M. Sweet provided a brief update on the purchase on the facility with regards to the status of the appraisal, financing and DESE approval of the long term debt financing.  More information will be provided at the next meeting. 

A. Gabinetti provided an overview of the December 2016 financials focusing first on cash position on the statement of net position.  He reviewed the summary of revenue and expenses. 
R. Romano discussed fundraising and updating projections to take into account that fundraising may be geared toward capital and less program based. Discussion on enrollment and the constant tracking by Finance committee.

Discussion around fundraising in FY16, FY17 and FY18.  M. Landon commented on discussion on during the February Finance committee meeting. R. Romano also discussed the development of a strategy and the need to launch a development committee. L. Abbate commented on the need of developing strategies that target different donor groups.

R. Sela provided an update on the committee review of the Academic Achievement dashboard.  R. Romano commented on the dashboard be a valuable and useful tool to for the committee to review and track.

R. Romano provided an update on the suspension data, the background of our discipline system, the significant changes to the behavior management system, classroom management procedures, staff changes and training teachers around the new changes.

Discussion around the school's current suspension rate and compared to last year. M. Sweet commented on the scrutiny of the results by DESE and media, and the response by leadership team to enact significant change in the results. R. Sela commented that the State will continue to focus on suspension date.  The work to improve our discipline system and stabilize the culture is an opportunity for dissemination.

A. Mendelson commented on the importance of this information in the charter school movement.

L. Abbate discussed trustee recruitment with a focus of the skills we are looking for and recruiting from Springfield residents.  L. Abbate discussed board evaluations. While we are running smoothly, the board needs to continue to respond to the mission and the needs of the executive director.

R. Romano provided an overview of the recent teacher survey results with a focus on teacher retention and highlighting certain sections that are impacting the school program. She provided information on the frequency of feedback the leadership team gathers from staff.  She mentioned the change in mindset toward teacher development that has had a positive effect on staff. She mentioned the development of school-wide goals by the leadership team and school-wide challenges. Discussion around the Big 13, Laser 5 and Hungry for Knowledge challenges and their impacts. Discussion on managing changes and the effect of a reduced schedule. D. Janes commented on the effect of these programs on teachers. Discussion around the impacts and how the challenges were communicated and implemented with staff. L. Abbate commented on constant accessing and the outcome data that is continued to be gathered. 
100% of the teachers surveyed believe our school is working hard to accomplish our mission and are proud to work at Veritas Prep. R. Romano commented that recent mid-year reviews have solidified these results. M. Sweet asked about constructive negatives. R. Romano commented about parent engagement,education and buy-in. She also mentioned feedback on lesson planning. C. A.lves suggested making it more anonymous

R. Romano provided an update on the expansion request for seats and replication school and the timing of the decision. She highlighted her conversations with DESE. She discussed the potential opportunity to support Holyoke's receivership.