Nuasin Next Generation Charter School
Minutes
Monthly Nuasin Board Meeting
Date and Time
Thursday December 21, 2023 at 6:30 PM
Location
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Mission
At Nuasin Next Generation, we believe in the unlimited talent and intellectual potential of our scholars and our community. We cultivate this talent and intellectual potential through a progressive education that focuses on deep exploration, thoughtful questioning, relentless curiosity and critical thinking. Nuasin Next Generation Charter School implements a progressive K-12 educational program and an unyielding commitment to cultivating our scholars’ innate intellectual talents to empower our graduates to achieve excellence in their postsecondary paths and make positive impacts on the broader community. Every single one of our scholars have the potential to be great and change the world, at Nuasin Next Generation we prepare our scholars for that opportunity.
3 Pillars
The Mission of Nuasin Next Generation stands firmly on the foundation of our three pillars: Rigor, Self-Advocacy, and Community. These three pillars are the guiding principles for our school and culture. Please find a deeper explanation of our pillars below.
Rigor:
We use the word “rigor” not in the stringent or inflexible sense, but in the sense of an unyielding need to challenge and push our scholars because we understand and believe in the potential, talent, and ability of our scholars and community. We challenge our scholars to build their confidence and help them realize what they can achieve.
Self-Advocacy:
Our scholars are empowered to advocate for themselves, their families, and their communities. As our scholars come to understand that their voices are valued and needed, they learn to advocate for themselves. Our scholars are seen and valued; they understand that not only do they have the right to express their opinions, views, and perspectives, but it is their obligation to do so.
Community:
Our scholars will embrace community and understand that as a member of a community you have certain
inalienable rights, the right to be seen, the right to be heard, the right to be protected and the right to be loved and
cherished. Our scholars will also learn of their obligations. As a member of a community you have the obligation to
respect, listen, support and only want and assume the best in all others. Every member of our community must understand that they are active participants in the Nuasin community and the community goes as we go.
Trustees Present
A. Bothner, A. Khanyile, K. Brisseau, K. Shabazz, S. Pressley, T. Bryan
Trustees Absent
E. Chen, J. Boulet, J. Scott, M. Dorrie, S. Huda
Guests Present
A. Brown, C. Polanco, G. Borja, J. Keeney, K. Davidson, M. Alston, M. Russell, S. Kochar, Sarah Meding
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance and Guests
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Review the Agenda
D.
Board Meeting Updates
no updates at this time.
E.
Committee Priorities Update
II. Mission and Pillars Board Reflection
A.
Self Advocacy
KS reminds everyone of the self advocacy pillar. describes his connection to the teachers that are involved with imparting this skill and his current work in the adults he mentors that do not have this skill. He discusses that the skill is something that should be cultivated and celebrated and proud that Nuasin holds this close to their mission. MR asks KS to build on the connection to the decline in civility, he responds that words are important and children should be responsible that they should build, be reflective and never tear everyone down. You do not need to injure others to stand up for yourself.
III. School Update
A.
Executive Director Update
MR discusses the expansion updates. MR explains the three potential opportunities. MR reviews the different conversations that have taken place to lead us to the space we are in. MR also reviews the zombie charter opportunity. SM discusses the pivot from last month in fundraising which is due to the concern a founders experience. SM has created a plan and has adjusted fundraising target for FY24. SM discusses the different foundational pieces that need to take place.
B.
K-8 Update
KD discusses different data points. KD reports on monthly SEL surveys. We are using this data to help each scholar with their responses and are proactive with their responses. The SEL survey serves as a pulse check on a monthly basis. KD also mentions that this will allow us to monitor and provide data overtime. The SEL surveys revolve around a theme. KD discusses how we can also work with scholars on a high level to gain their feedback. KS responds that their are other factors a scholar may navigate that can impact the SEL surveys that are also worth looking into. We are taking their feedback into consideration while creating extra curricular opportunities. We are increasing family engagement opportunities and also tracking every touchpoint. KD discusses the importance of community connections and events at the school. AB asks about what data surprises him the most? KD responds that one data point he was interested in was about trust that sparked him to think about the topic more broadly. AB asks whether we will have year over year data? KD replies that our goal is to have consistent and year over year data to compare. SP asks how many scholars replied, KD responds that 84% responded.
C.
9-12 Update
AB discusses the different areas we are focusing on. AB begins by reviewing the comparative data points for HS from last year to this year. KS asks about the proficiency rate and what has changed in this year? AB responds that 70% is our passing rate and explains that the teaching in the school is different. AB also responds that he has increased teacher feedback, targeted professional development, and holding teachers to a higher accountability. AB asks about classes, PAL AB responds that the questions we are using are for the material they are using. This year they are more aligned and tests are more rigorous. SP asks if we are reviewing comparative data. MR responds we are looking to reach that. BM- AB asks about state test, and AB responds that AP exams are more rigorous and this indicates they will perform better in the regents exam. MR explains there are many transferable approaches that will work for both. PAL- AB discusses using the data to connect the conversation within the constructs of the monthly townhalls. HS SEL survey responses differ from LS. AK responds that we do have the data on who is responding to each of the questions so that we are able to be responsive. AB reports HS data is overall positive. AB replies that we are also being proactive with data in creating committees that address the overall concerns the data reflects. Ab discusses the different outreach methods we have implemented to increase community connections. BM AB is excited to see the evolution.
D.
Operations Update
MA begins by update on enrollment, we are meeting enrollment requirements. MA reports we do not have any openings. MA reports on the partnerships we are building out and the different marketing strategies we are implementing to increase branding and recognition. MA reviews the compliance updates. MA reviews calendar updates. MR reports that we will have a retreat in February from 8 am to 4 pm. SP asks about the NYU partnership, MA responds that the partnership is continuous.
IV. Finance Committee Updates
A.
General Updates
JK to review financials
B.
November Financials
JK reports on the November financials. JK notes the balance sheet is very strong. AB asks for the change in asset conditions, and JK responds it is due to when the state makes their payment. JK also states this does not impact deficit. JK reports that students are above budget and positive variance.
C.
Quarterly Financial Literacy Update
JK goes into the statement of functional expenses and discusses the importance that this has on future funders. JK reviews the 990 form A and B. JK reviews charity forms.
V. External Relations Committee Update
A.
External Relations Update
AK reports no updates.
VI. Nominating Committee Update
A.
Nominating Committee Update
KB reports there are no updates.
B.
Board Slate Review
no update.
VII. Public Comments
A.
Public Comments
There are no public comments.
KS reviews the agenda items.