• 4-6th grade is still seeing lower performance but a slight gain was encouraging. The gain was mainly due to after-school tutoring.
• Math continues to be an area of focus. The teachers are meeting weekly to review the data and this helps teachers get an idea of how to help the students improve. Teachers went to a Teach Like a Champion workshop to help students with writing. Problem solving is usually the biggest focal area. 
• Events
  • February 27, Black History Alive Events
  • April 28, We Run East Indy 5K & Health Fair

Leah reported an update on the lower school of Enlace

• Lower grades had an increase in overall passing in math and ELA. 
• Teachers are showing that they are proficient in using IA for planning.

Brenice reported an update on the upper grades at Enlace

• Teachers are using curriculum more with fidelity. 
• 5th grade is still on task, with those teachers being the strongest in the upper school. 
• Steps being taken to improve by both principals:
  • The principals are meeting with the teachers regularly and collaborating to align with rigor and standard.
  • Coaching will be increased to weekly coaching based on the data that is seen in the classrooms. 
  • Staffing changes will be take place in the upper level in math

Kevin and Ken have been looking to participate in the Marian University Residency Program. This is a huge benefit to the schools by giving the schools access to experienced teachers. 

Brian reported that the financial audit was completed and finalized. 

• Donovan settled on combining the audit to give one report for both schools. 
• A couple of adjustments were made based on an accrual basis. 
• Currently there is 150 days of cash on hand, with the mayor's office requiring 90 days of cash on hand. 
• There was a positive change in net assets last year. 
• There were 3 findings in the SBOA audit. 
  • 3 deposits not made timely at Kindezi Academy
  • Form 9 is a cash basis report for the Dept. of Education. The amounts did not match due to accrual adjustments.
  • The new interpretation from SBOA in October of 2017 is that the schools will implement the minimum internal controls. All schools will have this finding on their reports. 

Kevin presented the data that was completed by Ampersand Education. 

• Ampersand took a look at the school and did market research within the city to see where the network should grow.  
  • They recommended the south side since it is currently an under explored area.
  • The board is trying to determine what is the best path for growth.
  • In the next 2-3 months the board will devote a meeting to have the growth discussion in further detail. 

Public comment:
Carol Craig spoke to the board and discussed her concerns with the Kindezi Academy academic growth. She serves as a voice for the children are families that are living in the Kindezi are. Her biggest concern is where 6th graders will attend middle school since Kindezi currently does not offer a middle school option. She is a strong supporter of opening a middle school for Kindezi Academy. 

Kevin is recommending to the board to move forward with a marketing plan. The board supports the cost of $10,000 that is earmarked in the budget for marketing. 
 

Dr. Ferebee would like to pass legislation to sell the Broad Ripple High School. Kevin asked the NCN board if they would be open to buy the Enlace building. The board supports the possibility of purchasing the Enlace building if it is possible. 

Firearm Incident
A 2nd grade teacher confiscated a firearm from her student. It was a real unloaded firearm. The student had it in his pocket that he found at home. The student believed that it was a toy. He told his friends and the friends told the teacher. Enlace went through the proper protocols, the police department picked up the weapon, DCS was called, and a meeting with the student's mom took place. He received a 5 day suspension, given that there was no intent to hurt anyone. The Mayor's Office was notified of this incident.