Call To Order

The Work Session was called to order and a quorum ascertained at 12:55 p.m.

Approval of Agenda

Academic Committee Report - Roberta Walker

The Academic Committee met and thoroughly reviewed Board Action Forms and supporting documents for 7 potential candidates for hire (please see consent agenda). All seven candidates were recommended for approval by the Academic Committee. There was also discussion regarding the status of the budget and payscale. There was also discussion regarding the curriculum, Special Education and Testing.

There was discussion focused on teacher certification status and reporting. The team clarified that while 85% of teachers are certified, this includes both fully certified and provisionally certified teachers, with 21 teachers fully certified and 39 not certified. They noted that the certification numbers can change with new hires and staff turnover, and explained that provisional certification allows teachers to teach while working towards full certification within a three-year period. The team also discussed that Pearson certification testing won't be available until July 2nd, and that the current budget numbers may need adjustment once new hire certifications are confirmed.

Finance Committee - KathyAnn Young

The Finance Committee met and discussed the following: Salary scale discrepancies Teacher salary disparities Certification and credentialing Budget amendment status Budget scenarios Employee Pay

Governance Committee - Bridget Robinson

The Governance Committee met on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, and discussed the following: Board Activities Calendar Board Member Training Staff Handbook Student and Staff Dress Code and Enforcement Teacher Evaluations Status Review and recommendation of 7 potential candidates to hire Leadership changes/restructuring School cell phone policy

Today's discussion focused on updates to the employee handbook, agreeing to divide sections for board members to review. A June 30th deadline for reviewing and submitting any changes to the handbook was established. Dr. Bostic informed the board that the handbook had already been sent to legal for review and that another legal review after any recommended revisions could take up to two months. She also stated that the leadership team had already reviewed the document.

The board also reviewed and refined a proposed cell phone policy for students and staff, which includes restrictions on electronic devices during instructional time and the confiscation of devices for violations. The group discussed clarifying language to ensure students are not using, displaying, or turning on personal electronic devices during school hours, including times like class change, lunch, and recess. They also debated the inclusion of specific devices like video phones and smart glasses, agreeing to use "includes, but is not limited to" to account for new technologies. Concerns were raised about the clarity of the policy on headphones, as teachers were requesting purchases for instructional use, and the group noted the need for durable, designated headphones. Additionally, there was discussion about the wording of the policy regarding the possession of personal electronic devices on school property, with some members expressing a preference for emphasizing that it is a privilege rather than a right.

The group discussed two main options: collecting phones and storing them in lockers/cubbies, or allowing phones to be out of sight during class but subject to confiscation if seen. They agreed to start enforcing the policy immediately rather than waiting until January when the law takes effect, and decided to use the phrase "cell phone use is a privilege," in the student handbook. The discussion also touched on logistics of phone collection and return, particularly for after-school programs and off-site transportation.

There was emphasis placed on the need to ensure electronic devices are not visible or in use during school hours. The group discussed changing the language from "consequences" to more restorative terms like "outcomes" or "responses" to align with their approach. They also considered adding a cell phone monitor to enforce the policy and proposed that students who violate the policy should bring their devices to the front office for safekeeping.

Consent Agenda

The following items were discussed and will be included on the consent agenda at the Governing Board meeting on Tuesday, June 24, 2025:

New Hires

Marian Bangura – Elementary Teacher - $ 66, 874.73 (Salary: $ 48,868.34 + Benefits: $ 18,006.39)

U’Neque Brakes – Elementary Teacher –$ 66, 298.45 (Salary: $ 48,429.60 + Benefits: $ 17,868.85)

Chloe McCray – Elementary Teacher - 66,298.45 (Salary: $ 48,429.60 + Benefits: $ 17,868.85)

M. Pamela Baye SPED Teacher $ 84,787.83 (Salary: $ 63,523.58 + Benefits: $ 21,264.25)

Clent Ingram - Middle School Teacher - $ 78,734.99 (Salary: $ 58,571.57 + Benefits: $ 20,163.42)

Chloe McCray - Elementary Teacher -$ 66,298.45 (Salary: $ 48,429.60 + Benefits: $ 17,868.85

Kristin Gaither - Paraprofessional $ 55,885.62 (Salary: $39,886 + Benefits: $16,009.62)

Anthony Brooks - School Resource Officer - $ 81,589.24  (Salary: $ 60,906.72 +Benefits: $ 20,682.52)

Student Safety and Security

Centegix

Leadership Professional Development

National Charter School Association Conference - June 29-July 2

Budget

The board discussed three salary options for staff, with the preferred second option involving a one-time retention bonus of up to $350,000 rather than a $2,500 raise for all employees. The school is projected to enroll 583 students, which would allow them to fund the retention bonus without needing to borrow money from the board. The board agreed to clarify with finance whether the bonus could be paid in installments rather than as a single payment to optimize tax efficiency, and they will receive updated certification information within 30 days to properly align staff salaries.

Structure/Procedures

The discussion centered on concerns about a proposed change in school leadership structure, due to the resignation of the elementary principal, where the middle school principal would take on both elementary and middle school responsibilities without proper board approval. Ms. Robinson expressed concern about the lack of urgency in bringing this structural change to the governance committee and board, particularly given the July 1st deadline for hiring a new principal. The school administration clarified that while they had been discussing this proposal internally, they were ready to move forward with the governance committee process, though they maintained that the July 1st deadline was not the primary concern.

The board discussed concerns about organizational stability and leadership changes, particularly regarding the proposed reduction from two principals to one. Ms. Robinson expressed concerns about the timing and rationale of this change, noting that it would be the second leadership structure shift in two years and questioning whether it would meet authorization requirements. The discussion acknowledged positive progress in various areas including curriculum development, policy implementation, and staff retention, with Dr. Merritt emphasizing that while improvements were being made, significant changes would take time to implement and show results.

The board discussed the need to present a plan to the board regarding the principal structure, emphasizing the importance of having a strong candidate and a temporary approach while making a final decision.

Other Business

The board addressed the e-rate funding and internet connectivity issues, with a vendor scheduled to complete wiring within 7 days once funding is approved.

Next Steps

Board Members:

-Review assigned sections of the employee handbook and provide feedback by June 30th

Dr. Bostic:

-Present the proposed K-8 principal structure change to the board on Tuesday's meeting, including rationale and support plan

-Present updated cell phone policy at Tuesday's board meeting

-Monitor E-rate funding letter status for network infrastructure upgrade scheduling

-Insert the retention policy into the employee handbook

Ms. Lee:

-Clarify the exact student enrollment number needed between 560-585 to fund the retention bonus without borrowing from contingency

- Confirm whether retention bonuses can be paid in two installments instead of one lump sum

School Leadership:

-Ensure all new staff sign retention policy and handbook before receiving any bonuses at the welcome breakfast on the 28th -Have certification status conversations with staff within 30 days of return and document their certification plans through July 2027

IT Team:

-Implement temporary internet solution similar to Georgia Milestones setup to support MAP testing in first week of school

Executive Session

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 3:16 pm