Vida Charter School
Minutes
Board Meeting
Date and Time
Monday May 20, 2024 at 6:30 PM
Location
120 E. Broadway
Gettysburg, PA 17325
The Board held an Executive Session from 5:37pm to 6:33pm to discuss professional development and personnel matters.
Trustees Present
B. Reyes-Lua, J. Burmistrova (remote), J. Lewis (remote), L. Rice (remote), P. Diaz-Parga (remote), P. Miller (remote), S. Luque (remote), T. Arias (remote), V. Fonseca
Trustees Absent
None
Trustees who arrived after the meeting opened
L. Rice
Trustees who left before the meeting adjourned
J. Lewis
Ex Officio Members Present
C. Miller, M. Turner (remote)
Non Voting Members Present
C. Miller, M. Turner (remote)
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve April 2024 Minutes
II. School Safety
A.
Presentation of the Annual School Safety Report
III. Executive Director Report
A.
Monthly Report
- Christine Miller highlighted various achievements at Vida Charter School and celebrated the high school graduation of some of our students alums.
- Field day will be held on Tuesday, May 21and host the students vs staff soccer match.
- Friday, May 24th will be the graduation parade for both K and 6th grades.
IV. Academic Excellence
A.
Updates from Academic Excellence Committee
Joselyn explained that they reviewed preliminary data reports and that they are analyzing the staff satisfaction survey.
V. Finance
A.
Monthly Financials
Leighton updates on the financial report.
VIda is still waiting for the Gettysburg funding rate, hoping for a favorable outcome.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Reyes-Lua |
Aye
|
| P. Diaz-Parga |
Aye
|
| T. Arias |
Aye
|
| J. Lewis |
Aye
|
| V. Fonseca |
Aye
|
| L. Rice |
Aye
|
| S. Luque |
Aye
|
| J. Burmistrova |
Aye
|
| P. Miller |
Aye
|
B.
MOU with Vida EA/ESP
Leighton provides details about the fresh MOU with Vida EA
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| P. Miller |
Aye
|
| V. Fonseca |
Aye
|
| T. Arias |
Aye
|
| S. Luque |
Aye
|
| B. Reyes-Lua |
Aye
|
| L. Rice |
Aye
|
| P. Diaz-Parga |
Aye
|
| J. Lewis |
Aye
|
| J. Burmistrova |
Aye
|
C.
2024-25 Budget Draft
The Board open the discussion regarding the 2024-25 Budget Draft.
The Board still has a month to discuss the Budget, it has to be approved by June.
D.
Student Information System Quotes
Christine M. and Melissa T. outline the issues with the various Student Information Systems. We're deliberating on three options:
PowerSchool
FACTS Proposal for Vida Charter School
Alma Proposal
Melissa advocates to the Board for acquiring PowerSchool services.
After discussion, the Board opts to delay the decision for a month.
E.
Renewal of Health Insurance
Leighton clarifies that the financial team has assessed Mitch Harris' four options.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| J. Burmistrova |
Aye
|
| T. Arias |
Abstain
|
| L. Rice |
Aye
|
| B. Reyes-Lua |
Aye
|
| S. Luque |
Aye
|
| J. Lewis |
Absent
|
| V. Fonseca |
Aye
|
| P. Miller |
Abstain
|
| P. Diaz-Parga |
Aye
|
F.
Transportation Contract
Melissa explains the services provided by Jacoby Transportation, Inc. to Vida.
Melissa explains Vida´s needs to renew Jacoby´s services for the coming year.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| B. Reyes-Lua |
Aye
|
| V. Fonseca |
Aye
|
| L. Rice |
Aye
|
| J. Burmistrova |
Aye
|
| S. Luque |
Aye
|
| P. Miller |
Aye
|
| P. Diaz-Parga |
Aye
|
| J. Lewis |
Aye
|
| T. Arias |
Abstain
|
G.
Custodial Contract
Discussion about Custodian Contract.
Leighton explains that the best option is Ames Janitorial Service, starting in the coming school year.
| Roll Call | |
|---|---|
| P. Diaz-Parga |
Aye
|
| T. Arias |
Aye
|
| V. Fonseca |
Abstain
|
| J. Lewis |
Aye
|
| J. Burmistrova |
Aye
|
| L. Rice |
Aye
|
| B. Reyes-Lua |
Aye
|
| P. Miller |
Aye
|
| S. Luque |
Aye
|
VI. Governance
A.
Onboarding of new Trustees
- The Board discussed the process for onboarding new members.
- It was noted that Boardontrack and Act 55 training will be utilized for this purpose.
- Act 55 training for new Board members, will take place in July.
B.
Strategic Planning
Christine Miller provided an overview of the development process for the strategic planning initiative. Christine emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and data analysis in formulating effective strategies.
VII. Personnel Report
A.
May Personnel Report
- Christine Miller, in her update, addressed the staffing requirements for Vida School.
- It was noted that the school needs to recruit two additional teachers and one nurse to fulfill operational needs.
- C. Miller also discussed potential candidates currently under consideration by the school.
Melissa Turner presented the Annual School Safety Report, highlighting our strong relationship with both the Gettysburg Police and Cumberland Police Department. Melissa explained our ongoing efforts in developing emergency plans, evacuation procedures, and reunification strategies.