No handbooks were approved as materials were not provided with sufficient time to closely review. Ms. Harrison advised an off-cycle Board meeting would be scheduled in August to formally approve; she advised all trustees to send questions to Ms. Smith so they can be adequately addressed in the near term. 

 Leadership provided a high level overview of the changes in each with a robust discussion had on the Community Culture Handbook provisions.  Leadership advised this was developed based on the more common concerns expressed by teachers and students and the need to recognize and balance how behaviors (positive and negative) are treated.  Leaders advised this provides a clarity of expectations and leans more toward a restorative approach.    

Ms. Smith provided an executive level review on the Leadership Report distributed to the Board prior to the board meeting.  All commented on the terrific results for the outcomes of students and faculty in the AP Course for African Studies.  Ms. Smith reviewed the academic outcomes across all grades, advised on those students enrolled in summer school for their home districts, and spoke to the efforts the Leadership team have taken this summer to develop and implement processes to align and measure effectiveness of classroom teaching.  

Ms. Smith distributed her internal management strategic plan to the Board for their review.  The document is designed to provide clear direction to all at the school on the educational and management processes that will be deployed through the school year.  It is aligned to address gaps identified by CSI during their site visit in March. 

The Board identified areas of concern with academic results and requested additional data to be provided at the next meeting to probe the data further, particularly for students who have been with the school on a consistent basis.

Ms. Smith noted several areas of operation which are top of mind to get completed during the summer.  Teacher hiring continues with interviews underway for ENL and SPED teachers, among the top priorities to fill. In response to a question, it was noted there were approximately 10-12 students with an IEP in the 2025-26 school year with other who had 504s.  The school had approximately 30 ENL students in the prior school year - with three ENL teachers on staff.

A review of enrollment was provided.  A discussion ensued on tuition billing, expectations for number of students anticipated "day one" and how to plan for enrollment and segments by grade if enrollment exceeds budgeted students (275) and remains such on BEDS day.  

Ms. Moree advised that the letter of agreement has been executed with Cusack & Co. and field work is expected to get underway in August.  

Ms. Moree introduced Mr. Brice to the full board as the new fractional CFO for the school.  Mr. Brice has been working with Ms. Moree and the Leadership team to complete aspects of the financial statements in preparation for closing the books for the 2025-26 year.  Certain procedures are being standardized and Ms. Moree will work with Mr. Brice on updating the fiscal policy handbook to conform.  Mr. Brice provided a review of the financial statements closed through May 2026 and a review of cash flow modeling.  It was noted that the school needs to be conservative in its fiscal approach until enrollment is clearer and the school's position is better understood.  If enrollment is realized as applications may indicate, the school will be better positioned to build its reserves and repay debt.  Ms. Moree provided an update on forbearance negotiations with the bondholders.

A question was raised at what point will the school be positioned to adjust staffing and classroom sections with growing enrollment.  Ms. Smith clarified that the master schedule has sufficient flexibility to adjust in the near term.