Julia Wood, K-5 School Counselor, provided a "Year in Review" report about the school counseling program that she runs.  She provided a hand-out that covered the depth and scope of her work including such things as the number of individual counseling sessions completed this year, the number of self-harm risk assessments completed, etc.  She provided a very informative and helpful report that the Board might consider using as a template if they wish to require future annual reports going forward.  

Siler McCraw, AMS social worker, provided a report about the work she accomplished this year. She provided a hand-out that covered the depth and scope of her work including such things as the number of individual counseling sessions completed this year, her supervision of social work interns, her 504 student case management, and her work with 8th to 9th grade transition.  She provided a very informative and helpful report that the Board might consider using as a template if they wish to require future annual reports going forward.

Declan Stewart-Fatzinger, a 7th grade student at Anser and also the AMS student government president, provided an overview of the accomplishments of the AMS student government this year. He reported that soccer nets had been purchased and are being regularly used and appreciated by students at all grade levels and that a successful spring dance had recently been conducted on a Friday evening.  He also provided an overview of future plans the student government has developed.  

Heather Dennis provided an enrollment update for the 2025-2026 school year.  Enrollment is the best that it has been for several years.  This year's lottery is the first year since the pandemic where a surplus of applicants remained after all open seats were filled.  At this point, it appears the enrollment expansion that Anser has been pursuing over the past 5 years is nearing completion. 

All grade levels have been over-enrolled by six students, which equates to two students per classroom.  This is not a new practice since by fall there are always a few students in each classroom who choose to not attend. 

Returning students increased this year, especially in Anser Middle School.  This is a very positive outcome since returning students are critically important to Anser's mission and goals.  All faculty, staff, and administration are to be commended for this fine work because students and families remain at a school only when they are happy with the way they are being treated and are pleased with the way their children are being educated.

Along with high student retention and an improving lottery pool, teacher retention appears to be strong with only perhaps two or three new teachers being hired for the upcoming school year. 

Heather Dennis provided an update regarding development of the 2025-2026 budget.  The State has not finalized budget templates for next year so the final Anser budget remains somewhat in limbo.  An 8% increase in health benefit funding will be included for next year. The number of staff who chose to participate in the program was greater than projected last year so for next year the increase is necessary.  Thus far, the budget numbers look positive concerning Anser meeting its loan covenants next year. This is a very positive outcome and it is a direct result of the hard work of Anser staff, the Finance Committee, the Board, and staff at Bluum. 

Heather Dennis, Anne Moore, and Nicole Pape reported that faculty were overall pleased with the 2025-2026 salary schedule.  Anne reported that there were some questions and those are being answered. The goal of everyone receiving at least a 3% raise was accomplished and some received more because of the state-required shift to career ladder funding. Because of the shift, the total cost to Anser for salary increases for next year were $80,000 more than if everyone had received only a 3% raise.

Heather Dennis provided slides with links to the recent presidential Executive Orders.  She reported that she had shared these with staff also. She stated that all staff have been informed of all relevant orders impacting them and that Anser remains in alignment with current guidelines.

Brian Whitney provided a brief update on succession planning.  Since an executive director has been hired, what is now needed is to begin the work of the transition committee.  Members will be finalized and a scope and sequence of work will be finalized in the near future. 

Brian Whitney asked all Board members involved in subcommittees to work with their groups to send 3-5 essential questions to the Board by May 9, 2025.  In addition to the questions, the Board would appreciate when in the calendar year each question will be answered.  

The June 10, 2025 Board meeting will be at 6 pm instead of its usual daytime meeting.