At the October meeting the Board was able to hear from all five principals on their school’s testing reports and the plans they have made as a result of these numbers. The Summit campuses gave great insight into the unique differences at our homeschool programs in relation to defining student success. These presentations provided a comprehensive overview of assessment data, highlighting areas of strength, and opportunities for growth within each school. The Board is happy to share the consistent excellent testing scores students are achieving at each school. These principal data presentations are instrumental in guiding strategic planning and ensuring that all students receive a high-quality education. You can find them here for your own review.

Each Board member had the opportunity to visit a JA or Summit campus over the past month. During these visits, Board members gain firsthand insight into the daily operations, culture, and needs of the schools they serve. Engaging with teachers, students, and staff allows Board members to observe educational practices in action, understand the challenges faced by schools, and celebrate successes. These interactions promote transparency and accountability, as board members can directly see how policies and decisions impact the school environment. Thank you to the principals and staff for taking time out of your busy schedules!

The Board voted to approve a pay increase for Elementary Educational Assistants at the JA Elementary campus, recognizing their essential role in supporting teachers and enhancing student learning. This decision reflects the Board's commitment to valuing the contributions of these staff members, who provide vital assistance in the classroom and help create a positive educational environment. The pay increase aims to attract and retain qualified individuals, ensuring that schools are well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of students. We would like to thank Mr. Feddema for bringing this issue to the Board’s attention.

Thank you to the JA and Summit families that participated in the Fall Family Volunteer survey! Ultimately, the survey aims to strengthen the partnership between families and the school, ensuring that volunteer efforts align with both family needs and school goals. If you submitted committee interest, be on the lookout for more information coming soon from a committee lead. JA and Summit family-owned businesses that submitted information will soon be displayed on our website.

Building from the new set of strategic goals for 2024-2027: Successful Students, Talented Team, Connected Community, and Financial Fortitude; the Board approved the strategic plan goal tracker at the October meeting. This will be used as a vital tool for monitoring the progress and effectiveness of the organization’s long-term goals and initiatives by administration, the Board, and our community. Ultimately, the strategic plan tracker serves as a roadmap for driving continuous improvement and achieving educational excellence within all of our schools. If you would like to review the tracker, you can do so here.