June 16, 2008 – 7:30p.m.
Attendance
Board members in attendance: Mr. Tom Nida, Chair; Mr. Anthony Colón, Vice Chair; Dr. Dora Marcus; Mr. Will Marshall; Brian Jones; Karl Jentoft; and Jo Baker, Ex-Officio and Secretary
The board meeting was called to order at 7:30p.m by Mr. Tom Nida.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Tom Nida reported that there would be an addition to the agenda to lift the Notice of Probation Status of City Lights Public Charter School. The agenda was approved as changed.
Approval of May Meeting Minutes
The May meeting minutes were adopted as amended with minor modifications; 1) under the School’s Committee report for Options Public Charter School, the school year was changed to read 2007 instead of 2008 and, 2) under the School’s Committee report for Community Academy Public Charter School, state there were no board members or staff present; also, indicate Mr. Kent Amos, Head of the Management Company was present.
Acknowledgement of Elected Officials
Mr. Tom Nida invited elected officials to stand and be acknowledged; there were none present.
Contracts Reviewed
Mr. Tom Nida reported on contracts reviewed over $25,000.00 which were approved by the Finance Committee. Mr. Nida recused himself from the review of the contract for LAMB (Latin American Montessori Bilingual) Public Charter School and Mr. Karl Jentoft recused himself from the review of the contracts for Capitol City Public Charter School, Washington Yu Ying Public Charter School and Potomac Lighthouse Public Charter School. The report was approved as presented.
Technology Committee
Request to Approve E-rate Plans
Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS, Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy PCS, and Maya Angelou PCS
Dr. Dora Marcus reported that three (3) E-rate plans were reviewed by the Technology Committee and Lamont Brittain, the IT Manager. Dr. Marcus made the motion to approve all three plans and the motion was seconded by Mr. Karl Jentoft. The motion for approval carried unanimously.
Schools Committee
Request to Lift Probation
City Lights Public Charter School
School Representation Present: Dr. James Jackson, Board Chair; Ms. Iris Lewis, Executive Director, and Ms. Wendy Richardson, Principal
Ms. Carolyn Trice stated that at the April 21, 2008 meeting, the PCSB issued City Lights a Notice of Probation for failure to fully comply with federal and state mandates outlined in the IDEIA. The school was given 30 days to submit a comprehensive action plan that would address the conditions. Ms. Carolyn Trice reported that on May 28, 2008, City Lights submitted a proposed timeline to implement their plan of action to address all measures and conditions. The proposed timeline was discussed and Dr. Dora Marcus made the motion to lift the Notice of Probation. Mr. Karl Jentoft seconded the motion and the motion carried unanimously. Mr. Tom Nida commented that the plan is an acceptable start and advised the school to commence execution of the plan. Mr. Nida further stated that the PCSB staff would monitor and evaluate the implementation of the plan.
Delinquent OLAMS Reporting
Ms. Ino Okoawo reported that the PCSB, as part of its oversight responsibilities, requires all schools to report daily student attendance through the On-Line Attendance Management System (OLAMS).
Ms. Okoawo stated that the number of schools under PCSB authority has increased and a stricter adherence to fulfill its reporting requirements is necessary. Schools are required to have attendance input by the 10th of every month for the previous month that school is in session and to date; Ms. Okoawo announced sixteen schools were delinquent in attendance reporting. The schools identified as delinquent must meet the proposed deadline for completing the data input by Monday, June 23, 2008 or they will be subject to the issuance of a Notice of Concern.
Proposed Notice of Concern or Deficiency
ALTA PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Donna Potts Board President, Mr. Blaine Carter, Board Member, and Ms. Jamila Barber, Parent and Board Member
Mr. Sean Coleman reported the results of the Program Development Review (PDR) that was completed in February of 2008. Through its accountability and monitoring process, the PCSB has found that ALTA has demonstrated inadequate levels of development and below satisfactory performance in Curriculum and Standards, Instruction, Assessment, School Climate, and Governance. Mr. Sean Coleman stated that ALTA has undergone a principal change and five staff turnovers during the 2007-2008 school year. Further, the Accountability Plan Summary found that ALTA has met only 2 of 5 annual academic targets, and met only 2 of 6 non-academic targets. The PCSB staff is proposing that based upon information gathered during the review processes relative to student achievement, ALTA may be a candidate for a Notice of Concern or Deficiency.
Ms. Donna Potts informed the PCSB that the school is working towards opening lines of communication through implementation of a revised calling system. Teachers, leadership and board members will work more collaboratively and increase their involvement in school issues. Ms. Potts indicated that the school has hired a new principal and a new parent, Ms. Jamila Barber has joined the Board. Mr. Carter reported that the problem with enrollment and resources for the program is being supported by Building Hope to help the school gain stability through the acquisition of a new facility. Ms. Josephine Baker questioned what the plan would be for student transportation. Ms. Donna Potts stated a survey was conducted polling parents and staff regarding the travel distance and the result of the survey showed minimal disruption and a majority approval of the move.
