Libertas Academy Charter School
Minutes
Board of Trustees Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday February 24, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Location
262 Liberty St, Springfield, MA
Trustees Present
C. Resto, J. Fedor, K. Diamond Kayiatos, K. Stewart, N. Barker, N. Coakley, P. Kkayego, P. Mancinone, S. Williams
Trustees Absent
J. Gunther, S. Lapolice
Ex Officio Members Present
M. Montero
Non Voting Members Present
M. Montero
Guests Present
Ari Nunez, Brittany Anderson, Christien Laible, Melissa Szumski
I. Opening Items
A.
Board Chair Welcome
B.
Record Attendance and Guests
C.
Call the Meeting to Order
D.
Approval of Previous Minutes
II. Management Report
A.
SEI Endorsement- VOTE
B.
Management Report
III. Committee Reports
A.
Finance Committee
B.
Academic Achievement Committee
Nick noted the LA and UA's ongoing strong preparation and engagement with challenge as the school prepares for upcoming MCAS and AP testing.
UA and LA leaders both flag Chronic Absenteeism as an ongoing concern that has proven difficult to change, despite active efforts. They remain committed
C.
Development Committee
Kari talked about outreach- hosted tours at school. Paul brought guests who were impressed
Another round of tours coming up this spring
Outreach to banks for donations
starting to plan for 10 year anniversary
Patrick added that Paul and Nicole have done a great job connecting others in the community to Libertas
D.
Governance Committee
Carlos updated on the committee's work- seeking outreach for new potential trustees
E.
ED Evaluation
postponed to next meeting
IV. Closing Items
A.
Upcoming Meeting Schedule
Next meeting will be March 24, 2026 at 5:30 PM
B.
Adjourn Meeting
- FY25-26 January SNP.pdf
- FY25-26 January Dashboard.pdf
- FY25-26 January Cashflow.pdf
- FY25-26 January Summary.pdf
MM provided an overview:
96% overall teacher retention (voluntary)
100% New teacher retention (voluntary)
Stronger onboarding process to ensure new teachers are ready- instructional continuity, reduced disruption
55% staff BIPOC/ Latino
23% staff Latino- no other school can offer
96% seniors already accepted to college
50% of LA on track to be ME on MCAS Math and ELA
Off track= enrollment for college- expect this process to be on track as we enter spring '26
Off Track- AP goals
Retain 80% of highly effective teachers- on track
Fundraising goals on track
Charter renewal on track
Charter application in CT on track
Ari Nunez- Director of student recruitment
partnered with elementary schools
working to connect in CT- government officials
154 6 grade applications for lottery- well ahead of last year; 236 total apps
Recruitment video online
Christien Laible- Finance and HR Highlights
Monthly meetings with UA and LA leaders on budgeting
Digital ticketing for extracurriculars
2/3 MCPPO courses complete- Mass Certified Public Purchasing
HR policies revised and codified
Emerging Leaders- 13 staff participants (77% BIPOC)
Finance goal- off track on goal to reduce contract with Central Source but working creatively to resolve. Seeking help from accounting minds
Brittany Anderson- Director of Alumni Support
Challenge of supporting students who are no longer in the building
78% of students completing FAFSA- goal of 100%
ALums need to submit transcripts to LACS for review and support
Works with college team at LACS- brings alums back to connect with current students
ongoing engagement with LACS
Face to face connection around local campuses
Alums spoke to their experience
Jadem- springfield- joined club gymnastics and found his people
Ana- Amherst- challenge adjustment but persistence
Sa'Ad- UMAss Amherst- enjoying every part of his experience, learned how to public speak at LACS
Upcoming events-
Jenesis spoke about Little Mermaid- musical- March 13 and 14
MM noted that new specific budgeting will be rolling out next FY. Part of development goal as well
MM announced Boys' BB in the state tournament- round of 32 this week- Friday 2/27
Friday 2/27- Black History Month Celebration