June 15, 2021

Executive Director Deirdra Grode reviewed upcoming deadlines for the school administration, including:
 Completion of the 2021 annual report (due August 1).
 Submission of a Safe Return Plan to access ESSER III funds (due June 24th ).
 Application to renew the charter of the school (due October 2021).

It was noted that commencement ceremonies would take place on June 22nd at Sinatra Park Amphitheater at 2:00 pm (8th grade) and 4:00 pm (12th grade.)

 

May 11, 2021

The board reviewed and approved teacher contract renewals for the 2022 school year, as well as contracts being offered to two new teachers.  The board also approved the renewal of contracts for a variety of service providers.  CFO Steve Literati reviewed the school’s application for a grant offered by the federal government that would support the school in installing a new HVAC system to improve air quality and addressing learning acceleration and mental health needs.

 

May 4, 2021

The board went into closed session to discuss the CSA’s’ performance per normal annual practice.

 

April 20, 2021

Board member Dana Wissing read a resolution approved by the board to recognize and thank the efforts of Friends of Hoboken Charter School and in particular Treasurer Rob Johansen and Trustee Karen Platt for their contributions to the completion of the new Upper School building.

The board approved a professional development workshop for Upper School teachers on restorative practices funded by a grant by the Provident Bank Foundation.

Upper School principal Joanna Weintraub reported on the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Upper School on March 23rd attended by Hoboken Mayor Bhalla and Councilperson Jabbour.

The board discussed the planned full opening of in-person classes at the K-8 School on May 2nd.

 

March 16, 2021

Executive Director Deirdra Grode discussed the option of opening the school to a full-time onsite schedule based on guidance from health authorities and agencies.

CFO and Board Secretary Steve Literati provided an overview of the 2022 budget, which was based on a revised forecast of the 2021 school year results. The budget for the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2022, will result in a deficit of approximately $180,000.

Committee Reports were presented by Amanda Grant (Development), Mark Silberberg (Management), and Dana Wissing (Friends of HCS.)

 

February 23, 2021

Deirdra Grode spoke to the precariousness of the hybrid program since the January return from break.  With many students moving to remote instruction due to travel and exposure quarantines and increased cases of teachers and students having to move to remote instruction due to onsite covid exposure, Deirdra shared that she had asked families to restrict their activities outside of school to those with their immediate household for the next few weeks if continuing with the hybrid model.  Alternatively, they could move to the remote model.  Additionally, she shared the school would begin to implement weekly testing.

HCS conducted its lottery for the 2021-2022 school year on January 22.  The event was streamed live.  617 applicants applied for the 47 vacancies.  Accepted student and family events were held subsequent to the lottery.

The board approved participation by several teachers in professional development programs, several of which were funded by grants received by the school.

The facilities committee report by Joy Wheeler and Lauren Calmas indicated a pending final inspection of the new high school building, after which the school will open for on-site learning.

Other committee reports included Management (Mark Silberberg), Friends of Hoboken Charter School (Dana Wissing), Development (Amanda Grant).

 

January 27, 2021

This special meeting of the board was called to vote on a resolution to approve the school’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the school year ended on June 30, 2020, and the Auditor’s Report to Management following its audit of the same period.  This resolution was approved unanimously.

 

January 19, 2021

Business Administrator and Secretary Steve Literati highlighted two items that would be included in the revised 2021 school budget, due on February 15th:  the expense of prepaid rent paid to the Friends of HCS last year and the recognition of a gain associated with the forgiveness of the PPP loan received last year.  These two items are offsetting and non-cash.

High School Principal Joanna Weintraub alerted the board about the hiring of a new science teacher, Erick Peralta, who will start on February 1.

Executive Director Deirdra Grode provided an update on the admissions lottery that will be held on January 22.  A total of 618 applications were received.

Updates from Committees were received, including Joy Wheeler (Facilities), Dana Wissing (Friends of HCS), Kelly Wilson (Finance), and Amanda Grant (Development.)

