Welcome and Call to Order

Welcome and Call to Order – Roberta Walker at 6:39 p.m.

Ascertain a Quorum

Ascertain a Quorum

Roberta Walker -present

Kathy Young – present

Bridget Robinson – present

Janelle Wilhite – present

Suzette Arnold - present

Dr. Lenise Bostic, Ex-officio-present                                       

Wanda McKay - absent

Approval of Agenda

The Board approves the agenda items.

Head of School Report- Dr. Lenise Bostic

Dr. Bostic presented the Head of Schools Report which included the Pillars of Excellence and the Mission, Vision and Tag Line.

Congratulations on Teacher of the Year – Trevius Ward; Education Support Specialist II-Nikki Glover; Education Support Specialist I – Mattie Reid. The October Employee of the Month is Sadrina Sampson

Monthly Highlights included scholars’ signing the “No Bullying or Drugs Pledge”; Donuts with Dads 2.0 with Infinite Campus sign up; Fall Festival hosted by Girls in Pearls; Field trips – Kindergarten and 2^nd Grade- Southern Belle Farm, 1^st Grade Child- Children’s Museum; Girls in Pearls Kindness Week Activity; National Junior Beta Club Induction; Thanksgiving Luncheon; Superintendent’s H-PRIDE certification visit.

Upcoming Events - Jingle Bell jukebox on December 13, 2023; Instrumental Holiday Showcase on December 14, 2023; Winter Break is December 17, 2023, through January 2, 2024.

Academic Highlights – Dr. Brian Merritt – Dr. Merritt explained why the 18-week report is required from DPA and the status of the current submission and improvements that will be made moving forward. He also discussed Professional Development that was presented to staff in October and November and anticipated trainings beginning in January 2024. He explained that MAP Blue Levels are the students that are expected to score Level 4 Distinguished “On Grade Level or Above” on the GMAS End of Grade test in Spring 2024. 

Operations Highlights – Wayne Dennis – Mr. Dennis updated the board on the Water Tower Replacement project. He also informed the board that the dumpsters will be moved from the front of the school to the rear of the school. Finally, there was brief discussion regarding the tornado drill and the progress of updating the DPA website.

Ms. Arnold asked about the lottery process and the plan to move into it during the second half of the year. Dr. Bostic stated that the Governance Committee will look at those numbers and make a recommendation. Ms. Arnold asked that the board be made apprised of the publication process (i.e., when and how is Lotter ease information/link provided to potential students.)

Ms. Arnold congratulated those teachers who are Beating the Odds. She requested a list student in Level IV and wants more information on the number of students in each level.

Ms. Arnold asked for an update on the Special Education program and specifically about the hire of staff to meet a student that needs one-on-one support daily.

Ms. Robinson asked about the writing tool that is currently utilized at DPA. Dr. Bostic provided information about Writes core.

Report from Academic Committee- Roberta Walker

The Academic Committee met on Thursday, November 9, 2023, at 10 a.m. The 18-week report was a major topic of discussion. Dr. Merritt gave a detailed explanation of the type of information that is currently provided in the report and the major change that he will institute to ensure that proper flow of data.

Finance Committee Report (Finance)

The Finance Committee met and discussed the monthly financials, upcoming recommendations for compensation for teachers and other staff (additional analysis will be brought back to the Finance Committee before a recommendation will be made to the full board). There was also discussion regarding changes to be made to make the Finance Report easier to understand. The previously utilized Dashboard has been made available to Dr. Bostic and the format will be used moving forward. Also discussed the Facilities Grant application and how the funds will be allocated. 

Board Actions for Consideration

30-11-28-2023 Audit Report – Information Only – The audit is being completed by Marshall Jones. The completion is set for the end of November. The Asset inventory is being conducted this week. 

Development Committe Meeting (Kathy Young)

The Development Committee did not meet in November. Ms. Young and Ms. Arnold will schedule time to discuss the committee membership and structure moving forward. 

Public Comment

There were not any public comments made.

Executive Session

Other Business

There were not any other matters presented.

Governance Committee Meeting (Bridget Robinson)

Governance Committee – Bridget Robinson

The Governance committee met bet was there was no quorum to vote on any items. Discussed the committee meeting cadence moving forward. Also mentioned that Dr. Bostic will assign additional staff to participate on the Governance Committee. The attendees discussed upcoming policy review process. Ms. Arnold requested an emailed list of staff that will be assigned to this committee.

Ms. Arnold reminded the board committee chairs of the website compliance requirements for CharterBoards. 

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:56 pm