The Clarksdale Collegiate Public Charter School held its regular monthly board meeting, providing updates on academics, finances and events that were far from routine.
The board heard updates from the institution’s executive director, Amanda Johnson, on administrative issues such as enrollment, attendance and the waiting list for the school.
Approximately 202 prospective scholars have been placed on the school’s waiting list, with the largest numbers of requests made for the fifth grade (64) and the first grade (50).
The board also heard an update on Covid monitoring and policies, including mandatory faculty and staff testing. No vaccination mandate is in place at this time.
Financial updates, such as a profit-and-loss statement, incoming revenue, cash flow and the current balance sheet were also explained to the board, which ultimately approved them.
In the spirit of charter institutions, the school continues expanding the scope of its academic programs and engagement with the families of its scholars.
Each teacher’s grade book will soon become accessible at any time to parents or guardians.
Recently, the school also hosted its first trimester report card night as well.
A classroom observation platform has been implemented to organize and manage instructional feedback.
Johnson also recounted the school’s response to the passing of Cartravious “C.J.” Brown, Jr., a second-grade student killed in a recent Clarksdale shooting.
The incident has sparked public outcry and has resulted in multiple arrests.
Johnson said counselors and pastors have been accessible for their scholars in the wake of the shooting.
“We are grateful that many pastors and counselors immediately let us know they were available,” she explained to the board.
Pastors and counselors were on site for one day and have remained on call as needed.
The availability of the pastors and counselors resulted in an additional benefit.
“A number of students sought grief counseling and also raised personal issues to pastors and counselors,” Johnson explained. “So along with grief counseling, our scholars received help in additional ways.”
The school is helping students honor C.J. Brown through tributes to their fallen classmate.
These include a candlelight vigil, a balloon release and a bench in the school’s courtyard dedicated to his memory.
The board also acknowledged the impact of local leader Bill Luckett, a former mayor of Clarksdale, who passed away recently.
According to the board members’ discussion, Luckett was a substantial contributor and strong advocate for the school.
Luckett also supported the ultimate launch of the school in a public capacity during his term as mayor.
The board discussed the ceremonial ribbon cutting of the new and newly renovated campus, set for Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m.
A ticketed reception will be held on campus at 5 p.m. The entertainment will include blues legend and Clarksdale legend Super Chikan, who also holds the title of proud grandparent of a charter school student.
