Libertas Academy Charter School
Minutes
FY25 BOT Monthly Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday January 28, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Trustees Present
A. Seymour (remote), C. Resto (remote), J. Gunther (remote), K. Diamond Kayiatos, K. Stewart (remote), N. Barker, N. Coakley (remote), P. Kkayego (remote), P. Mancinone, S. Lapolice (remote), S. Williams (remote)
Trustees Absent
None
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
E.
Public Comment
II. Management Report
A.
Management Report
B.
Proposed Changes to Bylaws
Carlos explained some proposed changes to the bylaws including language of Executive Director ("or designee"- suggestion of AS), nominations for new board members coming at any regular meeting, trustees can serve 3 instead of 2 terms, Board attendance policy, and aligning board leadership terms. We will require at least 7 regular board meetings instead of 10 as previously expected. Committee term updates. By-laws can be altered with a 2/3 vote with no 15 day notification
The board entered executive session at 6:14
The board returned from executive session at 6:22
III. Committee Reports
A.
Academic Achievement Committee
NB shared that MM had updated the committee about ELA scores being off track. Science scores had also experienced a dip. Math scores better overall, but all areas need a big push to meet testing goals. All teams had come together effectively to put in place interventions and targeted learning to improve learning and scoring.
B.
Finance Committee
PK shared that financial dashboard was healthy and that the committee was prepared to address ongoing issues with the pause in federal grants. Two yellow areas but no major concerns.
KDK asked about the drawing down of funds- MM indicated that the state had to approve, and then daily cash will increase. JG indicated that a current injunction is recently in place to keep money flowing, so hopefully DESE can act this week. PM suggested keeping the drawn down cash in a separate account to demonstrate transparency.
C.
Development Committee
KDK shared how the committee has been discussing the walk-through event tomorrow, ending at our new donor wall. Folder can be mailed to those who don't attend.
Plea for friendraising to get new contacts into the new building
Open House postponed until facility is fully open and date can be established
D.
Governance Committee
CR nominated to chair the committee and was voted in. Discussed By-Laws and established changes. Seeking new recruits and working actively on some contacts for the board.
E.
ED Evaluation Committee
Did not meet
IV. Other Business
A.
Survey
Please be sure to complete survey for Mass Charter Schools- see email
V. Closing Items
A.
Next meeting
Tuesday, Feb 25th at 5:30 PM
B.
Adjourn Meeting
- SY24-25 January- BOT Management Report.pptx
- 2025 LACS Bylaws_Board Edits.pdf
- FY24-25 December monthlyfinancials.zip
MM addressed Trump administration's executive order about potential ICE Raids of schools. LACS prepared a response involving direct contact with MM or a senior leader. Prepared to respond if raid were to come
MM also discussed the freeze of federal grants- uncertainty in this area from DESE. MM consulted with Kari and senior team. LACS chose to draw down current grants that could be impacted. Board voiced support for MM's actions under time pressure.
School updates-
College admissions- some exciting admissions to UMass, competitive schools/ programs within the university, including the honors program. Scholarship from New Year Better us to a senior.
Joy Committee identifies teachers of the month and celebrates them with community
College and Career Day for 9th grade- getting them thinking about possibilities early
Student Recruitment- on track to meet enrollment goals for 2025-26
BIPOC staff- majority of staff is BIPOC (54%). Retention on track at high levels for those faculty who are excelling. All UA must retains are on board and LA is at 80% but MM and team continue to push on retaining this group at even higher level.
College Admissions- 66% have fully submitted applications. with 22 students accepted (38%)
FAFSA advising upcoming as FA will be a key part of process for many seniors
Liberty St- tomorrow 1/29 is donor event - transformer has been installed and power is on in 80% of building. Storm drains complicated issue to resolve and continues to be in progress. Work projected to begin soon and should only take 2-3 days once open. Interior finishes at about 95% complete on second floor and 75% on ground floor. External partners are delivering.
Goal is to move over February break- moving company is ready as soon as CO is in place. MM in building daily.
Black History month plans upcoming
March 19th Drumline at Thunderbirds
Staff vs Students Basketball on Feb 28 4-6