There were no public comments.

The board discussed on-boarding of new members. The board will revisit the August meeting date and reschedule. Ms. Laraway provided an update on the end of year teacher celebration; the board will plan it in advance for the upcoming year with the support of Ms. Alston and LHA.

The board entered into an Executive Session to discuss a matter that may lead to litigation and personnel matters.

The Committee reported that the academic dashboard has been updated; the committee is working with the data specialist to operationalize it. 

Ms. Williams provided an update on hiring for MetLCS: there are currently 10 open positions for the upcoming academic year; a number of candidates did not commit because of the location and it's inaccessibility to public transportation.  Two coaching positions have been filled.  Ms. Laraway recommended that the bonus structure for referrals be announced to teachers as soon as possible; Mr. Ballard agreed and committed this would be done quickly and that an update on implementation would be provided at the August meeting.

Mr. Bryant about the plan for supporting 8th grade scholars in math.  Ms. Williams provided an update on the outcomes for the 7th graders (who will be 8th graders): in the second half of the year, Ms. Williams and Mr. Davidson taught math to the 7th grade.  Based on recent data, it is anticipated that the scholars performed better than anticipated. They will use NYS test data to understand actual performance and then use the RTI period for math to address any skills for which scholars need additional help.

Mr. Brown provided an update that the high school summer bridge program that was scheduled to begin on Monday was canceled due to low enrollment; there was no negative feedback reported from families of scholars impacted.

Ms. Williams presented the scholar family handbook; there were no major changes made from last year. 

Mr. Brown provided an update about enrollment for the CPA and plans to reach out to graduating 8th grade scholars, as well as students on the waitlist for BLCS.  In addition, Mr. Brown indicated a plan for family engagement - including events and an open house - were underway.  Mr. Brown will provide additional updates to the education committee at its next weekend. 

There were no updates provided on the rooftop plan.

Ms. Russell provided an update on the facility project.  The bond issuer, Build NYC, approved the financing; the next step is to obtain approval from the mayor's office.  A presentation will be made on the credit rating on August 8.  And over the next three weeks the financing team and MetLCS will finalize the other documents related to the financing.  The board discussed appointing an ad hoc workgroup of Ms. Haber, Mr. Bryrant, Ms. Farrenti, and Mr. Bothner to review any documents related to the transaction.

 

The board discussed a number of resolutions relating to the Metropolitan Support Corporation, attached as an addendum to these minutes. These resolutions pertain to: (1) directors, (2) bylaws, (3) election of officers, (4) conflict of interest policy, (5) authorization to file applications for tax exemption and applicable registrations, (6) authorization to enter into contracts, (7) bank account, (8) ratification of all prior action taken by support corp or MetLCS on behalf of support corp to be that taken by support corp.

The board discussed a number of resolutions relating to 180 W. 165th Street LLC, attached as an addendum to these minutes. These resolutions pertain to: (1) formation of 180 W. 165th Street LLC, (2) operating agreement, (3) election of officers, (4) authorization to enter into contracts, (5) EIN and bank account, (6) ratification of all prior action take by the Met LCS or LLC on behalf of 180 W. 165th Street LLC.

The board discussed a resolution, attached to these minutes, that pertains to: (1) approving the facilities project, (2) approving the 180 W. 165th Street LLC's participation in the issuance of the Bonds, (3) approving the lease of the school building by the LLC to the School, (4) delegating authority to take various actions on behalf of the LLC, as it pertains to this facilities project, (5) approval to take various actions pertaining to the facilities project.

Mr. Brown provided an update on behalf of LHA.  The board engaged in conversation about Mr. Brown's new responsibilities and the reporting structure with LHA.  Mr. Brown was asked how he would define success in this role - he explained that he would fully support principals to drive student achievement, develop community partnerships and engage elected officials. He also indicated that it's his goal to improve teacher retention for the school and to help create tools to measure how well the schools are accomplishing the initiatives being put in place.  Board members laid out a number of expectations for the Executive Director, and asked that at the August meeting Mr. Brown present a plan for providing support to Ms. Williams and goals for the academic year.

The board discussed a proposal to research possible consultants to advise on the charter renewal process.  Ms. Russell will provide a recommendation to the board at a future meeting.

No additional items were discussed.

No additional items were discussed.

Ms. Rousseau provided an update on the June financials and explained that the year-end financials will be ready soon, with preliminary figures available by July 15.  Ms. Rousseau discussed changes to the accounting treatment of the capital lease.  

Provided an update to the issue raised at the last meeting about employee benefits, indicating that if a terminating employee works through the last day of the school year, their final pay will be spread out across 3 payrolls and their benefits will continue through those 3 pay periods. If an employee were to terminate prior to the end of the school year, they would be paid out in one lump sum and their insurance would terminate immediately.