Kurt Davidson provided his update on the K - 8.

Interim Assessments were administered.  Overall while things went well there are some potential concerns regarding reliability given the current state of remote learning.

Principal Davidson also provided a brief update regarding plans for summer learning for his scholars. 

Aaron Bothner inquired about guidance from the NYC DOE regarding academics and whether or not the Principals have received any updates.  Principal Davidson shared that there has been limited information shared thus far in terms of future programming, despite a general update from the Chancellor last week via email.  A brief discussion ensued regarding academics, charter renewal, and related matters.

Kurt shared his retention statistics; he is only expecting approximately four teachers to turnover.  Candidates are either hired or in the pipeline to be hired.  Special education is the only area of potential concern.

Ellen Chen inquired about the challenges involved with hiring for Special education teachers.  Principal Davidson shared his perspective on possible root causes and some of the efforts the school is putting in place to address this, such as a partnership with LinkedIn, and efforts he and LHA have been taking.

Principal Tyra Williams provided an update regarding the College Prep Academy.  She discussed academics and in particular topics such as creating a Summer School scheduled based on five major Regents assessments.  Teachers have come on board and summer school will be offered virtually from July 6 to August 6, four days a week with each session running for approximately 1.5 hours.  Credits awarded will provide for exemption for related Regents exams.  Apex Learning (a virtual credit bearing program) will also be made available to scholars.

Principal Williams shared information about her current vacancies which includes Math, Special education, and technology.  Recently, a Social Worker that Tyra is very excited about was hired.  The school has been working closely with the LHA team to get people in the door.  Quality in Spanish and Math remain areas of opportunity. 

Jessica Boulet posed a question regarding scholars' adjustment to this online learning space.  Tyra shared her perspective.  She continues to have concerns about her scholars who are most struggling.  Kurt provided additional insight and has similar insight to Tyra about his experience and related concerns.

There were no academic updates from Karin McGuire.

Courtney Russell provided a brief update regarding operations for the school.  She reviewed several action items in the agenda including materials around annual elections, voting on the Personnel Handbook, and the 180 W. 165th Street LLC.

Aaron provided a few updates regarding Board matters.  In particular he asked that the education committee provide the data dashboard.  Additionally there will be an email forthcoming regarding follow up from the Annual Retreat and candidates for each position up for election.  Finally, Aaron shared the debrief survey from the Annual Retreat is still open and he encouraged members to contribute.
 

Ellen Chen provided a brief update.  The Principals, Ellen, and Megan Whitehead will be on the academic call tomorrow to discuss the data.

Aaron Bothner provided an update regarding finance.  He shared he had a call last week regarding spending from the investment account and how this can be incorporated into the Spend Policy.