October 15, 2007 - 7:30p.m.
Attendance
Board members in attendance: Tom Nida, Chair; Dora Marcus; Lawrence Patrick, III;Will Marshall; Karl Jentoft; and Jo Baker, Ex-Officio and Secretary
Board members excused: Anthony Colón Vice-Chair; Brian Jones
The board meeting was called to order at 7:33p.m. by Mr. Tom Nida.
Comments from Public Officials
Elected Officials Present: None
Approval of Agenda
Agenda was approved.
Approval of September Minutes
The September 17, 2007 meeting minutes were approved with the modification to show the board members with excused attendance.
Contracts Reviewed
Mr. Tom Nida presented the contracts reviewed over $25,000.00. Mr. Will Marshall made the motion to accept the report as read and the motion was seconded by Dr. Dora Marcus. The motion was carried unanimously.
Proposal to Revise Charter Review Timeline
Ms. Jackie Scott-English specified two review requirements and background regarding the proposed revised Charter Review Timeline. Ms. Scott-English stated that to adequately address the current needs of the transition schools and to be in alignment with the review process for all charter schools, revisions to the Timeline would need to be implemented effective 07-08 school year.
The motion was made by Dr. Dora Marcus to adopt the revisions to the Charter Review Timeline and the motion was seconded by Mr. Lawrence Patrick. (Dr. Dora Marcus entered Mr. Anthony Colons vote by proxy) (Mr. Lawrence Patrick entered Brian Jones vote by proxy). The vote was carried unanimously.
Schools Committee
Request to Approve Accountability Plan
Education Strengthens Families PCS
School representatives present: Ms. Jacqueline Bustos, Chair; Ms. Lisa Luceno. President; Ms. Christie McKay, School Leader; Ms/ Karen Hertzler, Teacher
Ms. Susan Miller reported that ESF PCS is proposing an accountability plan for the 2007-2011 school years. ESFs academic performance objectives include targets related to adult students effective communication in English and preschool student emergent language and literacy skill development.
ESFs non-academic performance objectives include targets related to the adult students active participation in their childrens education and school, and in community and political organizations. Additionally, ESF includes performance objectives for the social, emotional and physical development of preschool students to promote school readiness.
Mr. Nida requested a motion for conditional approval of ESF PCS accountability plan pending full approval after satisfactory targets has been established for all measures. Dr. Dora Marcus made the motion for conditional approval. The motion was seconded by Mr. Karl Jentoft and unanimously agreed upon.
Further discussion was held regarding how well parents adjust to their children and the separation struggle. Ms. Baker questioned the dominant and English skills for the children and parents.
Ms. Jacqueline Bustos commented on the State-of-The-Art technology that is utilized by the students and parents.
Proposal to Lift Notice of Concern for Late Annual Report Submission
ALTA PCS
School representative present: None
Ms. Tamara Lumpkin reported that ALTA PCS met the conditions of the Notice of Concern by submitting their report within in the requested timeframe and that ALTA PCS is eligible for the Notice of Concern to be lifted.
The motion was made by Dr. Dora Marcus to lift the Notice of Concern and seconded by Mr. Lawrence Patrick. The motion was unanimously agreed upon.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Washington Latin PCS
School representative present: Mr. Bill Myrthil, Acting President (currently Treasurer)
Susan Miller reported that The Washington Latin PCS is requesting authorization from the PCSB to introduce a second site to relocate its school enrollment in a satellite office located at the Metropolitan Memorial United Methodist Church at 3401 Nebraska Avenue, NW in November, 2007.
Mr. Bill Myrthil stated this would be a temporary relocation until an alternative facility becomes available to take care of the added enrollment. Mr. Myrthil noted that the other board members approved the temporary relocation to the satellite facility. He also pointed out that the lease is on a month-to-month basis with Washington Latin utilizing space for 6 classrooms, with the capacity of 84-7th grade students, 14 students per classroom. He also emphasized that no religious iconology would be part of the school.
Mr. Karl Jentoft stated there is still concern regarding overcrowding in the approximately 2800 square feet and advised that Washington Latin have a plan in place to acquire a core facility to accommodate full enrollment. Discussion was held whether or not a C of O was in place with the existing and new facility. Mr. Bill Myrthil stated there is a temporary C of O. Further discussion was held regarding the current Massachusetts Avenue space and the issue of the facility not having a working sprinkler system. Mr. Tom Nida questioned what will happen to the budget in the future if there is a revision to the budget or cost that will be added. Mr. Myrthil enlightened Mr. Nida that any adjustments would nominally impact the budget.
Mr. Will Marshall inquired about the full compliment of the board. Mr. Bill Myrthil reported that as of October 5, 2007 there are 5 board members and they are currently in the process of recruiting additional board members. Discussion was held regarding the need for continuing communications between the PCSB and the Washington Latins Board of Governors. The consensus of the PCSB board is that submission of all communications, requests and negotiations from Washington Latins Board of Governors be presented by the Washington Latin PCSs Board, not the Headmaster or Staff, preferably originate from Mr. Bill Myrthil or Mr. Samuel Casey-Carter.
The motion was made by Mr. Karl Jentoft to approve with conditions to relocate, as a temporary space, part of Washington Latins student body to a second campus located at 3401 Nebraska Avenue, N.W. The motion was seconded by Dr. Dora Marcus and unanimously agreed upon. (Mr. Lawrence Patrick entered a proxy vote for Mr. Anthony Colon and Ms. Josephine Baker entered a proxy vote for Mr. Brian Jones).
Proposal to Approve Revised High School Graduation Requirements
Ms. Martina James reported that the following schools: Booker T. Washington PCS; Thurgood Marshall PCS; Washington Math and Science PCS; Hyde PCS; and KAMIT PCS has submitted their graduation requirements per PCSB guidelines and now seeks Board approval.
The motion was made by Dr. Dora Marcus and seconded by Mr. Karl Jentoft to approve the revised graduation requirements. The motion was carried unanimously.
Technology Committee Updates
Ms. Ino Okoawo reported that four schools: Maya Angelou PCS, ABC PCS, E.L. Haynes PCS and Tri-Community PCS have submitted their comprehensive technology plan to the Board for approval. The Technology Plan will allow the schools to take advantage of E-rate discounts on telecommunications.
Mr. Lawrence Patrick conveyed that additional information is needed from Maya Angelou PCS before approving their technology plan. Dr. Dora Marcus stated that ABC PCS, E.L. Haynes PCS and Tri-Community PCS have satisfied the E-rate requirements and motioned that their Technology Plans be approved. The motion was seconded by Mr. Lawrence Patrick and carried unanimously.
Public Comment
Ms. Taishya Adams, Director, GCDC (Global Classrooms Washington DC) gave a brief presentation. There was no public comment.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:40pm.