GREEN Charter Schools

Welcome/Opening Remarks

Meeting started at 6:01 pm.  Ms. Townes welcomed everyone to this virtual meeting, and welcomes the new Board Members who will be sworn in.

Public Comments (limited to three minutes per speaker, thirty minutes in total)

Ms. Townes states that there are no public comments.

Approval of Agenda

Motion to Approve - Ms. Wiles

Approval of Minutes from Nov 9, and Dec 14, 2023

Motion to Approve Minutes from November 9, 2023

Swear In Newly Elected Board Members Gary Evans and Michael Brown

Ms. Townes recognized outgoing Board member Ms. Fairchild and thanked her for her service to the Board.  Ms. Fairchild thanked the Board.

Committee Reports

Governance Committee

Ms. Townes indicates there is nothing new to report.

Finance Committee

Ms. Townes indicates there is nothing new to report.

Infrastructure & Growth Committee

Ms. Wiles turns the report over to Mr. Cronin.  The committee met to discuss that facilities have been updated, and the Greenville Middle School campus facilities were updated over winter break to remove trees and shrubs that were creating problems with the plumbing lines and this also created greater visibility and supervision.  Simpsonville campus will be addressed later in the Executive Director Update.

Personnel Committee

Dr. Haque is the chair of this committee and is not present; Ms. Wiles indicates there is nothing to report.

Old Business

None.

New Business

Possible Amendment to By-Laws

A possible amendment to by-laws regarding appointed Board Member terms and the limits on terms was discussed.  The discussion focused on whether or not the Board should amend the amount of time that a person can serve as an appointed Board Member.  This will be reviewed by the Governance Committee and will be added to Old Business for the February 8 Board Meeting.

Student Successes (Bobby Rollins)

Mr. Rollins announced that the GREEN Middle School Mock Trial team competed in the South Carolina Bar Association's statewide competition and the team overall ranked 15th of 32 teams that completed, and won 3rd Runner Up.  Mr. Rollins introduced Ms. Harvell who recognized several student participants, and thanked the team coach, Anne Marie Sibal, Esq. for her time and dedication to the team.  

Executive Director Update (Tom Cronin)

Compliance (Catherine Watt)

Ms. Watt provided information regarding adhering to all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures pertaining to charter schools in South Carolina.  Charter schools must also adhere to the State Board of Education Regulations, numerous federal laws, and internal policies and procedures.  The Executive Director, Executive Leadership Team, and school principals must also ensure that each of our schools is following State and District requirements and meeting all mandatory deadlines which are sent via a platform known as Epicenter.  

Enrollment Update

Mr. Cronin reported that we are in the middle of our open enrollment period which ends January 31.  Following open enrollment, the blind lottery will take place.  Current application and intent to return data is strong.  

Simpsonville Update / Lease Approval (Action Requested)

Mr. Cronin reported that the Infrastructure and Growth Committee met on Wednesday, January 11 and thanked the committee, and Mr. Cronin is asking for an action item.  On Monday, January 8, 2024 the Mauldin Zoning Board unanimously approved our Special Exception for our GREEN Simpsonville campus to be located at 1100 Brookfield Blvd in Mauldin, SC.  Mr. Cronin thanked all who contributed in the preparing and presenting of the application, and thanked the Zoning Board for their thoughtful consideration and approval.  

Adjournment

Motion to Adjourn - Ms. Wiles