Motion to approve the agenda as submitted
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
DeKalb Preparatory Academy
Finance Committee
Regular Meeting - Tuesday April 21st, 2026 @6:30 PM
Meeting Minutes
Attendance Summary
| Name | Status | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mr. Wayne Dennis | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Ms. KathyAnn Young | present Non-voting Administration | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Traquita Lee | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Diane Mingo | present chair | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Dr. Brian Merritt | present ex-officio | On Time | At Adjournment |
Welcome and Call to Order
Meeting called to order and a quorum ascertained at 6:30 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
Motion to approve the agenda
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Wayne Dennis
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Approve Minutes
Approve minutes from the last meeting.
Motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Wayne Dennis
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
March 2026 Financials
FY27 Budget and Financial Review
The committee focused on reviewing March 2026 financials and discussing the FY27 budget draft. Ms. Lee presented financial highlights showing a $54,133 surplus for March and a year-to-date deficit of $69,699, with QBE revenue adjusted downward by $246,000 due to a 22-student enrollment decrease. The FY27 budget presentation outlined key assumptions including projected enrollment scenarios of 560 students (main budget) and 480 students (contingency), with a target of 585 students. The budget includes salary scale adjustments, potential new hire and retention bonuses, and increased focus on instructional spending, with a projected net position of $181,847. Next steps include finalizing department allocations, incorporating leadership feedback, and establishing public budget hearings before board approval in May.
Other Business
The committee approved Dr. Merritt as the QuickBooks administrator to enable access and functionality improvements. The group discussed painting plans for the middle school, with three quotes received and a proposed vendor change from CertiPro Painters to Pro Remodeling due to previous issues. The painting work is planned for June, to be completed before the end of July, coinciding with summer school operations. The committee discussed a new fundraising initiative called 99 Pledges, which would allow the school to keep all funds raised without sharing profits, unlike other fundraising platforms. The committee discussed plans for a teacher appreciation fundraising initiative with a $50,000 target, which would fund community programs like a back-to-school bash and support services. The group approved the concept without requiring a formal vote since it involves no direct costs. Mr. Dennis also proposed a billboard advertising campaign near schools scheduled for closure, estimated at $1,700 per month for 4-5 months, aimed at maintaining and growing enrollment. The committee addressed the need to schedule two public budget hearings, with Ms. Lee agreeing to provide dates by Monday to ensure compliance with legal publication requirements.
Motion to approve Dr. Merritt as the Quickbooks Administrator to enable access and functionality improvements.
By: Traquita Lee Seconded by: Mr. Wayne Dennis
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to contract with Pro Remodeling for the interior campus project to be completed by July 31, 2026.
By: Mr. Wayne Dennis Seconded by: Dr. Brian Merritt
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the Abre K-8 dashboard with the enhanced package at a cost of $27,822.
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Wayne Dennis
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
The Meeting was Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:32 pm
Motion to adjourn
By: Traquita Lee Seconded by: Mr. Wayne Dennis
There was no notable discussion on the motion.