Approval of Minutes

Review Financial Statements

Candy Yu presented the preliminary financials for June, noting that the report does not yet include year-end closing or audit information. She highlighted a current deficit of $443,000 and mentioned needing federal grant drawdown documents from Jasmin, which are submitted to DeKalb County for ESSR grants. Candy explained that they are currently working on year-end closing.

Janelle Wilhite inquired about who is responsible for submitting the documents to DeKalb County. Dr. Bostic responded that she, along with Mrs. Quillian and Mr. Dennis, are the ones submitting the documents, and the challenge lies in obtaining approval from DeKalb County. Once approved, the information is forwarded to Candy for documentation. Dr. Bostic also mentioned that an estimated $1.6 million has been submitted to DeKalb County as they aim to fully utilize the grant funds.

Janelle Wilhite requested that a copy of the documents sent to DeKalb County be shared with the board. Dr. Bostic assured her that she is closely coordinating with Roge, a representative of DeKalb County ESSR.

Janelle Wilhite questioned the tutoring program Dr. Bostic is looking to incorporate utilizing the ESSR grant. Dr. Bostic is trying to see if we can extend our grant to a multi-year grant. Dr. Bostic is waiting for approval from Roge.

Janelle Wilhite asked what is causing the delay. Dr. Bostic answered that we are waiting for approval from DeKalb County. She explained that there are other charters that are having challenges as well with grant funds and the communication with Dekalb County.

Janelle Wilhite questioned not receiving any board actions for approval of purchases over $5,000.

Dr. Bostic explained that they had all been approved.

Candy Yu advised that they are reoccurring.

Other Business

Janelle Wilhite requested the payroll reports and inquired about who handles the bank reconciliation. Dr. Bostic responded that Candy Yu is responsible for it. Janelle advised that one person should perform the reconciliation, while another person should sign off on it.

The proposed stipend amounts are as follows:

Certified Staff: $5,500

Uncertified: $3,500

Part-time Certified: $2,750

Part-time Uncertified: $1,750

Classified Staff: $1,000

General Staff: $1,000

Total: $207,250

Dr. Bostic suggested that the stipend be distributed in two installments, with the first payment in December and the second in March. She mentioned that the goal is to incentivize certified staff, which would benefit DPA in the long term.

Wayne Dennis questioned whether this approach would be effective, especially in comparison to salaries in DeKalb County. He expressed concern about staff retention and suggested an earlier disbursement, such as in August or September, to avoid sending a negative message to staff.

Kathy Ann Young added that staff members are already waiting for their contracts, and delaying the stipend might further discourage them. Janelle Wilhite echoed this concern, questioning the delay in the stipend distribution and why the full cost wasn’t included.

Both Kathy Ann and Wayne Dennis questioned the $207,250 total, as it differs from the approved amount of $350,000. Kathy Ann also pointed out that classified staff are set to receive $1,000, whereas they previously received $2,500.

Dr. Bostic mentioned she would review the associated taxes and make adjustments if necessary. Janelle Wilhite emphasized that the timing of the disbursements is her primary concern and stated that the full cost is needed before they can vote.

Janelle also asked about the status of the inventory, to which Wayne Dennis responded that most of it is completed, with only a discussion with the auditor remaining.

Kathy Ann Young inquired whether staff had received their updated salaries, and Jasmin Quillian responded that they should receive them this week. Kathy Ann urged that this be prioritized.

Finally, Janelle asked about current enrollment, and Dr. Bostic reported that today’s warm body count was 406. The group also discussed incentive methods to encourage the remaining students to return to school.

Adjourn

The meeting adjourned at 8:01 pm.

Welcome and Call to Order

Approval of Agenda

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 8:01 pm