January 26, 2009 – 7:35 p.m.
Attendance
Board members in attendance: Mr. Tom Nida, Chair; Mr. Will Marshall; Dr. Darren Woodruff; Mr. John "Skip" McKoy; Mr. Don Soifer; and Ms. Josephine Baker, Ex-Officio and Secretary
Board members excused: Mr. Brian Jones; Dr. Dora Marcus
The board meeting was called to order at 7:35 P.M. by Mr. Tom Nida.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Nida presented the proposed agenda for the January 26, 2009 meeting. The agenda was approved with deletion of the Notice of Concern for Booker T. Washington Public Charter School (PCS).
Approval of December Meeting Minutes
Mr. Nida presented the December 15, 2009 meeting minutes for approval. Mr. Will Marshall moved that the minutes be approved, and Dr. Darren Woodruff seconded the motion. The minutes were approved by all members present.
Acknowledgement of Elected Officials
Mr. Nida called for any elected officials to stand and be recognized. None were present.
Contracts Reviewed
Mr. Nida reported on contracts over $25,000, which were reviewed by the Finance Committee. The board members accepted the report as presented.
SCHOOLS COMMITTEE
Accountability Plan
Community Academy Public Charter School PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Gayle Upson, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, and Ms. Jane Rand, Director of Assessment
PCSB staff member, Dr. Robert Mayo reported that Community Academy PCS is requesting conditional approval of its final draft Accountability Plan. Dr. Mayo indicated that the plan is comprised of academic targets that address literacy, mathematical reasoning, special needs students' IEP goals attainment and English Language Learners language acquisition. Nonacademic targets address school climate, stakeholder engagement, and community service.
Mr. Soifer moved to approve conditionally the accountability plan. Mr. Marshall seconded the motion, and the motion carried unanimously by all board members present. Dr. Mayo stated that full approval would be granted once satisfactory targets are established for those measures for which baseline data does not currently exist.
Request to Relinquish Charter
City Lights Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: None
Mr. Nida noted that after several discussions and a formal meeting with City Lights PCS Board of Trustees, the school presented a letter dated January 23, 2009 addressed to him voluntarily relinquishing its charter. The letter notified the D. C. Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB) of the intent of City Lights PCS to relinquish its charter effective February 27, 2009. PCSB staff member, Ms. Carolyn Trice reported that the City Lights PCS noted that because of the severe financial strain that jeopardized the school's ability to effectively operate for the remainder of the school year, the school is requesting that the DCPCSB immediately accept the surrender of the charter and move on with its established closing procedures.
There was discussion regarding the results of City Lights PCS residency enrollment audit findings that indicated a significant decrease in projected student enrollment. Board members commented on the need to ensure an orderly transition of student placement, and as a joint effort that the board and staff work closely with the school. Mr. Marshall moved to accept the voluntary surrender of the charter for City Lights PCS and move ahead with closing logistics. Dr. Woodruff seconded the motion, and the motion passed with all Board members voting in favor.
Proposed Notice of Concern - Attendance and Truancy
MEI FuturesAcademy Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Mr. Matthew Binette, President; and Ms. Aminyah M'Backe', Executive Director
PCSB staff member, Dr. Robert Mayo recapped the new attendance and truancy policy passed in July 2008 stating that public charter local education agencies (LEAs) must maintain an attendance rate at or above 85% and a truancy rate at or below 20% on a quarterly basis. Dr. Mayo reported that MEI Futures Academy PCS failed to meet the required first quarter attendance and truancy rates and that the Schools Committee is proposing issuance of a Notice of Concern. MEI Futures Academy was given the opportunity to address the attendance and truancy concerns of PCSB.
