San Antonio STEAM Academy
Minutes
Regular Board Meeting
Date and Time
Wednesday September 25, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Location
San Antonio STEAM Academy
6127 Summer Fest Drive
San Antonio, Texas 78244
Location: School Cafe
NOTICE OF REGULAR MEETING
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SAN ANTONIO STEAM ACADEMY
Items will not necessarily be discussed or considered in the order they are printed on the agenda below. If, during the course of the meeting, discussion of any item on the agenda should be held in an executive or closed session, the Board will convene in such executive or closed session as permitted by and in accordance with the Texas Open Meetings Act, Texas Government Code Chapter 551.
Directors Present
A. Blanche, V. Maner, Y. Oden
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
X. Toson
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
C.
Approve Minutes
II. Public Comments
A.
How kids are protected at school
Sonia Shead -
III. CEO/Superintedent Updates
A.
Financial Reporting
DSS provided financial statement background information for FY 2024 - 2025.
Highlighted key items such as Item 7: 26 days of cash on hand, positive revenue for the first two months of the fiscal year, and payroll and benefits on target at 15%.
Board member A. Earl Blanche asked - What did we base revenue on - student count of 152?
Board member A. Earl Blanche asked for clarification on the revenue basis, questioning whether it was calculated on the projected student count of 152. He also raised concern about the capital lease, requesting additional information as he believes the dollar amount recorded may be incorrect. DSS will provide further details and report back at a later date.
Interim Superintendent Toson noted the need to hire a Special Education (SPED) Coordinator.
Requesting approval for the special education co-op proposal at a cost of $44,232. This expense has already been accounted for in the current budget.
B.
Enrollment & Recruitment
Interim Superintendent Toson indicated as of today Enrollment is up to 150.
C.
Academic Performance Updates and Initiatives
D.
School Safety & Operations Report
Board member Yolanda Oden inquired about the current lockdown protocol, asking for clarification on the procedures in place to ensure safety during a lockdown. She also raised concerns about whether the gates are properly secured and fully operational to prevent unauthorized access during such events.
Interim Superintendent Toson confirmed that the gate system is fully repaired and secure. He also assured that the Raptor Technology gates are reinforced with spring lock mechanisms, ensuring enhanced security.
E.
Donations & Fundraising
Interim Superintendent Toson will be distributing the fundraising packets to board members via email.
IV. Committee Updates
A.
Finance Committee
Committee Chair A. Earl Blanche
1. We will be providing a financial report to the Board of Directors, with the goal of making the DSS report more user-friendly and accessible.
2. The superintendent's contract is in the process of being finalized, and we are aiming to schedule a meeting within the next two weeks to complete this.
3. We need to focus on engaging with stakeholders and providing additional support where necessary. Additionally, we are exploring opportunities to pursue more grants.
V. Other Business
A.
Events & Opportunities
Quarterly Events: Food Trucks, Ice Machines and Movie Night
Home Coming is the week of 9/30.
Jacquelyn Jackson a concerned parent, asked how the school is protecting children from bullying. She also inquired whether students are being screened upon entering the building and if any specific measures are in place to screen for potential issues prior to entry.
Board member A. Earl Blanche stated we will provide feedback at next board meeting.