Burgos provided an update on the School Advisory Council (SAC), raising concerns about students using inappropriate language and slurs. A recommendation was made to implement restorative justice and practices. There was also discussion on activity schedules, specifically related to dismissal and lunchroom schedules, as well as employee salaries and schedules, which are posted and comparable to those of the school district. Board members inquired about restorative practices to address inappropriate language, and Muñoz shared the current plan to address these issues. However, Russotto confirmed that there is no formal system for restorative justice in place. The school would like to develop this, but Fineberg emphasized that it requires thorough training for successful implementation. Flores suggested revisiting the topic with the Board in the spring.

Perez-Montalvo provided an update on extended day programming, reporting total enrollment across clubs, with 207 students participating, including those in Congreso's After-School program. All clubs are provided at no cost to parents. Russotto added that the school is part of the Mayor’s OST partnership/programming.

Flores inquired about the role of the Parent Engagement Liaison, and Russotto summarized her responsibilities, focusing on parent-facing tasks and supporting school events.

No contracts to review at this time. 

No other items to review at this time. 

Governance: The board met with a BoardonTrack coach to support its management process, particularly in onboarding and other related materials.

Audit/Finance: No updates at this time. Efforts are underway to find a board member with audit and finance experience to join the team.

Advancement: No updates at this time. The team is focused on establishing and finalizing its meeting schedule.

Russotto discussed the CEO evaluation, explaining that goals were crafted based on feedback from all members. The goals were presented for review, and Russotto provided an overview of each goal, along with the expectations and objectives necessary to meet them. Espinosa requested more information regarding the academic goal, and Russotto clarified that it would encompass all methods used to measure achievement both at the school-wide level and for individual students. Data on student performance will be available in December to provide further insight.

Russotto, Woolf-Cohen, and Eglin provided updates on the high school planning process, supported by a presentation. A special meeting is tentatively scheduled for November 11th to approve the high school application draft. 

The mission and vision will remain unchanged, with the IB authorization expanding to include MYP for grades 9-10 and the Career-Related Program (CP) for grades 11-12, making Pan American Academy the only school in Philadelphia offering the full IB continuum. Woolf-Cohen highlighted career pathways programming, including early exposure for grades 9-10 and intentional restructuring of classes, alongside a focus on language acquisition for new and advanced students, with opportunities to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Students will have options for both career-readiness and college-readiness, supported by established partnerships. 

Eglin emphasized the need for a 5-year projection plan starting with 9th grade and discussed location options, including renting, purchasing, and architectural designs tailored to educational needs. PZS Architects will present on November 1st, and discussions with the landlord are ongoing for a 15-year agreement with an option to purchase after 7 years. FF&E requirements were reviewed, with the school needing to meet specified standards. 

Considerations for developing a new high school versus expanding the current model were explored.

Eglin provided a review of financials and key metrics, reporting a current ratio of 2.12 and 88.6 days of cash on hand.

Decisions on grant applications are still pending. Efforts are ongoing to update the playground, secure OST grant funding to support expenses, and apply for a Food Service Equipment grant to replace outdated equipment.

The school report has been provided for review. Fineberg presented on the proposed Autistic Support Program, noting an increase in AS primary disability diagnoses, with the school surpassing the state average. He discussed the need to support students in the least restrictive environment, which requires specific programming to meet the educational needs of AS students. The tentative plan is to open the program in January 2025 for grades K-2, with the intention to expand it to include grades 3-5 in the 2026-2027 school year.

The board entered executive session at 6:29 PM to discuss personnel matters and compensation, and rejoined the regular session at 6:35 PM.