August 17, 2009 - 7:38 P.M.
Attendance
Board members in attendance: Mr. Tom Nida, Chair; Mr. Brian Jones, Vice-Chair; Dr. Dora Marcus;
Mr. Will Marshall; Mr. John “Skip” McKoy; Mr. Don Soifer; Dr. Darren Woodruff; and Mrs. Josephine Baker, Ex-Officio and Secretary
Mr. Tom Nida called the Board meeting to order at 7:38 p.m.
Acknowledgement of Elected Officials
Mr. Tom Nida invited elected officials to stand and be acknowledged. Dr. Gregg Edwards stood and introduced himself as the Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) representing Ward 1, Single Member District, 1D04, of the Mount Pleasant neighborhood.
Approval of Agenda
Mr. Tom Nida reported the addition to the agenda of Academia Bilingue de la Comunidad (ABC) Public Charter School’s request to relinquish its charter. The agenda was accepted as modified by all members present.
Approval of July 20, 2009 Meeting Minutes
Mr. Tom Nida presented the July 20, 2009 meeting minutes for approval. Mr. Will Marshall moved that the minutes be approved, and Mr. Don Soifer seconded the motion. The minutes were approved by all members present.
Contracts Reviewed
Mr. Tom Nida reported on contracts reviewed over $25,000.00 which were approved by the Finance Committee. A written conflict of interest disclosure (attached) was provided to Mrs. Josephine Baker for the minutes from Mr. Tom Nida. The disclosure noted that Mr. Nida recused himself from the vote to accept the Finance Committee’s review of the contract between Howard Road Academy and the Youth Power Center for the purchase of property at 2405 Martin Luther King, Jr., Ave, S.E., Washington, D.C., 20020. Mr. Don Soifer made the motion to accept the report. The motion was seconded by Mr. Brian Jones.
SCHOOLS COMMITTEE
Proposal to Lift Notice of Concern for Attendance & Truancy
Options Public Charter School (PCS)
School Representation Present: Dr. Donna Montgomery, Executive Director, and Ms. Gail Jenkins, Principal
PCSB staff member Dr. Robert Mayo stated that after follow-up and adjustments made by the leadership of Options Public Charter School, the review of the year end attendance report revealed that Options PCS met and exceeded the attendance rate requirements with an eighty-seven percent attendance rate and the truancy requirements with a twelve percent truancy rate. Dr. Donna Montgomery commented that the school leadership hired a new Principal that will assist in developing strategies to address attendance and truancy issues. The school is also testing several research-based methods in an effort to increase the attendance rates by a goal of one percent each year. Dr. Marcus asked about what strategies have been put in place for the upcoming school year to manage chronic truancy. Dr. Montgomery outlined several measures: 1) a follow-up system of varying levels to track student absences and incorporate preventive measures, 2) the Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies (PBIS) initiative which is an incentives program granting “panther vouchers” and bonus points to students for timely arrival and perfect attendance, and 3) the on time pay for performance, i.e., attendance program.
Dr. Donna Montgomery also noted that leadership has initiated a solid system for documenting attendance. The following steps will be taken: an initial phone call as a result of the first absence, referral to the Attendance Committee after three absences, a conversation with the parent(s) to identify and discuss the problem, a truancy intervention plan subsequent to five absences, and a scheduled home visit before referral to the courts.
There was discussion about the rewards incentives program being more beneficial to students with chronic truancy versus students with satisfactory attendance. Dr. Marcus asked the school leadership to provide more detail concerning the operation of the incentives program. Dr. Donna Montgomery explained that a group of fifty students on a monthly basis are targeted and identified to receive the on time performance pay as follows: 1) students that arrive at school on time and, 2) by student performance i.e., grades, homework, and behavior. Dr. Darren Woodruff questioned the cost effectiveness and fairness in the students captured in offering the incentives program. Mr. John “Skip” McKoy expressed his concern that tracking students that are not doing well may cause a lack of encouragement to those students who are performing well. Dr. Donna Montgomery stated that the rewards incentives and points are given to students according to their performance. Dr. Darren Woodruff voiced his concern about the two-tiered rewards system possibly creating a problem and asked if there was any prior conversation with parents. Dr. Montgomery stated that parents were aware of the pay for performance program. Mrs. Josephine Baker advised the school leadership to take a comprehensive look at the pros and cons of offering the program.
