Handbook still in progress and will be ready for review in September 2022 

Area of Attention: 

Best steps are still in decision stages related to Social Media/Cyber Bullying.

DOE - Viewed our handbook during authorization and provided recommendations related to IEP and Suspension Procedures.  

Language will be added in the handbook aligning with the recommendations from the DOE. 

Safety Plan Internal plan and public facing plan discussed. 

Safety public facing plan is shared with families and remains available for 30 Days. 

There were no questions or inquiries during Zoom sessions provided to discuss Safety Plan. 

Safety training is performed by the following:

1.  Extension training during Staff Professional Development 

2.  Monthly Meetings 

3.  Practice Drills 

Safety related to doors and cameras are active and in place to support the safety and security of the Scholars and School Staff Members.

Robert Keogh joined to support with any finance questions or concerns. 

Finance committee met and reviewed the updated projection of the closing finances of the FY 22 School - Fiscal year - July1, 2021- June 30, 2022. 

Projected financials closings were discussed in detail. 

School has a strong cash position and there is no concern regarding financial health. 

There is no concern with the financial procedures and policies that are in place. 

Robert Keogh provided an update regarding the key components related to the projected financial closing position. 

Three areas of concentration: 

1. Reconciliation Billing variances related to student enrollment 
2. Allocated grant funds and the timing of funds recognition 
3. Facility repairs and insurance reimbursement 

Grant budget funds reviewed and discussed to be reallocated to adjust the projected financials for the fiscal school year of 2022. 

Formal budget amendment to be submitted to the state.  Grant term runs from 2022-to 2023, which will offset the closing financial numbers. 

No downside or risks related to the reallocation to offset the closing financials. 

Sensitivity analysis, reconciling revenue & enrollment are steps for future financials. 

Documentations will be available for the School Board for the next Charter Renewal.  Memorializing this with a complete audit trail of activities will be available for this matter.

Summer program was successful with little to no incidents. 

Pharos Academy was recognized as a Stellar Summer School provider. 

From Covid to Monkey Pox, the school staff will respond with the precautions in place from existing COVID-19 mandates.  

School follows the guidance of the NYS Department of Education.  School has learned good practices and will keep using these practices and follow the recommendations of the NYS DOE. 

K-2 have been the most impacted by teachers wearing masks due to developmental and learning practices. 

Moving Steps Forward: 

Survey staff and parents to see where our community is and make the decisions based on that data. 

End of the Year Instructional Report presented and discussed with the Board.

June & August On Time  Graduation Rates presented at 80% with a projection of Year 2023 of 89%.  

Regents Scores (Humanities) 

ELA - 85%

Global - 89%

Regents Scores (Math) 

Algebra 1- 51%

Algebra 11-33%

Geometry - 50%

Regents Scores (Science) 

Living Environment  - 66%

Chemistry- 18%

Physics- 4% 

Numbers are lower than City and State. 

The plan to increase the Math Scoring rates will be focused on getting Math In-Person classes 100%.   Current 9th graders spent  7 & 8 Grade Mathematics during the Pandemic , which may have caused a loss in the fundamental learning. 

In-Person, identify lagging skills, doubling up Math & Science academic support and reduce class sizes to lower the student-teacher ratio and offering after school academical support are the steps that will be pursued to increase the scores in Math & Science. 

Teacher Shortage / Staffing not a concern at Pharos Academy Charter School. 

Currently fully staff, with an additional Mathematics Teacher.

Spanish Teacher additional teacher - vacancy 

Physics - number of students testing across the City of NY, only 14,569 students took the Physics exam in 2018-2019.  School recognizes that the Chemistry & Physics are two of the most difficult courses in High School.  It is an instructional challenge for the school, but the school will keep the classes and add support classes for Scholars who are lacking proficiency. Courses will be provided to scholars before they reach Chemistry & Physics classes.

Physics curriculum and educator review will be supported to confirm the method of instructional strategies and material presentation to the scholars. 

Pharos 3-8  ELA Scores - 53% Proficiency rate is the Highest Rate of the School.  

The grade that struggles the most is 3th Grade.

Pharos 3-8 Math Scores - 35% Proficiency rate, which is a little lower than the desired rate. 

Board 

AfterSchool ,Saturday School, Bridge Classes, Pull Out Groups are among the options that can and will be considered to improve the scoring rates. 

Putting all the interventions in one place for the Board to review is a suggested approach for Board review. 

Facility Update: 

Manhole Fire - 1005 Intervale:

No injuries reported

Fire department has not provided the final report. 

Fire Restoration completed at 1001 Intervale location.

Executive Session Start at 8:08 PM

Executive Session End at 8:35 PM 

Executive Agenda: Personnel Matter