DeKalb Preparatory Academy

Governance Committee

Regular Meeting - Wednesday September 18th, 2024 @6:00 PM

Meeting Minutes

Attendance Summary

Name Status Arrival Time Departure Time
Dr. Lenise Bostic present member On Time At Adjournment
Ms. Bridget Robinson present chair On Time At Adjournment
Ms. Angela Rodgers present secretary On Time At Adjournment
Ms. KathyAnn Young present Non-voting Administration On Time At Adjournment
Ms. Suzette Arnold not present Non-voting Administration
Dr. Brian Merritt present member On Time At Adjournment

Welcome and Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by KathyAnn Young at 6:00 p.m.

Approval of Agenda with changes

Motion to approve the agenda with addition of the Approval of the Minutes category added.

By: Dr. Lenise Bostic Seconded by: Dr. Brian Merritt

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the August meeting were posted on CharterBoards and reviewed by committee members.

Motion to approve the August committee minutes

By: Ms. KathyAnn Young Seconded by: Dr. Brian Merritt

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Proposed DPA Strategic Plan

Dr. Bostic presented the draft proposal of the Strategic Planning Process and the Strategic Plan Implementation Deadline. The proposed plan outlines how DPA will develop the 3-5 year plan. After robust discussion, the committee determined that, in order to implement the strategic plan by July, the draft would need to be presented to the board for consideration and approval no later than April.

Motion to approve the Strategic Planning Process with an adjustment to the draft completion timeline change being April instead of May.

By: Ms. Angela Rodgers Seconded by: Ms. KathyAnn Young

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Organizational Chart Creation

The committee reviewed and discussed the current organizational chart. Many positions have been removed from the organization (i.e., Human Resources Manager, Grants Manager, Federal Grants Specialist, etc.) and/or added (Academic Specialist, Middle School Principal, Instructional Specialist, etc). The committee discussed the ideal structure and began developing the first draft of the updated Organizational Chart. Ms. Rodgers raised questions about some positions that have been removed or changed to part-time. Dr. Bostic stated that those position changes were provided to her by Ms. Arnold/Ms. Wilhite. Ms. Young will follow-up with Ms. Arnold and Ms. Wilhite to get clarification.


Brief discussion regarding the financial impact of full-time vs contract SPED Coordinator for long term planning. Dr. Bostic to discuss with Finance.


Brief discussion regarding multi-year contracts for teachers and staff. Dr. Bostic to seek the legal opinion from DPA's legal counsel.


Proposed Sports/Club Teacher Contract Addendum

Dr. Bostic presented a template for a teacher contract addendum. This addendum could be added to the contracts of teachers/staff that coach sports or sponsor clubs. Ms. Rodgers suggested that, instead of an addendum, the verbiage could be added to the teacher contracts. Ms. Rodgers suggested that DPA's legal counsel review staff contracts and the verbiage from the addendum to determine appropriateness for inclusion in contracts. Dr. Bostic will present the contracts and addendum verbiage to legal counsel for review and advisement.

Compensation Analysis

Dr. Merritt has researched and presented specifics from four companies that specialize in conducting compensation analyses. There was robust discussion regarding the compensation analysis process, timeline, etc. The company that was highlighted includes implicit biases as factors when conducting compensation analyses. This company has been the most responsive and communicative as Dr. Merritt has been conducting research. Dr. Merritt will keep the committee apprised of additional information upon receipt. The goal is to select a vendor and make the recommendation to the full board in October.

Dekalb Expo Update

Dr. Bostic shared information regarding the DeKalb Expo and DCSD timeline changes for the 2024-25 student enrollment process. The Expo will take place on September 28, 2024 from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at DCSD Central Offices. DPA will participate. DCSD 2025 Open Enrollment (School Choice) will take place from October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024. DPA will participate.

Other Topic Discussions

Board Action Forms for Consideration. Two Board Action Forms were presented and discussed at the Finance Committee but were not voted on. The items are being considered in the Governance Committee for approval as contractual school staffing support with the understanding the the dollar amounts can only be approved and considered at the direction of the Finance Committee and/or the Governing Board.


Committtee Membership. Ms. Robinson asked the committee to notify her of any teachers/staff interested in joining the committee.

Motion to pay arrears to Charnier Nichols for providing school clinic support for the 2023-24 school year in the absence of a School Nurse.

By: Dr. Lenise Bostic Seconded by: Dr. Brian Merritt

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

Motion to approve contractual technology support for 9-months only from Jonathan Moore to enhance DPAs ability to resolve complex technical issues and expedite problem resolution.

By: Dr. Lenise Bostic Seconded by: Dr. Brian Merritt

There was no notable discussion on the motion.

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:38 pm

Motion to adjourn

By: Ms. KathyAnn Young Seconded by: Dr. Lenise Bostic

There was no notable discussion on the motion.