August 8, 2007
7:30 p.m.
Attendance
Board members in attendance: Tom Nida, Chair; Anthony Colón,Vice-Chair; Dr. Dora Marcus, Lawrence Patrick, III 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 slight change in order
with Options and Community Academy Public Charter School placed first on the
Schools Committee Report. The agenda was approved as changed.
Acknowledgement of Elected Officials
There were no elected officials present.
Schools Committee
Charter Amendment Request
Options PCS
School Representation Present: Dr. Donna Montgomery, Executive Director
and
Dr. Charles Vincent, Board Secretary
Ms. Carolyn Trice reported that in May 2007, Options submitted a request
to the DC Board of Education (BOE) to amend its charter to expand its current
instructional program from grades 5 - 8 to include grades 9 -
12. Due to the pending change in charter authorizers, the BOE decided to take
no action on this request, therefore, Options is submitting an amendment to
its current charter to expand its instructional program that currently serves
students in grades 5-8 to service students in grades 9-12.
Based on the Schools Committee report, it is recommenced that Options PCS
be granted full approval of its charter amendment request. There being no
public comment,
Dr. Dora Marcus made the motion to fully approve the request. Mr. Lawrence
Patrick seconded the motion and it was agreed upon unanimously.
Request to Continue the Online Program
Community Academy PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Allison Cleveland, K12; Ms. Flossie
Johnson, Head of School Online Program; Ms. Sadia White, Head of School and
Mr. T. Wendell Butler, Founder
Ms. Monique Miller reported that Community Academy is requesting reauthorization
of the school's online program for the life of its current charter and
for the enrollment cap of 100 students to be lifted. At its June 6th
special meeting, the BOE decided to take no action on the request due to the
timing of the request and the lack of future authority it would have over
the school. Instead, the BOE proposed to send all relevant data to the PCSB
so that the PCSB could take appropriate action as the new chartering authority
for Community Academy.
Mr. Lawrence Patrick expressed the interest on behalf of the entire Board
to learn more about the virtual program and asked if Community Academy would
sponsor a tour and workshop.
Mr. Tom Nida pointed out that this could be a great opportunity to develop
in a collaborative effort as a K-12 pilot program which could set the standard
and benchmark for other programs.
Mr. Lawrence Patrick made a motion and Mr. Anthony Colòn seconded the motion
that Community Academy be granted conditional approval to continue their online
program for the 2007-2008 school year and that the enrollment cap remains
at 100 students. In addition, Community Academy must record attendance for
the online program in the PCSB's On-Line Attendance Management System
(OLAMS). The PCSB will monitor and evaluate the online program to determine
if it should be terminated or given consideration for continuance based on
a Charter Amendment Request at the end of the '07-'08 school year.
The motion was carried unanimously.
Request to Operate in a New Location
AppleTree Early Learning PCS
School Representation Present: Mr. Russ Williams, Executive Director and
Mr. Jack McCarthy, Board President
Mr. Corey Carter reported that the school was granted an enrollment increase
in February 2007 with plans to operate at its current location on 680 I Street
SW, at the Lofts on 14th and Girard Streets NW, and at 4265 4th Street SE.
Appletree's request is to locate its second campus at the Lofts on
14th and Girard Streets NW, and its third campus on 401 I Street SW, co-locating
with Amidon Elementary School instead of the 4th Street location
due to issues at that location beyond the school's control.
Mr. Russ Williams commented on the notable relationship and coalition with
DC Public Schools in connection with the expansion of the Southeast campus.
He added that the expansion would improve early reading at the Pre-K level.
He stated that he is currently working on funding and that the site preparation
is in progress.
Mr. Jack McCarthy reiterated the sound working partnership between Appletree
and Amidon Elementary School 14th Street. Ms.
Josephine Baker explained that the space has been utilized before for the
same grade level and therefore, should meet space requirements. Mr. McCarthy
also stated that PCSB staff has visited the site and the preparation
timeline is on schedule. There being no public comment, Mr. Lawrence
Patrick made the motion that conditional approval is granted and Dr. Dora
Marcus seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously. Full approval
will be granted pending a pre-opening visit by PCSB staff at the site
to document the sites' readiness.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Mary McLeod Bethune PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Linda McKay, Executive Director
Ms. Susan Miller reported that in August 2007,
Mary McLeod Bethune Public Charter School requested approval to expand its
program to two new locations. Mary McLeod Bethune plans to operate three locations:
5413 16th Street, NW the existing location that will house grades
Pre-K - 2; 227 42nd Street, NE
that will house grades Pre-K - 3; and Slowe Elementary School that will
house grades 4 - 7. Capacities of the three facilities will allow the
school to increase enrollment to its enrollment ceiling of 220; currently,
202 students have enrolled for the upcoming school year.
