There were no amendments or changes to the agenda.

Board Vice Chair Crutcher gave an update and overview of the following:

• The pre-audit budget for the 2023 school year shows a $1.8 million surplus.
• The audit for the budget is ongoing, with all deliverables submitted to external auditors.
• Enrollment numbers have improved, with 1033 students enrolled, a significant increase from previous years.
• Staffing levels are at 94%, with six vacancies across schools, particularly in special education.

Chief Tate gave an update and overview of the following:

• Academic Goals and Student Performance
  • Highlighted the academic goals and student performance.  
• Professional Development
  • The professional development plan for 2024-2025 includes monthly regional PD and partnerships with the Center for Strategic Leadership.
  • KIPP School Summit shouted out for KIPP Memphis for their mClass results.
  • Early release Wednesday was implemented so schools could have a school-based professional development on Wednesdays.

Chief Brooks gave an update and overview of the following:

• Advanced Academics
  • Advanced academic programs have seen significant success with 51 students earning an OSHA 10 Certification, 9 students earning forklift licenses, 10 students earning a ServSafe Certification (Culinary Art Certification), and 7 students earning a Dremel 3D Printing certification.
  • Dual Enrollment at Southwest Tennessee Community College:  20 students - Psychology, and 15 students - English Composition. 
• KIPP Forward Updates
  • The KIPP Forward program's matriculation rate increased from 49% in 2022 to 73% in 2023, aligning with national KIPP standards.
  • KIPP Forward has been very strategic around making sure students are tracked after graduation.

Comment from Board Vice Chair Crutcher:  While attending the KIPP School Summit, I had a conversation with the KIPP Foundation Alumni Impact Team.  They specifically shouted out and applauded Kim Durham, Director of KIPP Forward, and her team for the work they are doing.  

Operations/Facilities Committee Chair Anderson gave an update and overview of the following:

• Facilities Update
  • Henry Campus
    • Cafeteria Floor Replacement | Gym Ceiling & Floor Replacement | Porcelain Fountains - Removal  | Parking Lot Striping
  • Howell Campus
    • Auditorium Lighting Improvement | Porcelain Fountains Removal - Outdoor Classroom Decks Removal (Outdoor Safety Improvement)
  • Recruitment Updates
    • Completed all six summer touchpoints
    • Overall enrollment at budget

Board Vice Chair Crutcher gave an update and overview of the following:

• Governance Committee's refresh of its purpose and board recruitment efforts.
• Two potential candidates have been identified, with a soft commitment from the foundation to support board recruitment.
• Attendance expectations for meetings are emphasized, with a request for RSVPs via Board on Track.
• Reminders about conflict of interest forms to be signed and board member training.

CEO Burt reported on and updated the Board Committee on the following:

• Strategic Priority Updates
  •  Attendance rates had a strong start with 95.5% at elementary, 96% at middle, and 95% at high school.
  • The attendance team and parent communication efforts have contributed to improved attendance.  
  • A college and career fair at the high school saw over 55 organizations participate, with freshmen and sophomores also attending.
  • The first FAFSA night for parents is scheduled for September 24 to help families with the application process.
  • Teacher awards and professional development initiatives are highlighted, with a focus on building capacity and improving instructional delivery.
  • New partnerships, including Varsity sponsoring middle and elementary school football teams.
  • Oasis of Hope provides transportation and support for middle school football and basketball.
  • The organization also commits to providing Thanksgiving baskets and assistance for families in need.
  • Chief Brooks secured a partnership with United Way's Driving Dream.  
  • Partnership with Horace Mann which provides additional support for chosen projects.

Board Chair Johnson commented on the following:

• It was amazing to go to the KIPP School Summit to see the energy in the room, and to see our staff fully embrace and re-energize.  It was great to have the opportunity to talk to other board members and EDs. 
• The Board Retreat was a great opportunity for the board to come together and begin to re-norm.