DeKalb Preparatory Academy

Governing Board

Regular Meeting - Tuesday June 24th, 2025 @6:30 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 On Time At Adjournment
Ms. Bridget Robinson present secretary On Time At Adjournment
Mrs. Roberta Walker present member On Time At Adjournment
Mrs. Wanda McKay present member On Time At Adjournment
Dr. Lenise Bostic present ex-officio On Time At Adjournment

Welcome Call To Order

The meeting was called to order and a quorum ascertained at 6:59 p.m.

Approval of Agenda

Motion to approve the agenda

By: Mrs. Roberta Walker Seconded by: Ms. Bridget Robinson

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Approval of Minutes from Jun 12, 2025

Motion to change the heading on the agenda and minutes for the June 12 meeting to read, "Budget Hearing 1"

By: Mrs. Roberta Walker Seconded by: Ms. Bridget Robinson

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to approve the minutes for the June 12 meeting with the changes outlined in the previous motion.

By: Mrs. Roberta Walker Seconded by: Ms. Bridget Robinson

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Approval of Minutes from Apr 29, 2025

Approve the minutes as submitted

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to approve the minutes from the April 29, 2025 meeting, as presented.

By: Mrs. Roberta Walker Seconded by: Ms. Bridget Robinson

1 abstention - Suzette Arnold

Head of School Report

Dr. Bostic congratulated Ms. Italy Henderson, Teacher of the Year and Ms. Charnier Nichols and Ms. Angela Rodgers, as Educational Support Staff I and II. She also presented a year-in-review report focusing on academic achievements, operational improvements, and financial reforms, including updated financial policies and a new procurement system. Several end-of-year events were highlighted, including 8th grade and 5th grade promotions. There was discussion regarding the current enrollment of 563 students with staff vacancies. Looking ahead, the school aims to strengthen tier one instruction, deepen data-driven practices, and expand targeted interventions for the next fiscal year.

Academic Committee Report

The Academic Committee met this month and recommended 7 candidates for hire. In addition ,the committee discussed curriculum, Special Education, testing and the FY26 Budget.

Finance Committee Report

Ms. Lee presented the budget with discussions focused on a review of salary adjustments, contractor evaluations, and benefit costs. The team evaluated options for a $2,500 increase in costs and discussed a one-time retention bonus for new hires. They also reviewed contractor transitions, with some contractors not returning and others being replaced by larger companies. The group addressed concerns about procurement processes for new contractors and emphasized the importance of formalizing relationships through proper contracts to ensure legal protection. Additionally, they discussed the need to track inventory for technology upgrades and considered shifting some benefits costs to address budget constraints.


Participants expressed concerns about the sustainability of the budget and the importance of strategic planning when making approvals. The meeting also touched on various line items in the budget, including software subscriptions and contractor changes, and concluded with questions about how to approve the budget before the 30th.

Governance Committee Report

The Governance Committee met and discussed the hire of 7 potential candidates, school restructure due to the resignation of the Elementary Principal and the National Charter School Conference.


The board discussed a significant structural shift for the upcoming school year, proposing a single principal model for elementary and middle schools, with the option to reassess based on performance data.



Consent Agenda

New Hires:

1-6-24-2025 - Marian Bangura-Elementary Teacher-Total Cost: $66,874.73 (Salary: $48,868.34 + Benefits: $18,996.39)


2-6-24-2025 - U'Neque Brakes-Elementary Teacher-Total Cost: $66,298.45 (Salary: 48,429.60 + Benefits: $17,868.85)


3-6-24-2025 - Pamela Basye-Special Education Teacher - Total Cost: 84,787.83

(Salary: 63,523.58 + Benefits: $21,264.25)


4-6-24-2025 - Clent Ingram, Middle School Teacher - Total Cost: $78,734.99 (Salary: $58,571.57+Benefits: $20,163.42)


5-6-24-2025- Chloe McCray, Elementary Teacher - Total Cost: $66,298.45 (Salary: $48,429.60 + Benefits: $17,868.85)


6-6-24-2025- Kristin Gaither as Paraprofessional - Total Cost: $55,885.62 (Salary: $39,886+ Benefits: $16,009.62)


7-6-24-2025 - Anthony Brooks, School Resource Officer. Total Cost: $81,589.24 (Salary $60,906.72 + Benefits: $20,682.52).


Additional Actions:

50-6-7-2025 Subject: Centegix Cost: $10,600

51-6-7-2025 Subject: National Charter Schools Conference- Orlando FL Total Cost; $14,585.70.


Motion to remove Item # 51-6-7-2025 National Charter School Conference from the consent agenda.

By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Roberta Walker

The National Charter School Conference was removed from the consent agenda so that board members could discuss the agenda item.

Motion to add 51-6-7-2025 - National Charter Schools Conference back to the consent agenda

By: Mrs. Roberta Walker Seconded by: Mrs. Wanda McKay

Bridget Robinson - No

Suzette Arnold - Abstention


The meeting discussed the upcoming National Charter School Conference, where leaders will attend sessions on political and financial impacts on charter schools, governance, and professional development. The leadership team will review specific sessions to determine which are most beneficial for their roles, with a focus on leveraging the experience for future presentations and professional growth. It was clarified that while the Georgia Charter School Association conference is budgeted for next year, no additional out-of-state conferences are planned, and professional development opportunities will be explored through existing subscriptions and vendors. The board emphasized that any expenditure over $5,000 requires their approval, regardless of funding source.






Motion to approve the consent agenda as originally presented.

By: Mrs. Wanda McKay Seconded by: Mrs. Roberta Walker

Bridget Robinson - No

Suzette Arnold - Abstention
Janelle Wilhite - Abstention

Public Comment

There was no public comment

Executive Session

Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters at 8:42 p.m.

By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Roberta Walker

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to return from Executive Session at 9:46 p.m.

By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Mrs. Roberta Walker

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to approve the hire of an Interim Elementary Principal.

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 9:47 pm

Motion to adjourn

By: Mrs. Wanda McKay Seconded by: Ms. Bridget Robinson

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Action Items

Finance Team -Schedule budget approval meeting before June 30th -Provide detailed narrative justifications for all budget amendments and changes to the Board -Provide comparative unit cost analysis with other similar-sized charter schools -Submit updated budget proposal that includes the second principal position which was prematurely removed -Prepare comprehensive documentation of contractor performance assessments and procurement processes for all service providers -Review and formalize all contractor relationships through proper RFP processes for the next school year -Revise and resubmit subscription/contract list with clear separation between software subscriptions and vendor contracts Leadership Team -Create inventory tracking system for the proposed ABC studio upgrade equipment -Prepare detailed professional development plan showing all training opportunities for faculty across departments