July 16, 2007 - 7:30 p.m.
Board members in attendance: Tom Nida, Chair; Dr. Dora Marcus, Vice-Chair, Anthony Colón; Will Marshall; 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 the agenda items would be slightly changed and was approved as changed.
Approval of June Meeting Minutes
The June meeting minutes were approved.
Acknowledgement of Elected Officials
There were no elected officials present.
Contracts Reviewed
Mr. Tom Nida reported on contracts reviewed over $25,000.00 and the Board accepted the report as read.
Schools Commitee
Request to Operate in a New Location
Elsie Whitlow Stokes
School Representation Present: Ms. Jennifer Quasdorf, Chair; Ms. Linda Moore, Executive Director and Founder; Mr. Sayles, Trustee, and Mr. Enrico Cecchi, Board Member
Ms. Carolyn Trice stated that Elsie Whitlow Stokes is proposing to relocate from their current 16th Street location to a new location at 3700 Oakview Terrace, N.E. Based upon the school's committee report, conditional approval is recommended prior to a pre-opening visit.
Ms. Linda Moore, Executive Director and Founder, gave history of the school and noted that the enrollment is 320 students including Pre-K. Ms. Jennifer Quasdorf, Chair of Elise Whitlow Stokes, presented written comments to the Board. Mr. Sayles provided written support and dedication of the school.
Mr. Enrico Cecchi, Board Member reported expiration of the current lease as being the sole reason for having to relocate the school. Mr. Anthony Colon questioned whether the school had any major issues in the past from the community. Ms. Linda Moore stated a minor problem regarding the traffic in the alley. Dr. Dora Marcus asked if there was a reason why the current landlord would not renew the lease. Mr. Cecchi explained the school was operating out of the Unification Church and the space was needed for their use.
Mr. Tom Nida reported that he had received correspondence regarding Elsie Whitlow Stokes request to operate in a new location and at this time, no action would be taken on their request other than public comment on the issue.
Public Comment
Elsie Whitlow Stokes
Mr. Tom Nida opened the floor for public comments. Mr. Nida noted that the topic from the audience present for public comments was focused on Elsie Whitlow Stokes. He informed the audience that he would take both written and oral input and a vote on the issue would be deferred until next month.
Those opposing the relocation of the school to the 3700 Oakview Terrace, N.E. site are as follows: Ms. Vicki Langford, concerned citizen, ANC 5A; Mr. Jama Siyad, parent; Ms. Susan Williams, concerned citizen, ANC 5A; Mr. Dan Emerine, speaking on behalf of Commissioner Currie, ANC 5A; Ms. Genevieve Marshall, concerned citizen, ANC 5A; Lucille Souah, parent; Mr. and Mrs. Will Marshall, concerned citizen, ANC 5A;
Ms.Vicki Rajea, concerned citizen, ANC 5A.
The main concerns were: traffic problems and the lack of ample parking, inadequate access to the school due to narrow streets and no thruway for traffic and vehicles to move in and out. There are 3 under-enrolled schools; Brookland, Bunker Hill and Slowe presently in the community in a short radius. There is no representation of Elsie Whitlow Stokes at ANC meetings to show willingness to offer a solution to the problem. The property value could show a decline. The relocation could cause an environmental issue, by uprooting greenery and plants.
Mr. Dan Emerine, speaking on behalf of Commissioner Currie, ANC 5A, opposed the move based on findings from a consultant, 1) public constraints to expand building and parking space adjacent to single family homes, and 2) a possible safety hazard due to vehicle access. A copy of the letter from the consultant was provided to Mr. Tom Nida.
Mr. Emerine noted that the ANC was not fully opposed to the school and was willing to work with the school on seeking alternative locations in the community.