Ms. Linda McKay stated that the school has a partnership
with the Church for the 5413-16th Street location and with DCPS
for the Slowe Elementary School location making Mary McLeod Bethune PCS financially
viable to operate in the three locations.
Dr. Dora Marcus asked if the school has a Use
Agreement for Slowe. Ms. Linda McKay responded that the Use Agreement is awaiting
signature. There being no public comment,
Mr. Lawrence Patrick moved to conditionally approve
the additional sites. Mr. Tony Colón seconded the motion. The motion was carried
unanimously. Full approval of the request will be granted upon receipt of
the DCPS Use Agreement. Prior to the opening of the expanded campuses, PCSB
staff will conduct Pre-Opening Visits at each site to document the sites'
readiness.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Cesar Chavez PCS
School Representation Present: Mr. Andrew Touchette, Principal; Ms. Irasema
Salcido, CEO and Founder; and Mr. David Robinson, Chief Operating Officer
Mr. Corey Carter reported that Cesar Chavez Public Charter School is requesting
authorization to operate in a temporary location at the Bowen YMCA on 1325
W Street N.W. Chavez was approved to expand to a third campus on 770 Kenyon
Street N.W. during the December PCSB board meeting. The site will require
renovations that will take one year to complete. The school will open with
one sixth grade class housed at the Bowen YMCA.
Ms. Irasema Salcido stated they did not anticipate any problems with occupancy
for one year and negotiations are being conducted with Bowen YMCA regarding
the lease. Discussion was held regarding the school's having only 70
of the 100 targeted applications and the challenges in meeting recruitment.
Ms. Salcido indicated that recruitment efforts were still underway, including
door-to-door approach. Ms. Baker stressed the importance of getting communications
to surrounding neighborhoods and other demographic locations.
There were no public comments. Mr. Anthony Colón made the motion to fully
approve the relocation request. Mr. Lawrence Patrick seconded the motion and
the motion was carried unanimously.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Hospitality PCS
School Representation Present: None
Ms. Monique Miller reported that Hospitality is requesting permission to
operate its program on the third floor of Roosevelt Senior High School located
at 4301 13th Street, NW. The space to be occupied is currently
undergoing renovation and is scheduled to be completed by August 17, 2007.
A motion was made by Mr. Lawrence Patrick and
seconded by Dr. Dora Marcus to approve the request subject to conditions that
an executed addendum that includes the PCSB's requested changes must
be submitted by August 15, 2007 to the PCSB. The motion was carried unanimously.
Prior to the opening of the new facility, PCSB staff will conduct a Pre-Opening
Visit to document the site's readiness. Also, Vice Chair, Mr. Anthony
Colón will conduct a tour of the facility.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Maya Angelou PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Cynthia Robbins, Executive Director
- See Forever Foundation
Ms. Carolyn Trice reported that Maya Angelou is requesting authorization
to operate its middle school campus at the Fletcher Johnson Educational Complex
on 4650 Benning Road SE beginning in September 2007 to include 100 sixth grade
students and a grade added each year. Ms. Cynthia Robbins stated that conditional
funding has been received for the site and the school has applied for an OSSE
grant. Ms. Robbins further indicated that negotiations are underway for a
lease, Use Agreement.
Dr. Dora Marcus made the motion and Mr. Lawrence Patrick seconded the motion
that the request be conditionally approved with full approval pending receipt
of the DCPS Use Agreement.
Ms. Josephine Baker questioned the term of the Use Agreement. Ms. Cynthia
Robbins explained that the Use Agreement would be for a one year term. Dr.
Dora Marcus asked if there is another alternate plan in case the Fletcher
Johnson location did not work out. Ms. Robbins noted that they are still exploring
other avenues.
The motion carried unanimously for conditional approval. Prior to the opening
of the new facility, PCSB staff will conduct a Pre-Opening Visit to document
the site's readiness.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Septima Clark PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Jenny DuFresne, Founder and Head of
School
Ms. Susan Miller reported that Septima Clark Public
Charter School is requesting authorization from PCSB to relocate the school
from 4625 G Street, SE to a co-location site at Henley Elementary School,
425 Chesapeake Street, SE, Washington, DC. Ms. Jenny DuFresne stated the school
has begun to partner with the Principal of Henley and the community. She also
indicated that assistance has been received from Building Hope.
Discussion was held regarding attrition. Ms. DuFresne
commented that the school successfully completed their first year and established
internal assessments proved to be very beneficial.
