The Governance Committee met to review trustee officer roles, committee assignments, trustee status updates, attendance requirements, and other governance matters in preparation for the Annual Board Meeting and Board Retreat.

The committee began by reviewing the proposed trustee officer slate, committee assignments, and board composition for the 2026–2027 board year. Members discussed succession planning for future board leadership, including the Vice Chair role and long-term planning for the Board Chair position. It was noted that Matt Landon will continue serving in his current leadership role, while Rebecca Sela's interest in assuming the Vice Chair position remains under consideration. Robbie Martin and Denise Ford agreed to return to their previous officer positions, with Robbie serving as Board Secretary and Denise serving as Treasurer. The committee also reviewed committee assignments and discussed the need to strengthen board recruitment efforts, particularly in the area of finance, to support future leadership needs on both the Finance Committee and within the officer ranks. 

The committee also discussed the resignation of Xiomara from the Board following her appointment as a Commissioner, noting that an official resignation letter is not required as her term ends 6/30/2026. Governance Committee membership adjustments will be finalized prior to the June Board Retreat.

The committee then discussed trustee status updates, including the status of Aaron Mendelson and recent guidance received from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Members reviewed DESE's determination that Aaron has reached the maximum board term limits permitted under the school's bylaws and therefore may no longer serve as a trustee. The committee discussed the distinction between trustees and non-voting committee participants, noting that while Aaron may continue participating in committee work, he cannot maintain a board position beyond the allowable term limits. Members also discussed broader questions regarding board term limits and whether trustees who step away before reaching maximum service limits may later return to board service. The committee agreed that additional review of the bylaw language and further clarification from DESE would be helpful as part of future governance planning.

Andres Gomez's appointment as a trustee was confirmed by the Commissioner, and he will serve on the Academic Achievement Committee. 

The committee reviewed board attendance expectations and trustee obligations in advance of the Annual Meeting. Members discussed annual compliance requirements, including conflict of interest certifications, financial disclosure forms, and attendance expectations outlined in the bylaws. Leadership reported that completion rates for financial disclosures are approaching full compliance and noted that attendance reports covering the full fiscal year will be shared with trustees prior to the Annual Meeting. The committee reaffirmed the expectation that trustees maintain at least 75% participation in board and committee meetings.