Motion to approve the agenda
By: Roberta Walker Seconded by: Lakia Shelton
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
DeKalb Preparatory Academy
Governing Board
Special Called Meeting - Thursday April 2nd, 2026 @6:00 PM
Meeting Minutes
Attendance Summary
| Name | Status | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms. KathyAnn Young | present chair | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mrs. Wanda McKay | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Diane Mingo | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Lakia Shelton | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Shaundra Boyd | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Roberta Walker | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Dr. Brian Merritt | present ex-officio | On Time | At Adjournment |
Welcome and Call to Order
The meeting will be called to the order and a quorum ascertained at 6:30 p.m
Approval of Agenda
Approve Mins From Last Meeting
Motion to approve the minutes from the March 3, 2026, Governing Board Meeting.
By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Roberta Walker
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Head Of Schools Report
The board meeting covered updates from the Interim Head of Schools, Dr. Brian Merritt. The report included academic achievements, professional development activities, and upcoming events. Key highlights included recognition of the March Team of the Month, academic growth in ELA and math, and successful field days. The elementary and middle schools reported on various initiatives, including project-based learning, STEM activities, and PBIS celebrations.
Motion to approve the Head of Schools report
By: Diane Mingo Seconded by: Roberta Walker
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Finance Committee Report
The finance committee presented financial updates, including revenue and expense allocations, and recommended approval of vendor payments, February financials, and a budget amendment for staff supplements totaling $174,393, which includes a $2,000 governor supplement for eligible staff.
Motion to approve Board Action # 32-4-2-2026 - February 2026 Financials
By: Diane Mingo Seconded by: Lakia Shelton
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the February 2026 Vendor Payments over $5k at a total cost of $622,983.04
By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Roberta Walker
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve Board Action # 34-4-2-2026 - Budget Amendment - Salary Supplement at a total cost of $174,393
By: Diane Mingo Seconded by: Lakia Shelton
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve Board Action # 35-4-2-2026 - HOS Salary Adjustment at a total cost of $23,077.80
By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Diane Mingo
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve Board Action # 36-4-2-2026 Teacher Appreciation & Career Day at a total cost of $5,572.70
By: Roberta Walker Seconded by: Lakia Shelton
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
GOVERNANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
The Governance Committee introduced a potential board member, Ms. Shaundra Boyd, to the Governing Board. In addition, there was robust discussion regarding the 4-year Strategic Plan and the adjustment to the summer schedule for 12-month employees.
Public Comment
Ms. Young acknowledged all the participants that joined on Zoom and the guests that presented in person. There was no public comment.
Executive Session
Motion to move to Executive Session to discuss personnel matter.
Motion to move to Executive Session to discuss personnel matter.
By: Diane Mingo
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to return to regular session from Executive Session
By: Roberta Walker Seconded by: Diane Mingo
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve Board Action # 52-4-2-2026- Staff Summer Hour Adjustment
By: Diane Mingo Seconded by: Lakia Shelton
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the Four-year Strategic Plan (2027-2031).
By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Roberta Walker
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
The Meeting was Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:09 pm
Motion to adjourn
By: Diane Mingo Seconded by: Lakia Shelton
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Academic Committee Report
The Academic Committee met and discussed the hire of a new school counselor, curriculum audit, and 4-year strategic plan.
Motion to approve the hire of Elementary School Counselor, Ryckel Bean, at a cost of $84,375.79 (Salary: $63,186.45 + Benefits: $21,189.31)
By: Roberta Walker Seconded by: Diane Mingo
There was no notable discussion on the motion.