Motion to approve the agenda.
By: Mr. Malcom Brown Seconded by: Dr. Brian Merritt
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
DeKalb Preparatory Academy
Governance Committee
Regular Meeting - Wednesday June 17th, 2026 @10:00 AM
Meeting Minutes
Attendance Summary
| Name | Status | Arrival Time | Departure Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ms. Angela Rodgers | present secretary | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Ms. KathyAnn Young | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mr. Malcom Brown | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Mr. Wayne Dennis | present member | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Dr. Brian Merritt | present ex-officio | On Time | At Adjournment |
| Robert Whigham | not present member | ||
| Ms. Evelyn Guyton | not present member |
Welcome
The meeting was called to order and ascertained by KathyAnn Young.
Approval of Agenda
Approve mins from last meeting
Motion to approve the minutes from the last Governance Committee meeting.
By: Mr. Wayne Dennis Seconded by: Dr. Brian Merritt
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Policies
The board approved updates to the discipline policy for the 2026-27 school year, including Level 2 violations such as vaping and fighting. The policies have already been reviewed and approved by DPA attorneys.
Board Actions
The committee approved three items: a DPA auditor at $20,750, insurance renewal at $90,213.80, and the National Charter School Conference in New Orleans at $15,892.82.
The committee approved three facility improvement projects. They approved the replacement of all 16 water fountains with bottle fillers at a total cost of $69,500 from J&J Plumbing, completion by July 31st, 2026. They also approved the replacement of four water source heat pump units at a cost of $62,500 from HVH Mechanical, to be completed by the same date. Additionally, the committee approved the installation of 10 high bay LED lights in the gymnasium at a cost of $9,685 from B & E Electrical Service. Mr. Dennis mentioned a fourth proposal for 180 Chromebooks from CDW G at $98,295, but noted he needed to confirm the inventory numbers with Mr. Thomas before finalizing that proposal.
The committee discussed and approved transitioning to bi-weekly payroll, which will align with DeKalb County School District's schedule and move from 24 to 26 pay periods annually, with implementation starting July 24, 2026.
The Governance Committee met to discuss and approve several personnel changes for the 26-27 school year. The board approved the hiring of Malcolm Brown as K-8 school principal, Evelyn Guyton as school assistant principal, and Robert Wilhelm as assistant principal, along with a title change for Thomas from IT Specialist to Network Manager. The committee also discussed Dr. Merritt's one-year appointment as head of schools which will require the consensus of the full board.
Motion to approve the FY27 budget at a cost of $10,448,171.60
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
Ms. Lee presenting detailed explanations of revenue projections, expenditure changes, and budget adjustments including increases for equipment, software, and legal costs. There is an anticipated net cash surplus of $108,831.73 and the rehires of 77 employees at a total cost of $4,468,291.19.
Motion to approve the rehire of 77 current employees at a total cost of $4,468,291.10
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve a contingency budget for FY26-27 with a total cost of $9,150,879.44,
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Malcom Brown
reduced enrollment projections of 480 scholars and specific cuts across various expenditure line items including building maintenance, salaries, and professional development.
Motion to approve the 25-26 end of school year terminations and resignations totaling $464,289.84.
By: Ms. Angela Rodgers Seconded by: Mr. Malcom Brown
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the engagement letter to approve Marshall Jones as the DPA auditor at a total cost of $20,750.
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Malcom Brown
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the liability insurance renewal with Brown & Brown at a total cost of $90,213.80
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve select employees' attendance at the National Charter School Association conference in New Orleans at a cost of $15,892.82 which includes conference fees, travel, and lodging.
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve a title change on the revised salary scale from IT Specialist to Network Manager.
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the replacement of four (4) WHSP at a total cost of $62,500
By: Ms. Angela Rodgers Seconded by: Mr. Wayne Dennis
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the replacement of all 16 water fountains with bottle fillers at a total cost of $69,500 by J&J Plumbing, completion by July 31st, 2026.
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Wayne Dennis
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the installation of 10 high bay LED lights in the gymnasium at a cost of $9,685 from B & E Electrical Service
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to purchase 180 Acer Chromebook Spin 511 devices for $98,295 through CDW.
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Wayne Dennis
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the transition from 24 to 26 pay periods annually, with implementation starting approximately July 24, 2026.
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Wayne Dennis
Abstention - A. Rodgers
Motion to approve the hire of Malcolm Brown as the K-8 Principal for the 2026-27 school year.
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the hire of Evelyn Guyton as Assistant Principal for the 2026-27 school year.
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve the hire of Robert Whigham as Assistant Principal
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. KathyAnn Young
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve April Vendor Payments over $5k at a cost of $877,056.22
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Malcom Brown
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
Motion to approve May Vendor Payments over $5k at a total cost of $550,787.76
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Mr. Malcom Brown
There was no notable discussion on the motion.
The Meeting was Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at approximately 12:51 pm
Motion to adjourn
By: Dr. Brian Merritt Seconded by: Ms. Angela Rodgers
There was no notable discussion on the motion.