House of Hope turkey giveaway - 55 complete meals for Collegiate families.
B.
Schools Update
Ms. Connors provided an update on happenings at each school.
- Academic Summary
- College Readiness Update
- Professional Development Day Summary
C.
PTA Updates
Mr. Bakr provided update on initial plans to increase parent engagement - PTA, School Council.
D.
DESE Updates
Mr. Bakr provided update on upcoming MCAS change as a result of November 5th election.
DESE visit is expected February 7th.
E.
Events
Mr. Bakr provided an update.
Board recited the school mission.