ILLINOIS STATE CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION

Transcription

1 The June 28, 2016 Commission Meeting of the Illinois State Charter School Commission was held at the Michael A. Bilandic Building located at 160 N. LaSalle Street, Room N-502 in Chicago, IL. Commission Chair, DeRonda Williams called the meeting to order at 3:12pm. I. Roll Call/Pledge of Allegiance Commission Chair, DeRonda Williams conducted roll call. Commissioner(s) William Farmer, Dr. Kathryn Robbins, Troy Ratliff, Richard Van Evera, DeRonda Williams were in attendance, and Commissioner Catherine Rich by phone. Also in attendance, Commission Staff: Interim Executive Director Hosanna Mahaley-Jones, Deputy Director Shenita Johnson, Commission Office and Appeal Coordinator Treyana Burris, School Compliance Coordinator Bertha Rios, and Commission Fellow, David Bahamon. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited by all. II. Consent Agenda Commission Chair Williams asked for a motion to accept and approve the May 17, Commissioner Robbins made the motion and Commission Van Evera seconded. A vote was called; 6 ayes, 0 opposed. The motion to accept and approve the May 17, 2016 passed. III. Public Participation Cesar Dominguez from the Illinois Network of Charter Schools was present at the meeting. No public comment was provided. IV. Report of the Chair Commission Chair Williams reported that the Chicago Sun-Times article regarding the Commission receiving grant funds from the Walton Family Foundation was published. She further indicated that she submitted a letter to the Editor on behalf of the Commission, clarifying several statements made in the article. Commission Chair Williams also welcomed the Commission s summer LEE (Leadership for Equity and Education) Fellow, David Bahamon. She indicated that David will be primarily working with staff to revive the Commission s Finance Retreat.

2 V. Report of the Committees Schools Committee Commissioner Farmer reported that the new schools are on track to open this fall. He also reported that the Committee is working to implement a school support policy. Commissioner Robbins asked if the new schools have secured their new facilities. Commission Farmer responded that the new schools have secured their new facilities and ready to move-in. Operations Committee Commissioner Ratliff reported that staff has presented draft budget for FY17 to the Committee. He further indicated that changes have been made to the draft budget and the Committee is presenting budget that they recommend for adoption at today s meeting. Interim Executive Director, Hosanna Mahaley-Jones presented the proposed FY17 budget to Commissioners. She indicated that the Commission anticipates nine (9) schools for the school year and that the Commission will continue to assess the 2.5% administrative fee. Hosanna Mahaley-Jones further reported the FY17 revenue projections. She indicated the revenue projections for FY17 will include a potential enrollment of 3,550 students for all nine (9) schools. She further stated that with a 65% increase in students, the Commission will have an anticipated revenue of $1.1 million. Hosanna Mahaley-Jones also reported that the Commission will have a beginning cash balance of over $180,000 for FY17. She also indicated that ISBE has approved an appropriation of $800,000. She further reported that staff recommends in-house general counsel to decrease legal fees. She also stated that the Commission will budget for six (6) appeals in FY17 and that all nine (9) schools will undergo annual review. Hosanna Mahaley-Jones indicated that the Commission currently has a 68% benefit rate and is working with ISBE to lower the rate. Commission Chair Williams asked what the rate will be if the Commission can get approved for a lower benefit rate. Commissioner Ratliff responded that most state agencies have a benefit rate of 35%. Commissioner Farmer asked about the appropriation approved by ISBE. Interim Executive Director, Hosanna Mahaley-Jones responded that the appropriation is the maximum dollar amount that the Commission can spend. She further indicated that the Commission is a line

3 item in ISBE s budget and in order to receive an appropriation increase, sponsors must support the increase. Commissioner Farmer commented that the Commission should modify revenue streams to present a balanced budget, instead of surplus. Commissioner Ratliff responded that Operations Committee and staff have put a lot of hard work into getting the budget where it is. Interim Executive Director, Hosanna Mahaley-Jones indicated that the Commission will have 3,550 students next year, and that staff would like to expand personnel using the additional revenue. Commissioner Van Evera asked if staff had any recommendations for in-house General Counsel. Hosanna Mahaley-Jones responded that staff recommends Deputy Director, Shenita Johnson for in-house General Counsel. Commissioner Ratliff asked if the adoption of the budget recommendation will allow for additional hiring. Commission Chair Williams responded that the Executive Director is allowed to hire as budgeted. VI. Report of the Staff Interim Executive Director, Hosanna Mahaley-Jones presented an end of the year budget update for FY16. She reported that the Commission had a beginning cash balance of $78,000 and revenue of $669,000. She indicated that the evaluator expenses were more than what was budgeted due to high volume of appeals; however, the Commission saved money in court reporter expenses. She further stated that the Commission had $565,000 in expenses, and will carryover $180,000 into FY17. Deputy Director, Shenita Johnson provided an update on the contract certification process for the new CPS schools and an update on Commission Litigation. She reported that subsequent to the Commissioners vote on March 1, 2016 to grant the three (3) appeals, the schools are in the process of negotiating agreements. She further indicated that the facility plans, budget, instructional data improvement plan, organizational capacity, and intent to enroll forms will be due July 1, Shenita Johnson further reported that the enrollment capacities for the new schools have been revised due to spacing, and that the schools are expected to meet 80% of their current enrollment caps. She indicated that the new schools will confirm their new facilities by July 1, 2016.

