Ivy Preparatory Academy

Committee of the Whole

Regular Meeting - Thursday February 7th, 2019 @6:00 PM

Meeting Minutes

Attendance Summary

Name Status Arrival Time Departure Time
Jason Allen present member On Time At Adjournment
Elisha Gray present member On Time At Adjournment
Mary Shepherd not present member
Ms. Kanethia Henderson (committee member) present member On Time At Adjournment
Dr. Charcia M. Nichols (NON-voting; Executive Director) present ex-officio 15 Minutes Late At Adjournment
Dr. William Epps (committee member) present member On Time 5 Minutes Early
Victor Tate (board member) present member On Time At Adjournment
Terra Gay present member On Time At Adjournment
John Cherry present member On Time At Adjournment

Welcome and Call to Order

Meeting was called to order by chair, Jason Allen, at 6:16pm 

Roll Call

Board Chair (Jason Allen) discussed the motion to amend the agenda due to its new format. Each Committee of the Whole breakout sessions will consist of the following three items: Review of SMART Goals, Actions Items, Policy Development and Change Board Meeting date from February 21, 2019 to February 28, 2019



Board Secretary (Kanethia Henderson) discussed the importance of each board member attending each meeting and arriving on time. Board members are allowed two absences per school year from board meetings with the exception of an illness. Conference call-ins are authorized but do not qualify for meeting quorum. Ms. Henderson reminded board member of monthly board dues.


SERVE-U Presentation Brandie Hicks presentation consisted of the explanation of SERVE-U and their services offered for assistance with grant writing.

To amend the agenda due to new format and remove review of previous minutes

By: Victor Tate (board member) Seconded by: John Cherry

Yes: Jason Allen, Kanethia Henderson, William Epps, Elisha Gray, Terra Gay 

Governance Session

Breakout Session

Ivy Misson

  • Recommend to modify current mission statement to reflect, statement present by Charcia Nichols. Suggested to present new mission statement to the board

Strategic Plan

  • Kanethia Henderson discussed that two Saturday dates will need to be planned to discuss the board’s strategic plan
  • Charcia Nichols expressed Ivy Network team, parents and scholar will host a strategic planning meeting to focus on action steps for the following:
  • Learning Expectations
  • Culture & Climate
  • District Operations
  • Recruitment & Retention

CPF Report

  • Dr. Nichols discussed the results of the Comprehensive Performance Report (CPR) which was sent right before the committee meeting

Compliance Log

  • Compliance log created to ensure the school’s compliance with law, rule, and governing board policy

Risk Mitigation

  • Nataya Robinson-White discussed the importance of protocol and procedures. She expressed taking actions steps to ensure compliance in the operations department

Attendance: Kanethia Henderson, Terra Gay, Charcia Nichols and Nataya Robinson-White 

Academic Sessions

Breakout Session

Salary Schedule

  • Currently there is not a salary schedule for Ivy
  • Who determines how much a teacher is paid?
  • What is our growth plan for years of experience and bonuses?
  • Christmas bonuses when available 

Teacher Retention (What will make teachers stay?)

  •  Autonomy and flexibility in the classroom 
  • Opportunities for growth (leadership pipeline)
  • More Technology resources for the classroom
  • Work hours 7:30-3:30 PM 
  • Instructional Resources (classroom instructional materials)
  • Science lab resources
  • Update technology and software 
  • Morale boosters
  • Lunch for the teachers
  •  Awards and recognition 

What else can help with teacher retention?

  • Can we look at the benefits package to support our staff? They are currently paying more for benefits than others.

Recommendation for the Board

  • Adopt a salary schedule for teachers and staff that is 
  • Leadership cohort members would like to present the proposed salary schedule at the February Board Meeting

Finance Session

Review of SMART Goals

The Committee reviewed the goal of paying 1% of the principle to the bond deal. 

Enrollment projections are increasing. The Board chair and HOS will work on incentive to engage the Board with meeting the goal


Policy review

The committee reviewed two financial policies and will present them for approval at the February meeting


Recap of Finance Budget Hearing Meetings presented by Mr. Allen 

Attendance: CFO, Board Treasurer and Board Chair 



The Meeting was Adjourned

The meeting adjourned at approximately 6:48 pm

Motion to adjourn

By: John Cherry Seconded by: Terra Gay

Yes: Jason Allen, Kanethia Henderson, Victor Tate, Elisha Gray