Chairperson thanked Hector for his service. He also shared that Dana resigned from his role. We sent a gift as a Board.

MM showed some visuals of construction on new facility, on track for July 2024 deadline. Working on potential HVAC delays

Talent- over half of staff identify as PoC. Leadership in LA is not as diverse, so looking to continue to push that in the future, but not diversity simply for diversity sake. Currently meeting goal.

Student recruitment- Puerto Rican parade, back to school bbq, getting involved in community to spread the word. Meeting goal in this challenging area.

Expanding extracurricular opportunities- xc

24 students participated in pre-college programs this summer. Upcoming college fair. SAT prep course for juniors in the morning. 3 students taking college level courses at Holyoke this year- driving up there with LACS staff each day. TC asked about HBCU tours- MM responded that initial focus is to bring college reps to campus, and College Director is going to schedule tours for the spring. TC wants to continue to push LACS to expose students to HBCUs and MM agreed on communicating this to Jasmine as director and inviting her to Academic Achievement meeting.  KD asked about what students at Holyoke are indicating about CL courses- MM said no strong feedback yet, but will get it as year progresses. Students recognizing that it is up to them to make the most of this opportunity. College readiness goals are being closely tracked for juniors.

School Data-

Talent- looking to backfill open roles with teaching fellows who have shown potential to be successful in front of classroom. Trying to hire part time school nurse.

TC asked about LCAS using teachers pursuing their practicum. Modesto responded that he has not had success in the past, as these programs have contracts with larger districts. TC has a connection that MM will follow up with her on.

Enrollment- LA very healthy, UA continues to have some lag due to changes going into 9th grade. Still progressing in 9th and 10th grade. 540 students currently enrolled. Recent increase of 22 applications for 6th grade.

MCAS- MM noted that LACS is just off the state average with tremendous growth overall. LA had a goal of 30% proficiency and came in at 39%. 

SGP (Student Growth Percentile) was a huge highlight, with LCAS at 64.9%, the second highest in the state!

LCAS exceeded state averages in 6th grade ELA and are closing gap in 7th and 8th.

LCAS met goal for 6th grade Math and 8th exceeded state average. 7th grade math has a wider gap, showing some growth but not enough. MM is adding layers of support for more remediation.

MM is not satisfied with high school achievement and found the ANET data to not be as predictive of MCAS outcomes. Will be tweaking this year, and power of Open Architects data will allow for targeted interventions.

LACS outperformed Springfield public school in all areas

PK wanted to make sure that success is celebrated- MM has planned full school announcement and celebration! MM always feels the need to do both, to keep pushing forward but also sprinkle joy. KD shared celebratory email from DESE that recognized LCAS improved outcomes

FYI's- open house coming up on 11/9 at 8:30, and construction tours on 12/6

Other upcoming events on slides

NB noted that MM had invited Ben Cruse to most recent meeting. BC and MM shared data points and plans in line with what MM has shared tonight. LACS is in great hands with gifted educators driving the school forward.

PK indicated that the school's financials are in solid position and the school was well prepared for upcoming audit.

KK updated- 

Paul Robbins has joined committee- Communications firm

David staying on as fundraising consultant through December 2023

Matching grant with Jennison foundation still available and 

Solicitations from the board will be forthcoming and remember that gifts will be matched if they come in during the rest of 2023

Upcoming events 11/9 - morning open house. Trustees should come and bring a contact

Hardhat tour 12/6 PM at new site

Tours of current building still available

MM urgency to secure the matching gift- requests that names be sent his way

HZ - some prospective board members coming together and HZ expects to be able to put names forward next month

KD reminded the board to attend events at school as we pledged as a board. College fair upcoming! Volleyball at Dunbar Community Center.

Next meeting Tuesday Oct 24th at 5:30