Approve Agenda
By: Ms. Suzette Arnold Seconded by: Mrs. Janelle Wilhite
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
DeKalb Preparatory Academy
Governing Board
Board Meeting - Tuesday April 23rd, 2024 @6:30 PM
Meeting Minutes
Attendance Summary
| Name | Status | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms. Suzette Arnold | present chair | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mrs. Roberta Walker | present vice-chair | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mrs. Janelle Wilhite | present Treasurer | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Ms. Bridget Robinson | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mrs. Wanda McKay | not present member | ||
| Dr. Tamara Cooper | not present viewer | ||
| Dr. Lenise Bostic | not present ex-officio | ||
| Ms. KathyAnn Young | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mrs. Jatoyia Franklin | present Non-voting Administration | On Time | At Adjournment |
Welcome and Call to Order
The meeting will be called to the order.
Approval of Agenda
The committee approves the agenda items.
Ascertain a Quorum
Head of School Report
Dr.Merritt is present in the absence of Dr. Bostic (HOS). Dr. Merritt complemented Ms. Guyton on a job well done in preparing the scholars and the school for Milestone testing. Dr. Merritt quoted the vision and mission, and tagline of DeKalb Preparatory Academy. He congratulated our seventh grade Math teacher Mr. Kentrell Burks on being selected as April’s teacher of the month. He brought insight to the many events that had taken place inside and outside of the school building. He highlighted April’s field trips, Kindergarten count down, and the garden club strawberry patch. Discussed the academic highlights centered around the six systems standards and curriculum, effective use of data, collaborative planning, progress monitoring, academic and behavioral support, and feedback and professional learning. He discussed the feedback from our March 29, 2024, CCV visit, which is an instructional audit from DeKalb County. Some of the successes noticed during the visit are the use of data, DPA’s ability to act on given feedback, clear instructional focus, intentional learning by teachers and staff, innovative practices including our writing workshops, and positive office referrals. Progress monitoring, technology access and usage, and identifying barriers to progress to sub roots are the wonders that were noticed during the visit. He discussed May’s upcoming events such as MAP, field day, and promotional/award ceremonies. There is a total of 507 students enrolled as of April 23, 2024 (K-56, 1ST-48, 2ND- 53, 3RD- 55, 4TH- 59, 5TH- 55, 6TH- 62, 7TH- 61, 8TH- 58). He further explained upcoming educational happenings that will take place throughout the close of the school year. Dr. Merritt announced the school’s vacancies for FY25 which include special education teachers, MTSS coordinators, and a culture coach.
Ms. Suzette Arnold congratulated the school on a job well done from the CCV visit. Ms. Arnold asked for a copy of the CCV visit and the corrective action plan for submission to the board for further viewing.
Report from DPA Development Committee
Ms. Bridget proposed a partnership between DeKalb Preparatory Academy and Kennesaw State University that provides student teaching, training, and educational advancement opportunities.
A motion is proposed for a GA 4H Dekalb which is a UGA extension services.
Ms. Bridget proposed a partnership between DeKalb Preparatory Academy and Kennesaw State University that provides student teaching, training, and educational advancement opportunities.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Roberta Walker
Unanimous Vote
A motion is proposed for a GA 4H Dekalb which is a UGA extension services.
By: Mrs. Roberta Walker Seconded by: Mrs. Janelle Wilhite
Unanimous Vote
The minutes were approved from the last development
meeting.
Report from Academic Committee
The academic committee met April 10, 2024.
Ms. Roberta Walker gave Dr. Merritt the floor to propose the anticipated 2024-2025 school calendar in which he gave an in-depth breakdown of the calendar.
Motion: Roberta Walker
Seconded: Bridget Robinson
Unanimous Vote
Suzette Arnold questioned if the April 8, 2024, solar eclipse day complies. It was explained that April 8, 2024, was observed as an independent learning day for students and is not required to be made up.
Roberta Walker questioned the hiring of Stacey Dent. Dr. Merritt explained that she was preapproved and is working prorated. Ms. Suzette Arnold questioned if the hiring of the Science teacher was approved in the academic meeting. Roberta Walker and Suzette Arnold had a robust discussion concerning the rules of preapproving new hires for opened positions pending board approval. Suzette discussed that she is uncomfortable hiring without board approval. Roberta Walker explained that it is in practice for staff to be hired pending approval of the board when urgent and the position is open. Ms. Walker said that this happened prior to Ms. Dent. Ms. Roberta Walker asked us to table this discussion in executive session.
Acceptance of the academic report
By: Mrs. Janelle Wilhite Seconded by: Ms. Bridget Robinson
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Finance Committee Report
Ms. Wilhite discussed the financial reports. She explained that the committee was unable to discuss the report during their financial meeting. Ms. Candy Yu presented the monthly financial report.
Motion to accept the presentation from Avolon
Moved: Janelle Wilhite
Seconded: Roberta Walker
** Note that the numbers have not been audited. **
Governance Committee Report
Governance Committee Report for the month of March, 2024
Public Comment
There were no public comments.
Executive Session
Any Other Business
There was no other business
Adjournment
The Meeting was Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:00 pm
Motion to adjourn
There was no notable discussion on the motion.