Libertas Academy Charter School
Minutes
FY25 BOT Monthly Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday May 27, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Trustees Present
C. Resto, K. Diamond Kayiatos, K. Stewart, N. Barker, N. Coakley (remote), S. Lapolice (remote)
Trustees Absent
A. Seymour, J. Gunther, P. Kkayego, P. Mancinone, S. Williams
Ex Officio Members Present
M. Montero
Non Voting Members Present
M. Montero
I. Opening Items
A.
Board Chair Welcome
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Call the Meeting to Order
D.
Approve Minutes from Previous Meeting
E.
Public Comment
II. Management Report
A.
Management Report
MM has been away from school- beginning education leadership fellowship in Colorado. Also in San Fransisco for New Schools Summit- MM on advisory council. Developed good connections and potential seed funding for future endeavors. Back at school now and preparing for tomorrow's celebration for Seniors- Signing Day.
Waitlist in 6, 7, 8, 9 Grade- less attrition
Recruitment (Ari) getting out at Mall event and public
19 out of 25 IEP's and 504's in hand
End of year celebrations plus high stakes testing during the push through the end of the year.
Individual support of students with post-secondary plans
Team sports- baseball and volleyball
Senior send-off last Friday- walked around the school to see teachers and friends
First Day projections 634 students - strong
Teacher Retention- goal of 85%, actual 83%; SPS typically at 55-60%
6 current open roles that MM is confident about filling- seeking additional college counselor, Spanish speaking
75% took at least 1 AP course
21% at least passed 1 AP
Dual Enrollment
61% into 4 year program, and 27% on to 2 year program
1 to trade, 1 alternative, 3 to military
2 year college students attend for free
15 students have full coverage from college
16 students taking federal loans or parents are paying gap
3 still working through FA packages
Many great schools represented
Also, lessons learned- explicitly college prep
Early engagement builds investment
Application completion does not equate true readiness
One-on-one advising is essential
Work has begun now with rising seniors- essay writing, SAT prep, 3 blocks per day when students can get scheduled for individual college counseling. Committed family engagement
LACS also wants to begin work earlier with student body- in 9th and 10th grade.
New graduation requirement will include extra-curricular activities and encourage leadership
Events and FYI
Senior Signing at Symphony Hall 5/28
Graduation 6/13
Chestnut St lease negotiations continue
B.
Approval of 2025-26 Calendar
Calendar returns to 185 days
Includes fall break and significant PD time
III. Committee Reports
A.
Academic Achievement Committee
NB Reviewed Christien Labile's report on teacher evaluation process. Significant developments throughout the year to develop the program involving coaching and assessment.
B.
Finance Committee
Finance Committee reviewed and had some additional questions for Aline to investigate.
Financials are on track
C.
Development Committee
Applications in to Foundations, but no news yet
Sending out an appeal to previous donors- fiscal year end push including info from Senior Signing Day
Board Giving- 100% participation goal by June 30th. Not the amount but the participation that matters
D.
Governance Committee
Did not meet
E.
ED Evaluation Committee
Due to meet next Tuesday
IV. Other Business
A.
Executive Session
Entered Executive Session at 6:20
KDK moved to enter Executive Session; Kobie Stewart Seconded- followed by unanimous vote in favor.
Exited Executive Session at 6:43
V. Closing Items
A.
Next meeting
Annual Retreat, Friday June 20th, 8:30 AM- 1 PM
B.
Adjourn Meeting
- SY24-25 May- BOT Management Report.pptx
- 25-26 LACS Calendar(3).xlsx
- FY24-25 April Financials.xlsx
Janice Fedor attending- prospective board member