At their monthly meeting, Jan. 10, Einstein Charter School’s board of directors approved the allocation of $28,500 to continue after-school enrichment for the remainder of the academic year.
With the current enrichment program, Open World, winding down, principal Shawn Toranto requested the funds to pay eight to 15 teachers to conduct after-school classes. The program will accommodate 170 students through April 30. Some of Open World’s teachers will be retained. Open World was funded through a 21st Century Community Living Centers grant. The $28,500 approved for after-school enrichment will come out of the school’s general fund as it was not in the original budget.
In other business, assistant business manager Doug Guidry presented the school’s financial report. The school is still awaiting a final installment of $83,000 in Title I money for 2011.
Community Legion, a men’s group working for the betterment of eastern New Orleans wants to continue its support of the school, Community Legion member Wilfred Norris told the board. He mentioned the possibility of his organization helping out with a career day or by addressing blighted property near the school.
In committee reports, Lauren Jacobsen said she continues to review the board’s bylaws and will meet with board president Ramona Perkins to finalize them over the next month. Roland Doucette, chair of the community committee, is working closely with the school’s parent-teacher organization.
Students will be taking practice LEAP exams this week. The school will also be hosting meetings to educate parents on how to prepare their students for LEAP exams. Toranto estimated that about 15 percent of students had parent representation at these meetings in the past.
The board carried a motion to notify India James in writing of her failure to fulfill her duties as a board member as stated in the bylaws. Perkins said the board will now be looking for two new members.
Toranto also distributed the school’s improvement plan to board members. For a look at the plan, click here.
Board members Ryan Bennett, James Pineda, Margaret Nguyen, and TK Tieu were present, along with Perkins, Doucette, and Jacobsen. Member Susanna Evangelina was traveling.
Approval of December’s meeting minutes was pushed to the February meeting.
The meeting began at 6:03 p.m. and ended at 7:14 p.m. The board’s next meeting will be Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. The board will hold a retreat on March 10 from 9 a.m. to noon to work through bylaw revisions.
