Elevate School
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday March 11, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Elevate Middle School Campus, Room 102
8404 Phyllis Place
San Diego, CA 92123
The public comment portion of the meeting is set aside for members of the audience to make comments or raise issues that are not specifically on the agenda or those items that are on the agenda. These presentations are limited to three (3) minutes per person and the total time allotted to non-agenda items will not exceed fifteen (15) minutes. Individuals wishing to speak please complete a Public Comment Request Form by 10:00am on the day of the meeting.
Directors Present
Adam McWethy, Becky Madeja, Chancellor Brown, Cheryl Gorman, Veronica Maxwell
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
DeAnna Jones (remote), Ryan Elliott
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Agenda
D.
Approve Minutes from February 12 Regular Board Meeting
Adam McWethy and Veronica Maxwell abstained from voting.
E.
Core Values and Board Meeting Protocol
F.
Non-Agenda Public Comment
Board Member, Becky Medeja, reminded the Board to review the Elevate Activities shared document and to sign up for upcoming events. This will ensure that there is always a Board member representative at each Elevate event.
II. Agenda Items
A.
Executive Director Report
Ryan Elliot made the following key points during his Executive Director's Report:
- Three leadership days were held across all campuses, focusing on the theme "Do you see our students' greatness?" with positive feedback.
- Enrollment stands at 471 with improved attendance rates due to a communication strategy rewarding families for improved attendance.
- Pilot after-school RTI groups and interventions are being implemented for targeted academic support.
- The Apex program has generated excitement among students.
- Plans are underway for a three-day spring enrichment program, along with ongoing efforts in compliance and expanded learning opportunities.
- Mid-year diagnostic data indicates high performance and growth in reading and math, with some areas showing even higher growth rates than in the past.
- The adoption of the middle school math program has been well received, with teachers being vocal proponents and planning to share their positive experiences with colleagues next year.
B.
Financial Update
DeAnna Jones shared the following key points:
- Governor's budget proposal indicates a COLA of 0.76% for next fiscal year, with higher projections for the following two years.
- Average daily attendance analysis shows a slight under-projection for the current year, with some schools, including Elevate at the upper grades, facing challenges in ADA enrollment.
- State may issue cash deferrals (IOUs) to balance their budget, which could impact school operations and highlights the importance of reserves.
- Proposed budget discussions are underway, with a projected deficit for next year requiring extra scrutiny and strategic use of one-time funds.
Elevate School is exploring investment options for cash on hand to potentially generate additional revenue.
C.
Approve Second Interim Financials
DeAnna Jones presented the Second Interim Financials to the Board.
D.
23-24 Board Goal Updates
- Planning Friends of Elevate event on April 17th to build a network of partners and financial supporters.
- Positive engagement with Third Plateau for strategic planning, leading to a structured implementation plan. Developed a clear theory of change, refining the mission statement, and articulating a vision for Elevate.
- Strategic plan outlines activities and metrics for academics, community engagement, and other key areas, with a focus on collaborative and innovative leadership.
E.
Executive Director Evaluation Mid-Year Update
Veronica Maxwell shared an update on the Executive Director’s Mid-Year Evaluation process and next steps.
Board members read the Core Values aloud.