In-person public comment was received from: 

1. Kellis Poole, Founding Kindezi Academy Student made a public comment. 

2. Margaret Molloy, Kindezi Academy Reading Interventionist 

3. Ez'rhea Wilson, Kindezi Academy Student

4. Jhournnee Scruggs, Kindezi AcademyStudent

5. Juanita Price, Kindezi Academy 6th Grade Teacher 

6. Janiyla Tucker, Kindezi Academy Student 

7. Scout, Kindezi Academy Student 

Patricia thanked the guests for signing up to publicly speak. This is a reflection of the Leader in Me program that was implemented at Kindezi Academy. She also thanked teachers, students, and their families for all their hard work in the last five years. She wanted to acknowledge their hard work. When Shanae and Kevin first talked about Kindezi they envisioned a place where kids would be loved and a safe place where kids would do better. Everything the board has heard from staff and students is that Kindezi was a safe and loving school. 

Kevin Kubacki presented the timeline of the renewal agreement with IPS discussions. In November 2021 NCN met with IPS and OEI to discuss the renewal. Unfortunately, an agreement was not reached and ultimately NCN decided not to pursue the 1-year renewal with IPS. 

NCN committed significant resources to Kindezi such as professional development for teachers, curriculum, SEL support, computers, hot spots, personnel to support attendance, community outreach, and transportation. Kindezi is a safer place thanks to the hard-working staff that worked really hard to build strong connections. That is something NCN is very proud of. 

Kindezi is measured by objectives such as state assessment scores. Kindezi's outcomes are attributed to the 44% mobility rate of students year over year. A large influx of students throughout the course of the school year. In addition, the facility was in need of significant renovations. NCN advocated for repairs for the course of the time the facility was open. 

IPS has announced that they will be closing the Kindezi facility and have reserved choice seats for all the Kindezi students. Enrollment fairs have been scheduled to ensure every student can secure their choice of schools.