There was no public comment.
Mr. Anthony Colón made the motion and Dr. Dora
Marcus seconded the motion to conditionally approve the relocation pending
receipt of the DCPS Use Agreement by PCSB. Prior to the opening of the new
facility, PCSB staff will conduct a Pre-Opening Visit, to document the site's
readiness.
Request to Operate in a New Location
Washington Academy PCS
School Representation Present: Ms. Delores
Garcia
Ms. Susan Miller reported that Washington Academy
is requesting authorization from PCSB to relocate two campuses for the 2007-2008
school year located at 1375 E Street, NE and 770 M Street, SE to a new location
at 4625 G Street, SE, Washington, DC.
Ms. Valeria Commissiong stated that a process
has been initiated to lease space from Jones United Methodist Church with
the intended maximum enrollment of 120 students. The current enrollment is
105 with grade levels K-6, for a 36-month lease.
Mr. Nida asked if the school has satisfied all
financial obligations. Ms. Commissiong stated financial obligations, specifically
with Eagle Academy, are still in the process of being fulfilled. There was
no public comment.
Mr. Anthony Colón made the motion and Dr. Dora Marcus seconded the motion
that relocation be conditionally approved pending notification to the PCSB
of satisfying all prior financial obligations. The motion passed with all
in favor.
Request to Location in a New Location
Washington Latin PCS
School Representation Present: Mr.T.R. Ahlstrom, CEO; Ms.
Lisa Young, Parent; Ms. Allison Brooks, Director of Finance
Ms. Susan Miller reported that Washington Latin
Public Charter School, which opened in fall 2006 with 179 students in grades
5 -7 enrolled in a classical education program at Christ Church (3855 Massachusetts
Avenue, NW), has recently submitted a lease agreement, and requests to relocate
to 410 8th St., NW and increase its SY 2007-08 enrollment to 336
students. Mr. Ahlstrom stated that the new site on 8th street could
accommodate the additional enrollment. He also commented that it would be
a more central and accessible location. Mr. Lawrence Patrick voiced his concern
regarding the financial aspect of the move. He stated that given the size
of the school, the budget is not realistic from an operational standpoint.
Mr. Tom Nida agreed and based upon the enrollment cap, solid financial projections
are needed to effectively balance the risks. He also noted that the terms
of the current lease obligations and agreement with landlord as an existing
issue. Discussion was held regarding the monetary risks involved in the 8th
street move such as significant expense for the premium, move surplus and
leasehold improvements. The possible alternative plan to use the Trinity University
property was also discussed.
Mr. Anthony Colón questioned the financial viability,
governance and leadership of the school and noted the breakdown in the Board
of Governors for the school. Mr. T. R. Ahlstrom reported on the academic growth
of the school for the first year in the areas of performance and achievement.
He expounded on the build up of the new board members. Ms. Allison Brooks
gave several scenarios and forecasts of budget projections. Dr. Dora Marcus
asked to what extent did opposing parents reduce the enrollment numbers. Ms.
Allison Brooks indicated that they have not received any student withdrawal
from parents and have felt no negative impact on enrollment.
Those in support of the move to the 8th
street location were:
Mr. Thomas Sole, Academic Dean; Ms. Patricia George,
Parent; Mr. David Owens, Pastor-Christ Church; Mr. Anthony Brown, Parent;
Mr. David Hammond, Parent; Ms. Sabrina Jones, Parent; Ms. Jean Piper, Parent;
Ms. Kimberly Romet, Parent; Ms. Sarah Johnson, Parent; Ms. Tamara Roderimaker,
Parent; Ms. Melissa Turner, Parent; Mr. Maurice Powers, Parent; Supporting
arguments included 1) good academic ERB scores; 2) students have done well
and school has a strong academic program; 3) community support direction of
school and strong demonstrated group effort; 4) demographic location is positive
for the student population and; 5) the level of education is high quality.
Mr. T. R. Ahlstrom stated he was representing the vote of the Washington Latin
Board of Governors for support of the move 10-2.
Those in opposition of the move to 8th
street location were: Mr. Michael Miller, Parent;
Mr. Sam Leung, Parent; Ms. Susan Holt; Parent;
Mr. Thomas Bugen, Concerned Citizen.
The main reasons for opposing the move included
1) the financial burden to operate the school; 2) proposed budget information
not accessible; 3) social diversity issues; and 4) leadership and Board representation.