Ms. M'Backe' noted that if a child is absent due to illness, the mother is also deemed absent. Ms. Aminyah M'Backe' stated that additional staff has been hired to target the chronic attendance and truancy of teenage mothers. She indicated that other options such as seeking additional funding and staffing to focus solely on addressing attendance and truancy rates were being considered. Mr. Soifer moved for the issuance of a Notice of Concern and Dr. Woodruff seconded the motion. The motion carried with all board members voting in favor. Mr. Nida explained that the charter school board will revisit MEI Future Academy's truancy and attendance rates at a later time. An attainable goal showing significant improvement in meeting the required targets is necessary to avoid potential board action.
Proposed Notice of Concern - Attendance and Truancy
Young America Works Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Ms. Nadine Evans, Director of Admissions
PCSB staff member, Dr. Robert Mayo recapped the new attendance and truancy policy passed in July 2008 stating that public charter local education agencies (LEAs) must maintain an attendance rate at or above 85% and a truancy rate at or below 20% on a quarterly basis. Dr. Mayo reported that Young America Works failed to meet the required first quarter attendance and truancy rates and that the Schools Committee is proposing issuance of a Notice of Concern pending testimony presented to the board by Young America Works PCS to address these issues.
Ms. Nadine Evans explained that the decreased attendance and truancy rates from the majority of the school's population served as being students without parental involvement, or who are disconnected, disadvantaged, or imprisoned. She further noted that many of the students are under the jurisdiction of the courts or family services truancy laws, and that there is no level of cooperation or notification to the school of incarceration which causes a decrease in attendance and an increase in truancy rates. Ms. Evans reported that in an effort to meet the requirements, a social worker has been assigned to make home visits and that a truancy officer will be conducting vocational training, meetings with parents, and working closely with Child and Family Services to address and tighten communication efforts. Mr. Marshall moved for the issuance of a Notice of Concern and Mr. Soifer seconded the motion. The motion passed by all board members voting in favor. The Board requested development of procedures and policies working with Dr. Mayo to address and meet the attendance and truancy requirements.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
Arts and Technology Academy PCS (ATA)
School Representation Present: Mr. Jonathan Hill, President and Board Chair; Mr. Errick Greene, Head of School
PCSB staff member, Ms. Carolyn Trice reported that Arts and Technology Academy PCS (ATA) made Average Yearly Performance (AYP) by Safe Harbor in 2005-06 and 2007-08. She stated that the school met the academic, nonacademic, and organizational performance standards for governance, compliance, and fiscal management. Based on the Charter Review Framework, ATA is not a candidate for Charter Warning.
Mr. Nida questioned the revisions to the school's accountability plan and how it will impact performance. Mr. Jonathan Hill stated that the plan raises the bar for higher performance standards. Ms. Baker asked what is being done to counteract the drop in the average enrollment ratings. Mr. Errick Greene stated that in addition to requiring a higher level of performance, the school has established a retention policy. Ms. Baker asked about the school no longer under contract with a management company and how the revisions would correlate to meet the accountability plan and leadership design. Mr. Errick Greene responded that revised polices have been enacted as of result of the board and school team being actively engaged and taking more responsibility to ensure student achievement. Mr. Nida pointed out that since ATA is not a candidate for Charter Warning, there is no required board action.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
D.C. Bilingual Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Ms. Gretchen Ellsworth, Chair; Ms. Eileen Wasow, Chief Academic Officer; Ms. Wanda Perez, Executive Director, and Ms. Allison Auerbach, Instructional Support Manager
PCSB staff member, Dr. Sean Coleman reported that based on an analysis of D.C. Bilingual's fourth year accountability plan performance, the school met the nonacademic, governance, compliance, and financial performance standards for the Charter Review. Dr. Coleman stated that data from the Performance Development Review indicated the school did not make AYP in reading or math and that the school failed to meet the academic performance standards. The Schools Committee is proposing to place D.C. Billingual PCS on Charter Warning status.