Those in support of relocation of the school to the 3700 Oakview Terrace, N.E. site is as follows: Mr. Russ Williams, Executive Director of AppleTree; Ms. Ariana Quiñones, Director of Focus DC; Ms. Andres Galarce, Brookland resident, Ms. Monica Fitzgerald, Brookland resident; Ms. Cheryl Augustine, Brookland resident; Mr. Jeffery King, parent, Ms. Alicia Manzines, parent, Mr. Wagie Sowa, Brookland resident; Mr. Hugh Blackmon, Brookland resident; Mr. Sony Kato, Elsie Whitlow Stokes graduate; Ms. Rose Guperiz, 9th grade student; Rev. Cheryl Jones, parent and staff; Mr. Rauli Aviles, parent; Mr. Bobby Cabalerro, Dean of Students; Ms. Lois Ebo, parent.
The key points were: the value it brings to English language learners, the outstanding quality, great curriculum and student behavior of the school, the high level of education of the staff, parent concern towards community development, the dedication to education and children from the parents and staff and parent involvement in working with a partnership with Carlos Rosario to learn English.
Mr. Russ Williams suggested several solutions to help rectify the traffic problem; the use of shorter buses and dropping off at the T intersection instead of the cul-de-sac.
Mr. Anthony Colón stated he would visit the Oakview Terrace property to assess the feasibility of the move. Ms. Josephine Baker commented on the under-enrolled DCPS schools and the poor utilization of the unoccupied space. Mr. Tom Nida advised the ANC’s, Brookland residents and concerned citizens to direct concerns regarding zoning, traffic, fire, health and safety issues to the Zoning Commissions and other entities of the government.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Academia Bilingue de la Communidad (ABC) PCS
School Representation Present: Mr. Charles Jackson, Executive Director
Ms. Susan Miller reported that ABC PCS is requesting approval to relocate from its temporary facility at 1501 Columbia Road, NW to its permanent facility located at 209 Upshur Street, N.W. The new site is located in Ward 4 where ABC always wanted to locate. The facility will be ready for occupancy by August 20, 2007.
Discussion was held and the motion was made by Dr. Dora Marcus to approval the relocation and seconded by Mr. Anthony Colón. The motion was passed.
Mr. Karl Jentoft recused himself from the vote.
Request to Operate in a New Location
E. L. Haynes PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Jennie Niles, Principal
Ms. Carolyn Trice reported that E. L. Haynes PCS is requesting approval to temporarily relocate grades Pre-K through 1st from their current facility at 3019-14th Street, NW to 2001 S. Street NW for the 2007-2008 school year. The school will occupy one campus when construction is completed at their permanent facility on 3600 Georgia Avenue NW. Discussion was held and the motion was made by Dr. Dora Marcus to approve the relocation and seconded by Mr. Anthony Colón. The motion was unanimously carried.
Status Report
Hospitality High PCS
School representation present: Ms. Emily Durso, Executive Director
Ms. Monique Miller gave a status report on Hospitality High PCS. She reported that the school met most of the conditions outlined in the Notice of Probation. Ms. Miller commented that there had been a change in leadership and the school’s curriculum which included the integration of the Hospitality program throughout the high school curriculum. Also, the school is working to address areas of concerns outlined in its most recent Program Development Review.
Following discussion, Mr. Tom Nida advised that Hospitality High will remain on probationary status pending the outcome of the Program Development Review scheduled for this fall.
Approval of Enrollment Increase Policy
Ms. Jackie Scott-English presented an enrollment increase policy established by the PCSB staff for implementation. Ms. Scott-English noted that original policy was modified to include both lease agreements and purchase agreements. Ms. Scott-English outlined the criteria and timeline the schools must meet to be considered for an enrollment ceiling increase request. She indicated that requests cannot be approved for years that exceed the term left in its charter. Charter schools granted conditional approval will have approximately 3 months to provide adequate response to the conditions. Failure to provide an adequate response to the conditions within the 3 month timeframe can result in denial of the enrollment ceiling increase.
If the enrollment ceiling increase requires an additional facility, the facility must be obtained no later than June 1, as demonstrated by a lease or purchase agreement. The school should submit a "Permission to Operate in A New Location Package" with the submission of a lease or purchase agreement. Failure to obtain a lease and submit the new location request with the required documentation within the established timeframe can result in denial of the enrollment ceiling increase.
Request to Approve Accountability Plan
ALTA PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Patricia Mitchell, Executive Director
Ms. Susan Miller reported that ALTA is submitting their proposed accountability plan for the 2006 through 2010 school years. The school will use indicators from its standard based report card and conduct internal assessments to measure academic performance objectives. There are five remaining targets to be met to complete baseline data.
