Executive Director Lalah Radney announced key updates as we enter into preparation for the capacity interview. 

• C.R. Neal Academy charter application successfully submitted to SC Department of Education and Voorhees University Charter Institute.
• Key updates:
  • Submission confirmed (Feb 2, 2026)
  • No deficiencies in completeness review
  • 533-page application with 266 appendices
  • ~272 qualified enrollment leads at submission
  • Final decision expected by April 23, 2026
• Upcoming milestones:
  • Capacity interviews (late Feb–early March)
  • Public hearing (date pending)

Board takeaway:
No action required, but continued preparation is critical

Steven Carney and Lalah Radney prepare the committee for Capacity Interview Preparation

and Key Expectations

• Board holds the charter, not the operator
• Sponsor will assess:
  • Governance independence
  • Financial oversight
  • Understanding of legal authority

Preparation Strategy

• Two mock interviews scheduled
• Required materials:
  • Question bank
  • One-voice messaging guide
  • RACI matrix
  • Artifact checklist
• Board expected to:
  • Participate in mock sessions
  • Demonstrate unified responses
  • Be ready to answer any question 

Key Guidance from Training

• Governance = oversight + data interrogation
• Management = execution of daily operations
• Board must:
  • Use data dashboards 
  • Ask evidence-based questions
  • Avoid operational interference

Chris Eide, ESMA Chair, provides ESMA updates: 

• ESMA defines Board–Operator relationship only
• Facilities agreements will be separate
• Current status:
  • Draft (to be finalized post-authorization)
• Key issues under review:
  • Executive Director reporting structure
  • Hiring and removal authority
• Governance emphasis:
  • Board retains authority
  • Operator functions as a vendor

Lalah Radney reviews Academic & Operator Monitoring Framework:

Board will monitor via monthly dashboards, including:

• Academic performance (MAP, growth, subgroup data)
• Attendance and enrollment
• Financial reports (budget vs. actuals)
• Compliance tracking (SPED, state requirements)

Equity Commitment

• Data must be disaggregated by subgroup
• 15%+ gaps trigger intervention
• Required response:
  • Evidence-to-action plans
  • Timely corrective action

Board Chair, Randall Mack Jackson reviews Board Norms & Expectations:

• Use Rooted email accounts consistently
• Maintain BoardOnTrack profiles
• BoardOnTrack = official system of record
• Media inquiries routed to:
  • Lalah Radney
  • Board Chair

Standing meeting schedule:

• First Thursday of each month, 6:00–7:00 PM

Executive Director Lalah Radney reviews Key Action Items for March 2026: 

• Complete capacity interview preparation:
  • Attend mock interviews
  • Review materials in Command Center
• Strengthen “one-voice” responses
• Practice:
  • Governance vs. management distinctions
  • Data-based decision-making
• Prepare for:
  • Public hearing participation
  • Sponsor-facing discussions