UNAPPROVED

Charter School Advisory Committee Notes

January 25, 2018

A. Call to Order

12:09 p.m.

B. Roll Call

Members Present: Lynn Hohl (via telephone), Dan Castimore, and Jason Tauriainen

Mr. Castimore chaired the meeting as Ms. Hohl was participating via telephone.

C. Approval of Notes 2017-12-4

Approved.

D. Aurora Borealis Charter School (ABCS) Grade Expansion Proposal

The committee discussed a document from Mr. Cody McCanna, ABCS principal, containing high school graduation and curriculum requirements for the proposed grade levels. A copy of the document was emailed to Ms. Hohl. Mr. Tauriainen discussed an email to the Board from the Boys and Girls Club expressing their concerns that the grade level expansion might displace their program. Mr. McCanna reported on classroom building and location options being considered by the school; they do not want to harm any other programs.
If the schools is sanctioned by Alaska School Activities Association (ASAA), the school will pay the required fees. Mr. McCanna spoke with Kenai Central High School about ABCS students joining their sports programs; he was not encouraged that this plan would work. Mr. Jones explained that KCHS is only required to include Connections students as sports and activities participants.
The addition of four high school grade levels cannot move forward until appropriate space is secured. It was acknowledged that the existing school location could accommodate the addition of one or two grade levels only. Mr. McCanna acknowledged there are still a variety of things that need to be resolved before being able to initiate the expansion, and that includes the facility plan.
Mr. Tauriainen asked administration how this expansion impacts the budget and staffing for the rest of the District. Mr. Jones stated that because those students would be coming from multiple locations, the expansion will impact multiple locations, and is difficult to account for at this stage in the FY19 budget process. Mr. Tauriainen summarized by saying it would be very difficult, but not impossible to make adjustments for an FY19 expansion. Mr. Jones concurred.
Mr. Castimore summarized that the committee is clearly of the opinion that postponing implementation until FY20 or FY21 would help set the school up for success. Mr. McCanna expressed appreciation for the committee's openness to the idea of their expansion. Before proceeding, ABCS administration will present a proposal or plan that includes resolution of the facility need, the athletics/activities need, and also find out what interest there is from non-ABCS students about enrolling in the high school program, once established.

E. Committee Charge and Board Policies

This item was not discussed due to lack of time.

F. Adjourn

12:43 p.m.

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