Libertas Academy Charter School
Minutes
FY25 BOT Monthly Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday February 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Trustees Present
A. Seymour, C. Resto (remote), K. Diamond Kayiatos, K. Stewart, N. Barker, N. Coakley, P. Kkayego (remote), P. Mancinone, S. Lapolice
Trustees Absent
J. Gunther, S. Williams
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
III. Committee Reports
A.
Academic Achievement Committee
NB reported that MM shared the plans for moving in, which are now coming to fruition. There has been significant planning for the transition and it's impact on student learning, especially during an important time of test preparation.
B.
Finance Committee
Process of reconciling costs that will be divided between LACS and VAS. MM present at future finance committee meeting.
PK not overly concerned with upcoming costs associated with move- aware of negotiations with former landlord.
C.
Development Committee
KDK- reviewed the donor event here at Liberty St with some of the key donors and friends. Great event
David Guertin is following up with those who could not attend including Davis and Jennison to ensure they have opportunity to walk through
Upcoming open house
Grants for library and alumni support
Opportunities this spring to show new friends the new space and LACS at work- board should think about connecting
D.
Governance Committee
CR mentioned a new potential board member who will be coming on site. Committee was unable to meet last month
E.
ED Evaluation Committee
Was not scheduled to meet
IV. Closing Items
A.
Next meeting
Tuesday March 25 at 5:30 PM at Liberty St for all who can attend in person
B.
Adjourn Meeting
- SY24-25 February- BOT Management Report.pptx
- FY24-25 January Financials.xlsx
MM welcomed us to new space and reminded board of humble beginnings of LACS. Converted Tarbell-Waters Building on Chestnut St and hired a new staff, and recruited students all at once. MM was heavily involved with the details, setting up classrooms and putting in 70-80 hours of work. Used parking lot for gym- then partnered with the Y and walked over. LACS has always been gritty. Beautiful building does not make a great school- the people make it. $1.2 million campaign was a heavy undertaking that is not often considered for schools in this area. We doubled the goal to $2.4 million. MM is proud to bring people into the school and show them the place at work- doing so leads to authentic partnerships and engagement. Liberty St journey- progress including extending deadlines for the transition- long and extensive process. Many details that MM has been involved in, even the carpet, lighting etc- all of this process has been in service of the school's mission. Students like Ruth come to mind- Questbridge Scholar who just got into Smith College, the college of her choice. Full scholarship. Successes like this are a life-changing opportunity and what the school is all about. She wants to be a teacher- cycle that MM is excited for. MM wants LACS students to remain committed to Springfield even as they expand and grow to see and experience the world.
Events upcoming:
March 19th Drumline at Thunderbirds
LACS UA student vs staff basketball. Date TBA
Open House March 27, evening
Chestnut St early termination fee- attorney is navigating process. MM will invite Jeff Fialky of Bacon/Wilson to future meeting if process continues and board needs to be more involved in decision making. Space has been vacated and walk-through upcoming