A. Mendelson introduced Denise Ford, a potential new board member.  The members introduced themselves.

M. Sweet provided a brief update on the facility purchase date. A potential closing date of May 3rd.  Everything thing is on track to be prepared for the closing date. 

M.Sweet provided an overview  of the recent changes to the commitment letter the board will be voting to approve. Discussion regarding the terms, financial covenants, and terms for Friends of Veritas Prep Charter School, and the financing for the HVAC system, enrollment. M. Sweet suggested the Financial committee review the financial covenants and projections during their next meeting to report at the next Board meeting and send information to C.Wistreich. R. Romano commented on the benefit of owning the building.

M. Sweet commented that a vote will be conducted at the next board meeting on the sublease Springfield Prep Charter School.

R. Romano commented on the school calendar for the 2017-18 aligns closely with Springfield Public Schools.  She discussed change to professional development with high staff retention rate, snow days, last day of school, extended day/extended year. D. Janes asked about school breaks and snow days.  R. Sela is a State decided schedule to coordinate all school districts. R. Romano commented on the benefits of aligning with Springfield Public School schedule.

R. Romano provided an update on the school turnaround grant with DESE.  Veritas Prep Charter School was awarded the proposed grant amount. She provided an update on staffing changes effected by receipt of the grant.  She mentioned recent discussions on the potential for more funding opportunities. L. Doherty requested a copy of the grant be sent to the board.

R. Sela provided information on what has been reviewed in the past few academic achievement meetings. She discussed dissemination specifically, and the brainstorming to being development a cohesive plan. D. Janes provided information on his recent discussions on potential dissemination opportunities. L. Doherty asked about standardized testing schedule.  R. Romano commented on the testing schedule.  R. Sela commented that all students in grades 4 and 8 will take the test online and testing in general. R. Sela commented on the interim testing, grading and assessment review and uses.

R. Romano provided an update on the relationship with Central Source. The school will be moving to another company for financial services shortly. The company also provide technical services which will be valued in the future. M. Sweet mentioned a termination right be included in the new contract.  A. Gabinetti mentioned an FY18 budget will be presented at the next board meeting. R. Romano provided information on staffing changes.

L. Abbate commented on recruitment efforts, the need for help with recruiting a strong board, continued strong board attendance and the views of the new Secretary of State.

R. Romano commented on the Charter School Association Action committee that is working with charter school boards on advocating and  responding to potential legislation that would remove autonomy and financial support from charter schools. R. Romano commented on the need for closer allied relations with school districts. M. Sweet commented on the need for public relations and getting our good work to the public. 

A. Mendelson introduced Alex Kim, 7th and 8th grade counselor to the board to provide an update on high school matriculation.  A. Kim provide background on his role and the process to transition 8th graders to Springfield Public School district, charter or private high schools. R. Romano mentioned a new honors high school academy that recently visited the school. He also mentioned the balloting program.  M. Landon asked about Alumni contact.  R. Romano commented on a more formalized communication is needed and work is beginning on that with a survey.  Alumni have visited the school and worked with teachers on course selection. A. Kim talked about the program Excel Academy for Alumni contact.