Libertas Academy Charter School
Minutes
Monthly Board of Trustees Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday March 26, 2024 at 5:30 PM
Location
Libertas Academy Charter School
146 Chestnut Street
Springfield, MA 01103
Trustees Present
A. Seymour, C. Resto, J. Gunther (remote), K. Diamond Kayiatos, N. Barker, N. Coakley, P. Kkayego (remote), S. Lapolice (remote)
Trustees Absent
K. Stewart, S. Williams, T. Curtis
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 Prior Meeting
Note Azanda Seymour's comments should be denoted AS, not AZ
E.
Public Comment
II. Management Report
A.
Management Report
MM showed footage from construction site- steel framing has gone up. MM walking through space and showing what it will become. Relatively speaking we are close to the finish line- 9 year project for him.
- Wrinkle in Time as a theater performance at AIC
- Marching band highlighted on 22 News- Holyoke parade
- Alison Bagg from DESE invited MM to Boston to speaking in front of the state Board of Education, which he did today
EG update on the progress of the new building.
EG provided overview of partnerships- kitchen layout and work with Sydexo as food supplier
EG has been getting bids on moving and cleaning
EG working on bids and plans for security tech and leases on printers
EG has inventoried all furniture and working with supplier for new items
EG has formed legacy ambassador committee (parents, students, staff), which launched on 3/4. Great excitement about ongoing involvement for planning.
EG showed images of floor plans with furniture
KDK asked about financial implications of delay- MM is working with Jeff Fialky to review contracts and MM hopes to have clarity at next board meeting.
MM- Talent- 8 open roles plus some new 12th grade positions
Recruitment goals- 80 6th grade families already said yes, second lottery coming up. 104 total new students have signed on for next year.
Assessment prep- faculty focused on SAT, MCAS, AP prep. Juniors recently took first SATs.
LA Goals- plans in place to get goals on track. Recent suspensions have moved that mark to 7.3% and MM is working with admin to investigate trends.
UA Goals- see slides
Jennison Foundation check in- Gary wants to explore next steps and possible K-5 expansion; MM aligned with goal so that LACS work with students can start any sooner. Research needed to see if it is worthwhile and possible to take this on.
KDK asked about number of K-5 charters in Springfield- MM: 3 options exist
III. Committee Reports
A.
Academic Achievement Committee
NB highlighted success of recent play and significance of partnering with local higher education.
LACS is actively prepping for testing season
B.
Finance Committee
PK- looking ahead at budget for next year. Good progress so far. No concerns anticipated and current financials in a good place.
Dashboard presented- all green, with one yellow trending towards green
Income statement showing positives. No concerns from finance committee about expenses.
C.
Development Committee
KDK- outlined recent steps for new trustees. Raised 2 million in capital campaign. Planning for steps ahead, like galas. Striving to support students as they graduate from LACS
D.
Governance Committee
No report this month
E.
ED Evaluation Committee
Upcoming meeting
IV. Other Business
A.
Vote on FY25 Calendar
No major changes from last year. August 19th expected as first day of school. 2 weeks of PD prior to opening of school.
AS asked about August start and clarifying numbers for monthly count. MM made some adjustments for greater accuracy.
AS asked about afterschool options and timing. MM described activities and office hours, which teachers are required at least twice a month
V. Closing Items
A.
Next meeting
B.
Adjourn Meeting
- SY23-24 March- BOT Management Report.pptx
- FY23-24 February Statement fo Net Position.pdf
- FY23-24 February Summary.pdf
- FY23-24 February Dashboard.pdf
- FY25 Planning Hub(1).xlsx
Welcome to our new board members, Carlos and Nicole!
Emma Gianoplus joined the meeting to provide updates on new facility and transition