We were instructed to divide a post it into 4 quadrants and draw 4 different shapes that resonated with us in order from 1-4. Circle, square, triangle, and squiggle. The Circle is the Harmonizer, the Square is the Organizer, the Triangle is the Achiever, and the Squiggle is the Creator.

Upgrades and improvements have been made. 

- Brush Clearing: gained about an acre back from this clearing

- Playground Updates: still on track to have them installed before the first day of school

- Site Improvement

• Sun Shades
• Painting of light posts in the parking lot
• Bird Removal

- Arts/STEM Building Progress

• Estimated Completion Date: January 13, 2027
• Tentative Grand Opening: February 17, 2027

-Future Needs

• Paving and Sidewalks: for the new building
• Interior Improvements

        - Music Room Conversion to EC Space

        - Art Room Conversion to Multipurpose Space/Lunch Room

        - AIG Room Conversion to Teacher Resource Room

        - Teacher Workroom Conversion to Staff Lunchroom

10 minute break

Mr. Duncan discussed policies under review

• Mandatory Policies

       - Grievance

       - Conflict and Nepotism

       - Employee Criminal History: discussed potentially having staff get background checked more           than just when onboarded

• Internal Annual Review

       - Flex Policy: only applies to salaried employees, can only accrue a certain # of hours

       - Discussion of non exempt employees 

       - Internet Safety

Tabled for now:

• Board Development

       - Training Topics for 2026-27: proposed meeting dates

       - Needs for Growth

       - Board Meeting Cadence

       - Committee Onboarding: What does each committee do? - Each committee needs to create             an onboarding document (by December?)

       - New member onboarding and matrix was discussed

• Strategic Planning Review

       - Review of Board on Track Strategic Plan Goals

       - Moving Forward without The Challenge Foundation Academies Support

Stephanie Klupinski (Stella Law) presented on Understanding Student Discipline and Grievances

• Exclusion, expulsion, and suspensions (long-term and short-term) were discussed.
• Exclusion process
• Student/Employee Grievances procedures presented
• How is AI impacting education? - Jen Iden: Educator and AI Implementation Coordinator at BA. What we are doing at BA to enhance teaching, learning, and student growth through responsible innovation. What are AI Limitations and Inaccurate information to consider and look out for. It is very important and constantly changing. 

Tabled for now:

• Review of Board Best Practices
• Review of Board on Track
• Board Job Descriptions
• What's the difference between Governance and Operations?

Finance Training with Cory Draughon (CEO) from Charter Success Partners

• Fiduciary Responsibilities and Financial Best Practices
• Talked about the different roles of the Board members (Treasurer) and Finance Committee to share the different safe holds/internal controls in place to keep up with bank reports, budgets, reconciliations, audit, etc. 
• Fraud Prevention and Segregation of Duties  
• How Funding works in Charter Schools vs. Traditional Schools
• Depending on goals recommended 50-90 days cash on hand
• Investment Policy discussion that a policy needs to be created
• Financial Framework Overview shared

Paul would like to see a goal of $1.2 million and 75 days COH during Maintenance Years.

broke for lunch at 1:20pm

Everything we do is to support Academic Success.  

- Focus for 2026-27

• 5th/6th Grade Reading
• 6th-8th Grade Math

- Required CTE Classes/ Language / Outdoor Education

• NC Middle School CTE Requirements
• Language Classes at BA
• Outdoor Education will be taught in place of Spanish and Duolingo

- Personnel Update

• Ms. Peterson is moving to Kindergarten
• Ms. Ballew is moving to 1st Grade
• Ms. Bartles (IA) - moving to 2nd Grade Gamache
• Ms. Sprunger (IA) - moving to 6th Grade and Middle School Sub
• Vacancies

           - PE Teacher: Jamie Tinsley

           - Athletic Director: Kali Letcher

           - Math 1 Teacher and Middle School Math Support: Jack 

           - 7/8th Grade Math Teacher still needed

           - Instructional Assistants

                      - Kindergarten Ms. Patton: Savannah Hall pending board approval

                      - 1st Grade Ms. Stirling still needed

                      - 5th Grade: have a candidate pending board approval

Goals and Strategic Thinking

• School Director Goals for 2026-2030
• SmartDollar Program for Employee Retention

Review of School Director Employment Agreement