The board questioned what caused the downward spike over the four year period of the academic targets and how does the school plan to raise academic achievement scores to meet AYP, specifically in math? Ms. Wanda Perez stated that major revisions in the curriculum design are being implemented and also an intervention system is being streamlined to identify areas in need of improvement. She also stated additional classes and instructional methods and models are being devised to increase test scores and student achievement in reading and math. Dr. Woodruff voiced his concern regarding specific student needs as it differs for English Language Learners versus bilingual language learners. Ms. Gretchen Ellsworth commented that the results showed a longer trajectory due to the dual language program and that the school is scheduling individualized one-on-one working student sessions. Mr. Soifer pointed out that the budget deficit and decreased enrollment, asking what measures are being taken to correct the situation. Ms. Wanda Perez stated that the deficit was an exact result of natural attrition and that the school is seeking grant funding from OSSE to offer additional classes.
Mrs. Baker opened discussion regarding the governance of D.C. Billingual PCS and the Board's relationship with Centronia. Mrs. Baker pointed out the importance of careful collaboration and separation of the two. Mr. Nida advised that the school sustain a solid level of consistency based on charter efforts. He also indicated that the school should develop a corrective action plan to improve the required academic targets and stated that the Schools Committee is recommending that D.C. Billingual PCS be placed on Charter Warning status. Mr. Marshall moved that the school be placed on Charter Warning status. The motion was seconded by Dr. Woodruff and the motion was passed by all board members. D. C. Billingual PCS will have the opportunity to take corrective action to improve its outcomes and thus avoid possible charter revocation by being responsive to the results of the preliminary charter review.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
E. L. Haynes PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Jennie Niles, Head of School
PCSB staff member, Ms. Taishya Adams reported that E. L. Haynes met the academic, nonacademic, organizational performance standards for governance, compliance, and fiscal management. Based on the Charter Review Framework, E. L. Haynes is not a candidate for Charter Warning.
There was discussion about, 1) the current extended science program framework and other initiatives,
2) engagement of their Board of Trustees school performance committee and, 3) advisors reviewing the overall procedures and school culture. Mr. Nida pointed out that since E. L. Haynes Public Charter School is not a candidate for Charter Warning, there is no required board action.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
Hospitality Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Mr. Richaed Spigler, Technical Director, Ms. Debra Knight, Principal; Ms. Tiffany Godbout, Executive Director; and Mr. Thomas Penny, Board Member
PCSB staff member, Mr. Corey Carter reported that based on an analysis of Hospitality PCS's fourth year accountability plan performance, the school met the nonacademic, governance, compliance, and financial performance standards for the Charter Review. The school did not meet the academic performance standards and is a candidate for Charter Warning.
Mr. Richard Spigler stated that processes have been devised to integrate the school's culture and climate. Ms. Debra Knight added that a comprehensive teacher evaluation and school improvement team have been formed. Ms. Knight stated that since transitioning to the new space, the school has hired an assistant principal and solidified leadership to assist with the school climate. Ms. Knight further stated that corrective action steps are being taken towards testing and supporting literacy and math classes and that the school has hired a literacy coach. Mr. Nida asked about the reaction of sharing of space at the new facility. Mr. Spigler stated that the faculty of Roosevelt High School supported the relationship with the Hospitality PCS. Mr. Nida advised that the school develop a corrective action plan to improve the required academic targets and stated that the Schools Committee is recommending that Hospitality PCS be placed on Charter Warning status. Mr. Soifer moved that the school be placed on Charter Warning status. The motion was seconded by Mr. McKoy and the vote was passed by all board members. Hospitality PCS will have the opportunity to take corrective action to improve its outcomes and thus avoid possible charter revocation by being responsive to the results of the preliminary charter review.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
Meridian Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Ms. Robinette Breedlove, Principal; Mr. Vincent Blount, Assistant Principal; Mr. Darryl Reed, Special Education Coordinator; Mr. Calvin Hooks, Curriculum Coordinator
