Board Corner The AppleTree Early Learning PCS board met on Tuesday, April 24th at the Riverside Campus. Trustees received a presentation from Executive Director Russ Williams on the proposed 2012-13 budget. The budget factors in the school's growth and the addition of several positions that will build the school's operating strength in key areas including enrollment and transitions. Board members asked questions and discussed the proposed budget, which will be finalized at the May meeting.
The board approved amendments to the school's master lease related to the Lincoln Park and Douglas Knoll campuses, to complete the revision of the leases that took place this past year. Mr. Williams reminded trustees that the sub-leases between AppleTree Early Learning and AppleTree Institute for the Lincoln Park and Douglas Knoll campuses were created to reflect new funds flows, created by covenants within the Qualified School Construction Bonds that financed the expansion.
Executive Director Russ Williams reported on the completion of the schools lottery for admissions. There were 830 applications and 358 indications of returning, for 620 total seats. Mr. Williams reported on the software which has recently become available to track students by student number, which improves admissions accuracy, enhances the ease of operations and compliance reports, including attendance reports and transition activity. The school recently added a transition manager.
Mr. Williams reported on the accreditation progress, which is on a positive course to a successful.
Ms. Gray, the Budget Committee Chair, noted that the recent financial results showed no change for actual versus budgeted results for the year. Mr. Williams gave specifics on cash flows and net revenue, which corroborated the information sent to the board prior to the meeting. Discussion occurred. Mr. Williams reported that all programs are break even or better except for lunch. AELPCS places a premium on healthy food choices and the Federal reimbursement does not cover it, and a majority of students are free and reduced lunch students.
Ms. Lydia Carlis, Director of Education, introduced the board to a data completion table by campus. It showed percentages of students by campus for whom full progress monitoring data had been provided, and is a helpful tool, especially for principals. The data was also separated by free, reduced, paid lunch students, in order to measure not only progress over time, but status of closing the achievement gap between groups. The categories included math, and language & literacy. The gains were impressive across the board for all categories; school leadership continues to look at creative ways to improve child outcomes.
Mr. Downs, Of the Governance Committee, reported on his discussion with Robert Cane of FOCUS regarding potential involvement in joint litigation by charter schools against the District of Columbia related to the inequity of funding for charter
New Business: Mr. Williams noted that he will step down as Executive Director following an orderly transition period that will extend to August. Discussions of transition procedures are underway.
The board members expressed their appreciation to Mr. Williams for his work as Executive Director and indicated their hope that he will continue being involved with the school's growth in another role.
There being no other business, the meeting adjourned.
Jack McCarthy
Managing Director
AppleTree Institute for Education Innovation
415 Michigan Avenue, NE
Providence Hall, Second Floor
Washington, DC 20017
Telephone: 202.488.3990
Facsimile: 202.488.3991
Mobile: 508.294.6099
| | | | Ross Harold | | | rharold@appletreeinstitute.org | |
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