Ms. Patricia Mitchell stated that the remaining five targets would be instituted by September 2007.
The motion was made by Mr. Will Marshall and seconded by Dr. Dora Marcus to grant conditional approval. The vote for conditional approval passed unanimously.
Full approval of the accountability plan will be granted once satisfactory targets are established for all measures.
Request to Approve Accountability Plan
Appletree Early Learning PCS
School Representation Present: Mr. Russ Williams, Executive Director
Mr. Corey Carter reported that Appletree Early Learning PCS presented their proposed accountability plan for the school years 2006 through 2010. The school’s committee proposes several academic and non-academic targets. Academic targets are in the areas of reading and mathematics using various internal assessments and a target for social/emotional development. The non-academic performance objectives include targets such as classroom quality, climate and professional development.
There are two remaining targets to be met to complete baseline data. The motion was made by Mr. Will Marshall and seconded by Dr. Dora Marcus to grant conditional approval. The vote for conditional approval passed unanimously. Full approval of the accountability plan will be granted once satisfactory targets are established for all measures.
Request to Approve Accountability Plan
Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Tracy Foster, Executive Director
Ms. Susan Miller presented Thurgood Marshall’s proposed accountability plan for the 2007 through 2011 school years. The plan included six performance and non-performance objectives. Ms. Miller reported that Thurgood Marshall has developed a strategic plan for achieving performance objectives corresponding with their accountability plan. The school’s committee is requesting conditional approval.
Ms. Susan Miller added that baseline data will be established for 7 of the 13 targets during the 2006-2007 school year and baseline data to be established for the remaining six in the 2007-2008 school year. The motion was made by Mr. Anthony Colón and seconded by Mr. Karl Jentoft to grant conditional approval. The vote for conditional approval passed unanimously. Full approval of the accountability plan will be granted once satisfactory targets are established for all measures.
Request to Approve Accountability Plan
William E. Doar PCS
Mr. Tom Nida reported that this agenda item was deferred until the August Board meeting.
Request to Approve Accountability Plan
Early Childhood Academy PCS
Mr. Tom Nida reported that this agenda item was deferred until the August Board meeting.
Request to Increase Enrollment
D. C. Preparatory PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Emily Lawson, Founder/Executive Director
Ms. Carolyn Trice stated that DC Preparatory PCS is proposing to increase their enrollment ceiling to accommodate a second middle school campus serving grades 4-8 scheduled to open in the fall 2007. Ms. Trice reported that the school met all reporting requirements and criteria with the exception of the facility. The school is requesting conditional approval.
Mr. Karl Jentoft voiced his concern regarding the school’s ability to maintain high quality schools with the opening of multiple campuses in a short time span. Ms. Emily Lawson stated the school’s funding was strong and all necessary planning was in place.
Ms. Lawson reported that training has been completed for the administrative staff and she foresees the schools continuing to efficiently give high quality service.
Mr. Anthony Colón made a motion that D.C. Preparatory Academy’s request for an enrollment increase be conditionally approved and the motion was seconded by
Mr. Karl Jentoft. The motion was carried unanimously. Full approval will be granted once a facility is acquired.
Request to Approve Technology Plan
DC Preparatory Academy PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Emily Lawson, Founder/Executive Director
Ms. Ino Okoawo presented D.C. Preparatory PCS’s Technology Plan. Ms. Okoawo reported that the criteria had been met on all five components. Following discussion, Dr. Dora Marcus made the motion that the Technology Plan be approved and the motion was seconded by Mr. Anthony Colón. The motion was unanimously carried.
Request to Approve Technology Plan
The Arts and Technology Academy (ATA) PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Coleen Meehan, Director
Ms. Ino Okoawo presented ATA PCS’s Technology Plan. Ms. Okoawo reported that the criteria had been met on all five components.
Following discussion, Dr. Dora Marcus made the motion that the Technology Plan be approved and the motion was seconded by Mr. Will Marshall. The motion was unanimously carried.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:25p.m.