PCSB staff member, Ms. Marissa Mikoy reported that Meridian PCS met the academic, nonacademic, organizational performance standards for governance, compliance, and fiscal management. Based on the Charter Review Framework, Meridian PCS is not a candidate for Charter Warning. Mr. Nida pointed out that since Meridian PCS is not a candidate for Charter Warning, there is no required board action.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
Two Rivers Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Ms. Becky Skinner, President; and Ms. Jessica Wodatch, Executive Director
PCSB staff member, Ms. Marissa Mikoy reported that Two Rivers PCS met the academic, nonacademic, organizational performance standards for governance, compliance, and fiscal management and based on the Charter Review Framework, Two Rivers PCS is not a candidate for Charter Warning. Mr. Nida pointed out that since Two Rivers Public Charter School is not a candidate for Charter Warning, there is no required board action.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
William E. Doar, Jr. PCS for the Performing Arts Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Mr. Mark Lerner, Chair; Ms. Julie Doar-Sinkfield, Exeuctive Director; and Ms. Mary Robbines, Director of Academic Programs
PSCB staff member, Dr. Sean Coleman reported that William E. Doar Jr. PCS (Edgewood Campus only) met the nonacademic, and organizational performance standards for governance, compliance, and fiscal management. Based on the PCSB's Charter Review Framework, the school did not meet the academic standards. Mr. Mark Lerner stated that after reviewing the findings of the PDR analysis, the school met academic performance standards. Ms. Julie Sinkfield stated that there was a change in the Core Knowledge Performance analysis. The school now has new data from a change in measurement from the ELLCO assessment tool to America' Choice as an alternative instrument data. Ms Sinkfield noted that by dropping the ELLCO component, new data through recalculations and measurements indicate that William E. Doar Jr. met the performance standards. Ms. Mary Robbins noted that the tool increased the proficiency levels and raised the bar for scoring of Pre-K students.
Mrs. Baker questioned the new data compiled by William E. Doar and whether the data was something that the PCSB had access to at the time of the preliminary charter review. Ms. Baker also asked if we have assurance that the results of the data were verified if the Schools Committee had time to clearly vet the new information. Dr. Coleman noted that William E. Doar Jr. PCS did not produce sufficient data and that the data was not available at the time of the review. He remarked that the recalculations of the data nor the alternative data had not been verified. Dr. Coleman also stated that Doar's students attained a school-wide average of 50-70% of questions answered correctly on the DC CAS reading and mathematics. The school did not make AYP in reading and math.
The school is requesting to revise its accountability plan based on a change of measurement of data since dropping the America Choice and using the ELLCO assessment tool. Mrs. Baker noted that the school stated there was a delay in changing the ELLCO. Ms. Nadia Evans stated that a request was submitted to the Board but that the request was not received in time for the October PDR.
Following discussion from the Board, the motion was made by Mr. McKoy to defer the decision regarding Charter Warning status for William E. Doar Jr. PCS until the February 2009 PCSB meeting. Mr. McKoy added that the deferment would allow the PCSB sufficient time to review the schools' recalculated accountability plan data. The motion was seconded by Mr. Soifer and all board members voted in favor or the motion. Mr. Nida explained that it will be necessary for the school to work with Dr. Coleman to examine William E. Doar's recalculated Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) data prior to the PCSB's February 23rd meeting.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Ms. Sonia Gutierrez, Founder & CEO; Mr. Patricio Sanchez, Assessment Coordinator; and Ms. Allison Kokkoros, Principal
PCSB staff member, Dr. Jackie Boddie reported that based on an analysis of Carlos Rosario International Public Charter Schoolsfifth year accountability plan performance, the school met the academic, governance, compliance, and financial performance standards for the Charter Review. Dr. Boddie noted that the school has also met the nonacademic performance standards and Carlos Rosario International PCS is a candidate for full charter continuance. Mr. Nida pointed out that Carlos Rosario International PCS's charter status would remain full continuance with no required board action.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
Cesar Chavez Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Mr. Albert Lord, Chair; Mr. RObert Rickenbrode, Chief Academis Officer; and Ms. Irasema Salcido, Exeuctive Director
PCSB staff member, Mr. Corey Carter stated that based on an analysis of Chavez' fifth-year accountability plan performance, the school met the nonacademic, governance, compliance, and financial performance standards for the Charter Review. Mr. Carter further stated that according to the Program Development Review findings that the school did not meet the academic performance standards and is a candidate for charter revocation.
