Lawrence Family Development Charter School

Minutes

Board of Trustees Meeting-Zoom

Date and Time

Tuesday July 15, 2025 at 5:30 PM

Location

Zoom 

Trustees Present

C. Needham (remote), D. DeFillippo (remote), E. Nolberto (remote), G. Lopez (remote), J. Henriquez, J. Tejada (remote), L. McRae (remote), L. Perez

Trustees Absent

J. Cedeno, R. Almanzar

Trustees who arrived after the meeting opened

J. Henriquez, L. Perez

Guests Present

Bettina Toner- Krokidas & Bluestein (remote), D. Thakkar (remote), S. Stukuls (remote), Y. Rodriguez (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

G. Lopez called a meeting of the board of trustees of Lawrence Family Development Charter School to order on Tuesday Jul 15, 2025 at 5:37 PM.
L. Perez arrived at 5:39 PM.

C.

Pledge of Allegiance

II. Executive Session

A.

Enter Executive Session

D. DeFillippo made a motion to Discuss the findings from the investigations conducted on the grievance complaint presented about the board.
L. Perez seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
G. Lopez
Aye
R. Almanzar
Absent
J. Cedeno
Absent
E. Nolberto
Aye
J. Tejada
Aye
C. Needham
Aye
J. Henriquez
Absent
D. DeFillippo
Aye
L. McRae
Aye
L. Perez
Aye
J. Henriquez arrived at 6:08 PM.
C. Needham made a motion to that Dave D. and attorney Bettina Toner draft the response to the personnel who made the complaint to reflect the discussion of the recommendations made by the board.
J. Tejada seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
J. Henriquez
Aye
D. DeFillippo
Aye
R. Almanzar
Absent
L. Perez
Aye
C. Needham
Aye
E. Nolberto
Aye
J. Cedeno
Absent
J. Tejada
Aye
G. Lopez
Aye
L. McRae
Aye

B.

Exit Executive Session

D. DeFillippo made a motion to end executive session.
C. Needham seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
R. Almanzar
Absent
E. Nolberto
Aye
J. Cedeno
Absent
J. Henriquez
Aye
J. Tejada
Aye
D. DeFillippo
Aye
L. Perez
Aye
G. Lopez
Aye
L. McRae
Aye
C. Needham
Aye

III. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

Dave D. expressed his appreciation to the Trustees for taking the complaint seriously and acknowledged Attorney Toner’s efforts in conducting interviews, evaluating the facts, and reaching a well-reasoned conclusion.

 

 

Chris N. requested an update from Darshan T. on the lease and other ongoing negotiations with LFD. Darshan T. reported that, according to Dan H., several LFD Board members are currently away, and it may be up to two weeks before they can achieve a quorum and convene a meeting. Overall, LFD appears to agree with the proposed lease terms, with only one minor change that would not materially affect the agreement. Dan H. indicated that their attorney would reach out to Anthony C. regarding this adjustment.

 

Regarding the transfer of services for IT and custodial staff, Darshan T. explained that the school has hired all but two individuals, who are responsible for cleaning the LEAP space under an existing contract with LFD.

 

Chris N. inquired whether, once the school occupies the LEAP space, those individuals would be considered for rehire. Darshan T. responded that they would be given first consideration should they wish to return. The transition process is underway, with offer letters and benefits packages currently under review by Human Resources.

 

Dave D. also took the opportunity to welcome Sally-Ann Suckuls as the new Assistant Superintendent.

D. DeFillippo made a motion to adjourn.
E. Nolberto seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Roll Call
L. McRae
Aye
D. DeFillippo
Aye
R. Almanzar
Absent
E. Nolberto
Aye
G. Lopez
Aye
J. Cedeno
Absent
C. Needham
Aye
L. Perez
Aye
J. Tejada
Aye
J. Henriquez
Aye
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:34 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
Y. Rodriguez