BELIEVE STL Academy
Minutes
March 2025 Board Meeting
Date and Time
Tuesday March 25, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Location
BELIEVE STL Academy
Directors Present
D. Thomas, M. Hantak, M. Johnson (remote), P. Woods (remote), R. Whitley, S. Williams, T. Wells
Directors Absent
J. Boone, K. Martin-Johnson, L. Douglas, L. Voellinger, S. Harmon
Guests Present
H. Harshman
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
P. Woods called a meeting of the board of directors of BELIEVE STL Academy to order on Tuesday Mar 25, 2025 at 5:06 PM.
II. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes - February
A.
Approve February Board Meeting Minutes
M. Hantak made a motion to approve the minutes from February Board Meeting on 02-25-25.
T. Wells seconded the motion.
The board VOTED to approve the motion.
III. Principal Report (Academic, Culture, Data, etc)
A.
Principal's Report
B.
School Culture Celebration
IV. Topic for Discussion: Industry Partnerships
A.
Ranken Training - Industry Partners
Working on dual enrollment for trained certifications in manufacturing and skilled trade
- Private university- higher rate to enroll students; working with industry partners to offset cost
Discussion if we want to become broader than offering health care associates- comes down to messaging. Bringing back to the board for a vote.
V. Approval of SY25/26 Academic Calendar
A.
Vote: SY25/26 Academic Calendar
T. Wells made a motion to approve the SY25/26 Academic Calendar.
R. Whitley seconded the motion.
- Shifted calendar from FY24-25 school year
- Allow enough time for the new scholars to move into the building- later start for current students
- Built in more days for inclement weather (based on winter 2025 weather)
- Later end in 2026 due to a later stop [June 5, 2026- last day of school]
VI. DESE CSIP Guidance
A.
DESE CSIP Guidance Overview
CSIP- continuous school improvement plan
Due date unknown at this time.
Discussed and the board approves moving forward with submitting the CSIP.
VII. Committee Updates
A.
Finance Committee
- Revenue was lower in February- revenue will restabilize in April
- Transportation reimbursement- reimburse up to 75%- depends on tax dollars coming in
- past couple months, only been reimbursed %50- working on getting this up as majority of students are dependent on public transportation
- Budget planning season- will review budget at the April board meeting
B.
Academic Committee
Looking for new academic committee chair.
C.
Development Committee
No updates.
D.
Governance Committee
No updates.
VIII. Closing Items
A.
Upcoming Deadlines & Things to Know
- Commission Site Visit- April 8 & 9
- Board focus group at the April board meeting [Tuesday, April 29]
B.
Adjourn Meeting
There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 6:42 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
P. Woods
Wrapped Q3 with:
Visits at Ranken Technical college, BEX Construction, Icon Mechanical Job Shadowing and Rung for Women
In order for fun, safe space was created:
Balance between academics and fun: Black History Month Wax Museum Creations, Arch Madness (Duke v. Illinois game), Captain America, 314 Day (want kids to be proud of where they come from)
POSSIP: survey that is sent to students, staff and family
Next Prep- cycled through 4 of 5 career workshops (law, business, public safety...opportunity to learn from professionals)
April 23- end of school assessment
Rolling out March 31- students will begin growth tracking- where they were and where they need to be in relation to the goals they need to meet
Attendance Contracts for students below 80% attendance.
Working on hiring additional teachers where there are openings- looking at next year too