To move to executive session
By: Mrs. Roberta Walker Seconded by: Mrs. Wanda McKay
To move to executive session with a request to include Dr.Bostic and Dr. Merrit for personnel matters.
DeKalb Preparatory Academy
Governing Board
Regular Meeting - Saturday May 25th, 2024 @10:00 AM
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 | not present Treasurer | ||
| Ms. Bridget Robinson | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mrs. Wanda McKay | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Dr. Tamara Cooper | not present viewer | ||
| Dr. Lenise Bostic | present ex-officio | On Time | At Adjournment |
| 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 at 10:17 am.
Ascertain a Quorum
Suzette Arnold, Roberta Walker, Bridget Robinson, Kathy Ann Young, Wanda McKay, and Dr. Lenise Bostic were all present at the start of the meeting.
Finance Committee
Finance:
Suzette Arnold asked about the FY 25 Draft Budget in preparation for Tuesday night's Board meeting. Because the budget is not ready, the board meeting has been changed to Thursday, May 30, 2024.
Contingent Budget: Suzette Arnold reviewed the contingent budget per the number of enrollments. She explained that 480- is the lowest enrollment number, 560- typical enrollment number, and 585- is pushing boundaries/ will take us out of small classroom size.
Compensation Packet- Ms. Lee provided insight on the packet options.
560- $2500 increase ($87,000 total) for certified teachers only.
580- $2500 increase for remaining staff.
Dr. Bostic expressed that paraprofessionals, custodial, administration, and front office staff are at or above the compensation of the charter and public schools surrounding DPA. She wants to ensure that teachers are compensated properly.
Dr. Viola Blackshear questioned if the $2500 increase is funded by the state. Dr. Bostic explained that the $2500 does not include the government increase, it solely funded by DPA. The state's $2500 is an additional increase.
Roberta Walker expressed that the uncertified teachers deserve a raise as well. She stated that an increase for the uncertified teachers is necessary for the morale of the school.
Budget Amendment:
Dr. Bostic stated that Janelle Wilhite requested for Candy Yu to reduce the snapshot. Arnold asked about the old budget that was utilized for years. She stated that the old budget worked and was easy to read. *Suzette Arnold also mandated that Candy Yu's contract needs to be terminated if she is unable to produce. She mentioned that she has not seen a close out for the 2022-2023 school year and that is concerning considering that we are nearing the close out of the 2023-2024 school year.
Facility Plan/ Budget:
Dr. Bostic said that the 560 budget is at 11%. This is including fencing, renovations for the gym, media center, and restrooms. Suzette Arnold prefers that we stay out of the double-digit percentages.
We must send the engagement letter to Marshall Jones.
Governance Committee
New items to consider for FY 25
New Board Members- Suzette Arnold asked that all inquiries are sent to her for consideration.
Board Calendar Management
Bridgett Robinson asked are the requirements for the calendar. Suzette Arnold explained that the calendar includes upcoming events, wants, and requirements which is utilized to keep the board up to date.
Bridget Robinson advised that training hours are due no later than June 15, 2024. She encouraged everyone to get them done by that date.
Development Committee
Development plans for FY 25
Kathy Ann Young mentioned a golf tournament that she would like to partake in, but it is for members only. Suzette Arnold mentioned that there was a $75,000 threshold in the past for fundraising.
Mr. Dennis has a company to do a proposal for the gym renovations.
Academic Committee
Adjustments were made for academics because some topics are to be discussed during the executive session.
Summer School
Dr. Blackshear stated that there is $305,000 allocated for summer school. The money must be used by September 30, 2024. Summer school is based on STREAM. Abbreviated for science/ sports, technology, reading, engineering, the arts/AVC, math.
Summer School Board Action
Kathy Ann Young asked if we have to pay out the funding for summer school and request a refund. It was confirmed to be true.
-$40.00 hr / everyone is paid out of ESSR.
All board action forms must come to Suzette Arnold in a list with the dollar amount included.
Motion to move to executive session
Motion by Roberta Walker with a request to include Dr.Bostic and Dr. Merrit for personnel matters.
Seconded: Wanda Mckay
Adjournment
motion to adjourn the meeting at 1:29 pm.
By: Mrs. Roberta Walker Seconded by: Ms. Bridget Robinson
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
The Meeting was Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:24 pm
Motion to adjourn
By: Mrs. Roberta Walker Seconded by: Ms. Bridget Robinson
There was no notable discussion on the motion.