David Nagel read the conflict of interest and ethics statement - no conflicts brought forward.

David Nagel read a portion of the Dave Staley Family letter as much as public comment time allowed. (public comments are limited to 3 minutes)

There were no other public comments received prior to the meeting.

Public comment was then opened for any online attendees with no comments being offered.

David Nagel presented a historical background of where ERA and the Board of Directors have traversed over the past 3 years. He reviewed the theme, objectives, roles of each board member  and agenda for this Board Retreat. 

The theme for the retreat was Alignment & Coherence.

Objectives included:

1. Reflect on 2025-26 board success and identify areas to continue our growth
2. Initiate relationship building with new members
3. Deepen shared understanding of
   • Board, committee and school leadership roles
   • ERA’s strategic elements
   • STREAM (balance with test prep) current and future state
   • Prioritized facility needs, vision for expansion, roadmap, and next steps
4. Draft 2026-27 board and school goals

Amy Simonson presented an excellent round of Board Member Bingo providing the opportunity for Board Members to learn about each other.

David Nagel reviewed the Boards 2025-2026 board-level goals and progress utilizing the Board on Track Dashboard. Results from self assessment and goal status reflect that the board has developed a culture of capability building over the past 3 years, The areas of Academic Oversight and Development were reflected as priorities.

Mike Mizzoni, Board on Track Governance Director provided a governance overview and case examples to help support ERA Board capabilities including how well-organized committees can enhance and support the work of the school and Board.

Dave Nagel and Lindsey Sealy presented a poster designating already defined and approved strategic elements for Board members to identify where they felt we were in the process reaching each element.

Pamela Norcross led a rigorous discussion of STREAM - where we are now and where we want to be.

A high priority for 2026-2027 is Academics and STREAM development.

• Alignment: share common definitions,
  priorities, and goals and work together
  seamlessly.
• Coherence: the logical, consistent, and
  seamless connection of all parts of an
  educational program to ensure a unified
  learning experience for students

Via the Academic committee, the Board and school leadership there will be a strong look at the Academic Committee membership and structure with the possibility of revamping their charter, and developing subcommittees to break down the work and increase forward momentum on STREAM, and the assurance of academic excellence.

Lindsey Sealy and Adam Haber provided a presentation on ERA's current and projected facility needs, the work that has been done and draft plans for the near future.  This was purely an informative presentation with substantial requests anticipated. The presentation also was anchored to the 2026-2027 focus of Alignment and Coherence.

• Alignment: solutions align seamlessly
  with the school’s core mission, vision,
  academic model, and values, and solve
  greatest needs
• Coherence: every single operational,
  financial, legal, and human resources
  department acts as a single,
  synchronized set of gears
  Academics & STREAM

Current Committee Chairs presented draft goals for 2026-2027 including:

• Governance Committee
• Finance Committee
• Fundraising Committee
• Academic Committee
• School Goals

Feedback included praise for the agenda, organization, and inclusion of new members for the next year.

Appreciation was shown for Margaret Barr and her years of service to the Board and Elliot Clark and his year.