Amanda Morrenda, attendance coordinator at ALH for several years, used the public comment period to read her resignation letter aloud and to share her dismay that she believed the organization did not use her skills to the fullest extent.  She shared several grievances while acknowledging her support for the students and personnel with whom she worked.

Several students expressed concern with personnel shifts and the impact this would have on their ability to maximize their academic experience at ALH.  Students reiterated that they rely on faculty and support staff to provide the emotional support needed to get through exams, applications for college and to navigate the educational process and asked for consistency in staffing.

Ms. Getto provided the report out from the Accountability Committee's meeting.  She noted that the committee is adapting its focus to measuring what can be measured in terms of advancing strategic goals for the system.  The Committee reported better understanding for each school on the attendance policies and how best to reflect that in their data capture process.  Enrollment trends were discussed along with a discussion on student competency with over two full months of the school year completed.  The Accountability Committee intends on retaining a facilitator to work through a broader process with stakeholders to help shape strategic goals and to devise a process through which those goals can be measured and monitored.

A grade by grade discussion of enrollment was had.  Gaps continue in ninth grade enrollment, and students continue to be enrolled who are under credited.  The Board discussed the opportunity to use this lesser enrollment in the ninth grade to maximize and intensify academic programming for those 9th graders.  

Ms. Moree presented the financial dashboard and finance report to the full Board.  She noted several items including how the enrollment target for the school year had not been met, and how this impacted the budget and dashboard being reviewed.  She noted that a line by line review with the Business Administrator and superintendent gave a high degree of confidence that material modifications would not be needed to the budget.  It was also noted that the accounts were all current; any lags due to the prior business administrator's ineptitude had been rectified.  Outstanding grant applications for federal funds were submitted and payments made.  All invoices are current and cash on hand, and reserves are fully accurate.  

Separately, Ms. Moree noted that Ms. Hazapis would be leaving to take a position at SUNY Albany.  Ms. Hazapis regretted this notice but had advised the Board that this SUNY position was something she pursued in the spring without any word back from SUNY.  Her departure was not in any way reflective on the school.  The Board thanked her for her service and for the intensity with which she brought  to the position, noting the effort it took to clean up the records.  

Ms. Moree introduced Ms. Martin to the Board.  Ms. Martin will be assuming the position of Business Administrator and had already started orientation with Ms. Hazapis.  

B.  Separately Ms. Robertson noted the untimely passing of Rebekah Brisbane, a former Board trustee, a parent of ALH graduates, and an advocate for students and families at ALH.