• TIS Principal Aziz Ahmed had the TIS Student Council share their presentation from the NEO Youth Climate Event. 
• TIS Principal also shared that TIS chronic absenteeism reduced to 22% from 34% (from the last school year).

Mr. Michael Moore, TIS-East parent, provided a statement about math instruction to the Board.

CMSD-NWIS-Mr. Matt Rado

- Mr. Matt Rado shared his insight from NWIS site visits. All the interviews conducted with teachers and parent went well. He noted during the site visit that the school's strengths are consistent with its Mission and Vision.  He noted that growth areas include: park safety concerns, professional development for teachers; teachers shared they would like more input on PD opportunities.  Lastly, Mr. Rado reminded the Board that the CMSD April contract needs approval.

ESCLEW-TIS-Ms. Joyce Lewis

- Ms. Lewis informed the Board that the March site visit was mostly positive, and that Academics were identified as an area for growth. She suggested reevaluating the structure. She informed the Board that the Sponsor Update Report is available and linked in the Board resolution. 

TIS-ONLY:  

New Vision Health & Wellness--To create a collaborative partnership to increase access to quality mental health services while supporting students' academic, emotional, and social development.  This will be no cost to the school as the provider will bill Medicaid directly for all eligible services provided.  This agreement will be effective for one year unless terminated before then by either party.

Near West ONLY: 

Learn Well--To provide Direct instruction and continuous administrative support for a hospitalized student from February 26, 2026, to March 3, 2026.  Learn Well will work with the school to obtain the student's individual coursework and will complete assignments with the student in a classroom setting.  The cost of this service is $53.50 per hour for no more than 10 hours of instruction.  The cost is not to exceed $535 and is to be paid out of general funds or other monies obtained.  This is an unbudgeted expense.

TIS-East & Near West: 

Cleveland Clinic Foundation for Federal Trauma-Informed Supports for Schools--To provide on-site mental health services to students enrolled in our schools and to provide a Navigator to provide education, consultation, and coordination services to employees and staff of TIS-East and Near West related to the mental health needs of students. This will be at no cost to the school as the Cleveland Clinic will bill the family, appropriate government payor, and/or third-party payors directly. Services shall be in place from March 9, 2026, to December 31, 2026.  

Future Ready Cleveland--To foster connections with potential partners, funders, vendors, and policy makers, as well as to provide hands-on assistance on projects related to specific challenges or opportunities. 

Ms. Melina Higbee discussed the Advancement report. She informed the Board that PNC will not sponsor the 25th anniversary event but could partner with IGC in the future. The CAVS as well will not sponsor a public charter school.  She encouraged Board Members to volunteer for upcoming events. She shared that BrandPivot will share sponsorship request templates with Board Members soon.

-Ms. Celeste Farmer informed the Board that TIS has improved its finances 

-TIS currently has a $550k deficit, and NWIS has a $600k deficit

- Ms. Brooke King informed the Board that the average cutoff test score for the Cleveland Levy is 61.8%, TIS had an average test score of 60%

- Ms. Brooke King proposed to the Board: 3%, 5% and 7% wage increases for all staff. She recommended the 7% raise to recruit more experienced teachers. 

- Mr. Brad Norton & Ms. Lynn Carpenter who head the Finance Council agreed that a 7% increase would boost morale. It was suggested that new teachers pay-scale should increase by 5%, while returning teacher's pay-scale should increase by 7%.

- The Board discussed the two RFPs presented by Mangen & Associates and Charter Treasurers. Mangen has reduced their fees to $150k/year.

- While Ms. Carpenter suggested working with Charter Treasurer, the School Administrative Team suggested continuing the contract with Mangen & Associates on the condition that they reduce their fees by $30k.

-Ms. Carlin was interested in working with the Board due to the IG Mission, and her interactions with both teachers and students.

- Ms. King moves to push this item to the next Board meeting.

- Ms. Alonso shared the racial and ethnic report of the Near West and TIS schools. 

- TIS 81% of students are from Cleveland, Near West is more racially and ethnically diverse.

- Ms. Alonso discussed that 51% of the TIS neighbourhood is currently economically disadvantaged and TIS is experiencing its highest homeless population at 8 students currently. There are 5 English Language learners at TIS as well. 

- Ms. Alonso shared that Near West has a higher Special Education population than TIS, however it has only one 1 English Language learner at this time. Near West is located in a more diverse neighbourhood, however it has less diverse teachers. Ms. Alonso shared IGC will work on more inclusive hiring practices.