Discussion was held regarding the possibility
of Washington Latin to explore other options to solidify a permanent location
that may prove to be more financially viable and solvent. Mr. Nida informed
Washington Latin of the sense of support by the Board for the possibility
of the Trinity location as an affordable and workable solution and advised
Washington Latin to pursue discussion and seek negotiations with Trinity as
one alternative.
Mr. Lawrence Patrick made the motion to deny the
request to relocate to a new facility located at 410-412 8th Street,
NW. Mr. Anthony Colón seconded the motion. The denial to operate at the 8th
Street location was due to the financial stresses and assumptions based on
significant expenses of the 8th Street location. PCSB recommended
that Washington Latin's Board of Governors seek an alternative location
and encouraged the pursuit of the potential Trinity University site included
in Washington Latin's August 5th response to PCSB as an alternative
option to the 8th Street facility. The proposed alternative location
must be financially viable at an enrollment of 320. Therefore, on August 17th,
PCSB staff will conduct an audit to determine the status of student enrollment
for the 2007-2008 school year. Staff will review registration and withdrawal
documents.
Additionally, a Letter of Credit must be submitted that shows verifiable
commitment for operating costs and budget shortfalls. If the plan is to operate
in a second site, the corresponding budget must consider funding for administrative
and instructional staff essential to operate comparable programs in two sites.
Washington Latin must come back to the Board with substantial evidence of
financial commitment and a Letter of Intent to Relocate for the new facility.
Submission of the second request to operate in a new location must be submitted
to PCSB by August 16, 2007. The Board will consider the request at its August
20th Board meeting. Mr. Nida recommended that the entire Board
of Governor for Washington Latin be present at the August 20th
Board meeting. The motion was carried unanimously to deny the request with
one vote by proxy (Mr. Will Marshall).
Request to Operate in a New Location
Ideal Academy PCS
School Representation Present: None
Ms. Susan Miller reported that Ideal Academy Public Charter School is requesting
authorization from PCSB to locate its additional campus at Fletcher Johnson
School located at 4650 Benning Road, SE, Washington, DC. Ms. Miller stated
that the additional capacity of the new facility will allow Ideal Academy
to increase enrollment from its current enrollment of 319 to 400 in SY 2007-2008.
The school has submitted all necessary documents to satisfy the requirements
for relocation with the exception of the DCPS Use Agreement for the Fletcher
Johnson School location.
Mr. Lawrence Patrick made the motion that conditional approval be granted
for Ideal Academy Public Charter School's request to locate its additional
campus at Fletcher Johnson School located at 4650 Benning Road, SE, Washington,
DC. Mr. Anthony Colón seconded the motion. The motion was carried unanimously.
Full approval of the request will be granted upon receipt of the DCPS Use
Agreement. Prior to the opening of the new facility, PCSB staff will conduct
a Pre-Opening Visit, to document the site's readiness.
Proposed Fall 2007 Opening
Hope Academy
School Representation Present: Mr. Spencer Boyer, Board Member; Ms. Lisa
Thompson, Executive Director; Mr. Dan Prieto, Vice Chair/Finance Chair; Mr.
Robert Wilson, Board Member; Mr. Derek Douglas, Board Member; Mr. Langston
Emerson, Board Member
Hope Academy is requesting deferment of Hope Academy's planned 2007-2008
opening.
Ms. Tamara Lumpkin reported that Hope Academy received full approval on July
3, 2007, upon receipt of its Letter of Intent to locate at Revival Baptist
Church located at 2431 Shannon Place, SE. The delay in securing a facility
hampered the school's recruitment efforts. Ms. Lumpkin noted a meeting
was held with the school leader and board members on July 23rd
regarding enrollment status and a revised budget allocating 50 students for
their enrollment. As of August 6, the school had complete applications for
19 students (school application and residency verification).
Ms. Lisa Thompson revealed that the school has 25 applications and is vigorously
pursuing recruitment efforts to meet their enrollment target. Mr. Tom Nida
voiced his concern regarding the challenges and critical mass needed to operate
financially and be viably sound.
Mr. Dan Prieto commented that the realistic target is to breakeven with 40
students, 6 staff members, 3 teachers. He also remarked that the board consists
of ten members and each member has pledged to recruit 5 students which is
a realistic and scaleable target. Discussion was held regarding the possibility,
if needed, to outsource on a part-time basis special education.
Mr. Langston Emerson added that now that a facility is no longer an issue,
their marketing efforts can reach out into the population and parents in the
community.
Mr. Nida announced that this was only a status report and a decision would
be tabled until the August 20th PCSB Board meeting, at which time
the Board will make a decision depending on evidence of solid recruitment
efforts and commitments of financial support.
The meeting was adjourned at 11:20p.m.