4 Shenita Johnson also reported that the Commission has been successful in all three (3) lawsuits. When reporting on the LEARN 9 Waukegan lawsuit, she indicated that the judge denied the District s claim; however, it is possible the District may appeal the judge s decision. She also reported that the judge denied CPS Motion to Stay on all three (3) appeals and a Motion to Dismiss was filed by the Commission, Amandla, and Betty Shabazz. Oral arguments will be heard on July 14, She further indicated that CPS has appealed the judge s Motion to Stay decision. Commission Chair Williams asked if the decision on the CPS Appeals will be rendered on or before July 1, Deputy Director, Shenita Johnson responded that a Circuit Court judge denied the Motion to Stay; however, the District has the right to appeal to higher court. Commissioner Van Evera asked if the delay of the decision will give the District time to perfect their appeal. Shenita Johnson responded that time is still running all three (3) appeals and the schools are still set to open in the Fall. Commissioner Farmer asked how close the new facilities are to the existing campuses. Shenita Johnson responded that Amandla Charter School and Barbara A. Sizemore Academy are still located in Englewood; however, Bronzeville Lighthouse Charter School s new facility located further away in South Shore but transportation options have been allocated into their budget. Commissioner Farmer also inquired about updates on the transfers of new charters. Interim Executive Director, Hosanna Mahaley-Jones responded that ISBE is classifying the schools, as new schools rather than transfers. She further indicated that CPS also believes that both campuses under Betty Shabazz International Charter School, will come to the Commission. She also stated that the contract terms that were voted upon at the March 1, 2016 Commission Meeting may have to be extended to five (5) years; however, the Commission s General Counsel will provide oversight on the matter. Commissioner Farmer asked if the Commissioners would have to vote on extending the contract terms to five (5) years. Hosanna Mahaley-Jones responded that the Commissioners will note have to vote on this matter. Commissioner Farmer also commented that having to commit to five (5)-year agreement is concerning, but he is willing to wait on next steps. Hosanna Mahaley-Jones responded that staff will keep Commissioners informed on the matter. Hosanna Mahaley-Jones also reported that the Woodland case that the Commission received earlier this year was also a victory.

5 VII. ILLINOIS STATE CHARTER SCHOOL COMMISSION Closed Session Commission Chair Williams made a motion to enter closed session pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act for the purpose of considering confidential information regarding the appointment, employment, compensation, discipline, performance or dismissal of personnel pursuant to Section 2(c)(1) of the Illinois Open Meetings Act. Commissioner Van Evera Seconded. The motion was passed to enter closed session. Commission Chair Williams made a motion to resume open session pursuant to the Illinois Open Meetings Act and indicated that no action was taken during closed session. Commissioner Van Evera seconded and the motion was passed to resume open session. VIII. Action Items Adopt FY17 Budget Commissioner Ratliff made a motion to adopt the FY17 Budget and Commissioner Van Evera seconded. A vote was called. 6 ayes; 0 opposed. The motion was passed to adopt the FY17 Budget. Authorize Execution of Contracts for Staff and Legal Services Commissioner Chair Williams made a motion to authorize the execution of contracts for staff and legal services by the Chair and Operations Committee Chair of the Commission. Commissioner Van Evera seconded. A vote was called. 6 ayes; 0 opposed. The motion was passed to authorize the execution of contracts for staff and legal services by the Commission Chair. Adopt Amended 2016 Meeting Schedule Commission Chair Williams made a motion to adopt the amended 2016 meeting schedule. Commissioner Van Evera seconded. A vote was called. 6 ayes; 0 opposed. The motion was passed to adopt the amended 2016 meeting schedule. Commissioner Farmer asked if the Commission was still considering hosting a finance retreat. Commission Chair Williams responded that the Commission will revisit the issue once Commission Fellow, David Bahamon, is finished with his work. Deputy Director, Shenita Johnson further responded that Commission staff will discuss with the Schools Committee. IX. Adjourn Meeting adjourned at 3:55pm