Currently at 288 enrolled scholars. 

Enrollment has stopped for taking any new applicants. there remains a wait list. Enrollment for 2023-2024 starts February 2023.

No new updates

N. Taylor presents as Dean of Academics of the middle school as her official title. In the absence of a Lower School Dean, she also serves to support the elementary/lower school.

SC Report card acts as the SC accountability system for public schools and school districts. Provides transparent information to highlight strengths and weaknesses then focus and provide resources for schools with low performance. it documents preparedness of HS graduates for college and a future career. This is the first year that BA received a rating. For its first year, BA received an Excellent. Compared BA's report card to local schools in the district then to other charter schools.

BA outperformed the district in science (SPASS)

ELA: Saw a slight decrease from 2021- 2022; current 3rd graders did not perform as well as 4th and 5th grades. Suspect because it is their first time taking the test and hopefully will become more proficient with skills to take tests every academic year.

Math: Have seen a gain in growth in math from 2021 to 2022.

Compared data in growth, and there has been a consistent trend in growth as scholars go from one grade to another.

Kindergarten readiness assessment- what % of scholars are ready for Kindergarten. Just demonstrates a baseline of who your scholars are as it is administered in the first 45 days of school.

BA celebrates growth in math, reading. BA outperformed the district and we celebrate a grade of Excellent. We also recognize we need to implement a rigorous plan to ensure we keep a rating of Excellenct. Prioritize a high level of support for the 4th grade that have only received a 28.9% proficiency in ELA last year. 

Last year, 4th graders were only at 12% at grade level. Discussed that the first 30 days had rigorous repetition of 3rd grade material. I-ready has 40 mins a week that provides grade level content for each scholar. I-ready tests both to identify scholars that might need more help, then provides curriculum as well.

The same applies with I-ready for those that are performing above grade level and are also challenged with different curriculums like Quest and WIN (What I Need). Ms Taylor is also talking to the district about introducing pre-algebra as early as now as they have identified some scholars that are ready.

The Board would like to issue a statement that BA board of trustees congratulates the school for earning a recognition an Excellent report. The school is working on a marketing strategy as well.

ESSER is a federal grant to provide funds for reasons that surrounded the pandemic. This is an opportunity for public comment regarding how BA utilizes ESSER funds. Majority goes towards hiring more teacher assistants, instructional coaches and a 2nd counselor. Had a COVID case manager to make sure we are following up to date protocols and an additional custodian. Discussed amendments.

Have 12 donors this year goal is 250. Has a 32% donor retention rate. Goal is 45%.

Current pledges is $720,905 from various institutions.

Have 3 pending projects- Project spark to partner with Durant Center and Children's advocacy group, Kiwanis and women in philanthropy.

Under development is with grants with Honda and the Wallace Foundation.

Reviewed External relations projects going on.

Have had selected donor meetings as well.

Looking forward to next year; feel that the school needs to reframe the position that we will continue to need support and create a theory of change. Solicit local support and concentrate on partnerships.

We welcome Dan Buryj to the board. Board elections are coming up and welcome suggestions for nominations.

Contract is expiring Nov and will not be renewing it. Encouraged the board to use google calendar and the drive.

Is in the mature phase of the evaluation, will be discussing with Dr Reyes soon.

In the process of compiling responses then will draft the memo and sit down with the VP of Operations.

August. Currently current expenses is above compared to prior year-to-date. We are at 15% of budget and at 16% of expenditures.

September: are at around 22% of total budget for expenses on average and are in line with how we want to be spending our budget this time of the year. 

The finance committee presented the 22-23 budget earlier this year.  The committee decided to revise it with an increased deficit of around $300,000.

Explained that we have a higher budget for personnel due to our academic model and our cultural model, so more budget is allocated towards support staff and dean of academics, VP of development etx.

Looking forward, there are 3 major financial events to consider: 7th grade teachers, facility costs which looks to increase, as well as anticipate that we may not raise grant money next year. Fundraising will continue to be a challenge looking forward.

One of the committee's goals was how to support the school's disciplinary policies. The student handbook outlined classroom level steps of consequences for certain behavior. The committee seeks to work with key persons to make sure there is consistency in implementing disciplinary responses.

The conversation is ongoing since the school opened.

Proposed that the committee draft something to propose to the school and leadership to incorporate into the handbook. Is important to have support for actions that are being taken against certain behaviors at the school level such as when suspensions happen.

Motion to move into executive session at 1924H by 'I Tyree, seconded by: E. Mobley.

Motion to move out of executive session at 757pm

Discussed personnel challenges encountered by BA and across education