DeKalb Preparatory Academy

Governing Board

Regular Meeting - Wednesday July 22nd, 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 not present member
Diane Mingo not present member
Lakia Shelton present member On Time At Adjournment
Dr. Brian Merritt present ex-officio On Time At Adjournment
Deborah Bridges present member On Time At Adjournment

Welcome and Call to Order

The meeting was called to order and a quorum ascertained at 6:12 p.m.

Approval of Agenda

Approve the agenda as submitted

By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Deborah Bridges

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Approve Mins From Last Meeting

Approve the minutes from June 18 Governing Board Meeting

By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Deborah Bridges

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

HOS Report

Dr. Merritt discussed updates on operating data dashboards and curriculum implementation, with plans for a nightly sync with Infinite Campus by August 3rd. Key upcoming dates were shared, including a back-to-school bash on Saturday, pre-planning starting July 27th, and math testing scheduled for August 24th through September 4th.


Major operational updates included the installation of 16 new water fountains with bottle fillers throughout the building, completed gym lighting upgrades, and Chromebook re-imaging with a goal of one-for-one deployment August 3rd. Mr. Dennis focused on updates to technology infrastructure. Mr. Dennis reported that water pump units for classrooms are awaiting manufacturing delivery, expected next week, and discussed plans for Chromebook distribution with 25 devices per classroom and a loaner system. He explained the implementation of Go Guardian monitoring software that will allow administrators to oversee student computer usage in real-time, described the strategic alarm system being installed throughout the campus. The discussion also covered network improvements including VLAN setup for better traffic management and security, ongoing phone and printer installations in classrooms, and identified specific rooms with connectivity issuesthat need resolution.


Ms. Lee focused on financial updates and budget discussions. The organization's current cash position was reported at approximately 167 days, with spending tracking slightly above target percentages in instruction (68.9% vs 70% goal), administration (17.47% vs 15% goal), and facility expenses (16.34% vs 15% goal). The team reviewed vendor payments totaling $58,735,733.52 and discussed a change order for additional project adjustments that was being packaged by the Finance Committee.



Academic Committee Report

Academic Committee met July 21 and discussed the hire of an LTSE, PEC teacher, and 2 elementary teachers.


Other items discussed were pre-planning, first day of school and MAP and AMIRA testing.

1-7-27-2026 Motion to approve the hire of Sevius Thomas as LTSE

By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Deborah Bridges

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

2-7-27-2026 Motion to approve the hire of Calisha Holland as an Elementary Teacher

By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Deborah Bridges

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

3-7-27-2026 Motion to hire Sandra Carter Ward as an Elementary Teacher

By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Deborah Bridges

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Finance Committee Report

The Finance Committee met and focused on review of June Financials and Vendor Payment over $5k. Other than the financials, there was discussion regarding a painting change order and the status of DPA's partnership with Marshall Jones.

32-7-22-2026 Motion to approve vendor payments over $5k at a total cost of $773,723.62

By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Deborah Bridges

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

33-7-22-2026 Motion to approve Additional Paint Work by R-Pro Remodeling at a total cost of $13,753

By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Deborah Bridges

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Governance Committee Report

The Governance Committee met on July 15 and discussed a sensitive Kindergarten Special Education case with an unusual IEP and a survey request.

Other Business

No additional business was presented for discussion.

Public Comment

There was no comment

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:41 pm

Motion to adjourn

By: Lakia Shelton Seconded by: Deborah Bridges

There was no notable discussion on the motion.