Welcome and Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Roberta Walker at 6:50 pm.

Ascertain Quorum

The Quorum was met by the participating board members Roberta Walker,

Bridget Robinson, Kathy Ann Young, Wanda Mckay, and Dr. Bostic.

Approval of Agenda

Committee Reports

Academic

Roberta Walker explained the purpose of tonight’s Emergency Called Board Meeting is to seek approval to purchase 120 computers to facilitate GMAS testing. There is a board action for the purchase of the 120 computers using ESSR funds. Computers have been purchased utilizing title 1 funding; however, the computers will not be delivered in time for GMAS testing. The 120 computers will cost 53,574.00. Kathy Ann Young questioned what would happen with the devices that have not arrived? Dr. Bostic explained that they will be utilized after testing, as the computers that are being requested will be used for testing grades 3rd-8^th.The additional computers bought through Title 1 funding will help bring us nearer to the goal of providing each student at DeKalb Preparatory Academy with their own device for learning. If approved the computers will not arrive before Wednesday, the start of testing. Initially the scholars will test on an A/B schedule. Mr. Dennis explained that we will have a 3-year warranty on the computers. If there are any issues with any of the devices they will be fixed or replaced. All devices will have individual charging ports and serial numbers. Ms. Guyton advised that there are 248 computers ready for testing at this time, and some of the computers have not successfully passed the stress test. Kathy Ann Young questioned the inconsistency in the testing schedule. For example, beginning testing on an A/B schedule and changing to an A schedule once the purchased devices are delivered. Dr. Bostic advised the importance of students’ testing in the morning versus the afternoon. Bridget Robinson questioned who will test in the first session? Dr. Bostic answered that PEC students and elementary students will test in the A session and the upper grades in the second session. She explained that this decision was made based on data received from last year’s GMAS testing. Wanda McKay questioned how did testing operates last year if there are not enough devices now? Dr. Bostic explained that students shared computers and there was an inconsistency in the device usage which could have affected the students’ test scores. 

Public Comments

There were not any public comments.

Other Business

There was no other business.

Adjournment

The meeting was adjourned at 7:25 pm.

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:27 pm