Mr. Tom Nida pointed out that the issue at hand is to move on the proposal made by the Schools Committee to lift the initial Notice of Concern issued to Options PCS on March 16, 2009, regarding truancy and attendance. Dr. Darren Woodruff moved that the Notice of Concern to Options PCS be lifted and Mr. Don Soifer seconded the motion. The motion was passed by all Board members present.
Request to Relinquish Charter
Academia Bilingüe de la (ABC) Public Charter School
School Representation Present: Mr. Dave Saba, Board Chair
PCSB staff member Dr. Sean Coleman stated that ABC Public Charter School (ABC) entered into a management agreement with CentroNia effective July 1, 2009. Mr. Coleman noted that the school is experiencing severe economic challenges, suffering of its educational program and projected low enrollment. Dr. Sean Coleman reported that ABC Public Charter School submitted a letter dated August 17, 2009 (attached) from ABC’s Board Chair, Mr. David Saba informing the PCSB Board members of ABC Public Charter School’s unanimous vote to relinquish its charter. The letter indicated that the school did not have the resources, based on projected enrollment numbers, to provide the best education possible for students. Mrs. Josephine Baker complimented the school’s Board for working with the PCSB staff to address its financial viability. Mr. Tom Nida noted that the effective date for ABC Public Charter School to relinquish its charter is August 31, 2009. This will allow the school to complete the month end cycle and to facilitate the remaining steps. Mr. Will Marshall asked about the school’s projected enrollment for this school year. Mr. Dave Saba responded that the school has projected its enrollment to be one hundred and five students.
Mr. John “Skip” McKoy moved that the PCSB accept the voluntary surrender of ABC Public Charter School effective August 31, 2009. Dr. Dora Marcus seconded the motion and the motion was carried unanimously by all Board members present. The school will work closely with the PCSB staff to assist with the orderly transition of students to other educational facilities and with established closing procedures.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Excel Academy Public Charter School
School Representation Present: Ms. Kaye Savage, Founder and CEO; Mr. Phillip Fick, Acting Academic Officer
PCSB staff member Taishya Adams reported that Excel Academy’s current lease of the building at 3845 South Capitol Street, S.W. expires on August 31, 2009. Ms. Adams explained that Excel Academy, as part of an initiative with Building Hope, is requesting to operate in a new location at 2501 Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue, S.E.; formerly the Birney Elementary School. Mr. John “Skip” McKoy provided a written recusal from voting on Excel Academy’s request to operate at a new location (attached). Ms. Adams stated that Excel Academy currently serves one hundred and thirty-four girls in grades preschool, prekindergarten and kindergarten and that the space accommodates the school’s anticipated enrollment for the 2009-2010 school year and several years ahead. Ms. Kaye Savage provided an example of the building space design and stated that the allocated space has eight-seven thousand square feet. There was discussion about the distance in commuting and Ms. Kaye Savage responded that no hardship is anticipated from the parents or the community. Mr. Phillip Fick indicated that the school will embrace and get involved in both the parent and community activities. Mr. Fick commented that the Ward 8, Advisory Neighborhood Commission is pleased to have the school as part of their community and look forward to working with the school. Ms. Mary Cuthbert, ANC Commissioner, Ward Eight, Single Member District (8C03) expressed her support for Excel Academy PCS moving into the new location and already having Thurgood Marshall Public Charter School located in the neighborhood.
