### Teacher Retention and Support Initiatives

A major issue discussed was the significant challenge of recruiting and retaining qualified teachers within the district. The district’s low ranking in national funding was highlighted as a major hurdle. With Hillsborough County ranking 50th in the nation in terms of education funding, a proposed 5% increase from Tallahassee would still leave the district at the bottom of the rankings. This financial strain has resulted in the district struggling to attract certified teachers, impacting the overall educational quality.

One board member shared a personal experience of moving from Indiana and facing a significant pay cut, underscoring that compensation is a primary concern affecting teacher retention. The board emphasized the necessity of a collaborative approach between charter and public schools to address these issues.

### Addressing Absenteeism

Student absenteeism was another concern, with reports indicating significant absenteeism among students in the previous year. Every grade level recorded over 20 students with more than 20 absences. Initiatives to decrease absences by 30% at BridgePrep Academy of Riverview K-8 were discussed. Strategies include daily attendance tracking in homerooms, student incentives for perfect attendance, and celebratory incentives like no-uniform days and special events such as foam parties and glow parties.

One board member questioned the approach, emphasizing the need for support systems beyond rewards. They asked about the presence and role of social workers in schools to engage families facing challenges that contribute to absenteeism. The response confirmed that social workers conduct wellness checks and maintain communication with families to identify needs.

Concerns were also raised about the current methods used to notify parents about their children’s absences. One board member suggested that waiting until three days of absence to contact parents may be too long, advocating for immediate notification after the first day of absence.

### School Ratings and Performance Goals

BridgePrep Academy of Tampa’s principal presented the school’s current status and future goals. The school aims to increase proficiency rates in English Language Arts (ELA), math, and science, with specific targets set for improvement. The principal noted a significant decline in science proficiency, attributing the decline to changes in the student population and additional shifts within the school environment.

Concerns were raised about the high turnover rate and the substantial percentage of new staff—65%—noting that such changes are common with new administration. The principal responded that creating a supportive and celebratory environment, along with regular check-ins and professional development opportunities, would contribute to teacher retention. Celebrating new teachers’ successes was emphasized as essential to fostering a positive atmosphere.

### Support for English Language Learners (ELL)

The board discussed the school’s approach to English Language Learners (ELL), given the high Hispanic population and the lower percentage of identified ELL students. Concerns were raised about the high reliance on long-term substitutes and the low number of ESOL-endorsed teachers. The district has implemented specific programs to assist ELL students in their foundational learning, particularly in early grades, which was recognized as a necessary response to demographic changes.

### Financial and Operational Aspects

The financial aspect of the school’s operations was also scrutinized. Questions about pending financial audits and budget approvals were raised, with the financial audit expected by September 30. The approval of the I-Ready program was noted, with a focus on implementing these educational resources effectively. The school’s Title 1 status and its demographic makeup, which includes a high percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced lunch, were acknowledged.

The board commended the school for acknowledging its areas for improvement and for the efforts being made to identify needs and develop strategies for success.