Nuasin Next Generation Charter School

Minutes

MetLCS Board Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday November 29, 2018 at 6:30 PM

Location

180 W, 165th Street Bronx, NY 10452
Mission
We prepare our students for college through a rigorous arts-infused program.
Vision
All students will be taught by a highly effective teacher in a nurturing environment and will achieve at high levels. Each student will develop the knowledge, skills and values necessary for responsible citizenship and life-long learning. The impact of our collective efforts will fundamentally change public education.

Trustees Present

A. Bothner, A. Khatiwada, J. Haber, L. Williams, S. Nesterova, T. Bryan

Trustees Absent

None

Guests Present

Ada Demir, Amanda Johnson, C. Russell, K. Davidson, Leigh Fisher-Troche, Liz Hillin, M. Alston, M. Mustafa, M. Rousseau (remote), T. Williams

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance and Guests

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

J. Haber called a meeting of the board of trustees of Nuasin Next Generation Charter School to order on Thursday Nov 29, 2018 at 6:35 PM.

C.

Review the Agenda

Ms. Haber went over the agenda for the meeting.

II. Staff Presentation

A.

Student Development Team

Ms. Haber introduced guests: Ms. Liz Hillin, Counselor; Ms. Leigh Fisher-Troche, Social Worker; Ms. Amanda Johnson, Director of College and Career Advising and Ms. Ada Demir, trustee candidate.
Ms. Hillin talked about Scholar Support Team (SST). Ms. Fisher-Troche went over the system of referrals and how it functions. Board members were handed a brochure about SST.
Ms. Johnson talked about counseling for college preparation and support for scholars for achieving their graduation goals. Board received a handout on New York City High School Promotion and Graduation Requirements. Ms. Johnson mentioned tools scholars use to prepare for career paths and programs to help scholars to get on the right path for achieving their goals. Ms. Haber asked Ms. Johnson to share success stories and goals during future board meetings next year.
 

III. Principal's Report

A.

K - 8 Update

Mr. Davidson went over the principal's report (Attachment: MetLCS PAL Board Report). Mr. Davidson gave an update on staff additions, more to come during the next board meeting. Mr. Davidson went over the NWEA and the Interim Assessments in the Attachment. Mr. Davidson drew attention to successful score results and discussed coaching and support for teachers who need to increase scores. Mr. Davidson discussed SGI model - a small group instruction that helps to target all levels of scores and have a customized approach to every scholar. 

B.

9 - 10 Update

Ms. Williams went over a CPA report (Attachment: PAL Board Report). Ms. Williams discussed NWEA Results for Grade 9 in the Attachment and explained data. Ms. Williams explained how they used the results and tracking of the goals. There were 3 literacy groups created to support scholars on a variety of needs.
Ms. Williams went over failing subjects in the Attachment. For failing scholars, Ms. Williams looks into data and use, where needed, an academic intervention plan. The Board received a sample of the Student Intervention Plan. 
Ms. Williams went over IA report in the Attachment. Ms. Williams discussed school policy and passing rates. She compared the 75% goal in the past v average for NY schools of 65% passing rates.  

C.

Change of the school policy on a passing rate

J. Haber made a motion to change the school policy on a passing rate from 75% to 65%.
A. Khatiwada seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

IV. Board Governance

A.

Approve Minutes from October 25, 2018 Board Meeting

J. Haber made a motion to approve minutes from the MetLCS Board Meeting on 10-25-18 MetLCS Board Meeting on 10-25-18.
A. Khatiwada seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

V. School Operations

A.

Financial Report

Ms. Rousseau went over the financial report (Attachment: Financial Report for October 2018). Ms. Rousseau shared the news that tax exemption for the property taxes was approved by the Department of Finance. There will be a follow up on the Capital Expenses during the next board meeting. The MetLCS Finance Sub-Committee will be hearing more about recommendation for financial advisers during the next sub-committee call. 

B.

Facilities

Mr. Mustafa went over the facilities report (Attachment: Monthly Facilities Report, November 2018). Mr. Mustafa mentioned settlement results with Turner. Mr. Mustafa mentioned that the leaks were repaired, the Board is looking forward to feedback from the staff to confirm that the repairs are successful. The Board requested an additional mold check.

VI. Public Comments

A.

Public Comments

Ms. Haber led the public comments portion of the meeting. No comments were made.

VII. Executive Director Update

A.

Monthly Update

Ms. Russell mentioned Education Committee call with Sarah Gallagher, which gave an opportunity to receive clarity on the work that LHA is doing with Met.

B.

Chater Renewal Mock Interview

The Board and staff discussed preparation for the Board interview on December 13th. The Board went over the materials and discussed outstanding questions. 

C.

MetLCS Proposed Revised Charter Goals

The Board went over the Draft Charter Renewal Goals in the Attachment and made comments on the goals.

VIII. Education Committee

A.

Education Committee Report

Mr. Khatiwada went over the updates, there were no comments from the Board.

IX. Board Member Interview

A.

Board Member Interview

The Board interviewed Ms. Ada Demir

X. Executive Session

A.

Executive Session

Ms. Haber motioned to move into Executive Session. Mr. Bothner seconded the motion. The executive session was conducted to discuss matters leading to the employment.

B.

Employment Matter

J. Haber made a motion to to approve Ms. Ada Demir as a new trustee of the Met.
A. Bothner seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

XI. Closing Items

A.

Adjourn Meeting

There being no further business to be transacted, and upon motion duly made, seconded and approved, the meeting was adjourned at 9:51 PM.

Respectfully Submitted,
S. Nesterova