Mr. Tom Nida stressed the importance of the school significantly showing quantitative improvement in such areas as performance results, program processes, and more engagement of the governing board.
Mr. Nida stated that the PCSB will develop a course of corrective action for the school to follow and monitor the school’s performance plan ongoing. Mr. Will Marshall advised that the key for the school’s Board to improve is to reverse the downward academic and non-academic target attainment trends, strengthen their leadership and turnaround the decreased accountability trend analysis. Mr. Karl Jentoft added that the school must consider the impact for next year and suggested that the school’s board get together this summer to execute a plan that will show positive results this fall, especially the non-academic targets. Mr. Brian Jones advised that the school will need to devise a plan for collecting and analyzing data to have a clear picture of indicators in order to address the problematic areas. Ms. Donna Potts stated she has hired someone with a background in technology and arts integration to manage the data analysis. Ms Potts further noted that a student support services spreadsheet is being developed for tracking enrollment. Mr. Anthony Colón stressed the seriousness of educating the students and pointed out that with the recent change in the law, actions such as revocation of a charter can occur sooner than in past years.
Mr. Will Marshall entertained a motion to issue a Notice of Deficiency to ALTA PCS. Dr. Dora Marcus seconded the motion. Mr. Thomas Nida added that ALTA’s Board must submit monthly progress reports to the PCSB Program Manager, Dr. Sean Coleman regarding issues starting September, 2008. The motion carried unanimously.
Request to Operate in a New Location
ALTA PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Donna Potts Board President, Mr. Blaine Carter, Board Member, and Ms. Jamila Barber, Parent and Board Member
Mr. Sean Coleman reported that ALTA is requesting authorization to relocate from 2100 New Hampshire Avenue, N.W. Washington, DC to a new location at 1600 Taylor Street, N.E. Washington, DC starting the 2008-2009 school year. ALTA’s current location allows for a capacity of 100 students. The proposed new location will afford ALTA to expand their student body to 136 students. ALTA will lease the proposed new location from the Building Hope Organization via their Incubator Initiative Program. Subsequently, rent will be $2000 per month less than ALTA’s current lease agreement, because the initiative supports a below market rent opportunity. The school has submitted all necessary documents to satisfy the requirements for relocation, and PCSB has approved the school’s lease agreement.
Discussion was held regarding the expansion and the PCSB expressed concern about an enrollment increase. Mr. Brian Jones made the motion that ALTA’s request to operate in a new location be approved with an amendment to keep the enrollment ceiling at 110 students for SY 2008-2009. Mr. Karl Jentoft seconded the motion. PCSB staff will conduct a Pre-Opening Visit to document readiness of the site for student and staff occupancy prior to the opening date. The motion carried unanimously.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Capitol City PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Candice Crawford, Board of Trustees Member
Ms. Susan Miller reported that Capital City is requesting permission to operate in an additional location at 3029 14th Street, NW in July 2008. The Public Charter School Board conditionally approved Capital City’s charter amendment to add additional grades in 2006. One of the conditions was the identification of a physical space to house Capital City’s new Upper School. The Upper School will enroll 25 6th graders, 26 7th graders, 26 8th graders and 52 9th graders.
The school has a sub-lease with Building Hope to occupy its original space above the Columbia Heights CVS at 3029 14th Street, NW. The space will be available for occupancy in July 2008. The sub-lease ends August 30, 2009. The school has submitted all necessary documents to satisfy the requirements for relocation. The PCSB proposes the approval of Capital City’s request to operate in an additional facility located at 3029 14th Street, NW, Washington, DC. Prior to the opening of the new facility, PCSB staff will conduct a Pre-Opening Visit to document the site’s readiness.
Mr. Anthony Colón made the motion to approve Capitol City’s request to operate in a new location and the motion was seconded by Dr. Dora Marcus. Mr. Karl Jentoft recused himself from the vote and the motion was approved.
Request to Operate in a New Location
KIPP DC; KEY, AIM AND LEAP Campuses
School Representation Present: Ms. Irene Holtzman, Director of Operations
Ms. Monique Miller gave background of the facility structure, Phase I and Phase II for KIPP DC. She reported that KIPP DC is requesting permission to move the KEY and LEAP Academies from both of their current campuses to their new building at 4801 Benning Road, SE and the AIM Academy from its current location to 2600 Douglass Road, SE effective July 1, 2008.
Discussion was held regarding the two concurrent moves, the signing of the final lease agreement, and obtaining the right of entry. Further discussion was held regarding approval being contingent upon the finalized lease with OPM for the facility. Dr. Dora Marcus made the motion to approve the request to operate in a new location for the campuses and Mr. Will Marshall seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously with the condition of a finalized lease with OPM. Prior to the opening of the new facility, PCSB staff will conduct a Pre-Opening Visit to document the site’s readiness.
