Global Academy of South Carolina
Minutes
K-8 GASC Board of Directors Meeting
Date and Time
Friday June 13, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Location
9768 Warren H Abernathy Hwy, Spartanburg, SC 29301
K-8 GASC Board of Directors Meeting
Friday, June 13 · 12:00 – 1:00pm
Time zone: America/New_York
Google Meet joining info
Video call link: https://meet.google.com/yqi-jsca-srv
Or dial: (US) +1 256-667-1427 PIN: 410 167 433#
Directors Present
A. Ryzhkov (remote), L. Kovalevich (remote), L. Leahey, M. Aulick (remote), O. Sleptsov, R. Lyubar, V. Sulakov
Directors Absent
None
Guests Present
A. Cevik, I. Soroka, N. Panasiuk, Y. Degtyareva
I. Opening Items
A.
Record Attendance
B.
Call the Meeting to Order
II. Consent Agenda
A.
Approve Minutes 4/17/2025
B.
Board of Directors Officers Re-Appointments
C.
Board of Directors Appointed Board Re- Appointments
Recommendation to the board to re-appoint Marissa Aulick to Appointed Board Seat 3.
D.
GASC K-8 Board Meetings Schedule: 2025-2026
Recommendation to approve the Board Meeting Schedule for 2025-2026.
E.
SLA Contract Renewal for the 2025-2026 School Year
Recommendation to approve the renewal of meal services with SLA Contract Renewal.
Request:
The contract specifies that there will be a designated GASC employee included. An update is requested at the next board meeting regarding the identification of the GASC employee who will fulfill the role. Both the school and SLA representatives are expected to provide a formal response and upload it to the appropriate file.
F.
Approval of Renewal Proposal for Insurance Policies (Property, General Liability, Auto, Umbrella and Student Accident)
G.
Approval of Cleaning Service Proposal for Summer Gym Floors Cleaning
The administration recommends approval of the quote submitted by J&J Gym Floors for comprehensive summer deep cleaning services across all school facilities. This cleaning is vital to maintaining a healthy and well-kept environment for students and staff in preparation for the upcoming school year. The selected vendor offered the most competitive pricing while meeting our quality standards and timeline requirements.
H.
Parent Engagement Policy
I.
E-Learning Days Application Approval for 25-26 school year
Recommendation to approve the annual submission of the application to the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) requesting approval for five e-learning days. These days offer instructional flexibility and ensure continuity of learning during inclement weather or other unforeseen disruptions. The application includes adherence to state guidelines and a detailed plan for delivering effective digital instruction.
J.
Approval of Paraprofessional/Teacher Assistance Salary Scale
Recommendation to approve the proposed salary scale for paraprofessional positions to ensure alignment with organizational goals, competitive compensation benchmarks, and Title I funding compliance. This adjustment is part of our broader effort to scale appropriately and enhance the quality of education provided.
III. Public Comments
A.
Public Comments
No public comments.
IV. Approval of Consent Agenda
A.
Approval of Consent Agenda
V. Discussion
A.
Limestone Authorizer Discussion
Limestone University is shutting down and is currently seeking a new authorizer. Charter schools affiliated with Limestone will need to choose a new authorizing institution. While Limestone remains an active authorizer for the time being, a final decision must be made by December.
Options include selecting another university to support authorization or joining a university association. A fourth option being considered is transitioning to authorization under the public school system.
B.
Principal Search Update
Ilya Soroka shared that the school is raising its standards and is actively opening new positions for K–8 and sports programs. He also noted a recent meeting with Dr. Darrell Owings, former superintendent and commissioner overseeing all Spartanburg District 1 schools, to explore strong leadership candidates.
However, Ilya acknowledged that this time of year is not ideal for attracting top-tier candidates. In the interim, Ilya has spoken with Dr. Panasyuk about stepping in to fulfill dual roles while the search for a qualified principal continues.
C.
Health Inspection report
Ilya Soroka informed the board that the school underwent an unannounced health inspection and passed with 100% compliance.
D.
Approval of Corporate Credit Card Accounts
Alkan Cevick recommends facilitating efficient and accountable financial transactions for organizational and programmatic needs. It is recommended that the board approve the establishment of credit card accounts under the respective organizational names.
These accounts should be linked to the organizations' EIN numbers rather than personal Social Security numbers. This approach will support the development of organizational credit history and improve long-term financial standing.
E.
Approval of Operational Agreement between Global Academy of SC and Global Academy Sports LLC
Alkan Cevick presented the proposal to formalize the operational agreement between the school and its nonprofit subsidiary. The purpose of this agreement is to establish clear governance, financial, and operational frameworks to ensure alignment with the school's mission, maintain nonprofit compliance, and support the strategic development of athletic programs.
Recommendation is to approve the Operational Agreement establishing Global Academy Sports LLC as a subsidiary entity operating under the authority and oversight of Global Academy of South Carolina. This agreement defines the subsidiary’s role in managing athletic programs and coordinating third-party facility rentals, effective June 1, 2025.
F.
Review of 3rd Quarter Financial Reports
Alkan Cevick presented and reviewed the 3rd quarter financial reports.
G.
Approval of FY25-26 Budget
Alkan Cevick presented the FY2025-2026 proposed annual budget.
H.
Discussion of Paychex to Paycor Transition and Ancillary Benefits
Alkan Cevick reviewed the proposed transition from Paychex to Paycor for payroll and HR services, including related benefits changes effective July 1, 2025. Human Resources operations will remain unchanged during this transition.
To support employees through the change, two months of employee contributions will be covered as part of the transition plan.
Recommendation for the board of director officers to be re-appointed is as follows:
Board Chair - Vitaliy B Sulakov
Treasury - Andrey Ryzhkov
Secretary - Liliya Kovalevich