Welcome and Call to Order

The meeting was called to order and a quorum ascertained at 6:35 p.m.

Approval of Agenda

November 2025 Financials

Ms. Lee presented November financials, reporting a net surplus of $94,284 and year-to-date surplus of $69,565 on total assets of $7.4 million. The committee reviewed vendor payments over $5,000 and discussed material weaknesses noted in consecutive audit reports, though no findings were present. November financials were approved.

December 2025 Financials

The committee reviewed December's financial status, which showed a surplus of $160,669 on total income of $843,249 and expenses of $682,580.The year-to-date figures revealed a surplus of $116,911 on total income of $4,946,697 and expenses of $4,829,785. The cash balance stood at $4.7 million, with accounts receivable of $141,881.83, bringing total assets to $7,346,947.59. The board noted that facility costs were at 19.82%, exceeding the best practice model of 15%, due to two major repairs in November and December.

The meeting focused on financial transactions and payments, particularly regarding vendor payments over $5,000. Ms. Lee explained the payment history with SmartTee, clarifying that three separate invoices were processed in December and January, with all outstanding payments now cleared. She also detailed the purchase and delivery of computers from CDW, which were initially delayed due to a credit hold that was eventually resolved. The conversation ended with the approval of December financials.

Salary Review

Salary adjustments were approved for two employees for the 2025-26 school year. A salary adjustment of $2,690.44 was approved for Ms. Kasita McLeod, an instructional coach, to reflect her correct step placement based on 15 years of verifiable experience.The committee also discussed a salary change for Mrs. Davonna Holland, the school social worker, which would place her on the T5 scale and pay her for additional work days, costing $17,903.97.

Other Business

Charter Renewal Support

The Finance Committee approved engaging 21 Cobalt to provide charter renewal support services for $33,000, with Dr. Bostic explaining their choice based on timeliness and previous positive experiences.

Middle School HVAC Emergency Solution

The meeting discussed the need for spot coolers at the middle school due to an HVAC system malfunction. Mr. Dennis explained that the system, serving 10 classrooms, needed repair due to gas line damage, and temporary spot coolers were rented at a cost exceeding $5,000 for January. The committee agreed to approve the rental of spot coolers for one month, pending repair quotes, which Mr. Dennis is actively pursuing. The board will review the repair proposals at the next meeting on February 27th, with Mr. Dennis aiming to have the quotes ready by then.

After-School and Summer Programs

The committee approved the Bulldog Learning Lounge, an after-school tutorial program, to improve student proficiency on spring GMAS testing, running from February 28 to April 17. The total cost is: $22,040. Dr. Merritt presented a proposal for a $59,100 summer bridge program to be held June 1-12, Monday through Thursday, featuring ELA and math core content with optional special interest classes in music, art, or coding, including field trips to TKT and Kennesaw State. The program will provide breakfast and lunch and run from 7:30 to 1:30, with the total cost covering salaries for teachers, administrators, and support staff.

DCSD Transportation Invoices

Ms. Lee informed the board about receiving transportation invoices from DeKalb County School District totaling $25,166.25 for field trips from October 2019 to September 2025, which were previously approved.

Next Steps

Next steps • Ms. Lee: Update the compensation policy language for certification requirements and certification upgrades (sections 3 and 4) to clarify consequences for non-compliance and remove possibility of retroactive pay for late submissions; highlight changes for governance review. • Mr. Dennis: Obtain at least three quotes for HVAC unit repair by the February board meetingand present to Finance Committee for approval. • Ms. Mingo: If HVAC repair quotes are received before the next board meeting, present proposal to Finance Committee for expedited approval. • Ms. Lee: Process payment for the recent $225 Smart Tease invoice for additional hoodies. • Ms. Lee: Present transportation invoices totaling $25,166.25 (for field trips from 2019-2025) at the upcoming board meeting if board action is required. • Ms. Lee: Verify and update cash on hand prior year data in financial reports and provide updates as needed. • Ms. Lee: Place all staff on the appropriate revised salary scale steps based on verified years of experience prior to July 2026, in preparation for 2026-2027 school year implementation. • Ms. Lee: Process salary adjustment for Ms. Kasita McLeod for the 2025-2026 school year in the amount of $2,690.44. • Dr. Merritt/Brian: Begin marketing and sign-up for the Summer Bridge program and adjust staffing based on actual student enrollment prior to program start. • Ms. Lee: Present the 21 Cobalt charter renewal support services contract to academic and governance committees for review and recommendation prior to full board approval.

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:50 pm