Decisions on 2008 Charter School Applications
Mr. Tom Nida stated for clarification that the meeting was not a public hearing and explained the protocol for the announcement of the application decisions.
Mr. Tom Nida gave a breakdown of the decision process by Board members as follows: 1) approval, 2) approval with conditions, and 3) denial. He explained that a motion would be made and afterwards, the Board would engage in brief discussion. A vote would be made on each decision and in conclusion, a final vote. He added that staff would provide a complete debriefing and further communication in writing to the applicants. Mr. Nida further commented that some applicants that might be denied might be near approval readiness, but not fully ready. He suggested that those applicants give serious consideration to the feedback given at their debriefing session and reapply in 2009.
Center City – Application Review
Mr. Will Marshall made the motion for approval to convert the seven (7) schools into one secular operating charter. Mr. Brian Jones seconded the motion. Discussion was held regarding the school’s culture achievement and strong standards. Mr. Nida stressed to the school that being under the authority of the D.C. Public Charter School Board will require a rigorous accountability system. Ms. Josephine Baker commented on refinement processes for the charter. Dr. Dora Marcus noted that the school has an excellent education program. Mr. Brian Jones advised that the school maintain compliance as it relates to religion. Mr. Jones expressed that the school has a solid governing board. Mr. Karl Jentoft agreed that their application was strong and showed great support from parents to convert the schools. Mr. Jentoft suggested that the school stay on top of reporting and accountability data requirements. Mr. Anthony Colón reminded the school of the importance of providing oversight and the possibility of considering consolidation of the schools. He further stated that the main concern is on the focus of education of the students. The motion for approval carried unanimously.
Millennium Literacy – Application Review
Mr. Brian Jones motioned for denial of the application. Mr. Karl Jentoft seconded the motion. Mr. Tom Nida pointed out that the school the decision was based on the school’s overall rating of their strengths and weaknesses. Mr. Karl Jentoft encouraged schools that are not approved, get involved with board members of existing schools and reapply. The motion for denial carried unanimously.
Academy of Hope – Application Review
Dr. Dora Marcus motioned for denial of the application. Mr. Brian Jones seconded the motion.
Ms. Josephine Baker commented that the adult education segment of the application was weak and was not supported well in the application. Mr. Will Marshall stated that the application was not strong in the focus of the mission. Mr. Anthony Colón indicated he was not certain that the school’s application should be denied based on the 1st stage clearance relative to a pass/fail bar. The motion for denial passed with five votes in favor, and one opposed (Mr. Anthony Colon).
National Collegiate Prep – Application Review
Mr. Karl Jentoft motioned for conditional approval. Dr. Dora Marcus seconded the motion.
Ms. Josephine Baker commented on the difficulty and challenge to recruit students. Mr. Karl Jentoft agreed upon the difficulty of the initial start up of a charter school. The motion for conditional approval carried unanimously.
Dream Catchers – Application Review
Mr. Will Marshall motioned for denial. Mr. Brian Jones seconded the motion. The motion for denial carried unanimously.
Enrichment Academy – Application Review
Mr. Anthony Colón motioned for denial. Dr. Dora Marcus seconded the motion. The motion for denial carried unanimously.
Back to Basics – Application Review
Mr. Karl Jentoft motioned for denial. Mr. Will Marshall seconded the motion. The motion for denial carried unanimously.
Accotink – Application Review
Mr. Anthony Colón motioned for denial of the application and Mr. Karl Jentoft seconded the motion.
Mr. Will Marshall voiced his concern regarding the unification of the board to this community and the acquisition of a facility. Mr. Marshall further stated that although the school presented a strong proposal, the board received no complete answers regarding managing independently from the Virginia facility. Mr. Karl Jentoft commented that during the interview portion of the application review process, applicants did not show up which weighed on the decision. Ms. Josephine Baker noted that the application did not reflect a clear study of the law in terms of enrollment. Mr. Brian Jones stated the school did not establish procedures critical to the design of the accountability and success of the school’s board. The motion for denial carried unanimously.
North Star Academy – Application Review
Mr. Will Marshall made the motion for denial. Mr. Brian Jones seconded the motion. Mr. Will Marshall stated that the application lacked focus of its instructional program. Mr. Anthony Colón added that the lack of focus of English Language Learners risk denial on that issue alone. The motion for denial carried unanimously.
Imagine Freedom – Application Review
Mr. Karl Jentoft made the motion for denial. Mr. Anthony Colón seconded the motion. Ms. Josephine Baker commented that in reviewing the application there was a disconnect with the total context and relationship with Core Knowledge according to the D.C. Standards. The motion for denial passed with five votes in favor. (Dr. Dora Marcus recused herself from the vote)
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25pm