Welcome and Call to Order

The meeting will be called to the order, beginning with the pledge of allegiance.

Approval of Agenda

So that there is agreement between board members on the agenda, and the amount of time spent on the meeting, the board shall vote to approve an agenda for the meeting. To the best of its ability, it will follow that agenda, and allow for the chair to move the board through the agenda as specified.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

School Leader Report

Charter School Renewal Process

The primary discussion focused on the charter school renewal process. DPA reported that the likelihood of renewal for the upcoming year is currently estimated at 50–50. Dr. Merritt explained that DPA is working with 21 Cobalt and legal counsel from the Georgia Charter School Association to support the renewal application. It was noted that the outcome may result in a three-year renewal rather than the standard five-year term. The discussion also referenced a recent meeting with the Innovation Department, which serves in a support role to the school.

DPA Board Evaluation Results

DPA reviewed the results of the governing board evaluation and noted that there were no “non-compliant” ratings. Ms. Rodgers shared that Dr. Merritt effectively articulated the board’s approach by comparing it to a coaching model, emphasizing that much of the substantive work occurs in committee meetings rather than during full board sessions. While evaluators initially suggested the need for increased data sharing, this concern was later clarified and addressed during the evaluation process.

Closing Educational Gaps Focus

DPA emphasized the continued priority of closing educational gaps. Improvements in Tier 1 instruction were highlighted, though it was acknowledged that further progress is needed. Data projections indicate that most areas are on track to achieve a 10–15% improvement over the previous year, with a few exceptions, including 5th-grade math. Presentation responsibilities were assigned to staff members, with Ms. West exempted from specific assignments due to her MTSS role. The focus for the upcoming year will remain on closing educational gaps.

HMH Curriculum Transition Planning

The committee discussed plans to transition to a new curriculum using HMH, which is expected to improve alignment with tools such as MAP and other diagnostic assessments. Dr. Merritt emphasized the importance of moving beyond compliance to prioritize measurable gains in student achievement. He also underscored the need for transparency in evaluations and encouraged staff to reflect on their level of commitment given the school’s current circumstances.

Staff Communication Guidelines and Protocols

Dr. Merritt reminded staff to exercise caution in both what they communicate and how they communicate, particularly in light of ongoing legal matters involving DeKalb and the potential for media inquiries. Staff were directed to refer any attorney outreach to their principal, who will escalate matters to the appropriate administrative level. Additionally, staff were advised to decline media inquiries and respond with “no comment” if approached. Dr. Merritt concluded by expressing appreciation for the smooth testing process and encouraged staff to remain focused on improving outcomes for students.

School Progress and Initiatives Update

The meeting concluded with updates on school progress and upcoming initiatives. Dr. Merritt shared optimistic news regarding the school’s potential to remain open, attributing this to recent improvements and collaborative efforts. Plans for developing a new data dashboard system were discussed, which will provide real-time insights into student performance, academic progress, and human resources metrics. Dr. Merritt emphasized the importance of professionalism and ongoing training, encouraging staff to give their best efforts to support the school’s continued success. Ms. Guyton also provided an update on the first day of testing, reporting that it proceeded smoothly with only minor irregularities.

Board Actions

There are no board actions being presented for approval from the Academic Committee.

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:35 pm