Ms. Irasema Salicido explained that a revised monitoring process has been developed to address the deficiencies. Dr. Woodruff advised that the school look at the quality of instructional teachers which seems to be a big challenge. Mr. Robert Rickenborde stated that in an effort to increase academic scores, the school has hired a part-time assistant to observe the classroom climate, revamp the recruitment process, and provide professional development to all campuses. Mr. Will Marshall voiced his concern about the school being the oldest and largest flagship with declining scores in reading and math. He asked what the school could do to reverse the downward trajectory in a short turnaround.
There was discussion regarding the need for growth in the area of curriculum instruction, infrastructure, disciplinary policies, and procedures for suspensions and expulsions for all three campuses. Dr. Woodruff suggested that the school review its external data to see what is taking place regarding school climate and population. Mrs. Baker pointed out the dilemma of the low reading level and the lack of skills to provide students with a successful education. Mr. Nida advised that academic performance standards must be significantly improved by next year, if not before, or the school could face charter revocation. Mr. Nida instructed the school to closely work with Mr. Carter in negotiating the criteria to address the conditions and revamp its framework to meet the academic performance standards. Mr. Marshall moved to grant Cesar Chavez conditional continuance charter status for a period of one year. Dr. Woodruff seconded the motion and the motion passed with all board members voting in favor.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
D. C. Preparatory Academy Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Ms. Emily Lawson, Founder and Executive Director; Mr. Terry Eakin, Chair; Ms. Katie Severn, Principal
PCSB staff member, Dr. Robert Mayo reported that D. C. Preparatory Academy PCS met the requirements for the school's accountability plan and organizational performance. Dr. Mayo stated the school also met the PCSB's academic (2 out of 3), nonacademic (4 out of 4), and organizational performance standards (7 out of 7). It is recommended by the schools committee that based on the Charter Review Framework, DC Preparatory Academy is not a candidate for charter revocation. Mr. Nida pointed out that D. C. Preparatory Academy PCS charter status would remain full continuance with no required board action.
Discussion was held regarding increasing math test score gains and elements to put in place such as assessment programs using professional development and the hiring professional staff in areas of need to increase high quality and experienced staff.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
Friendship Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Mr. Donald Hense, CEO and Founder; Mr. Joseph Speight, Assistant Principal (SE Campus); Ms. Patricia Brantley, Chief Operating Officer (Central Office); Ms. Peggy Pendergrass, Principal (Collegiate); Mr. Ralph Neal, Principal(Blow Pierce Campus); Mr. Michael Cordell, Chief Academic Officer (Central Office); Ms. Kimberly Campbell, Chief of Staff (Central Office); Mr. Samuel Gillard, Chief Financial Officer (Central Office); Ms. Natalie Gordon, Founding Principal (Tech Prep); and Mr. Rich Mincer, Chief Technology Officer (Central Office)
PCSB staff member, Ms. Monique Miller reported that based on an analysis of Friendship's fifth year accountability plan performance, Program Development Review and Compliance Review Reports, and financial reporting practices; the school met the academic, nonacademic, governance, compliance, and financial performance standards for the Charter Review and the school is a candidate for charter continuation. Ms. Miller stated that although Friendship Southeast did not meet AYP in reading and math overall, it did make gains across all subgroups and made safe harbor for the males and special education subgroups in reading and the female subgroup in math. Blow-Pierce and Chamberlain showed gains in reading and math in four of the five subgroups respectively. Woodridge scores across subgroups in reading and math declined, with the exception of the male subgroup in math, which demonstrated a very modest gain of .36. The Collegiate campus demonstrated a decline in both reading and math across all subject areas and has entered Year One of Restructuring under the No Child Left Behind Act.
