Julie Doll read the Mission statement.

D. Palmer read the Zoom Webinar Etiquette/Rules.

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Celebrations

• Thirteen band students auditioned for the All-District. Middle School Honor Band. 
• Eight placed in the Symphonic band
• Four students....

2025-26 School Calendar

• Mr. Carper reviewed the school calendar for next year
• Discussed inclement weather days

Gifted Conference on February 18th

• Dr. Brian Housand will be the speaker
• Ms. Chicano will discuss the Anxious Generation community read book
• This is open to individuals outside of the Scholars community

Academic Director search

• Focus is on gifted instruction
• Working towards finding and hiring the right candidate by the end of February

Discussed group testing and the applications process

Received the charter renewal on January 14th. This renewal is for 10 years.

The Governance Committee put out a survey to the staff for mid-year evaluations of the Executive Director. They are analyzing the results and will present them to the Board.

1. Our school will benefit from having a policy outlining the appropriate use of video surveillance in our school within the boundaries of Family Educational Rights and Privacy (FERPA).
2. The committee has prepared a policy that is ready for Approval.

The Biden administration's Title IX policy was struck down in court, so it must be reverted to the 2020 policy (because the 2024 policy is no longer applicable). 

Three changes are required to implement the change:

1. Personnel changes
2. The 2020 Title IX policy must be posted to the website
3. A training manual must be provided to the staff

This is the first read. However, because it is the 2020 policy, it is technically already approved. Therefore, we will vote to approve it at the next meeting.

The Trump Administration rescinded a 2021 memo by DHS Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas that designated schools and other community services as “protected areas.” This rule stated that ICE agents should not carry out enforcement activities in these locations to the extent possible. Accordingly, counsel has recommended that SA develop a protocol or policy for dealing with ICE enforcement and ensure all staff know what to do under these circumstances.

The first read of this policy should be ready next meeting.

As of January 23, 2025:

• Donations $201,352.00 
• Pledges $156,904.00
• Total $358,126.00
• 79% Returning Families
• 81% New Families 
• 79.6% Overall participation

Which is just over $13k above in total pledge donations from this time last year.  

We had a meeting in December where we reviewed our historical path with regards to expansion and we will continue with strategic planning which will inform the path forward regarding expansion. 

• The Middle School Computer Science Program is under review to comply with new state requirements.  The target completion is March 2025 for the 2025 - 2026 school year 
  • For reference, the requirement is found here: Computer Science Graduation Requirement | NC DPI
• Social Studies and Science Curriculum Update 
  • Ms. Z led vertical planning the week of Nov. 18th 
• Foreign language options are also being discussed. 
• The next staff meeting committee will be in early February.

• The committee is reviewing sample policies before drafting proposed changes.  
• The draft will be sent to the Policy Committee in February for their review.
• The goal is to share with the board in March for the first read to the Board

• The Educational Excellence Committee will lead the Parent Survey development and launch in mid to late February.
• The survey will include questions about foreign language and computer science options (if options exist) and incorporate questions from the Whole Child and FAST committees.
• The Survey Draft will be sent to the Board for feedback 

Finance committee met this morning

• Discussed budget updates
• Lower interest rates
• Higher classroom supplies
• Lower maintenance costs thus far (but may have additional costs due to anticipated HVAC repairs)
• Will discuss higher stipends for staff in closed session
• The finance committee wants to move $250K out of savings and purchase a CD. They recommend an 11-month CD for this one so that renewals of all CDs will mature every other month.
• Question - Do CD funds count towards required reserves? Yes, they do.

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