The PCSB staff is requesting conditional approval of Excel Academy’s request to relocate from 3845 South Capitol Street S.W., to 2501 Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue S.E., Washington, D.C. pending submission of the contract/lease agreement and a pre-opening visit to ensure the site’s readiness. Mr. Will Marshall moved that conditional approval be granted for Excel Academy to operate at 2501 Martin Luther King Jr., Avenue, S.E., Washington, D.C., pending the approval of the lease agreement and the pre-opening site visit. The motion was seconded by Mr. Brian Jones and passed with a quorum of six approved votes by Board members and one recusal vote by Board member, Mr. John “Skip” McKoy.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Capital City Public Charter School
School Representation Present: Ms. Kathy Byrd, Principal (Upper School)
PCSB staff member Monique Miller reported that Capital City Public Charter School’s Upper School Campus is negotiating a lease and is requesting to operate at 3220 and 3224-16th Street N.W., beginning September 1, 2009. Mr. John “Skip” McKoy provided a written recusal from voting on Excel Academy’s request to operate at a new location (attached). Dr. Gregg Edwards, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner (ANC) representing Ward 1, Single Member District, 1D04, of the Mount Pleasant neighborhood voiced his concern regarding a time delay in the notification of the move by PCSB to the ANC. Dr. Edwards indicated that although the issue can be resolved, the ANC is asking that the decision be deferred at this public Board meeting.
Mrs. Kathy Byrd mentioned that Capital City Public Charter School is working closely with Dr. Gregg Edwards, ANC Commissioner – Ward 1, in a collaboratively effort to address concerns and promote community and neighborhood involvement. Dr. Gregg Edwards submitted to the Public Charter School Board members for review, a proposed cooperative agreement between the Capital City PCS Upper School Campus and the Mount Pleasant ANC (1D). Following a brief review of the cooperative agreement by the Board members, Mr. Nida agreed that although the development of a stronger engagement or the spirit of cooperation by the ANC Commissioner and the school is encouraged, the written cooperative agreement proposed by the ANC and Capital City Public Charter School must be submitted for review and advisement by counsel before any consideration of endorsement or approval by the Board.
Mr. Will Marshall commented that the proposed cooperative agreement must not be recognized as the legal responsibility or incorporation of the PCSB and has to be worked out beyond the remit of the PCSB.
Mr. Brian Jones advised that incorporating an agreement between two parties which one party is not in agreement, initiate a situation to police compliance with that agreement. He stated that such creates a presidential position to enforce and regulate the agreement. Mr. Nida explained that a cooperative agreement if accepted after review by the PCSB, between the Capital City Public Charter Schools’ Board and the ANC Commissioner of Ward One, must be a voluntary act between the two respective parties.
Considering the school’s plan to open in the new location to accommodate its approved expansion of the tenth grade students for the 2009-2010 school year, Mr. Tom Nida made a request to the ANC Commissioner to grant a written waiver of the thirty day notice. Dr. Gregg Edwards stated that the request for the waiver will be voted on by the ANC and a written decision will be provided to the PCSB. Will Marshall moved that conditional approval be granted for Capital City PCS to operate at 3220 and 3224 - 16th Street N.W., subject to the written thirty day waiver notification from the Advisory Neighborhood Commission for Ward One. Mr. Brian Jones made the motion to accept the conditional approval and the motion was seconded by Dr. Darren Woodruff. PCSB staff will conduct a pre-opening visit to document the sites readiness prior to opening.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Friendship Tech Prep Public Charter School
School Representation Present: Mr. Donald Hense, Founder and CEO; Kimberly Campbell, Chief of Staff
PCSB staff member Ms. Monique Miller reported that Friendship Tech Prep PCSB was fully approved as a new school in April 2006 and scheduled to open in the fall of 2006. Ms. Miller stated that due to the challenge of finding an adequate facility, the school delayed its opening until the 2009-2010 school year. The school is requesting to operate in a new location formerly known as the Boys and Girls Club located at 620 Milwaukee Place, S. E., to accommodate the sixth and seventh grade students. Ms. Kimberly Campbell commented on the growth of the middle school program and stated the space is located in the vicinity of the Friendship Southeast PCS campus. Ms. Campbell also commented that the school has reached out to the parents, the ANC Commissioner of Ward Eight, and the community to encourage participation and involvement. Ms. Mary Cuthbert, ANC Commissioner, Ward Eight, Single Member District (8C03) indicated her nonsupport for the operation of Friendship Tech Prep and voiced her concern surrounding several issues including community outreach, parking, unruly kids, and activities for the Ward Eight community since the acquisition of the property formerly occupied by the Boys and Girls club by Friendship Tech Prep Public Charter School. Ms. Cuthbert mentioned a question of zoning for the facility. Mr. Donald Hense stated that Friendship PCS acquired the property and repaired the extensive structural damage, including the drainage system. Mr. Hense noted that the property sites, gymnasium, and facility which are funded by the school could be utilized for outside recreational activity by the Ward Eight community at no charge. He pointed out that the Boys and Girls Club ceased its program operations in June 2009.
