R. Watson announced that the meeting is being audio recorded and will be posted on the Board section of the school website shortly after the meeting.

S. Liner read the mission statement.

R. Watson informed the Board that the Special Meeting minutes from 3/14/18 were formally approved in the last meeting, but show up in this agenda due to a database function.  The vote outlined below for these minutes is from March 26 board meeting.

R. Watson announced that the Admission Policy is up for vote in addition to discussion.

No comments on phone or in room during the first or second round of community comments.

J. Cuneo presented the Director's Report:

Testing Updates

• iReady testing for grades 3-8 has begun, K-2 will follow in May
• State testing will occur during the last 10 days of school

Safety Update

• Administration is requesting an additional (15) walkie talkies to cover off on all staff for safety reasons
  • PA and phone systems can be hard to hear in all areas of the school
  • J. Wagler recommended purchasing a few more at this time to have on hand

 M. Scruggs made a motion that the board approve an additional cost of $5,000 for the walkie talkie purchase, which would not require a purchase order. 
J. Wagler seconded the motion
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

Staff Updates

• Currently in hiring process for counselor and art position
• Renewal slate for next school year will be reviewed in Closed Session
• Directional approval is needed for hiring Dean of Students position
  • Dean would handle safety, discipline, coordinate Admissions, student services, athletic direction, etc.
  • LBL recommends three administrative positions for a school our size
  • Board will discuss vote after Finance portion of meeting

J. Wagler discussed volunteer database:

• Committee is planning to speak with Finance Committee, PTO, and Leaders Building Leaders about direction and details
• Ideally would like to vote and move forward this year, budget TBD
• S. Scott is putting together a presentation with speaking points to share with members of the community

M. Mittal presented financial dashboard:

• Currently we are on track with revenue
• Expenses, surplus also tracking well
• Our cash surplus is good to have on hand for possible expansion or other needs

M. Mittal reviewed budget amendment detail:

• Adjustments in fund balance, realized gain/loss
• Variance in county revenue, caused by a change of county rates per student as well as cross-county movement of families/students
• Re-distributions in facility expenses (no change here, just a reallocation)
• Net budget amendment change (less changes in fund balance): $22,056.54

M. Mittal reviewed FY19 Budget:

• Outlined priorities and adjustments
• Surplus of $100,000 heading into FY19 (removing the capital purchase of a new bus)
• Board to review again in May, finalize in June.

J. Wagler made a motion that the board grant directional approval to the Executive Director to hire for position allocated for in the budget.
M. Scruggs seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

 

M. Mittal presented 2017 tax return, will circulate final copy once completed.

J. Wagler motioned to approve the tax filing as presented, subject to any final tweaks by the Treasurer
M. Scruggs seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

 

M. Scruggs presented the revised Admissions Policy from the Diversity Committee, which includes three changes from last month:

• Change #1:Enrollment Priority #5 (Economic Diversity) The free and reduced lunch percentage of our current students will be determined on an annual basis in order to calculate the number of reserved enrollment slots (“Economic Diversity Slots”) available for the current year’s lottery.
  • Overall goal is to allot 15% of total number of spaces available at SA for students (the entire student population - not only the lottery pool) who qualify based upon their family's current income levels.
• Change #2: The Economic Diversity priority is to be applied in descending order Grade 8-K to ensure that all classes benefit from this diversity
• Change #3: Lottery Procedure D has been updated as well

Board discussed updates and impact to financials/AGC, and discussed what other area public charters are doing.

M Scruggs made a motion that the Admissions Policy as drafted by committee be approved.
S. Liner seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
Aye: 4 votes
Abstentions: 2
4-0 Vote, motion carries




 

S. Liner presented Grievance Policy up for vote:

• Updates to policy include initial level of dispute resolution, allow for checks and balances between Chair and Board, and make the process more straight forward
• Form has also been updated to reflect the new terminology used in the policy
• J. Cuneo suggested added check box on form to link to reading of policy

M. Mittal shared that one completed application has been received so far.

R. Watson noted that there is an upcoming Expansion Committee meeting on 4/25 at 12pm.

Board discussed next month's agenda.

J. Wagler made a motion to convene in Closed Session pursuant to "Permitted Purposes" under N.C.G.S. §143-318.11: (a) To prevent the disclosure of privileged or confidential information.
M. Scruggs seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to move into Closed Session.


J. Wagler made a motion to move back into Open Session.
S. Liner seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to move back into Open Session.

 

M. Scruggs made a motion to accept the renewal slate for 2018-2019 as presented in Closed Session.
J. Wagler seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.