Annual Report 2005-06 | Page 18

3. Description of training received by members of the Board of Trustees, including workshops, retreats, facilitated work session, attendance at conferences, etc: During a board retreat in August 2005, the Board conducted a full assessment of the school, identifying and analyzing the school’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. This process allowed the Board to isolate the areas of most need and begin to develop a plan to address these areas. During the 2005-2006 school year, the Board continued planning for the future and implementing its vision for the organization: • • • • • • Bigger Board: Presently the Board consists of seven members. The Board plans to increase membership to 15 members. Succession planning: Sonia Gutierrez has run the school for 35 years. The Board worked with Sonia and other senior staff members on a transition plan which is being put into effect this year. Thriving alumni program: The Carlos Rosario Charter has been inviting alumni to return to write their success stories to document the school’s history and impact over the past 35 years. Catalyst in bringing immigrants and larger population together: The Carlos Rosario Charter has opened its doors to the community at large. The school presently serves non-immigrant community members in GED and computer classes. Several “Community Day” events with movies and crafts have also allowed the school to invi te neighbors into the school. Students also participated in the annual Walk for Literacy sponsored by the State Education Agency, where students and staff from literacy organizations convened to show their strength and support for literacy efforts in Washington, DC. A Student Government yard sale fundraiser was also an opportunity for students and community members to interact. Bigger footprint, Regional footprint: The Board would like to share the school’s exceptional holistic approach to adult education with other local and regional schools. Carlos Rosario A happy child has her picture taken at the December Community Day. Charter school leaders have already offered institutional expertise to DC school leaders who intend to establish other adult charters in the city. Owning the building: The Board is investigating different ways of acquiring ownership of the facility. Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, Annual Report SY 2005-2006 - 17 -