Mission Moment

Katie shared that Enlace launched the scratch kitchen. Lilly Endowment Phase III grant project. A panel is here today to talk about the cafeteria. 

• Rosalia Oliva stated that her daughter would ask her to pack her lunches but now she plans to eat in the cafeteria. Her favorite food is the spicy chicken sandwich. 
• Amneris Crespo shared that pizza Fridays are her favorite. Mexican picadillo and a kale caesar salad. Was excited to turn the cafeteria from a warming kitchen to a scratch kitchen. The kids come to me to say that they loved the food. The parents have shared that they are very happy with the food options. Leftover meals are being packed up and distributed during dismissal and at out food pantry. 
• Crystal shared that her favorite food is fried chicken with a waffle. Her daughter loved it. It is nice seeing the kids eat fresh food and vegetables. Food that looks edible. The little kids are overwhelmed with food choices in a good way. They talk about their lunches such as when they received Tajin with their lunch. 
• Carlota shared that she has been eating everyday at the cafeteria and has been saing moving money. The conversations with students is mostly positive, they are eating and kids are quiet because they are actually eating. 
• Stephanie shared that she is most proud of the 6-8th grade lunch. They didn't eat, they would throw it away or put it in the share table. It got to the point they knew we would take them to recess. The kids are now eating things like salad and it has been a culture turnaround. Some of the cafeteria employees are actually parents of Enlace. They serve with pride and a smile. 
• Crystal is looking forward to the monthly culture response from the menu from At Longer Table. Such as pupusas that are being serviced later this month. 
• Katie shared that this was a huge undertaking, Amneris was hiring and making sure the staff was trained. There was a significant increase in invoices for the cafeteria purchases. Katie thanked the board for supporting the cafeteria project.

Jamie shared the mission of Enlace. For the second year in a row there was a significant growth in iRead. Overall from 2024 to 2026 the growth increase was 33.30%. The goal was 10% for 3 years and it was accomplished in 2 years. 

Jamie shared the board dashboard for the 26-27 school year. For the most part the goals are the same. Some are adjusted, the academic goal, previously 10% growth in iRead proficiency. It has been changed to 5% from a 74%. 

The last goal, renew the charter agreement. That is a big milestone for Enlace to have its charter renewed. Motion to approve the board dashboard. 

For iReady ELA Enlace is providing additional coaching and support alongside a new ELA curriculum in k-2nd grade, where proficiency fell compared to last school year. We piloted Music & Arts and Letters. last year. Bilingual emergent teachers have been powerful in terms of culture data. Having targeted for those bilingual emergent teachers that Carlota is leading. Increased improvement in academic practices as a result of that coaching. 

For iReady Math The focus of this year is strengthening math coaching and proficiency in foundational grades and ensuring vertical articulation across all grades. A lot of kids at proficiency moved out and we also had a foundational skills that needed to close. Now they are ready to see the impact. 56% standards mastery. The goal is to be all green. 

iReady projected proficiency, typical growth for ELA

• 7% higher than last year
• Projected to be at 23% by fall. Last year projected proficiency was at 16%. 

26-27 School Wide Goals

• Less than 12% exclusion
• 60% or greater of belonging measures for 3rd-8th grade students. This is the second year of doing/focusing on this survey. Based on the results Enlace has responded. The higher the grade the lower the satisfaction. 

Finance Updates

Brian Anderson shared that although it may feel that financials are behind. In July financials are not sent in September financials are shared that will contain July and August. It was a fantastic year financially. Overall, the summary shows 11.4 million in revenue before the Lilly grant. Then 15 mil came in for Lilly grant. Without Lilly the budget would have broke even. We were over in enrollment and hit all target on lines. Over expenditures because grant revenue with specific grant requirements. In the next 5 years lose because we are going to spend the money for the next 5 years as it is intended. Few adjustments, invoices that came in later and need to go back to June. Accurate of where the year was finished. Cash 9 million in operating cash. 14.2 in Lilly. Enlace is in a very strong financial position. The total net assets 24.2 million dollars. Enlace has been financially strong for several years and will continue to be financially strong. Standards are being met and there is no debt. 

Brandon Delk shared an overview of our Lilly Phase II funds what the grant was and what has been spent YTD and what amount remains. Operating loss in the 5 year forecast as we spend the Lilly money. A general overview of the money and how Enlace plans to utilize it. It includes our matching spend, what is in progress, and what is completed. The minibus was purchased and has been a great addition to Enlace. 

Property Tax sharing budget process. Presented a budget at the last board meeting, now that dollars ds are finalizing we are readopting our budget with. 

A referendum and ops funds sharing, estimated funds from Marion county ops levy and the pike township referendum. 

Referendum, current state and future projections were shared with the board. A new referendum proposed for FY28. Anticipate 1.5 million from this new referendum. This replaces the Charter Innovation Grant. Do not use any social media to promote any support or against this referendum. If any schools would close the money set aside for that school would go back to the pot that is distributed amongst schools. IPEC shared the anticipated impact rate options. 

The building transfer from IPS to IPEC happens in 2028. The Mayor has appointment a CEO. They will work on this year to figure out what that looks like. 

The board dashboard were presented to the board. Recruit an additional board member. 

Charter renewal process, ton of work went into the charter application. OEI will be conducting Oct. 21st at 3pm in the city county building. On December 8 will be a public renewal hearing. Anyone is invited to come in for support. 

The board welcomed Rudy Bustamante. Rudy shared his background. He is connected to the Latino and African American community and giving back to the community. He would provide additional financial support to the board. He would be in our November voting ballot. 

The Hispanic Heritage Month, the students create art that represents the countries they have selected. Students wanted to raise money for two countries. Opportunity to purchase art. We are planning to have this event. We have seen activities be cancelled, so we will make a decision later this week. 

The fall fest will happen outdoor.