Welcome and Call to Order

The meeting was called to order and a quorum ascertained at 2:33 p.m.

Approval of Agenda

TKES Trends

The committee focused on reviewing teacher performance data and identifying areas for improvement. The discussion revealed that most teachers are rated as proficient (Level 3), but there are opportunities to increase the number of teachers achieving Level 4 status. Key challenges discussed included assessment strategies, instructional planning, and creating more academically challenging environments for students. The team plans to implement several changes for the upcoming school year, including earlier introduction to the Teach platform, more collaborative meetings, and a focus on using intervention time effectively. They also discussed the importance of data-driven instruction and the need to better communicate expectations to teachers regarding Level 4 performance criteria.

Temporary Leadership Structure – Principal Coverage

The leadership team discussed a temporary leadership structure for principal coverage with school starting soon. They proposed restructuring to have one principal instead of two, leveraging current staff capacity. This would allow funds to be reallocated to additional instructional coaches and interventionists. The plan involves Principal Brown leading the school with support from the instructional specialist focusing on day-to-day operations. Instructional coaches would lead teacher development and support PLCs. The team emphasized the need for focused, holistic leadership and building staff capacity. They plan to present this structure to the school board, while continuing to search for suitable candidates. The board wants a clear plan outlined before approving any changes, considering compliance requirements and potential impacts on staff morale and retention.

Title 2 Funds Professional Development Plan

The committee focused on planning the use of Title II funds, with approximately $51,000 available for professional development and other educational activities. The group discussed the need to submit a detailed plan for spending these funds by September 30th, including specific activities, participant numbers, and costs. There was concern about the uncertainty of whether these funds could be rolled over to the next fiscal year, and the group agreed to proceed with spending plans while preparing a contingency plan in case the funds do not roll over. The meeting also highlighted the need for better financial planning and communication with the finance department in the future.

Facilities Update (Painting)

The meeting focused on facilities updates, compliance, and policy discussions. Wayne reported that painting work was progressing, with the 5th grade wing completed and work moving to the 3rd grade hallway, aiming for completion by the end of July. Concerns were raised about the middle school painting project, with Mr. Dennis to investigate costs and potential for pausing work. Air conditioning repairs were discussed, with parts expected by Friday and spot coolers as a contingency plan if repairs aren't complete by the July 30 deadline.

Staff Changes

The meeting discussed staff changes, including the hiring of several new employees and the qualifications of existing staff members. They addressed concerns about certification requirements for certain roles and the need to review contracts for qualified personnel. The group also discussed the performance of a special education coordinator and the challenges of finding qualified candidates for certain positions. They agreed to review policies and consider timeline adjustments for staff qualifications.

Compliance & Accountability Updates

The group also addressed compliance tasks, including the Safe Schools plan, financial forms, and security links, with a need for a plan regarding water fountain filters before school starts. Policy discussions centered on discipline and cell phone policies, with concerns about clarity and implementation before the school year begins.

Policy Review & Development

Policy discussions centered on discipline and cell phone policies, with concerns about clarity and implementation before the school year begins.

Strategic Planning Alignment

Ms. Robinson requested that the committee brainstorm compliance-related goals for the 2025-26 school year.

Review Board Calander

The committee also reviewed their calendar of activities for 2025-2026 and decided to postpone the board calendar review to allow more time for preparation.

Other Topics

The team briefly discussed the need to review and revise the Governing Board By-laws.

Additionally, they discussed the upcoming Beta conference in December and the need to increase membership numbers, currently at around 40 compared to previous years' totals of 65-70 members.

Next Steps

• Mr. Dennis: Meet with Dr. Bostic tomorrow to develop a comprehensive plan for air conditioning repairs and contingencies • Dr. Bostic & Mr. Dennis: Create a facilities action plan that includes water fountain repairs and filter replacements • Dr. Merritt: Have discipline and cell phone policies reviewed by lawyers before implementation • Finance Team: Submit professional development spending plan to DeKalb by August 8th • Leadership Team: Submit employee evaluations for non-TKES leaders by September • Dr. Bostic: Include timeline of compliance items with due dates in next board update • Mr. Dennis: Get information about middle school painting costs and current progress status by tomorrow morning • Mr. Dennis: Inquire about potential change order implications and penalties for not painting the middle school • Mr. Dennis: Provide spot cooler cost information to the leadership team tonight • Governance Committee Members: Brainstorm committee goals for discussion at the August meeting • Ms. Young: Send current board calendar to committee members for review before next meeting • Beta Club Leadership: Prepare paperwork for December conference and plan student recruitment based on MAP scores

The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 5:01 pm