Ms. Laraway reviewed the agenda and called the meeting to order.

Ms. Corrigan requested that the minutes be amended to reflect a conversation about the threshold requirements for requiring RFPs.

No members of the public were present and wanting to comment.

Ms. Corrigan presented the Finance update, including some changes to the current fiscal year budget. Ms. Corrigan explained impact to the budget of a change to the staff health benefits; based on current enrollments, it is projected that is that expenditures will be significantly less than budgeted. Several budget areas may be larger than expected, including per pupil revenue and salary.The School received a NYS grant that will be added to the budget. 

Ms. Corrigan discussed an investment policy drafted by the Finance Committee.  The Commitee will follow up with the charter authorizer about guidelines for cash-on-hand.

Mr. Whittaker discussed the process of acquiring financing to purchase the current facility during the window that opens in the next fiscal year.  Ms. Corrigan led a discussion about hiring a financial advisor to lead the process on behalf of the Board.  Ms. Corrigan will work with LHA to finalize the request for proposals and it will be sent out to various parties for response.  Jerry Ballard will provide the board with a detailed timeline for the process by September 28. The board discussed whether to terminate its agreement with CSSS to serve as its financial advisor.

Mr. Whittaker updated the board that the insurance provider will be present at the October board meeting to discuss the Director and Officers insurance. Mr. Whittaker provided an update about LHA. LHA has been considering adding fundraising into its model for purposes such as marketing, creating a more stable network, and other endeavors. Lynesse Harris at LHA is available to support any fundraising efforts that the school decides to undertake.
 

Mr. Whittaker presented a draft tool the Board might use to evaluate LHA that functions on execution of the contract; function; feedback about individual staff; and LHA reflection on the review. The board discussed implementing the tool this fall for the 2015-2016 school year, and in May of each year moving forward.  Ms. Milsap will provide the Board with an electronic version of the document.

Ms. Lee presented an update on the Education Committee.  The proposed dashboard will be discussed during the Principal's Report.  Ms. Farrenti discussed a non-profit board leadership program at Columbia Business School that provides an MBA student to complete a project for a board; the Education Committee is considering a proposal to bring on a fellow to help create the dashboard.

Ms. Williams discussed the goals and indicators for the school year. The board discussed the proposed goals and indicators, how the board will know about the school is progressing toward the SIP goals, and how it compares to prior years. Board members will provide any additional feedback to the Education Committee. The Committee, along with the Principal, will provide an updated draft at the next meeting.

Ms. Williams provided an update on the start of the school year, including school culture. Parent teacher conferences will occur at the beginning of October. The school will be refining the criteria for the Principal's List and will be adjusting the grading scheme to more closely reflect scholar learning. An after school program and the response-to-intervention program will begin in October to support scholars with additional learning needs. Ms. Williams discussed the use of restorative practices at the school to manage student disciplinary issues.

Ms. Milsap reported on the coaching and instructional "walk-throughs" that began this week. Ms. Milsap reported that there is currently only one teacher vacancy - in Special Education - the leadership team make strong progress filling 14 vacant spots for the beginning of the school year.  Ms. Milsap provided an update on data driven instruction and will provide a more complete update at the next meeting. Ms. Milsap provided an overview of the activities she intends to observe and provide coaching on throughout the year.

Ms. Milsap proposed a set of goals for monitoring progress on instructional leadership and will share the twice-annual rubric for evaluating progress.

Ms. Milsap will provide an update on the CPA. Ms. Russell will follow-up with the DOE to review how the CPA can get in the directory of high schools.

Ms. Laraway did not have any additional updates.

Ms. Alston provided an update on various issues relating to the facility, as well as a climate survey that will be conducted with the staff.

The Board discussed a personnel issue.  The Board discussed a potential litigation matter.