M. Dixon read the mission statement.

E. Womer read Zoom Meeting protocols.

No community comments

Director's Report is linked here:

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/10-uxwcfKZPy2RDaAZEygxgVkRbQpFChXpoXMXRn2O8w/edit?usp=sharing

Discussed during closed meeting

No voting required.

Agenda amended.

• Several candidates (8 active candidates) at various points in the interview process
• The target is to have a recommendation by the next Board meeting
• Also, establishing a contingency plan in case the desired overlap between new ED and current ED is not feasible
• There were 46 received resumes received; 12 were qualified to enter the initial screening
• Closed the application process on Indeed (Opened up Indeed later in the process) but it's still in School Website and NC Schools platform

• Townhall held on April 16th - 86 Registrants; 48 unique viewers
• For next year's Townhall, try to invite people in person
  • Some ideas suggested to provide food / prizes
• Board members needed for next year
• Meetings for next two Board Meetings have been moved to third Monday of the month
• Need availability from Board Members for Candidate interviews

• Second tab of Annual Calendar was discussed: https://app2.boardontrack.com/org/v9ldiV/attachment/download/322994

• Improvements for doors; below budget threshold so no approval needed
• Plan to install 29 security cameras inside (hallways) and outside
  • Will need contract approval
  • $70K budget was already approved in Security budget allocation for 2023-2024
  • Plan to install over the summer
  • Approx. $60 mo for monitoring and saving about 30 days of recording; this will 
• Same company will install intercom system to improve existing system not currently working properly

• Desks for Middle School students and library furniture
• $50K approved in budget
• Contract will need approval

• Contract approval for staff and student chromebooks
• $20K already approved in budget for 2023-2024

Policy content evaluation: 

• Identify the problem/conduct/actionable goal or change that the policy targets or influences. 

• What are the core components and implementation requirements of the policy? 

• Does the policy articulate the mechanism for monitoring implementation? 

• Does the policy identify indicators for assessing program success/problem resolution? 

• How is the content of the policy similar to or different from that of other policies?

Improving policy implementation and future policy development: 

• What is the context of the policy’s development and passage? 

• Is there a basis of evidence in support of the policy's strategy? 

• Is there an unexpected impact of the policy?

• Policy Update: 

A.   Parents' Bill of Rights:

• First Read 3/25/24.

• Vote 4/29/24.

• The statute requires that a Parent’s Guide to Student Achievement is provided to parents, students, and school personnel no later than the first day of school after January 1, 2024.  Based on school calendars across the state, the first day of school is in August for traditional calendars and July for year-round calendars.

• NCDPI May 15,2024 Reporting Form expected to support completion prior to the end of the school year.

B.  Policy Manual  (WEBSITE CLEAN UP)

1) The Policy Committee will update the Policy Manual table of contents as currently published on the website to reflect amendments and new adoptions.
2) The Policy Committee will update Policy - 1.1 "MISSION OF SCHOLARS ACADEMY" as currently published in the policy manual on the website to reflect the new Mission statement, which was Approved June 28, 2021.
3) The Policy Committee will uppdate the Policy Manual, "Table of Contents" as currently published on the website to reflect new adoptions and amendments.
4) Recommend a vote to delete policy - 4.7 "EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE AND NON-RENEWAL," which was adopted February 29, 2016.  Upon the recommendations of counsel, Lisa Gordon Stella, and because the language is inaccurate.  The Non-renewal subject matter has been superseded by the contents of the amended policy - 4.3 "EMPLOYMENT POLICY," which was adopted February 22, 2021.
5) Recommend a vote to delete policy - 4.4 "RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION," adopted January 26, 2016 as the terms have been incorporated into  policy - 4.3 "EMPLOYMENT POLICY," which was adopted February 22, 2021.

• Annual Giving Fund (AGF) Pledge as of tonight ~$160K in outstanding pledges with 72 families pending
• As of April 19th, total AGF amount including outstanding pledges $471,726
• Family participation went up by 1.5% from current families, 6% up from new families
• Bus donation: Total ~$31K, with $600 in outstanding pledges with 70 families supporting

Key points impacting budget for next year 2024-2025

• State/country revenue +3%
• Teacher pay increase per CMS/State pay scale
• Adding a part time nurse / front desk
• Adding school counselor
• Health Insurance expenses + 10% +$34K
• Removed bus transportation fund revenue $99K
• Foundation independence - aligning Foundation revenues and expenses within the Foundation (I.e., Foundation employee paid for within the foundation not by reimbursement from the school)
• Removal of over $430K of NC Access grants (budget neutral)

• The finance committee is recommending to pay year end bonuses as follows: 
  • $2,000 for teaching assistants
  • $1,500 part time
  • $2,500 full time
  • $3,000 Admin
• The total is $118,750
• Need approval for a budget adjustment to pay the bonuses

Not ready for voting

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