K. Teasley provided an update on enrollment, academic growth, and TAP implementation at both school sites.  Prep Academy stands at approximately 500 students and Mid-City at 700 students.  Enrollment counts will be finalized Oct 1.  NWEA growth data indicates growth is occurring across content and grade levels at both schools.  Prep Academy is currently ranked in the top 3.5% (math) and 5.44% (reading) in the country.  Similarly, Mid-City’s growth was in the top 8.2% (math) and 45.5% (reading).  Language Arts growth was in the top 26.5% (Prep) and 44.6% (Mid-City).  Both schools outperformed the state in both ELA and math growth on LEAP, as well as the state’s black and economically disadvantaged populations.  K. Teasely also provided an update on the third party review of TAP implementation, which is conducted by NIET.  Prep Academy’s overall score was 4.01 and Mid-City’s score was 3.72, which indicates both schools are “rock solid” with implementing TAP with fidelity. 

S. Douglas shared the 2018-19 goal of the schools, which if achieved should result in a letter grade of B at Prep Academy and C or better at Mid-City.  In addition, S. Douglas discussed the various interventions and supports in place to achieve the goal, which includes study skills being taught by Master Teachers, ELA and Math Labs at Mid-City, Edgenuity and Odyssey to help move students to masterly level, weekly data meetings, Robotics course, and partnerships with City Year and Brothers Empowered to Teach. 

K. Maggoire shared that NSBR’s Investment Committee is recommending funding for GEO’s Launch grant at a level of $150,000 to support middle school expansion and $400,000 for high school.  Final approval of funding will be given at the Oct 8th NSBR Board Meeting.  In addition, the Board acknowledged and thanked NSBR for the various ways in which support and funding has been provided to GEO schools--City Year, Relay Graduate School, Brothers Empowered to Teach, curriculum materials and supplies, playground equipment, Board on Track, and Strategic Consultants.  

R. McGarner introduced M. Daniels, who announced the selection of GEO Prep Academy schools to be adopted by the BRPD.  Through this partnership, GEO schools will receive school safety assessments, safety training for faculty (i.e., active shooter training), family adoptions at Thanksgiving, motivation for LEAP Testing, etc.  L. Johnson thanked M. Daniels, R. McGarner, and BRPD for their ongoing support of GEO. 

K. Teasley reminded the Board of the Oct 18th interview with the LDE for its Type 5 Charter Application.  LDE approval will enable GEO to become a state authorized Type 5 charter provider.  Board members should attend.

K. Teasley shared plans to begin white linen luncheon events, which are designed as an opportunity to showcase the GEO model and students and engage with community and corporate leaders in a manner that results in establishing and strengthening partnerships/sponsorships.  The first luncheon event is scheduled for Oct 18th from Noon – 1:00pm at the GEO Prep Professional Development Center.  Board members are invited to attend.

L. Johnson shared the next Board meeting will be moved from Oct 26 to Oct 18.  Exact time TBD.