Rochester Discovery Charter School



DISCOVERY CHARTER SCHOOLBoard Meeting MinutesFebruary 16, 2017 A Board of Trustees Meeting was held on February 16, 2017, at the Discovery Charter School, 133 Hoover Drive, Rochester, NY 14615. Trustees Present: Scott Adair; Donna Dedee Doyle; Shanna Jamanis; Lisa Lewis; Robert Stiles; David Vigren; Olivia WestTrustees Excused: Sarah Armignacco; Yoshida Blackman; Sarah Varhus Also Present: Joe Saia, Director; Laurie Corbett, Operations Manager; Steven Polowitz, Attorney1. Call to OrderThe Chair called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. and it was determined that a lawful quorum was present. 2. Proof of Public Notice of MeetingPublic Notice was provided in the Messenger Post.3. Conflict of Interest ReminderThe Chair read the following statement: “The Chair reminds everyone that if a potential conflict of interest exists concerning a subject under discussion by the Board that you have an obligation to disclose the potential conflict and, if deemed a conflict, recuse yourself and leave the room during any discussion and vote on the subject.”4. Approval of Minutes of Previous MeetingA motion to approve the minutes of the January 19 meeting was made by Ms. Jamanis, seconded by Mr. Adair and unanimously approved.5. Director’s ReportMr. Saia presented his report, highlighting the following items:Attendance at 95% continues to be a focus of the school. The target for the year remains 96%. Our partner school in Harlem (Neighborhood Charter School of Harlem) visited on 2/9. Helpful feedback was obtained and both schools agreed to hold a joint staff development program. Academic Performance – 2Q. Mr. Saia reviewed, in detail, the results of 2nd quarter academic assessments. Each grade level was discussed individually with targets and results identified. For those grade levels eligible for NYS testing, 2015 SRI scores at a raised cut level were particularly noted. The board was reminded that in 2015 there was a good correlation between SRI scores throughout the year and NYS assessment scores in the spring. Mr. Saia described actions taken where 2nd quarter results were below expectations and also described where those actions have already produced improved scores. Also discussed was a new metric for the quarter, grade level teacher projections of NYS proficiency scores based on knowledge of our students and past test questions. Mr. Saia concluded by telling the board that the 2nd quarter numbers are not as robust as we had hoped, but teachers are optimistic for another significant increase in NYS test scores this spring. NYSED Mid-Term Visit. Mr. Saia described the nature of SED’s upcoming visit and that there will be a discussion session with the board as has been the case during previous visits. 6. ELL PreferenceMr. Saia discussed the school’s frustration in attracting English Language Learners to the school, despite aggressive recruiting. One of the largest hurdles is the lottery. Today, ELL potential students are in line with all other applicants. This is the natural result of the school continuing to have more applications than seats available, thus placing all potential students into a lottery.Mr. Saia described an idea for a “limited preference” for ELL students. It would be structured in such a manner that a certain number of seats available would be reserved for ELL students and that the preference for those seats would be a “joint” preference (with poverty) until those seats were filled. Preliminary legal review has disclosed no prohibition. The consensus of the board was to push forward to develop a proposal for board and potential SED action. 7. Consultant ContractMr. Vigren told the board that Ms. Nolan withdrew her proposal, indicating that she is closing her consulting business. It was the consensus of the board that a RFQ (Request for Qualifications) be conducted for consulting assistance on an as-needed basis. 8. Business MattersEnrollment Report. Ms. Corbett presented the 1/31/2017 Enrollment Report and discussed efforts to ensure that average enrollment of 280 is maintained for the balance of the year. Student Recruiting. Ms. Corbett discussed actions taken to recruit students by reviewing her enrollment outreach checklist, highlighting those efforts taken to recruit ELL students. She also highlighted internal efforts to develop lists of families living in poverty (whose children would have preference for seats in the school). It was the consensus of the board that this work represented a sound way to move our recruiting forward. A summary of applications received, to date, and projected seats available for all grade levels was also reviewed.Board Agenda/Meeting Policies. The board discussed two draft policies, one dealing with board meeting agenda preparation and the other dealing with management of board meetings. A motion to redraft the “agenda preparation” policy to include the first paragraph of the “meeting management” policy and present the new document for approval at a future meeting was made by Mr. Adair, seconded by Mr. Stiles and unanimously approved.9. Finance Committee ReportFinancial Statements. Mr. Adair presented the January financial statements. Key Financial Indicators. Mr. Adair presented the Key Financial Indicators report for 1/31/2017, noting that the school continues to operate within the lowest risk band of indicator values. Grants Report. Ms. Corbett presented the 1/15/2017 Grants Report, noting a grant recently approved by the John F. Wegman Fund. Check Detail Report. Mr. Adair presented the Check Detail Report for January and asked for questions. There were none. Checks Over $5,000. Mr. Adair presented Resolution #261 outlining non-routine December checks of $5,000 or more. The resolution was moved by Mr. Adair, seconded by Ms. Dedee Doyle and unanimously approved.9. Old BusinessThe Chair asked if there was any old business. There was none 10. New BusinessThe Chair asked if there was any new business. Mr. Saia reported that one of our 6th grade students took the Allendale Columbia entrance examination and scored in the 99th percentile. Her family has the ability to pay approximately $1500 of the $5000 tuition. Mr. Vigren indicated steps will be taken to help ensure that adequate funds are raised to help the student’s family.11. Motion to AdjournA motion to adjourn was made by Mr. Adair, seconded by Ms. Dedee Doyle and unanimously approved at 8:10 pm. ................
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