Motion to approve the agenda with the addition of an Approval of the Minutes category
By: Dr. Lenise Bostic Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
DeKalb Preparatory Academy
Governance Committee
Governance Committee Meeting - Wednesday April 16th, 2025 @6:00 PM
Meeting Minutes
Attendance Summary
| Name | Status | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms. Bridget Robinson | present chair | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Ms. Angela Rodgers | present secretary | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Ms. Suzette Arnold | not present Non-voting Administration | ||
| Dr. Brian Merritt | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Dr. Lenise Bostic | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Ms. KathyAnn Young | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mr. Malcom Brown | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mrs. Wanda McKay | not present member |
Welcome and Call to Order
The meeting was called to order and a quorum ascertained at 6:10 p.m.
Approval of Agenda
APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES
Motion to approve thes from the March 19 Governance Committee meeting
By: Dr. Lenise Bostic Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Teacher and Leader Evaluations
Ms. Robinson led a discussion on teacher and leader evaluations, focusing on the completion status and the process timeline. Mr. Brown reported that they were in the final stages of formative observations and expected to complete them before testing began on May 1st. He also shared that the evaluations were used to guide candid conversations with teachers about their strengths and areas for improvement. The team discussed the evaluation process for staff not covered by TKES, with Dr. Bostic suggesting the use of key performance indicators. Ms. Robinson emphasized the importance of data-driven decisions and the need to track performance. The team also discussed the timeline for TKES evaluations, with Mr. Brown confirming that they were on track to complete the summative assessments by May.
Executive Session
Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss personnel matters.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Ms. KathyAnn Young
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to resume regular session
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Dr. Lenise Bostic
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Board Training
They committee discussed the remaining hours needed for board training and whether it should be conducted virtually or in-person. The training is required by the end of the fiscal year. The committee also discussed the need to pay for a digital subscription for board members to complete online training. The next steps include paying for the digital subscription and scheduling the board training.
Other Topics
The board discussed and approved several financial and administrative matters. They approved engaging an auditor for $20,000 for the next fiscal year and to start the audit process early. They also approve hiring a speech services vendor for $3,040 for the remainder of the school year to cover services after a staff resignation. The committee approved the update of the QuickBooks administrator rights for key personnel at no cost. Finally, they approved a budget amendment of $94,092.57 to account for new hires, retention bonuses, and adjustments to revenue projections based on enrollment trends. The regularly scheduled April Governing Board meeting has been cancelled. There will be a Special Called Virtual Board meeting on April 29th at 6:30 p.m.
Motion to approve Marshall Jones as the auditor to audit the financials for the 2024-25 school year at $20,000.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Ms. KathyAnn Young
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to amend the board action form to include the name of the vendor (Professional Therapy Providers) that will provide speech services for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Dr. Lenise Bostic
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve Professional Therapy Providers to provide speech therapy for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Dr. Lenise Bostic
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to update the Quickbooks Administrator and to provide view access to key personnel at no cost.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Dr. Lenise Bostic
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approved a 2024-25 budget amendment in the amount of $94,092.57.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Dr. Lenise Bostic
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the hire of HVH to perform a chemical flush on the loop system, a routine maintenance expense for the school's air conditioning system at a cost of $11,650.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Dr. Lenise Bostic
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve a payment of $6,325 for emergency plumbing services provided by J And J Plumbing Solutions.
By: Ms. Bridget Robinson Seconded by: Dr. Lenise Bostic
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Staffing Updates
The committee discussed staffing updates for the upcoming school year. Ms. Lee reported that there are 8 current positions to fill, with interviews underway, and proposed adding two new positions: a school counselor and an IT assistant. There was robust discussion the need for additional staff to support mental health initiatives. The board discussed the possibility of hiring one staff member for elementary and one for middle school. The committee also discussed the need for additional front office support, with principals advocating for filling a part-time position to assist with the heavy workload and confidential information handling. Both the Finance and Academic committees have support the addition of the two new proposed positions.
The Meeting was Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:59 pm
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 7:59 p.m.
By: Dr. Lenise Bostic Seconded by: Dr. Brian Merritt
There was no notable discussion on the motion.