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Vida Charter School

Minutes

Academic Excellence Committee Meeting

Date and Time

Thursday February 12, 2026 at 10:30 AM

Location

120 E Broadway Gettysburg, PA 17325

Committee Members Present

B. Reyes-Lua (remote), E. Nashelsky (remote)

Committee Members Absent

C. Miller, K. Byron, S. Luque, T. Arias

Guests Present

Pat Whalen (remote)

I. Opening Items

A.

Record Attendance

B.

Call the Meeting to Order

B. Reyes-Lua called a meeting of the Academic Excellence Committee of Vida Charter School to order on Thursday Feb 12, 2026 at 10:33 AM.

C.

Approve Minutes

B. Reyes-Lua made a motion to approve the minutes from Academic Excellence Committee Meeting on 11-13-25.
E. Nashelsky seconded the motion.
The committee VOTED unanimously to approve the motion.

II. Academic Excellence

A.

Field Trip: EF Travel

Pat Whalen, EF Travel, joined meeting. Trip to Puerto Rico (10 students) (March 2027)

 

Safety:

  • Vida staff will be with Tour Director (from airport to airport). Will be paired with another group of students/teachers. 24/7 Emergency Service & Support Team. 
  • Month prior to tour, Tour Director will connect with group leaders. 
  • Base level protection plan: all children covered, extended stays, reuniting with family member in case of illness and accident (covers out of pocket costs). Covers illness prior to travel (covered reasons). 
  • Assessing Risk Level: Level 1 & 2 Travel will proceed only. 
    • Peace of Mind Policy: allows to adjust trips and travel arrangements (location/dates)

Fundraising:

  • Giving Page  for all students (individual family/friend fundraising)
  • Explorer Scholarships ($50,000 for children each year)
    • 250 word essay-Child
    • Financial application-parent 
    • Flat $500 scholarship 
  • Student's pay directly (no direct contract with Vida/extra curricular outside of school) 
    • Teacher has access to add Vida funds to student accounts via a check

Field Trip Policy

  • Policy for travel/overnight for a school sponsored trip
  • Sample of behavioral contract
  • 100% Liability falls on EF Travel 

Staff/Teacher

  • MOU needed?

B.

Staff Satisfaction Survey

  • Strengths shared: community, support, belief in values, mission
  • Areas of conversation: value of language equated to pay, clear roles and expectations

C.

Comp Plan Summary

Reviewed three goals from comprehensive plan. 

D.

Future Ready PA Index

  • Demographics at Vida have shifted 
  • Assessment data reviewed (State testing)

E.

Winter 2026 Benchmark Data

  • Assessing proficiency in Fall and Winter. Decrease in Well Below Benchmark in all grade levels (3rd/6th who did not assess winter)

III. 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 11:35 AM.

Respectfully Submitted,
B. Reyes-Lua