Welcome and Call to Order

Welcome and Call to Order by Tamseel Syed, Governance Committee Chair at 6:12 p.m.

In Attendance

The following committee members are present:

In attendance

Tamseel Syed - present

Janelle Wilhite – present

Maxine Williams - present

Suzette Arnold – present

Melba Smith, guest - present

Wanda McKay – Leave Of Absence - not present

Angela Rodgers – not present

Approval of Agenda

So that there is agreement between board members on the agenda, and the amount of time spent on the meeting, the board shall vote to approve an agenda for the meeting. To the best of its ability, it will follow that agenda, and allow for the chair to move the board through the agenda as specified.

Approval of Minutes from Feb 13, 2023

Motion tabled until April since committee members (excluding committee chair) did not have the opportunity to read the minutes from February committee meeting

Executive Session

Personnel discussion

Discussion items

Discussion on following items:

New positions requested for 2023-24 (Melba Smith)

Data and Curriculum Specialist- is needed to allow the Academic Coaches to do their jobs and support the teachers in the classroom. Currently, the coaches are assisting with getting textbook and other resource quotes, coordinating testing, collecting, and analyzing data, etc. A designated position would assist in creating and revising instructional materials, analyzing data, and evaluating and improving the utilization of classroom materials. Unlike the traditional schools, there are 9 grade levels that the coaches are expected to support, in addition to assisting the principal with these other tasks. Robust discussion regarding the job description presented for this position. Ms. Arnold stated that the job description needs more information regarding the position’s roles and responsibilities related to data. Discussion regarding the current data specialist position’s roles and responsibilities. Previously, there was an Executive Director of Curriculum and Accountability (EDCA) to facilitate testing and collect, analyze, and use data to drive instruction. Ms. Williams requested that the job description for the previous EDCA be provided to the committee members.

School Counselor – an additional School Counselor is needed because we have 9 grade levels, and our current school counselor is swamped with social emotional learning issues since the return to in-person learning from COVID. The counselor currently supports approximately 45 students that she meets with 1-2 times per week and that number is growing. The counselor is responsible for facilitating the 504’s and preparing the 8^th grade students for high school. If there were a second School Counselor the case load and additional tasks could be divided between the two. Ms. Willhite requested the average student to counselor ratio and compare it to DPA’s student to counselor ratio. Also, would the extra position be paid through QBE or what would be the funding source. The board requested that the job description be corrected. Additional clarity and discussion needed prior to being recommended for approval. Ms. Williams asked that the board receive a copy of the School Counselor’s schedule.

MTSS/RTI Coordinator position was in place for the last five years. This position was removed this year for unknown reasons. The Letter of Concern that DeKalb County School District provided regarding DeKalb Preparatory Academy’s Special Education department, specifically requires that we have an MTSS on board. A stipend was approved for a current teacher to assist with this process but this is a full-time position that is very much needed. There are errors in the job description that need to be corrected prior to presentation to the board. The board requests the financial impact, student to coordinator ratio, position on organization chart, and document from DCSD mandating the position.

Discussion on substitute teachers- Mr. Syed asked that all the hiring rules be followed.

Discussion on Leadership Mentorship proposal for Interim Principal – This is the proposal that was previously presented by Dr. Brooks-Long. The mentorship will take place after hours. The proposal is for 10 mentorship sessions at $450 per session. The HOS originally presented the proposal at $10,000 but then told the board that the coaching proposal would be done for free. Now, the person who is going to be coached is saying that there is a cost associated. Ms. Arnold voiced concerns about the potential ethical issues-is there a cost associated or not? Ms. Wilhite asked if there are any other opportunities. Ms. Williams asked where the transition occurred where there is now a cost associated. Ms. Smith stated that the consultant never offered the services for free. Mr. Syed stated that professional development is very important but we have to be in compliance by doing due diligence. The board will await an updated board action form with other proposals included.

Public Comment

Our Public Comment period is for members of the public to address the board. Each member of the public may sign up to comment at the meeting, and will be allotted two minutes. The board will listen, but may not directly respond to any comments. Our meetings are open to the public and public record. As such, if your comment is about a private matter, please contact the board via email, or speak to the board chair privately.

No public in attendance

Recommendations to the Board (if applicable)

Motions approved below:

No motion was passed

Adjourn

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 2:49 pm