December 15, 2020

The board authorized school administration to seek forgiveness of a PPP loan received in June 2020.

 Executive Director Deirdra Grode reported that she engaged in outreach at a Hoboken Housing event with parent Mark Frasier and students Madigan Frasier and Kayla Pansy.  The Middle and Upper School robotics team, “Roboken” hosted their annual hour of code event for students in grades 2-5 on December 8th.

 K-8 School Principal Lizzie Palma reported on a survey conducted with parents on the school’s hybrid learning.

 Three former HCS students – Aly Calmas, Julia Critz and Tessa Weaver received word that they were awarded Distinguished Honorable Mention Award in the 2020 Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest Poetry Category.  The Middle School debate team placed 11th in a Varsity debate competition held on December 5th.

 9-12 Principal Joanna Weintraub reported that seniors have so far received acceptances from:  Arizona State University, Butler University, Michigan State University, Montclair State University (+Presidential Scholars Program), New Jersey City University, University of Maine, Western New England University, Westminster College of Pennsylvania, and William Paterson University.

 Finally, the Covid-19 testing regimen conducted after Thanksgiving Break was discussed.

November 17, 2020

The meeting started with an overview of the School’s annual audit, the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR), and the federal tax return for the year ended June 30, 2020.  Providing this overview were auditors from the firms McIntee Fusaro Del Corral, LLC and DeMeola Zawacki Mingione & Co., LLC.  The board approved resolutions to accept these reports and to submit them to the appropriate regulatory authorities.

 Executive Director Deirdra Grode reported that the school received a grant from The Provident Bank Foundation, to be used over the next year for teacher professional development.

 K-8 principal Lizzie Palma mentioned a survey of parents on the hybrid learning programs at the school, and social-emotional learning initiatives under way.  High School principal Joanna Weintraub reported that furniture and fixtures had been moved into the new building at 709 Washington Street, and recent communications with students and parents related to the start of on-site classes.

 Chairperson Lauren Calmas reported on discussions with Hoboken City government on an issue related to the distribution of funds from a PILOT (Payment in lieu of taxes) program.

 The board voted to approve policies related to Remote Teaching and Technology and Communications Systems.

October 20, 2020

There was a lengthy discussion about the school’s decision to provide additional planning time for teachers by using other staff members to deliver instruction one period per week.

The board approved the school’s policy with respect to the federal Family and Medical Leave Act, which must be managed consistently with the requirements of the New Jersey Family Leave Act.  Also approved was the policy on the Families First Coronovirus Response Act, which deals with employees who become sick with Covid-19, or who must care for family members who become sick with Covid-19, or who must care for a child whose school or daycare facility is closed due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

The board accepted a first read of the school’s proposed policy on Technology and Communication Systems.

Board Secretary and CFO Steve Literati provided updates on spending related to Covid-19, on the annual financial audit being conducted, and on discussions related to an amendment to the rental agreement with Friends of HCS.  The board voted to approve the amendment which reflects additional rent to be paid beginning in November for the building at 709 Washington Street.

Principals Lizzie Palma and Joanna Weintraub provided updates on the Lower and Upper Schools.  It was noted that a move of furniture and equipment into the 709 Washington Street building was scheduled for October 31st.

Chairperson Lauren Calmas updated the board on discussions of school funding from a recent PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) issue at the Hoboken City Council.

September 15, 2020

With the first week of remote learning complete, discussions focused on preparations for the start of classes for the K-8 school using morning and afternoon cohorts in a hybrid (remote and in-person) setting.  Upper school instruction will be all remote until renovations at the high school building are completed, which is expected in mid to late October.

Executive Director Deirdra Grode highlighted two new policies that will ensure compliance with recent legislative acts.  The first policy focuses on the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), which must be managed consistently with the requirements of the New Jersey Family Leave Act (NJFLA).  The second set of policies ensures compliance with the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, which deals with employees who become sick with Covid-19, or who must care for family members who become sick with Covid-19, or who must care for a child whose school or daycare facility is closed due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

Chief Financial Officer Steve Literati provided an update on the school’s spending on measures to reduce the risks of Covid-19 spread at the school.  Several measures to improve ventilation and the HVAC systems were discussed, following an engagement by an engineering consulting firm that evaluated the school in August.

