The Catalyst Board of Directors' Executive Committee will hold a meeting on October 22, 2021 at 9:00 am. This meeting will be held by video conference- please contact Catalyst's Director of Administration Michael Kasang at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 773-295-7001 for login information. The agenda for this meeting is establishing process for Board chair succession.

Catalyst Maria needs your help!  Every charter school in Chicago must go through a renewal process and this year is Catalyst Maria’s turn- thanks to the work of you and so many, Catalyst Maria meets or exceeds expectations in all established categories, including academics, finances and operations. For Catalyst, there is no more important voice for the Chicago Board of Education to hear in this matter than the voice of Catalyst Maria parents, staff and community members.

Please join us for an important meeting next Tuesday 10/19 at 6:00 pm, during which Catalyst Maria and CPS will host a meeting during which we will present on the accomplishments of our school. This meeting will have an on-site option with refreshments served as well as an online option so that all families can participate! We will discuss what makes Catalyst Maria a great school as well as offer community members an opportunity to ask questions about renewal and MAKE PUBLIC STATEMENTS ABOUT how we are impacting the Chicago Lawn community! The topics for the meeting will include:

• Metrics of the school’s academic, financial, and operational performance
• CPS will explain metrics used to determine renewal as well as the process
• Families are invited to ask questions about renewal, metrics used, and how a school’s performance impacts their neighborhood.

You don’t need to be an expert on these matters to join.  What does matter is that you join and voice your positive opinion about Catalyst Maria.  Please join us on-site or join via the link here: https://meet.google.com/kbk-jtbs-aoz

The Catalyst Board of Directors will hold a meeting September 20, 2021 from 3:00-5:00 pm. The agenda and meeting information are below. If you have questions, please contact Catalyst's Director of Administration Michael Kasang at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Location:

Catalyst Maria Charter School

6727 S. California Ave.

Chicago, Illinois 60629

AGENDA

*3:00-3:30- Welcome: Dr. Colleen Reardon, Chair and Mr. Gordon Hannon, CEO

• Review of agenda
• Review and vote for approval of May 10, 2021 Board of Directors meeting minutes; September 14, 2021 Academic Committee meeting minutes; and September 16, 2021 Finance Committee meeting minutes
• Board member terms:
  • Discussion of renewal for members Ariel Murray and Claiborne Wade 
  • Board Chair Dr. Colleen Reardon’s conclusion of term in December 2021 and discussion on next steps

*3:30-3:45 -Public comment (limited to 2 minutes per speaker)

*3:45-4:15-Academic Committee: Dr. Catherine Burns

• Update on reopening
• Catalyst Maria charter renewal

*4:15-4:30 - Finance and Strategic Issues Committee: Ms. Ying-Yuan Hsu

• Items pertaining to close of FY21:
  • Preliminary end of FY21 and status of FY21 audit
• Items pertaining to FY22:
  • Use of ESSER funds
  • Impact on FY22 budget with ESSER funds and additional adjustments made since the budget was approved

*4:30-4:45 - Austin Renaissance Council and KCA update: Terry Toth and Ed Siderewicz

*Adjournment

The Catalyst Board of Directors' Finance Committee will hold a meeting on September 16, 2021 at 11:00 am. This meeting will be held by video conference- please contact Catalyst's Director of Administration Michael Kasang at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 773-295-7001 for video conference information.

Items pertaining to close of FY21:

~preliminary end of FY21

~transfer of funds from KCA restricted account into Catalyst operating account

~status of FY21 audit (in process)

Items pertaining to FY22:

~use of ESSR funds FY22

~impact on FY22 budget with ESSR funds and additional adjustments made since the budget was approved

~KCA budget and how it interacts with Catalyst budget

~status of all Catalyst bank accounts including recent investment account

The Catalyst Board of Directors' Academic Committee will hold a meeting on September 13, 2021 at 11:00 am. This meeting will be held by video conference- please contact Catalyst's Director of Administration Michael Kasang at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 773-295-7001 for video conference information. Items that will be addressed:

What is the latest on the SQRP and how CPS will evaluate a school?

Will types of student assessment will Catalyst use to measure student growth and attainment and areas of focus?

What have been the principals’ biggest challenges thus far in these first three weeks of school?

What is our current student population, and how many students were retained from last school year?

What is our current staff population, and how many returned from last school year?

What interventions / additions were made this year to respond to the COVID crisis?

How much did we receive in ESSR funding and how are we using that money?

What is the latest on renewal of the Maria Charter?

Are there high priority items that the Academic Committee should focus on this SY?

1. reducing the use of ISS and OSS to be sure it does not exceed the district average
2. RJ practices are solidly embedded in school practice and drive student discipline
3. compliance and competence in delivering Diverse Learner expectations.