Dr. Donald Hense stated that Friendship is seeking external support to begin revamping their infrastructure and building simultaneously in the areas of finance, accounting, governance, and staff through a wide area network. Friendship has implemented a new curriculum and assessment system and continues to provide on-going and tiered professional development for its teachers with the hope that these supports will render improved outcomes for its students. Mrs. Josephine Baker asked, "How does the school intend to push and plan to increase student growth." Mr. Hense stated that through professional development, acquiring "highly qualified teachers", issuing two-year tenure for teachers, hiring a Director of Talent, and additional recruitment efforts of teachers with interaction with the Teach for America contingency. Mr. Nida pointed out that since Friendship Public Charter Schools is not a candidate for Charter Warning, there is no required board action.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
Maya Angelou Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Ms. Lucretia Murphy, Executive Director; Mr. Gene Pinkard, Principal; Mr. James Forman, Chair; Ms. Marion White-Hood, Director of Academies
PCSB staff member, Mr. Corey Carter reported that Maya Angelou Public Charter School met the nonacademic, and organizational performance standards in governance, compliance, and financial based on the PCSB's Charter Review Framework. The school did not meet the academic standard and the school is a candidate for charter revocation.
Ms. Lucretia Murphy stated that 80% of reviews were increased to being proficient and that the climate is exemplary. She further indicated that the school is investing in post-secondary success by hiring a data manager and recruiting instructional staff with expertise in curriculum. The staff will provide strategic planning and refine the current program in an effort to attain a higher level of proficiency. Mr. James Forman stated programs to help increase student growth are being put in place, such as extended day training, a clinical social worker, residential job training. Mr. Gene Pinkard noted that key trends being implemented to move students to a higher level of proficiency are to adopt an academic literacy internship and work collaboratively with the College Board.
Discussion was held regarding the academic targets and the use of DC CAS and NWEA to measure student growth by AYP and the results using alternative assessment measures. Mr. Nida advised that the school closely work with Mr. Carter in negotiating the criteria to address the performance framework to meet the academic performance targets. Mr. Marshall moved to grant Maya Angelou conditional charter continuance status for a period of one year. Dr. Woodruff seconded the motion and the motion passed with all board members voting in favor.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
SEED Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Ms. Karen Spacks, Principal; and Mr. Vasco Fernandes, Chair
PCSB staff member, Dr. Jackie Boddie reported that the SEED Public Charter School met the academic, nonacademic, and organizational governance, compliance, and financial performance standards. Based on the PCSB's Charter Review Framework, Mr. Nida pointed out that since SEED PCS is not a candidate for Charter Warning, there is no required board action.
2009 Preliminary Charter Review Analysis
Washington Math Science & Technology (WMST) Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: None
Action deferred until the February meeting of the PSCB; no school representation was present.
Public Comment
Ms. Ariana Quinones-Miranda explained to the board the outreach and advocacy initiatives of the school design and development of Friends of Choice in Urban Schools (FOCUS). She explained how it works with the D.C. government, Congress, the press, and the public to increase awareness of understanding and support for public charter schools. Ms. Naomi DeVeaux provided a handout and she and Ms. Ariana Quinones-Miranda spoke briefly on several issues, such as; 1) the new charter petition cycle, 2) application guidelines release date, and, 3) the planning period.
FOCUS is requesting that the D. C. Public Charter School Board consider revisiting the petition cycle according to the suggested schedule in its handout. Mr. Nida stated that the PCSB will review the information presented regarding revising the schedule and its overall impact, including start-up and operating schools and the Board will provide FOCUS with feedback.
The meeting was adjourned by Mr. Nida at 11:26 PM.