Midlands Technical College, Airport Campus

Meeting of Board of Directors

Midlands Technical College, Airport Campus

8:00 AM- 9:15 AM

Academic Center, Room 139

August 11, 2016

MISSION

The mission of Midlands Middle College is to prepare 11th and 12th grade high school students for a successful work and educational future through the integration of high school, technical college, and the world of work by providing targeted students with a rigorous and relevant academic program.

Minutes of the August 11, 2016, Board Meeting

(Approved at the October 27, 2016, Board meeting)

WELCOME / Valerie Richardson, Board Chair, called the meeting to order at 8:05. Board members in attendance: John Barnes, Darold Dantzler, Sr., Chris LaCola, Ron Rhames, and Kaye Shaw. Also in attendance were Carole Fearrington, MMC Principal and Courtney Mills, new Assistant Principal at MMC. Ms. Richardson welcomed all and gave a special welcome to Courtney Mills.
PUBLIC COMMENTS / There were no public comments.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA / Kaye Shaw made the motion to approve the agenda, and John Barnes seconded.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
(March 3, 2016) / Diane Carr made the motion to approve the minutes, and Ben Green seconded.
Overview of Advanc-ED Systems Accreditation / Carole Fearrington provided a brief overview of the Advanc-Ed accreditation process and explained that although MMC is accredited by the SCDE, a review by an outside group can be valuable in helping MMC obtain a clearer picture of current progress and paths to continuous improvement. Ms. Fearrington reviewed Standard Two of the Advanc-Ed process, Governance and Leadership, since this is the standard that most directly involves the Board and school leaders. Ms. Fearrington also explained that the SC Director of Advanc-Ed is scheduled to meet with the Board in October to provide more detail about the requirements of the Board in the accreditation process. Mr. Barnes asked about the “opportunity cost” of MMC’s participation in this process. What if the school and board and other stakeholders complete the process, and the school does not earn accreditation? Ms. Fearrington responded that accreditation is based on a range of points that a school can earn due to its documented performance on the five standards, interviews, classroom observations, etc. All schools receive accreditation. Schools with the lowest scores have the greatest number of required and recommended changes that must be completed in order to maintain accreditation. Ms. Fearrington also stated that MMC is looking forward to participation in the accreditation process and expects to gain valuable insight into ways to improve school performance and student learning.
Review of 2015-2016 State-Mandated Test Data (ACT, Workkeys) / Ms. Mills reviewed the 2015 ACT results for MMC students and the fact that the scores in each test area were below the ACT Benchmark and the state average. The Workkeys Career Readiness results indicated that 97% of MMC students have earned a National Career Readiness Certificate, with most students earning the “silver” certificate.
Ms. Mills explained the school’s 2016-2017 Academic Initiatives and reviewed the strategies which staff members will implement to ensure an increase in student achievement.
Review of MMC Bylaws Regarding Election of Board Members / Ms. Richardson reminded the Board that 5 of its members’ seats will be up for election and that the process for nomination will begin in September followed by the election in Ocotber. The newly elected Board members will be sworn in at the October, 2016, meeting.
CHARTER SCHOOL UPDATE
·  Enrollment
·  Finance
·  College Access/Preparation
·  Career Access/Preparation
·  Citizenship Activities
·  Upcoming Events / Carole Fearrington presented an update of enrollment and school activities, including the following: 92 students enrolled as of August 11, four new staff members, twenty-five students registered for fall classes at MTC, and various career access and citizenship development opportunities for all students. School begins on August 15!
ADJOURNMENT / Since there was no further discussion, John Barnes made a motion to adjourn; Ron Rhames seconded.

Midlands Middle College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, or immigrant status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. For questions pertaining to Section 504 and Title IX, contact the Midlands Middle College at 1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, SC 29170, 803-822-7043.