Review and consider the amended September Agenda. A section was added to present from the Development Committee. 

Dr. Miles reported on behalf of the Academic Excellence chair. Academic Excellence committee will meet on the first Tuesdays on the month at noon; per the calendar invite.

Development Committee 

Mr.  Schwartz presented on behalf of the development committee on the fourth Friday of the month at 8:30 am. They will present a full update next month. 

Ms. Yarbough presented on the 2nd month of the fiscal year. Overall the financial forecasting is on target and healthy. Ms. Yarbough presented that the DOJ grant is closing out this year and we have allocated that income. 

The Financial committee is looking for donations to raffle off for applicants who fill out the free and reduced lunch application. A link is active for the "FRL" Raffle which happens on November 16th. 

Mr. Bookhart suggested a deadline for November 1st to gather those donations. 

Mr. Bookhart presented a question around filling long-term sub positions. Ms. Yarbough clarified that the position stays vacant even if a long-term sub has filled the position. 

Ms. Wright is asking for clarification about a 70k from Combat grant that was allotted for restorative justice in 2025-2026. She asked for an update on the program. Ms. Wright brought to attention that there should be reports on student behavior, who benefitted and what the results are. 

Mr. Schwartz asked for clarification on what Ms. Wright is looking for a discussion or a presentation. Ms. Wright asked for both.

Mr. Bookhart asked Dr. Miles to followup with the restorative justice coordinator and the grants manager to find out the stated questions. Mr. Bookhart has requested that a meeting be held with Ms. Wright to cover that information. 

Dr. Miles asked for clarification on exactly what has been asked for: Were objectives met, what was the money used for. 

Mr. Schwartz suggested the Ms. Wright provide input on the restorative justice movement in the schools and provide insight on ways that the restorative justice program could be implemented.

Mr. Bookhart suggested that the first request be fulfilled and then the second part of that suggestion be addressed. 

Dr. Miles presented a high level presentation on the S.W.O.T. analysis around Crossroads. 

She highlighted that community, staff commitment, relationships and RWL are all key components of how Crossroads functions. 

Dr. Miles focused on four domains. Academic and Student Experiences, People and Culture, Finance, Operations and Facilities, Governance and Community. She highlighted the collaboration and relationships remain strong across the board. 

Dr. Miles followed up with achievement patterns. Proficient and Advanced was up this year across the board. There are strong areas of focus in ELA and Math. 

Dr. Miles pointed out the disparity among race and those with IEPs and without. She noted that attendance across the campuses is a roadblock and is an area of growth. 

Dr. Jones presented his analysis on the academic S.W.O.T. He acknowledged that Crossroads has a history of collaboration and being people first and we are in the top 10 chart schools in the greater KC area. He highlighted RWL and how Crossroads has provided in house growing opportunities. 

Dr. Jones pointed out some weaknesses that can be addressed. Platforms, alignment, old or incomplete curriculum, lack of communication with stakeholders, isolated practices silo'd in schools. Dr. Jones also acknowledged that attendance is a weakness. 

Dr. Jones sees a few areas of opportunity. A continuous K-12 experience through creating a portrait of a graduate and refining the educators. Increased clubs and experiences for students is another opportunity of growth. 

Dr. Jones presented threats that he has seen in the organization. Budgets and lack of 

Dr. Jones presented a balanced score card. The score card has five points: building and district wide alignment to APR expectations; Implement a unified data system; strengthen and implement a consistent crossroads teaching and learning framework; develop and launch a crossroads portrait of a graduate. Last, increase student achievement by a minimum of 5 MAP index points. 

Dr. Miles addressed the People and Culture of Crossroads. As a positive retention is about 76% and internal promotion is high. Pressure points include new principals need sustained coaching; teacher leaders need to be developed and there is an overall feeling of workload imbalances, overlapping roles and burnout. 

Dr. Miles addressed Sustainability and Safe Space. She acknowledged that our finance processes function well; but would like to see less reliances on state revenue. 

Dr. Miles pointed out the fact that we need to reprioritize the bond projects to address critical needs for improvement and safety measures. She also addressed the enrollment transitions and how we can retain students from prek-12. 

Dr. Miles addressed our community assets in our relationships, diversity and family. In order to grow this area; explain the student experience from PK through graduation. Plan board succession and preserve institutional knowledge. Dr. Miles addressed that our marketing is lacking in story telling. 

Dr. Miles proposed five work streams. Academic Performance; attendance, and acceleration. APR targets, standards, Instruction and Experience encompasses curriculum, summer school, AVID, RWL Pathways, Portrait of a Graduate and Enrichment. People and Systems includes staffing, roles, contracts, leader development, feedback and procedures. Sustainability and space; balanced budget, contribution, revenue, facilities and safe spaces/ Governance highlighted PK-12 Identity, board succession, downtown relationships. 

Dr. Miles opened the floor up for questions. 

Mr. Bookhart deferred to his colleagues for questions.

Mr. Schwartz acknowledged the amount of work that went into the board presentation and appreciation for the effort in understanding the culture and landscape of Crossroads. 

Ms. Wright also expressed gratitude around the presentation, willingness to learn and vulnerability towards Dr. Miles in the governance committee. 

Ms. Linn shared that she appreciated the presentation.

Ms Jacobs also shared that she enjoyed the thoughtful presenation. 

Mr. Bookhart also expressed his gratitude towards the team for their presentations. He acknowledged the quick ask for the presentation. Mr. Bookhart requested to hear what Dr. Miles found reason to pause or gave her tremendous hope.

Dr. Miles expressed her heartfelt appreciation to Ms. Yarbough for the amount of work she's put in and that Mr. Leos has been doing so much behind the scenes. She found the staffs familial vibes to be refreshing and encouraging. Finally, seeing downtown buildings turned into educational landscapes has brought her joy. 

Dr. Jones was surprised at the lack of support the principals have; lack of SRO's and safety measures.  Dr. Jones acknowledged that the principals are doing amazing with what they have; but wants them to feel supported and not burnout. 

Mr. Bookhart acknowledged the historical and fast growth that Crossroads has experienced. 

Mr. Bookhart expressed how shocked he was at the disparity at the achievement between Black and white students here at Crossroads. He asked for targeted attention on why this is happening. 

Dr. Miles addressed that our curriculum is free and opened source and is not best for all students, she also acknowledged that our teachers need PD on teaching all kids. She sees a lack of data support so that teachers, principals and support staff can see the disparity in numbers. Dr. Miles passionately elaborated that she does not care that this is an issue across the states; she believes we can do better and will do better. 

Dr. Jones questioned if students are kindergarten ready and identifying those students as they come into Crossroads; and do we have programs that support these gaps. 

Mr. Bookhart asked for clarification on the data system alignment. 

Dr. Jones clarified that he is not saying there has never been a system alignment; but that it is silo'd in people and buildings. Principals have not had easy access to the data they need in a quick pace. 

Mr. Schwartz is suggesting for for a larger discussion on this disparity. 

Mr. Bookhart expressed gratitude to the principals for showing up for the board meeting tonight.