Welcome and Call to Order

The meeting was called to order at 6:47 p.m. by the board chair.

Approval of Agenda

So that there is agreement between board members on the agenda, and the amount of time spent on the meeting, the board shall vote to approve an agenda for the meeting. To the best of its ability, it will follow that agenda, and allow for the chair to move the board through the agenda as specified.

Approval of Minutes from Jun 21, 2025

Approval of Minutes from Jun 24, 2025

Approval of Minutes from Jun 24, 2025

APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM JUNE 27, 2025

New Board Member

The Governing Board introduced Ms. Diane Mingo. Ms. Mingo has over 35 years of Finance/Accounting and IT experience.

Head of School Report

Dr. Bostic presented the July 2025 Head of Schools report, highlighting the school's strategic focus areas and recent participation in the National Charter Schools Conference, where the team gained valuable insights on academic operations and financial sustainability. The school reported 582 students enrolled, with several grades at capacity, and discussed ongoing personnel challenges, including the board's directive to identify a permanent elementary school principal. The board was informed that an interim principal position would be posted, with three candidates to be presented for consideration. The HOS report was accepted by the governing board.

Academic Committee Report

The Academic Committee met this month and discussed the hire of 2 SPED teachers, an instructional coach and school secretary.

During this meeting, the board discussed hiring two special education teachers. Dr. Merritt explained that one candidate is currently provisionally certified and will be fully certified by December after completing his master's program. The board learned that of the current 5 special education teachers, only 1 is fully certified without provisional status, with the ratio of fully certified to provisional teachers expected to remain below 50% even after the new hires are approved. Dr. Merritt emphasized the difficulty in recruiting certified special education teachers due to salary constraints, noting that several candidates declined offers due to the pay package.

Finance Committee Report

Financial Planning and Audit Review

The board discussed financial matters, including a $66,118.45 total salary package and a $35,134 Title II funds allocation for professional learning. The finance committee reported that auditors requested copies of the Sefa and trial balance, with the audit expected to be completed by the end of September. The June financial report showed a net loss of $261,033.85, with a discussion about how to properly report fund balance transfers, and the board approved two board action forms regarding Title II funds and facility improvements.

Title II Funds Budget Challenges

Ms. Lee discussed the challenges with spending Title II funds, noting that only $1,700 had been spent out of $51,000, with $20,000-25,000 typically carried over in previous years. She explained that the funds were originally budgeted for a conference, book study, supplies, and professional learning, but due to changing deadlines and communication issues, they were unable to fully allocate the funds as planned. The board expressed concern about the lack of a clear plan for the remaining funds, and Ms. Lee clarified that they had developed an updated plan after a training session on Friday, which included items totaling $35,134.The board discussed budget issues with Title II funds, where Ms. Lee presented corrected numbers for various categories including professional learning, stipends, and contractors. Dr. Bostic reported on Title 2 funds, noting that professional development videos are being created through a partnership with MICO University, though there were discussions about expanding learning opportunities with the university to better utilize the funds. The committee approved Title 2 funds totaling $35,134, with an understanding that an updated information packet would be provided by the head of schools.

Conference Timing and Budget Challenges

There was discussion about the timing of a conference in Orlando and its impact on school year preparation, with questions raised about whether attending the conference would have made the school more ready for the start of the school year. The team discussed issues with Title II funds allocation and carryover funds, noting that while some charter schools faced similar challenges, they should aim to expand funds within 12 months rather than relying on carryover. The board also reviewed a painting project that had already begun, with a total estimated cost of $80,413, though there were concerns about the lack of a completed phase plan and timeline for the project.

Procurement Policy Compliance Discussion

Ms. Arnold (joined virtually) warned against making procurement decisions without following proper procedures, emphasizing that even considering a single vendor before engaging in the procurement process is a violation of policy and state law. She stressed the importance of adhering to financial thresholds and policies, which include obtaining written quotes for purchases between $5,000 and $9,999 and using a formal RFP process for purchases over $10,000. The board approved a painting project for the interior campus with a cost of $80,413 and a completion date of July 31, 2025.

Governance Committee Report

The Governance Committee discussed several key topics including the employee handbook, which was approved for the 2025-2026 school year after legal review, though two new policies (cell phone and disciplinary) are still pending attorney review. The committee also addressed special education planning for the first week of school, with Dr. Bostic confirming that IEPs are completed and services will begin on day one.

Dr. Merritt then presented a comprehensive plan for special education compliance, including new IP scheduling, progress monitoring protocols, and data reporting procedures, which will be reviewed by both the governance and academic committees.

The employee handbook has been revised and reviewed by the attorneys and previously reviewed by the Governance Committee members and Governing Board members.

Public Comment

N/A

Executive Session

Other Business

Board action introduced to approve the Additon for Clear Touch Studio work to begin at DPA. Item was be placed on the agenda for next month.

Adjournment

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 10:29 pm