Committee Membership Update
Bob Leonard will join the Governance Committee and has accepted the assignment.

Strategic Priorities Review Process
The committee reviewed the draft strategic priorities developed at the board retreat. Each committee will provide feedback, with final priorities approved at the August board meeting. This will initiate an annual process for strategic review and revision.

Financial Sustainability Goals
The committee discussed the financial sustainability goal of achieving a $300K–$500K surplus to build reserves for future capital needs. Members emphasized avoiding the typical practice of spending year-end surpluses to maintain this focus.

Building Purchase Update
Rachel Romano reported a conversation with the current facility owner, who may be open to selling the building, though no timeline or price was confirmed. The lease expires in January. MassDevelopment and charter guarantee funds are available as financing options. Eliminating the $400K annual real estate tax through a purchase could help offset debt service costs.

Capital Campaign Preparation
Though a campaign committee was suggested, Rachel advised that it may be premature. Veritas has already begun preparing through staffing and tools: Katrina, Communications and Development Manager, was hired last year, and a donor research database is now in use to identify potential major donors.

Campus Consolidation Feasibility
The committee confirmed that combining both campuses into one facility is not feasible due to space constraints. Consolidation would require reducing enrollment, which contradicts the school's mission and charter.

Academic Achievement Goals
The committee reviewed the goal of returning to 2019 pre-pandemic academic levels and sustaining effective board-level academic practices. Ongoing progress reports will support accountability.

College & Career Readiness Program
The committee underscored the importance of this initiative as part of Veritas’ mission and charter faithfulness, particularly as the first senior class prepares to graduate. Monitoring of work-based learning and post-secondary plans is key, though some aspects straddle governance and management roles.

Support for Trades and Vocational Pathways
The committee discussed vocational access. While Veritas is not a trade school, individual students receive counseling and support for alternative pathways. Putnam Vocational uses a criteria-based system, limiting access to many students who would benefit most. This change occurred roughly a decade ago.

Advanced Manufacturing & STCC Partnership
The school’s early college program includes a pathway in advanced manufacturing, offering exposure to 3D printing and tech-based career training. This supports employability in the trades while preserving college access.

Work-Based Learning Partnerships
Veritas is developing partnerships with local employers (e.g., Valley, Roberts Energy, Peerless Precision) to create real-world learning experiences. These provide entry-level job skills while allowing students to earn college credits.

School Climate & Staff Culture
The committee reviewed staff culture goals, especially in the post-pandemic period. The SPARK survey reflected overall positivity but also areas for growth as expectations rise. Some turnover is anticipated as standards increase.

Student Engagement Growth
Athletics and extracurriculars have expanded significantly, with $200K allocated to these areas. Opportunities such as mock trial and debate are being considered to continue growth from the program’s early years.

Aspirational Goals
The committee reviewed long-term goals, including the facility purchase and exploring student travel abroad through partnerships. Harvest Fest was noted as a successful example of engaging families and community stakeholders.

Governance Committee Goal Setting
The committee identified three key areas for focus:

Board succession planning

Monitoring college and career readiness

Analyzing staff culture survey data to ensure alignment with expectations