School principals Lizzie Palma and Joanna Weintraub provided detailed reports on efforts to prepare faculty, students, and parents for remote and hybrid learning environments, including parent meetings and professional development training for teachers in an on-line setting.

August 18, 2020

As with last month’s meeting, there was a great deal of discussion about the school’s re-opening plans.  Executive Director Deirdra Grode gave an overview of the plan, which included inputs from various committees composed of parents, teachers, and staff.  The plan takes into consideration both the physical safety and social/emotional needs of students and faculty.  The plan relies on guidance from the state DOE and DOH, and surveys of parents expressing their preferences for in-person vs. remote learning and scheduling.

Chief Financial Officer Steve Literati provided an update on the school’s investigation of its ventilation adequacy and HVAC systems.  The school engaged an engineering consulting company to evaluate its ventilation and to provide recommendations about possible improvements to inhibit the spread of Covid-19 in aerosol form.  The report from these consultants (184 pages including exhibits) had been received just 2 hours before the start of the board meeting, too late for any detailed discussion at this meeting.  Chairperson Lauren Calmas requested that Deirdra and Steve summarize the report and make recommendations to members of the board’s finance and facilities committees.

Lizzie Palma and Deirdra Grode reported on readiness and general thoughts on re-opening.  In addition to the use of Zoom, technologies that will be made available to enhance remote learning include Classkick, FlipGrid, and Google Classrooms.  Additional Chromebooks, headsets, and wireless modems have been purchased to improve the remote learning experience.

There were several questions from the board and from parents which led to the following comments:

  • Parents will need to provide 2 weeks’ notice for students to change from remote to in-person attendance.
  • Deirdra has frequent discussions with other school leaders and city officials regarding the school’s plans.
  • The greatest future challenge will be dealing with staffing following possible quarantines if symptoms arise in either students or staff.
  • The school will institute “grab and go” lunches and breakfasts to avoid eating in the building.
  • Additional details will be provided to parents about how live streaming will work.

In other areas, Literati highlighted the spending to date on Covid-19 prevention including PPE and modifications to the school.  Board member Joy Wheeler provided an update on construction progress at 709 Washington Street.  Although completion was although delayed due to Covid-19, it is now progressing towards an opening no earlier than mid-October.

July 21, 2020

Much of this meeting was devoted to a discussion of the school’s progress in establishing a reopening plan for September.  Executive Director Deirdra Grode explained that the plan was guided by the state’s guidance recently published in its extensive document The Road Back.  The state gives each district or local education authority leeway to develop plans that work best for its students, staff, and parents to reopen schools safely in the Fall.

The school created committees to support planning for the September reopening.  Committees include members of the administration, faculty and staff, parents, and expert community members.

The reopening plan includes the following:

  • Preventative measures
  • Physical health and safety guidelines
  • Student and staff social and emotional well-being
  • Screening and response to students and staff presenting symptoms
  • Contact tracing
  • Meals
  • Scheduling
  • Staffing
  • Funding sources

A survey is being conducted that will seek to quantify preferences of parents with respect to number of students interested in all remote versus a hybrid learning model.  The plan presents separate M-TH am/pm cohorts with Fridays devoted to remote mixed grade and whole class learning for grades K-8.  This also allows for instructional planning as the school maximizes in-person instruction during the am/pm sessions.  For grades 9-12, each cohort will be assigned two full days with three days per cohort assigned to remote learning.

 There was a brief discussion on funding available for incremental Covid-19 expenditures.  The board discussed the PPP loan that was taken by the school, and CARES funding of $65K that was received.  Grants under FEMA may also be available.

 Protocols and measures to enhance the safety of students and staff were discussed, including the need to evaluate the school’s ventilation and HVAC systems.