Thank you to all who was able to join us this morning for the peek into the school and conversation with school leaders.  It was a wonderful hour and reminder of why we do what we do.  The staff and students were very impressive especially in the virtual learning.

Sad news that Josh will be leaving the board as of June 2021 as he and his family will be moving to Baltimore. 

No public in attendance

Thank you for joining us for a virtual tour this morning. 

Reopening Plan - Last board meeting before kids are onsite. Monday for "remote plus" - first large group of students in person. State has decided that middle schools be full time in person as of April 28th.  We have asked for a waiver to push this to provide for a phase in as of May 17.  Will shift to asynchronous week of 4/5 for a week of professional development prior to hybrid starting April 12.  Parents can chose to participate in hybrid/in person or stay remote this year. Hoping that the numbers are balanced between hybrid and remote.  Last survey (Feb) showed that 1/3 of families are not planning on sending students, 1/3 definitely and 1/3 not sure. This is inline with the state plan with a waiver but if it doesn't get approved, we will adjust the plan accordingly.  Will have teachers and students trained and protocols in place so we could if had to. These plans have been communicated with the staff.

High School Planning - Talent: hired most key positions.  Looking for 7 more people and all in active interviews or offers sent. Addition of Troy Jackson has enabled this to become a priority and make great progress in moving up the calendar.  Goal to be fully staffed by June1. 

Facilities - not much movement here.  Working with landlord with an asbestos issue. Goal to have it ready for demo by end of the month to stay on track with calendar. Meting with landlord on a weekly basis to keep things moving. Thinking about adding a facilities committee to help with this. 

Student Recruitment - having challenges with COVID to creatively reach families.  A little behind where we've been in past years.  Expanding strategies to increase marketing campaign: website, Mass Live, social media, etc. 

Goals update - Attendance goal met (90%+) started dipping in Oct - Dec put strategies in place and accomplished them, Student Servicing (93%), ANET (ELA: 7th grade on track, 6th & 8th grade off track. Putting strategies to improve. MATH: all students falling short.  Overall scores need to improve and looking closely at how to improve.)  

Dana question: is the turnover in staff normal? Yes it is normal and not concerning. Modesto has passed many of these decisions to his leadership team this year as opposed to in the past.

Management Report covered what was discussed at last meeting 

Reviewed the financials for February. All looks good and same as last month. 

Started with a preliminary presentation about 2021-22 budget.  Next meeting they will bring forward a proposed budget to the board.

Reached out to those who gave last year. Now at 48% of our dollar goal.  Modesto working on a number of grants and bringing in great dollars

Modesto spoke with contacts at STCC, Elms and trying to learn about what a college/university may want by partnering with Libertas.  Making progress on this idea. 

Also looking at Mass Mutual to see if they will sponsor Libertas as they focus their support on the North End of Springfield. Working on making a connection with the Mass Mutual Foundation director.  If you have a contact, let us know.

Reminder to board to make your own donation - any gift is a great gift!  Please do it today!

Focusing on adding 3 people to the board next year. Looking for someone in Finance since Tony is cycling off the board.  Please send along any suggestions you may have.

Looking at a facilities committee for the future.

Also looking at adding a parent to the board now that Hectors child is no longer at the school.

Will be sending a board assessment - keep your eye out for it. 

Will do training at our Board Retreat in June. 

Reviewed the matrix document to be used for evaluations.  Not perfect - especially with the different scenario this year and putting it into place mid-year - but using as a benchmark for this year.  Will be a starting point that we will collect feedback after and adjust as needed. Making steps toward improving over last year's evaluation. 

Will likely be virtual 8:30-2:00 but details are still to be finalized.  Stay tuned.

Tuesday, April 27th at 5:00