Motion to approve the agenda with the removal of the Academic Committee report since the committee chair is not present.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Ms. Suzette Arnold
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
DeKalb Preparatory Academy
Governing Board
Special Called Meeting - Friday January 31st, 2025 @5:00 PM
Meeting Minutes
Attendance Summary
| Name | Status | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms. KathyAnn Young | present chair | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Ms. Suzette Arnold | present vice-chair | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mrs. Janelle Wilhite | present Treasurer | 15 Minutes Late | At Adjournment |
| Ms. Bridget Robinson | present secretary | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mrs. Roberta Walker | not present member | ||
| Mrs. Wanda McKay | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Dr. Lenise Bostic | present ex-officio | On Time | At Adjournment |
Welcome Call To Order
Ascertain A Quorum - Quorum was ascertained at 5:10 p.m. with the following board members being presen:
KathyAnn Young
Suzette Arnold
Wanda McKay
Bridget Robinson
Approval of Agenda
Head of School Report
Dr. Bostic presented academic highlights - DPA scholars participated in the Helen Ruffin Reading Bowl for the first time. During the DCSD Annual Meeting there was robust discussion regarding Georgia Milestones scores, governance and finance. The scorecards will be shared with board members, upon receipt. Facilities enhancements mentioned during the Annual Meeting included HVAC repairs, water tower replacement, security enhancements, educational equipment, environmental enhancements, technology advancements, and infrastructure upgrades. There was also discussion regarding the annual report and the audit. Dr. Bostic and Dr. Merritt attended the Cognia convention to gain knowledge about the reaccreditation process, trends in education and recent policy updates. Dr. Merritt is the designated lead for the Cognia accreditation process. Dr. Bostic presented the current enrollment and explained that the school has been conducting warm body counts to get accurate attendance numbers. As of this meeting, the enrollment is 513 and fluctuating daily/weekly.
The following are upcoming events: Charter School Collaboration meeting on February 4, 2025, CCV second semester February 28, 2025, and Georgia Charter School Conference March 10-12, 2025. Ms. Young and Ms. Arnold expressed their concerns about the dates for re-enrollment and new student enrollment. The Intent to Return (re-enrollment) forms will be distributed February 3, 2025. There was robust discussion about the time of running the lottery. Ms. Young asked if it is feasible to move the lottery up to take place before spring break. Dr. Bostic stated that the lottery will take place before the spring break. The Head of Schools report is accepted as presented.
Executive Session
Motion to go into Executive Session
By: Ms. Suzette Arnold Seconded by: Ms. Bridget Robinson
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Finance Committee Report
Ms. Lee presented the January financials. The report shows a year-to-date deficit of $266,000 and projected deficit of $400,000 for the fiscal year. However, a budget amendment is in progress to account for reductions in scholars and expenditures. We are currently at 212 days of cash on hand. Ms. Arnold brought up House Bill 581(regarding capping homestead exemptions). Ms. Lee agreed to attend a hearing regarding this subject.
In the absence of the chair and in place of audited financials, the Finance report is accepted.
Development Committee Report - KathyAnn Robinson
The Development Committee met this month. Discussion centered around grants, led by Ms. Cooper; 2025-26 Academic Calendar and the Calendar Committee; and the work being done by the Events Committee.
Governance Committee Report - Bridget Robinson
The Governance Committee met and discussed new hires, contract updates, weather-related makeup days, staff handbook and the retention policy.
Executive Session
Motion to move to Executive Session to discuss personnel matters at 5:50 p.m.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Ms. Suzette Arnold
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to return from Executive Session and resume the regular meeting.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Wanda McKay
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Governance Committee Report (continued after Executive Session)
Motion to approve the New Hire and Employee Retention Policy
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Wanda McKay
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to hire Lionel Manomano as a Special Education Teacher for a total cost of $70,015.06.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Wanda McKay
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to hire Kristen Page Paschal as a Special Education Teacher for a total cost of $76,349.34
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Wanda McKay
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to hire Morgan Collier as an Elementary School Teacher for a total cost of $77,495.57
By: Mrs. Wanda McKay Seconded by: Mrs. Janelle Wilhite
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to hire Charnier Nichols as the School Office Manager for a total cost of $59,787.42
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Ms. Suzette Arnold
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to hire Traquita Lee as the Chief Financial Officer for a total cost $139,128.36
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Wanda McKay
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Public Comment
There were no stakeholders wishing to make a public comment.
The Meeting was Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:31 pm
Motion to adjourn
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Wanda McKay
There was no notable discussion on the motion.