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Baxter Academy Board Meeting �September 16, 2025

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Meeting the Moment:

Baxter Academy

Mission

Inquiry leads learning at Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, a public charter high school free to Maine students. Our project-based STEM curriculum emphasizes real-world problem solving and is paired with a humanities program that connects ideas across disciplines and cultivates strong communication skills. Students design innovative projects through Flex Friday, a unique program requiring initiative, perseverance, and collaboration, as well as reflection on the work and its impact in the community.

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AGENDA

  1. Call to order

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  • Report from the School:
  • Panorama Survey
  • AI Task Force
  • Beginning of School Year
  • Changes in Flex Friday/Advisory
  • Rigor
  • Enrollment

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  • Board Development�
  • Public Comment�
  • Adjourn

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Approval of Minutes

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AI TASK FORCE

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Flex �Friday

I. Research Cluster

II. Technology & Internships

III. Designers, Explorers, Fabricators

IV. Arts, Music, Global Citizens

V. 9th Grade FF Experience

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Advisory:

Tough Stuff

Belonging

Community news/Operations

Bright Futures

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  • Weekly slideshow with item through the week
  • Monthly advisory time to establish plan for the year.

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Rigor:

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  • Classroom
  • Offerings
    • Honors Macroeconomic Literacy
    • Expanded AP offering
  • Baxter Scholars

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Enrollment, con’t.

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Public Comment

Comments during the public comment period will be limited to 3 minutes per person. Discussion of specific personnel or student matters will not be allowed. Issues related to specific personnel or student matters may be directed in writing to the Executive Director or the Board Chair and will be addressed through established policies and procedures.

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Adjourn

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Executive Session

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August Financials

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August Financials

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August Financials

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  • Academic Excellence and Rigor: Address math readiness gaps, expand advanced coursework, expert feedback, developments in the Flex Friday program, Seal of Biliteracy and Baxter Scholars program.

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  • Supporting growth of Women & STEM

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  • Leadership & Collaboration: Invest in student/staff leadership and integrated project-based learning.�
  • •Learning Beyond Campus: Grow off-site learning, field-based education, and partnerships with local leaders.
  • Global Impact: Continue Kenyan hospital collaboration; pursue new energy & sustainability partnerships.

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  • Operational Resilience: Full enrollment at 399; strong retention; conservative fiscal management.

Strategic Priorities:

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Revised 2026 Budget Highlights

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Revenue

Increase State, Decrease Federal

Increase student fees and interest income

Expenses

Increase in salaries, insurance and retirement

Offsets in stipends and contracted services

Increase in hardware partially reimbursed

Decrease in student activity fees

Increase in transportation costs

Increases in interest expense, telecom and insurance

Decrease in maintenance

Decrease in accounting (one time refi)

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US Strainwright - October 23 (5-6:30) (Jana)