Minutes: Regular Meeting

Dr. Will Epps, Vice Chair and Governance Committee reported that the Governance Committee did not meet for the month of July. However, there are three items that need to be discussed: The bylaws, slate of officers and the plan for eliminating the bond debt. According to the committee chair, Dr. Epps, the slate of officers would be the following:

• Chair-Will Epps, MD
• Vice Chair-RaShaun Holliman-Kemp
• Treasurer-K. Battle
• Secretary-L. Latin

Chairman Tate asked about the officers terms of service. He questioned whether this would be for a school year or fiscal year. The Accountability and Governance Specialist, Dr. Tony L. Burks, informed them that the bylaws did not specify the type of year but this would be something that the board would need to decide and vote on.

Mr. RaShaun Holliman-Kemp, Academic Committee Chair reported that the members present were Mr. Holliman, Dr. Epps, Dr. Burks, Dr. Nichols and Mrs. Sharp. The committee convened, July 13th at 6:00 pm. The committee discussed the following:

• The notable grants received to include State Charter School Foundation $11,000, $25,000; Innovation Education Fund Grant $10,000.

• The committee reviewed the month-by-month Academic Accountability Committee Work Plan for the 2022 fiscal year. 

• The draft ARP Budget needs for Academics was reviewed with the committee. The committee examined the big line items: staff bonuses, extended day for one year; transportation inclusive of three buses for before and after care and ability to get buses; professional learning; staff positions and benefits; Saturday School, and Lu system for the Physical Education Classes.

• Survey Results for FY 22: Most pressing issues (used) academic progression, mental and emotion, learning styles, safe transitions; safety measures.  95% were parents; the majority were interested in transportation (50% yes; 12.5% maybe).  Discussed about masks as a part of the dress code; 504 support for schools, what happens; Welcome Back boxes for students.

Attorney Kristie Battle, Board Treasurer & Finance Committee Chair reported that the meeting of the Finance Committee was held at 5:00 pm on July 27th. The committee discussed the following:

• CPF presentation was June 30th and Attorney Battle and Mrs. Sharp, CFO presented the action plan for the finance portion of the Comprehensive Performance Framework
• Attorney Battle also discussed the meeting with the bond holder, Parker Stitzer and the current bond payments
• The board will work with the Facility Center to discuss next steps with planning for eradicating the bond.

The Board will enter Executive Session to discuss personnel and property matters

The meeting was called to order at 6:21 pm by Chairman Victor Tate.

Chairman Tate reviewed the agenda for the July 27th board meeting. Minutes from the June board meeting were not available.

• Approval of new staff members
• Marquiz Thomas-IT Support Specialist
• Kristen McNeil-ELA Instructional Coach
• Henry Veit-8th Grade ELA/SS Teacher
• Danietta Pryce-REP English Teacher
• Logan Deyarmin-Talented & Gifted Coordinator
• Bridgette Davis-MTSS & Assessment Coordinator
• Frances Mack-Upper Academy Leader
• Portia Martin-Special Education Teacher
• Kevin Hart-Special Education Teacher
• Donna Bryant-5th Grade Math & Science Teacher
• Ahshayla Jones-Attendance Specialist
• Approval of Transportation RFP
• Approval of updated suicide policy and procedures

• Approval of Governance Committee Minutes
• Approval of Academic Committee Minutes
• Approval of Finance Committee Minutes
• Approval of Head of School Report
• Approval of Chief Financial Officer's Report

Vice Chairman Dr. Will Epps read the vision, mission and beliefs of Ivy Preparatory Academy.

Our Vision

Ivy Preparatory Academy cultivates leaders who manifest change in the world.

Our Mission

Ivy Preparatory Academy fosters a culture of collaboration, passion for learning, integrity, and servant leadership.

Our Beliefs

• Commitment to excellence
• Trust and honest communication
• Transparency and accountability
• Scholarship and talents
• Willingness and responsibility
• Safe, nurturing, and respectful environments
• Many voices supporting one network

Our public comment period is for members of the the public to address the Board. Each member of the public may sign up to comment at the meeting, and will be allotted three 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 at ivyboard@ivyprepacademy.org to speak to the board privately.

Chairman Tate acknowledged that no one signed up for public comment.

Mrs. Laticia Sharp, Chief Financial Report, provided insight on the financials for June. She also provided updates from Resource Development, Human Resources and donations. The full report can be found on the school's Charter Boards' site.

Dr. Nichols, Head of School, provided updates for staff, Operations and important dates. She also included information for the Open House on Saturday, August 7th. The full report can be found on the school's Charter Boards' site.

Reminders of Upcoming Meetings

• Governance Committee Meeting August 10th 6:00 pm
• Academic Committee Meeting August 10th 6:30 pm
• Finance Committee Meeting August 27th 6:00 pm
• Board Meeting-August 24th 6:00 pm

The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:25 pm