Nuasin Next Generation Charter School
Minutes
MetLCS Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday March 28, 2019 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
K. Davidson, Khori Whittaker, M. Mustafa (remote), M. Rivera, Susan Briggs, 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 Mar 28, 2019 at 6:50 PM.
C.
Review the Agenda
Ms. Haber went over the agenda for the meeting.
II. Principal's Report
A.
K - 8 Update
Mr. Davidson discussed staff retention data: he explained fluctuations in numbers and how the school is differentiating among other schools when recruiting. The Board requested updates regarding recruiting.
Mr. Davidson presented the interim assessment data. Overall he reported evidence of growth; he noted that the results in third grade showed areas for growth and the school will be adding extra support measures to drive improvements during the remainder of the year.
Mr. Davidson went over the principal's report (Attachment: MetLCS PAL Board Report).
Mr. Davidson presented the interim assessment data. Overall he reported evidence of growth; he noted that the results in third grade showed areas for growth and the school will be adding extra support measures to drive improvements during the remainder of the year.
Mr. Davidson went over the principal's report (Attachment: MetLCS PAL Board Report).
B.
9 - 10 Update
Ms. Williams went over a CPA report (Attachment: PAL Board Report). Ms. Williams went over the improvement goals. Ms. Williams went over the benefits of the program Reading Plus and how it helps teachers and scholars work on reading. The Board requested data to show growth and improvement with Reading Plus.
III. Board Governance
A.
Approve Minutes from February 28, 2019 Meeting
A. Bothner made a motion to approve minutes from the MetLCS Board Meeting on 02-28-19 MetLCS Board Meeting on 02-28-19.
T. Bryan seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
B.
Board Recruitment
Ms. Haber talked about recruitment for the board.
IV. LHA Updates
A.
Charter Renewal Process Update
Mr. Davidson went over the Renewal Report for Met (attached to the meeting packet). Mr. Davidson presented the DOE's recommendation that the school enroll more scholars who qualify for special education and who are English language learners in order to more closely represent the demographic make-up of the community school district. Mr. Davidson indicated that the principals submitted a letter of intent to the DOE indicating the steps they will take to recruit and enroll more of these scholars.
The Board asked principals to update the dashboard to include metrics aligned with new goals and work with the education committee to monitor them over time.
The Board asked principals to update the dashboard to include metrics aligned with new goals and work with the education committee to monitor them over time.
B.
Lottery Update
Ms. Williams discussed the upcoming lottery to enroll new scholars to the school for the 2019-2020 academic year. The lottery will be held on April 10. There are currently 2305 applications for approximately 55 available spots.
C.
Monthly Update
Ms. Rivera gave an update regarding recruitment for the Regional Executive Director for LHA. Board Members will be invited to speak with the finalists over the next few weeks and to provide LHA with input prior to the final selection
V. School Operations
A.
Financial Report
J. Haber made a motion to approve the financials for February.
A. Bothner seconded the motion.
The board VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.
Mr. Mustafa went over the financial report (Attachment: Financial Report for February 2019). The Board asked about the effect of expenditures related to facilities on financials.
In addition, Mr. Mustafa mentioned budget meeting with principals. A draft of the budget will be presented at the April meeting.
The Board and principals briefly discussed priorities for the FY2020 bidget.
In addition, Mr. Mustafa mentioned budget meeting with principals. A draft of the budget will be presented at the April meeting.
The Board and principals briefly discussed priorities for the FY2020 bidget.
B.
Investment Policy Update
Mr. Mustafa mentioned that the process of setting up an investment account with a bank is underway.
C.
FY20 Budget Update
The Board, principals and Mr. Mustafa discussed putting together a draft.
D.
Facilities
Ms. Rivera went over the facilities report (Attachment: Monthly Facilities Report, March 2019). The Board asked about the rooftop project and the timeline. In addition, the Board asked for an update on the plan for how the space will be used as the school grows to 12th grade. The principals and LHA will provide an update at the April meeting.
VI. Public Comments
A.
Public Comments
Ms. Haber led the public comments portion of the meeting. No comments were made.
VII. Education Committee
A.
Education Committee Report
Mr. Khatiwada went over the updates. Mr. Khatiwada asked Principals for the report for this year and their plans for improvement for the next year.
There were no comments from the Board.
There were no comments from the Board.
VIII. 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 related to personnel.
Ms. Haber motioned to exit from Executive Session. Mr. Bothner seconded the motion.
Ms. Haber motioned to exit from Executive Session. Mr. Bothner seconded the motion.
B.
Executive Session
Ms. Haber motioned to move into Executive Session. Mr. Bothner seconded the motion. The executive session was conducted to discuss matters related to personnel.
Ms. Haber motioned to exit from Executive Session. Mr. Bothner seconded the motion.
Ms. Haber motioned to exit from Executive Session. Mr. Bothner seconded the motion.
IX. CMO Renewal
A.
CMO Renewal Negotiations
Mr. Haber opened a line with Khori Whittaker on the phone to discuss LHA CMO renewal. The Board asked questions about future support for the school and plans for the network.
Mr. Whittaker presented his vision for LHA including a plan to invest beginning Fall 2019 in positions to support the academic programming including: High School programs, RTI, teacher development, special education, and principal/leadership development. The board engaged in conversation with Mr. Whittaker about LHA's ability to recruit talent and capacity to deliver in these areas.
Mr. Whittaker presented his vision for LHA including a plan to invest beginning Fall 2019 in positions to support the academic programming including: High School programs, RTI, teacher development, special education, and principal/leadership development. The board engaged in conversation with Mr. Whittaker about LHA's ability to recruit talent and capacity to deliver in these areas.
X. 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 11:00 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
J. Haber