Metrolina Regional Scholars Academy
Minutes
SA Monthly Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday March 27, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Location
You are invited to a Zoom webinar.
Topic: Scholars Academy Monthly Board Meetings
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tVP7q8nNR9O4LaIS1aV99g
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
You may also watch the meeting live via YouTube stream, at rtmp://a.rtmp.youtube.com/live2
Directors Present
A. Farooqi, A. Hall, C. Lewis, D. Palmer, E. Womer, M. Pfaff (remote), N. Morrison, S. Dasu, W. Ning
Directors Absent
A. Starling
Ex Officio Members Present
A. Pieper
Non Voting Members Present
A. Pieper
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Read Mission Statement
D.
Administrative Meeting Review
E.
Approval of Prior Minutes 2/27/23
F.
Approval of Prior Minutes - Special Meeting 3/14/23
G.
Adoption of the Agenda
II. Director's Report
A.
General Items
III. Governance Committee
A.
Status Review
(54:45)
Committee updates:
- Provided updates on the community town hall (April 19th), "Ask the Board" form on the school website, 360 feedback ED evaluation process, and board recruitment
- Discussed possible membership in the NC Association for Public Charter Schools (NCAPCS) (vote)
- Reviewed the Board on Track contract for the 2023-24 school year (vote)
- An employment contract is to be discussed in closed session (vote)
IV. Policy Committee Updates
A.
Policy Updates
(1:09:00)
No meeting in March
Committee updates:
- Policies still under review this year: paid-time off and gift policy
- Policies adopted so far this year: staff teleworking (revised) and religious holidays (new)
V. Expansion Committee
A.
Status Review
(1:09:25)
- Scholars Academy will remain in our current facility for the 2023-24 school year.
- Considering options to expand the current building
- Next meeting is April 6.
VI. Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Updates
A.
Status Review
(1:10:20)
Committee updates:
- Shared details about the upcoming multicultural experience day on April 7th
- Reviewed commitment to actions outlined in the DEI Action Plan
VII. Educational Excellence Committee Updates
A.
Status Review
(1:14:25)
- Reviewed results from the recent parent survey on the SA school experience.
- The purpose was to get feedback from the parent community to define the strategic direction of the board
VIII. Foundation
A.
Status Review
(1:57:00)
Provided an update on this year's AGC trends and transportation program fund
Ambassadors are calling donors with unfulfilled pledges ($154,000).
- $100,000 lower compared to where we were last year
- $44,000 shortfall for the transportation program
- GuideStar updated the status for Scholars Academy and the Foundation to platinum status for transparency, the highest rank possible.
IX. Whole Child Committee
A.
Status Review
(2:01:00)
- Teacher retreats planned for Mondays in April
- Reviewed plans and contract for enhanced playground equipment (vote)
- Expense covered by grant - $63,000 allocated for this project
X. Finance Committee Update
A.
Finance Recommendations
(2:10:34)
Committee Update
- Discussed amending language in our current bond to shift the interest rate index from the expiring LIBOR benchmark to SOFR (vote)
- Discussed the Acadia extension contract (accounting service)
- 2-year contract, with the option to extend for 1 year on April 1
- Discussed strategic priorities in advance of the upcoming budgeting season:
- Viability of bus transportation program /format options
- ~$130K full-service (status quo)
- ~$60K reduced service
- Discontinue service
- Discussed expansion opportunities- including ADM increase for next year's 5th grade (vote)
- Expand in place or find a new property? The decision is to focus on expansion options in place.
- Explored if there are any other priorities, deferred maintenance, staffing, etc
- Viability of bus transportation program /format options
(9:14)
A. General Items
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ElaaqmyaZ_bjfdSSqzZNF8d9REqB960bdZUKfTwa5dY/edit?usp=sharing