There was discussion about the Certificate of Occupancy and other obstacles regarding adjacent properties. Mr. Will Marshall pointed out the PCSB has no rule or authority on zoning issues or consent of solving real estate disputes. Mr. Don Soifer asked about the expected enrollment and grades served for the school.
Ms. Kimberly Campbell stated that the anticipated enrollment of the school is one hundred and fifty-three students in the seventh and eighth grades. Mr. Will Marshall moved that the school be granted approval to operate in the new facility at 620 Milwaukee Place, S.E., Washington, D.C. Mr. Brian Jones seconded the motion and the motion passed unanimously by all Board members present.
Intent to Co-Locate
National Collegiate Preparatory Academy Public Charter School
School Representation Present: Dr. Regina Rodriguez-Mitchell, Head of School, Co-Founder, and Ms. Jennifer Ross, Deputy Head of School, Co-Founder
PCSB staff member Dr. Jackie Boddie stated that National Collegiate Preparatory Academy Public Charter School is requesting to co-locate at the Draper School located at 908 Wahler Place, S.E., as part of the Building Hope and Charter School Incubator Initiative Program. Dr. Boddie reported that the school has submitted all documentation and is scheduled to open on August 31, 2009 with an anticipated enrollment of one hundred and twenty-five, ninth grade students, adding a grade each year until it reaches the twelfth grade. Dr. Regina Rodriguez-Mitchell expressed her excitement about acquiring the space and opening a college preparatory school for high school students. Ms. Jennifer Ross commented about the parent and community satisfaction of the opening of the school and the partnership with the Ward Eight Business Council.
There was discussion about the shared space. Ms. Ross noted that in communications with the Board of Achievement Preparatory PCS about the space, a shared agreement was made to be supportive good neighbors of both the elementary and middle school. Mrs. Josephine Baker voiced her concern about new schools having difficulty in meeting enrollment projections. Dr. Rodriguez-Mitchell reported that the school has a projection of one hundred and one students according to the residency forms and that the goal is aimed at one hundred and twenty-five students although the school, if necessary, is prepared for fewer students. Dr. Rodriquez also noted that a contingency budget allows for eighty students, fifteen staff members, and faculty to cover all subject areas. Mr. Don Soifer moved to approve the co-location of National Collegiate Preparatory Academy Public Charter School to 908 Wahler Place, S.E. at the Draper School. Mr. John “Skip” McKoy seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously by all Board members present.
Public Comment
Dr. Gregg Edwards, ANC Commissioner, representing Ward 1 gave comment during the Schools Committee report for Capital City Public Charter School. Ms. Mary Cuthbert, ANC Commissioner, representing Ward 8 gave comment during the Schools Committee report for Excel Academy Public Charter School.
Adjournment
Mr. Tom Nida adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m.